South Carolina Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in South Carolina"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of South Carolina.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in South Carolina?

South Carolina has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In South Carolina, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at fifteen and a half, with a full license at sixteen and a half.

To adhere to South Carolina's auto insurance rules, you must...

In South Carolina, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. South Carolina requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In South Carolina, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $15,000.00, up to maximum of $30,000.00, as well as an additional $10,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In South Carolina, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in South Carolina:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in South Carolina.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in South Carolina

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: South Carolina Auto Insurance Law?
A couple of weeks ago somebody hit my parked car in the parking lot of a Best Buy store. Luckily, I walked out of the store just at the perfect time to catch him in the act. Now I am working with his insurance company, but they are telling me a couple of things that don't really sound right to me... can somebody verify? a.) South Carolina law states that used parts can be used to fix my car, as long as they are in "like-new" condition, and are not older than my vehicle. b.) I must get my car fixed; I am not allowed to simply take the check. c.) I must get my car fixed where they tell me to get it fixed. Just some details, I have a New York State license and car, the accident happened in South Carolina with a South Carolina driver. Can somebody help me out here?

Answer: Hope I can help clear this up a bit for you. I work in insurance. A - SC law states that used parts can be used to fix your car, as long as they are in "like-new" condition. This is 100% true. There is a coverage (in SC called OEM) which will guarantee brand new parts for your vehicle, however 9 out of 10 people don't have this coverage, or even know it exists. B - You must get your car fixed, you are not allowed to take the check. - This is not correct, as far as I know. While insurance companies insist that you fix the vehicle, once they hand that check over to you, they no longer have any say in what you do with it. However, if you have a Lien on it, they do have the right to make the check out to you and the lien holder, thereby 'forcing' you into the repairing the vehicle. C - You must get your car fixed where they tell you to. This is INCORRECT. You ALWAYS have a choice of where you'd like to get your car fixed. If they tell you they want it fixed at a dealership, you can decline and tell them you want it fixed at Bobby Joe's Jiffy Lube. Insurance companies will have certain companies that they use as a right arm basically. They may tell you to visit one of these certain companies. What happens is that the adjuster then does not have to check the vehicle out personally. He takes the word of the repair shop, and just pays what they tell him to. If you decide not to go that route, the adjuster may find the shop you've chosen to be too high. If that happens, he will only pay you what he thinks the parts and damage are worth. I hope this helped a little. If you need anything else, just send me an email and I'll try to help! Good Luck!

Question: I have an Auto Insurance policy in South Carolina Will My 15 year old son automatically be added to my policy?
Once he gets a Beginners Permit? So if my insurance Company, automaticaly added my son when he turned 15 is this legal? They told me it was part of the SC law?

Answer: No, and he won't need to be added until he gets his actual license, because he won't be driving alone until he does. Once he does you will need to notify your agent he has a license, and he will have to be either added to your policy at that time, or excluded.

Question: Cheapest auto insurance for teen drivers in South Carolina?
I'm about to start driving in a year or two, and I want to know what the price range for me would be?

Answer: For teenagers, car insurance is always going to be a bit expensive. Your rate might be lower since you are a girl. After all, you are a new and inexperienced driver. That's a big risk for insurance companies! This free educational site lets you and your parents get insurance quotes from a bunch of reputable car insurance companies: http://www.driversedguru.com/product-reviews/insurance-for-new-drivers/ You should also ask about getting a discount if you have good grades or take a driver's education course or defensive driving.

Question: cheap auto insurance in south carolina?

Answer: when you say cheap its relative, i mean it depends it maybe cheap for me but not to you...i suggest you make a search on the net visit sites like this http://www.nightbirdssolutions.com collect quotes and see who offers the cheapest and best car insurance for you..

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