Car insurance rates in South Carolina are determined by the use of a number of factors. First and foremost is the fact that South Carolina is a state which uses a “tort” system. This means that one driver in an accident must be found responsible, and also allows drivers the opportunity to sue one another for damages. In many states with similar systems, this means greater amounts of injury and property liability are mandated, but this is not the case in South Carolina. As a result, South Carolina has average annual premiums which are $200 less than the national average.

One important thing to know about South Carolina is that while liability insurance is mandated, drivers with a current license which they have held for three years, and who have clean driving records, are able to apply to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for the privilege to drive a motor vehicle with no insurance. This costs $550 and they must be approved by the DMV and must also obtain insurance if they are ticketed or become otherwise ineligible. This also means, however, that there are uninsured drivers on the roads of South Carolina with the permission of the state. The theory is that these drivers are less likely to become involved in accidents than the general public, but a crash could leave both the uninsured motorist and the law-abiding citizen in trouble.

Minimum liability requirements for those that are obligated to have insurance in South Carolina are $25,000 for property damage in an accident, $25,000 for one-person injury and $50,000 for all parties involved. As well, the state mandates that all drivers carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in the same amounts as liability coverage. This is to prevent a situation in which an insured driver is struck by a state-permitted uninsured driver but receives no compensation. UM and UIM will pay out to the driver who was not at fault, even if the other driver has minimal or no insurance whatsoever. Although South Carolina does not mandate comprehensive insurance, it can be a worthwhile add-on to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

Car insurance quotes in South Carolina will include the basic liability and UM/UIM mandated by the state, but typically precious little else. An insurance company will always display its best rate for an online car insurance quote in hopes of bringing in customers, but be sure to inquire with the company directly about what is covered under the policy. South Carolina has several unique state regulations which make obtaining the right insurance in the right amounts key for ensuring that both a driver and their property are well-protected.