Car Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party’s damages.
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South Carolina at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$1,367/yr
≈ $114/mo
vs U.S. average
+7%
above the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
25/50/25
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party’s damages.
South Carolina rates run above the national average, partly because of higher claim frequency in coastal counties. Comparing carriers is the simplest way to find an affordable policy.
South Carolina minimum car insurance requirements
South Carolina requires $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability, plus uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50. Lenders typically require collision and comprehensive on financed or leased vehicles.
South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50.
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average driver in South Carolina pays $1,367 per year for auto insurance — that's 7% above the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Higher-than-average rates often reflect denser traffic, higher claim severity, or stricter state coverage requirements.
South Carolina vs the national average
7% above the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How South Carolina premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in South Carolina have risen 22% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: South Carolina vs national average
South Carolina is up 22% from $1,116 in 2019 to $1,367 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A South Carolina policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in South Carolina
Driving uninsured in South Carolina can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in South Carolina
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in South Carolina, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 29, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in South Carolina
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