Is South Carolina a no-fault state?

No. South Carolina uses an at-fault insurance system. The driver responsible for an accident may be liable for the injuries and property damage they cause. South Carolina doesn't require personal injury protection .

How do I lower my car insurance in South Carolina?

You may be able to lower your rate by maintaining a clean driving record, reviewing your coverage limits and deductibles, and using available discounts. Progressive offers discounts in South Carolina for continuous insurance, being a homeowner, and adding a teen driver to your policy, among others.

Do I need uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, and what's the difference?

South Carolina requires UM coverage but doesn't require UIM coverage. UM may pay for covered injuries and property damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. The minimum UM limits match the state's 25/50/25 liability limits. UM property damage coverage typically includes a $200 deductible. UIM applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your full loss. Insurers must offer UIM in South Carolina, but you can decline it. [

What happens if you drive without insurance in South Carolina?

All registered vehicles in South Carolina must have liability insurance. If your coverage lapses, the SCDMV will ask your insurer to confirm new coverage. If the SCDMV can't confirm coverage, it may suspend your driving privileges, plate, and registration. You may have to pay up to $400 to reinstate your driving and registration privileges.

South Carolina car insurance

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Getting car insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina drivers navigate busy interstates like I-26 and I-85, heavy beach-season traffic, and hazards such as flooding and tropical storms. They must also account for state-specific insurance requirements. To help manage these risks and requirements, Progressive lets you compare and customize coverage options to fit your needs and budget.

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Required coverages
Discounts
Average cost
Cost factors
Optional coverages
Driving resources
FAQs

What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in South Carolina?

South Carolina currently requires drivers to carry the following minimum coverages and limits.

Coverage	What it covers	Minimum amount
Bodily injury liability	Injuries you cause to others in an accident	$25,000 per person $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability	Damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or other property in an accident	$25,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury	Your medical costs caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver	$25,000 per person $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage	Damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver	$25,000 per accident (with a $200 deductible)

While these are South Carolina's minimum coverage limits, higher limits may offer better financial protection after a serious accident. See how much car insurance you may need for your situation.

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Car insurance discounts in South Carolina

Discounts can lower your rate based on how you drive, the vehicle you insure, and how you manage your policy. Progressive offers a variety of discounts to help South Carolina drivers save on car insurance. Popular discounts available in South Carolina include:

Paid in full
Save when you pay your full premium up front. Making one payment instead of monthly installments can earn you a discount.
Multi-policy
Save when you have two or more policies with Progressive. For instance, bundling your auto and home insurance can earn you a discount on your auto policy.
Online quote
Save when you start your auto insurance quote online. You can compare coverage options and customize your policy before you buy.

What is the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina?

In 2025, a Progressive liability-only policy for one car and one driver in South Carolina costs an average of $147.10 per month.^† South Carolina's required uninsured motorist coverage for injuries and property damage is one factor that can affect premiums. Your actual rate may be higher or lower based on your driving history, ZIP code, vehicle, and coverage choices.

Factors that impact your auto insurance rate in South Carolina

Many factors can impact how much you pay for auto insurance in South Carolina, including:

Driving record: Tickets, accidents, and other violations can affect your rate.
Vehicle type: Your car's make, model, age, safety features, and repair costs can influence your premium.
Location: Your ZIP code can affect your rate because traffic density, claim frequency, accident and theft rates, and weather vary across the state.
Coverage choices and deductibles: The coverages you select, your limits, and your deductible amounts affect your premium.

Recommended additional auto insurance coverages in South Carolina

South Carolina's required coverages provide important protection, but they won't cover every loss. Optional coverages can help fill gaps in your policy and provide extra protection.

Coverage	What it covers
Comprehensive	Cost to repair or replace your car if it's stolen or damaged by hail, fire, wind, flooding, vandalism, and other covered events
Collision	Cost to repair your vehicle if it overturns or collides with another vehicle or object
Underinsured motorist	Injuries or property damage when an at-fault driver doesn't have enough liability insurance

South Carolina insurers must offer underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline it.

South Carolina driving resources

Use these resources to learn more about South Carolina's driving laws and insurance requirements, and road conditions. Keep in mind that local governments may have additional rules or requirements.

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV): Where South Carolina drivers handle licensing, registration, and insurance verification.
South Carolina Department of Insurance: The state agency that regulates insurers and helps consumers with questions and complaints.
South Carolina Traffic and Transportation Safety: Where South Carolinians can find driving laws, highway safety tips, and passenger safety rules.
511 South Carolina: Check current traffic, crashes, construction, road closures, and weather-related travel conditions.

How to get car insurance in South Carolina with Progressive

Progressive makes it easy for South Carolina drivers to compare coverage options and get an auto insurance quote.

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We ask easy questions, and you customize your coverages.

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Call a rep

Talk with a licensed representative who can guide you through the process.

Call 1-855-347-3939
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South Carolina car insurance FAQs

No. South Carolina uses an at-fault insurance system. The driver responsible for an accident may be liable for the injuries and property damage they cause. South Carolina doesn't require personal injury protection.
South Carolina requires UM coverage but doesn't require UIM coverage. UM may pay for covered injuries and property damage caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. The minimum UM limits match the state's 25/50/25 liability limits. UM property damage coverage typically includes a $200 deductible.
UIM applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your full loss. Insurers must offer UIM in South Carolina, but you can decline it.