Short answer: Every driver in South Carolina must carry at least this coverage. The minimums are in the table below. It’s an at-fault state: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damage. Requirements checked against the South Carolina Department of Insurance (October 2026).
South Carolina car insurance requirements
The minimum limits for South Carolina policies:
| Coverage | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage |
State minimums protect other people, not you or your car. Most drivers choose higher limits, plus collision and comprehensive if their car is financed or worth repairing. Compare South Carolina with every other state.
What South Carolina drivers should know
- South Carolina requires at least 25/50/25 liability coverage, plus the other coverages in the table. Those limits are low compared with today’s medical and repair costs, so most drivers choose more.
- South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage, and insurers must offer underinsured motorist coverage too.
Home insurance in South Carolina
- Hurricanes and tropical storms are the biggest risk; many policies carry a separate named-storm or wind deductible, often a percentage of the home’s value.
- Flood damage — including storm surge — is never covered by home insurance. Buy a separate flood policy, especially near the coast or in low-lying areas.
Ways to save in South Carolina
- Compare several companies. Prices for the same driver and home can vary widely between insurers — comparing is the fastest way to find a better rate.
- Bundle auto and home. Many insurers discount both policies when you buy them together.
- Raise your deductibles if you could comfortably pay more out of pocket after a claim.
- Ask about discounts for safe driving, paying in full, home security devices and newer roofs.
