The Coverage Floor in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a tort-based liability system. That means the driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for the damage. As of 2025, the minimum required coverage includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
Meeting these minimums is required to legally operate a vehicle in South Carolina.
What If You Have An Accident With No Insurance
South Carolina requires drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in amounts equal to the liability minimums. This protects you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is optional but strongly recommended, especially if you want extra protection in case the other driver’s coverage falls short.
Other Coverages to Consider In South Carolina
Many South Carolina drivers choose to add one or more of the following:
- Collision Coverage: Repairs your car after a crash
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage like theft or storms
- Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers
- Roadside Assistance: Covers towing, dead batteries, and flat tires
Leased or financed vehicles typically require full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive).
Penalties for No Insurance In South Carolina
Driving without valid insurance in South Carolina carries serious consequences, including:
- Fines ranging from $100 to $550
- Suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Mandatory filing of an SR-22 certificate
- Daily fees for every day the vehicle was uninsured (up to $5/day)
Note: The DMV may require proof of continuous insurance even if you haven’t driven the vehicle.
Proof Of Insurance In South Carolina
South Carolina uses an electronic insurance verification system to confirm that vehicles remain insured.
- Insurance status is automatically checked when you register or renew a vehicle
- Insurers report active policies to the DMV regularly
- Failure to maintain coverage can trigger a notice or automatic suspension
You must also carry proof of insurance in your vehicle or be able to show it digitally when requested by law enforcement.
How to Request a Collision Report in South Carolina
If you’ve been involved in an accident, you may request a detailed collision report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). This report contains more comprehensive information than the preliminary copy provided at the scene.
Available Request Options
You can request a report online, in person at any SCDMV branch, or by mail. All methods require completing SCDMV Form FR-50 and paying a $10 fee.
- Liability: $25k/$50k BI + $25k PD
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory
- UIM is optional but available
- Electronic verification is enforced
- SR-22 required for reinstatement after lapse
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Car Insurance
What are South Carolina’s minimum car insurance requirements in 2025?
You must carry $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. Uninsured Motorist coverage in the same amounts is also required.
Does South Carolina verify insurance electronically?
Yes. The DMV uses an electronic system that connects to insurers to monitor coverage status continuously.
Can your registration be suspended for a lapse in coverage?
Yes. The DMV can suspend both your registration and driver’s license if there’s a gap in your insurance policy.
What happens if I don’t pay the daily uninsured fee?
You may face late penalties, lose your registration, or be referred to collections until the debt is resolved.
Official South Carolina Resources
Compare South Carolina’s insurance laws with neighboring states:
North Carolina,
Georgia,
Tennessee, and
Alabama.