South Carolina Auto Insurance

Three reasons a South Carolina auto policy is not a 25/50/25 policy

1
Uninsured motorist coverage is required here
South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage matching your liability limits — you cannot decline it. Underinsured motorist coverage is separate, has to be offered to you, and is the one most people do not have. It responds when the at-fault driver carried only the state minimum and your injuries cost more than that, which is a frequent outcome rather than an edge case.
2
Property damage at $25,000 is better than most, and still thin
South Carolina sets property damage at $25,000, higher than Georgia or North Carolina’s floor. It is still less than many new vehicles cost to repair, and a three-car chain on I-26 passes it easily. Raising it is normally the least expensive meaningful change available on a South Carolina policy.
3
Hurricane season reaches cars, and that is comprehensive
Flood water through a parking lot in Charleston, a tree down in a tropical storm, hail in an inland thunderstorm — all of it falls under comprehensive rather than collision. Flood damage to a vehicle is covered by comprehensive, which is different from a house, where flood needs its own policy. A liability-only policy pays for none of it.

What uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage each do

Uninsured motorist coverage, which South Carolina mandates, answers when the other driver had no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist coverage, which is optional, answers when the other driver had insurance but not enough. Those are different situations and they need separate coverages. If you are only going to add one optional thing to a South Carolina policy, underinsured motorist is usually the one worth the money.

Coastal flooding, inland hail, and where the car sleeps

Charleston tidal flooding and Myrtle Beach storm surge reach vehicles parked at street level, and inland hail from Columbia to Greenville damages roofs and hoods. Comprehensive handles both. Carriers ask where the vehicle parks overnight for exactly this reason, and a garage is worth mentioning because it sometimes shows up in the rate.

Rideshare, delivery and the beach-season rental

A personal auto policy generally stops covering you the moment you log into a driving app and wait for a request. Some carriers sell an endorsement for that window; others will not write the vehicle at all. Separately, if you lend or rent a vehicle to visitors during the season, that is not a personal-policy arrangement. Say what the vehicle is actually used for.

Have these ready when you call

Five minutes on the phone goes faster with the paperwork in front of you.

Year, make, model and VIN for every vehicle
Driver license numbers for everyone who will drive
The exact date your current policy ends, so the new one starts without a gap
Where each vehicle parks overnight — garage, carport or street
Annual mileage and the one-way commute distance
Whether you want underinsured motorist coverage added
Whether any vehicle is used for rideshare, delivery or other paid driving

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum car insurance in South Carolina?

Liability of at least $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage — 25/50/25 — plus uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits, which is mandatory here.

Can I decline uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina?

No. It is required at your liability limits. Underinsured motorist coverage is the optional one, and it is the coverage most people turn out not to have when they need it.

Is flood damage to my car covered?

Flood damage to a vehicle is generally handled under comprehensive. That differs from a house, where flood requires a separate policy — a distinction worth knowing on the coast.

Is hail damage covered?

Hail is covered under comprehensive, which carries its own deductible. A liability-only policy does not cover it.

Other South Carolina coverage

South Carolina homeowners insurance South Carolina condo and townhome insurance South Carolina renters insurance ← All personal insurance

Three reasons a South Carolina auto policy is not a 25/50/25 policy

Uninsured motorist coverage is required here

Property damage at $25,000 is better than most, and still thin

Hurricane season reaches cars, and that is comprehensive