The Complete Guide to South Carolina Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Palmetto State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things SC car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?
Car insurance in South Carolina averages $190/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $220 |
| Columbia | $208 |
| North Charleston | $227 |
| Mount Pleasant | $199 |
| Greenville | $194 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in South Carolina?
South Carolina drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
10.9% of drivers in South Carolina are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 11,869 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in SC, down 15% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
SC has a relatively moderate FEMA disaster rating of 71, with the highest risks of hurricane and inland flooding, driving up comprehensive coverage costs.
What car insurance do I need in South Carolina?
All South Carolina drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for South Carolina drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to your car when an uninsured driver is at fault | Your injuries, may have deductibles, hit-and-run rules vary by state |
| Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries when hit by a driver with no insurance or in hit-and-run cases | Car damage, amounts above your limits, cases where other driver has some insurance |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in South Carolina?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for South Carolina drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in South Carolina?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from mudding in the lowcountry
How much car insurance do I need in South Carolina?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local South Carolina labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerville | $72 | $103 | $165 | $72 |
| Lexington | $71 | $90 | $139 | $71 |
| Simpsonville | $66 | $89 | $132 | $66 |
| Goose Creek | $72 | $103 | $165 | $72 |
| Rock Hill | $67 | $98 | $136 | $67 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$100-$200 first offense, $200 second offense. Plus $600 uninsured motorist fee first time and daily lapse fees.
Suspension
License and registration suspended for any offense.
Jail time
30 days first offense (if not fined), 30 days second offense, 45 days to 6 months for third offense.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in South Carolina?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in South Carolina?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Is South Carolina a no-fault state?
No, South Carolina isn’t a no-fault state. South Carolina follows at-fault insurance. If you’re injured, you can pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance or file a lawsuit. PIP coverage is optional.
Do I need insurance to register a car in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina requires insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Proof of insurance is required during registration — a lapse in coverage can result in registration suspension.
What are the top risks for driving in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s rural highways see excessive speeding and impaired driving incidents. Most roads lack adequate lighting for safe nighttime travel. Heavy rainfall and coastal storm conditions significantly increase crash risks, particularly in high-speed collision scenarios.
How long do I have to report an accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to be reported immediately to law enforcement. Police officers typically complete the report. You should still notify your insurance company promptly. Failure to report can result in penalties.
What are the top safety tips for driving in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, slow down on rural highways with poor lighting. Be careful during heavy rain and coastal storms. Watch for drunk drivers. Keep safe speeds on high-speed roads.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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