South Carolina Auto Insurance
Whether you’re golfing at Myrtle Beach, exploring the Science Center at Spartanburg, visiting the Museum of Confederate History in Greenville, shopping
for folk art in Waterboro, going to a University of South Carolina Gamecocks match or doing business in Charleston, the Palmetto State is full of beautiful
scenery and things to do. From Rock Hill to Beauford, Columbia to Conway and all points in between, sightseeing or commuting,
car insurance
is crucial to being a responsible South Carolina driver.
Auto Insurance Resources for SC State Residents
As of 2010, there were nearly 3 million drivers in the Palmetto State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 9% of South Carolina drivers
are uninsured. The South Carolina Office of Highway Safety Traffic Collision Fact Book reported 111,980 traffic collisions in 2007; 48,226 resulted
in non-fatal injuries; 1,077 accidents were fatal. An AAA Carolinas analysis found that traffic deaths in the state are more likely to occur in the
rural counties that border North Carolina and Georgia. Speed, driving too fast for road and weather conditions, and driving under the influence were
the leadings causes of fatal and non-fatal accidents. Uninsured, aggressive and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car
insurance while living and driving in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina State Minimum Car Insurance
South Carolina state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Palmetto State has a tort-based
system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While South Carolina does not require you to carry additional personal liability or
Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
- $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
- $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage
South Carolina Car Insurance Laws
South Carolina law requires that you carry proof of South Carolina auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer
asks to see it. Driving without car insurance in South Carolina is a misdemeanor. For a first offense your registration and driver’s license can
be suspended, and you can be fined $5.00 for every day your vehicle was uninsured, up to $200. You will also have to pay a $200 fee to reinstate
your license and registration.
If you are involved in a car accident that causes injury, death or property damage, you will have to submit verification that your vehicle was
properly insured at the time. If you fail to comply, your license and registration will be suspended until you produce the required proof of
coverage. If it is found that you had no insurance when the accident happened, you will have to pay a $550 uninsured motorist fee and file an SR-22
form with the SC DMV.
If the SC DMV requests that you surrender you license and/or vehicle registration because you were driving without car insurance and you fail
to comply, you will be fined from $100 to $200 and/or sentenced to up to 30 days in jail.
Regulating Agency and References
South Carolina Department of Insurance
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in South Carolina. For more information, visit their website at
www.doi.sc.gov
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about South Carolina auto insurance
requirements, penalties and related information at
www.scdmvonline.com/DMVNew/default.aspx
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC
provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government
officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories.
Visit NAIC at www.naic.org
Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at
www.iii.org/
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