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South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
South Carolina requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Other required coverage: UM 25/50/25.
South Carolina at a glance
| Minimum liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Uninsured motorist coverage is required: at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Underinsured motorist coverage must be offered but is optional. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $200 or 30 days in jail. If you own the vehicle, the SCDMV suspends your license, registrations and plates until you pay the uninsured motorist fee ($600 in the statute, adjusted yearly; the DMV lists $700) and have your insurer file an SR-22 for three years from the suspension date. A driver who does not own the vehicle has the license suspended for 30 days. |
| Repeat offense | A second offense within five years carries a $200 fine, 30 days in jail, or both. A third or later offense within five years carries 45 days to six months in jail. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | Owner convicted of driving uninsured: an uninsured motorist fee of $600 in the statute (adjusted yearly); the DMV lists $700. Insurance lapse without a conviction: a $5 per day fine, up to $200 per vehicle for a first offense, plus a $200 registration reinstatement fee. Driver who does not own the vehicle: $100. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Other required coverage: UM 25/50/25.
What happens if you drive without insurance in South Carolina?
A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $200 or 30 days in jail. If you own the vehicle, the SCDMV suspends your license, registrations and plates until you pay the uninsured motorist fee ($600 in the statute, adjusted yearly; the DMV lists $700) and have your insurer file an SR-22 for three years from the suspension date. A driver who does not own the vehicle has the license suspended for 30 days.