South Carolina Auto Insurance - (SC)

South Carolina, like every other state in the Union, has laws mandating minimal levels of protection, insurance or bonding in order to receive and maintain the privilege to operate a motor vehicle if you are a state resident. These laws are intended to provide protection for both parties that may be involved in an auto accident with minimal levels of protection against financial loss. Under the current laws of the state of South Carolina, from the time a driver's license is issued or renewed until the time it is surrendered or revoked, drivers must certify on their license application that they are insured by a legal organization allowed to provide auto insurance in the state. For those with licensees who have no auto to ensure there is an option on the application that they can choose stating as much which exempts them from carrying liability insurance coverage as long as they are not driving any vehicle.

Similarly, vehicle owners are required by law to be able to provide proof that their vehicle is insured if they are stopped by police or state troopers. This proof of registration is also required whenever a vehicle is registered or the registration is renewed. The South Carolina DMB (SCDMV) will verify your insurance information electronically the first time you register your vehicle. If, at any time, coverage for your vehicle cannot be verified electronically, your license and/or registration may be suspended temporarily. It is recommended that new residents to South Carolina who have insurance through a national insurance company change their address with the insurer before attempting to register the vehicle in South Carolina.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Though state law in South Carolina mandates a minimal level of coverage for liability insurance in order to drive a vehicle, far too many people assume that the minimal level of coverage is sufficient to protect them under any circumstance. Far too often, however, after an accident, people will find that the damage that they are liable for far exceeds the minimal levels of coverage and that may lead the other party involved to file a personal suit in order to reclaim damages above and beyond what the insurance pays. It is important to keep in mind that minimum levels of coverage don't automatically mean adequate levels of coverage.

In South Carolina the current minimum level of liability insurance coverage required includes:

• Per Person Bodily Injury coverage of at least $25,000.
• Per Accident Bodily Injury coverage of at least $50,000.
• Property Damage coverage of at least $25,000 per accident.

Proof of insurance is required at all times in South Carolina and if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and you cannot provide proof of insurance you may be fined and imprisoned. If your insurance is ever terminated for any reason, state law requires that the insurance company notify the state through a Cancelation of Policy form. You will receive notice in the mail from the SCDMV and must reply, submitting verification of insurance or risk having your license and/or registration suspended. Having these suspensions reversed will require fees up to $400.

Department Of South Carolina (SC) State Government That Regulates Auto Insurance:
Web Site: www.doi.sc.gov
Email: info@doi.sc.gov

How To Contact Directly:
Physical Address:
South Carolina Department of car insurance
300 Arbor Lake Dr.
Suite 1200
Columbia, SC 29223

Mailing Address:
South Carolina Department of Insurance
SC Department of Insurance
Office of Consumer Services
PO Box 100105
Columbia, SC 29202-3105

South Carolina (SC) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 25/50/25 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage
• Other Mandatory Insurance: Uninsured Motorist
• Regulations Regarding Proof of Insurance: Proof Required - When Obtaining Registration, If Involved In An Accident, If Stopped By Authorities When Driving
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory Insurance: Fine up to $200 plus jail term up to 30 days

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer:

Download Complaint Form From The South Carolina Department of Insurance