Car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina is an at-fault state with a minimum liability requirement of 25/50/25. Here's what that means, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.
What the minimums actually mean
$25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. A March 2025 bill would have doubled these to 50/100/50, but that provision was stripped out during a May 2025 legislative compromise, so 25/50/25 remains current.
UM is mandatory, matching the liability minimums (25/50/25); UIM must be offered by insurers.
Estimated cost
$671 a year for minimum coverage, $2,023 for full coverage2
Average annual premiums in South Carolina for a 40-year-old with a clean record and good credit, driving a 2023 Toyota Camry. Full coverage here means 100/300/50 liability plus collision and comprehensive.
Why this is an average, not a quote
SR-22 & high-risk filings
Typically required after a DUI, driving without insurance, or an at-fault accident while uninsured, commonly for a 3-year period.
Local conditions worth knowing
South Carolina consistently ranks among the worst states for road-fatality rates in various national datasets - a well-documented, if source-dependent, pattern.
Frequently asked
- What is the minimum car insurance requirement in South Carolina?
- South Carolina requires liability limits of at least 25/50/25. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. A March 2025 bill would have doubled these to 50/100/50, but that provision was stripped out during a May 2025 legislative compromise, so 25/50/25 remains current.
- Is South Carolina an at-fault or no-fault state?
- South Carolina is an at-fault state for car insurance claims.
- Do I need an SR-22 in South Carolina?
- Typically required after a DUI, driving without insurance, or an at-fault accident while uninsured, commonly for a 3-year period.
- Is uninsured motorist coverage required in South Carolina?
- UM is mandatory, matching the liability minimums (25/50/25); UIM must be offered by insurers.
Sources
- MoneyGeek, Minimum car insurance requirements by state, October 1, 2026.
- Bankrate, using Quadrant Information Services rates (November 2025), Average cost of car insurance, updated June 5, 2026.
Figures checked against these sources on October 2, 2026.
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