If you live in Myrtle Beach, you already know what happens every summer: your quiet neighborhood streets transform into bumper-to-bumper tourist traffic. Over 80% of Grand Strand vacationers come from out of state, and during peak holidays, daily traffic can surge to 150,000 vehicles. That's not just an inconvenience—it's a major factor in how you should think about your auto insurance. Here's everything you need to know about protecting yourself on Myrtle Beach roads.
What South Carolina Law Requires
South Carolina operates as an at-fault state, which means if you cause an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages. The state requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25. That breaks down to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. But here's what catches people off guard: South Carolina also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at those same 25/50/25 limits.
Why the uninsured motorist requirement? About 10.9% of South Carolina drivers lack adequate coverage—and when you factor in out-of-state tourists who might carry their own state's minimal policies, that number effectively climbs higher in Myrtle Beach. If someone hits you and doesn't have insurance (or doesn't have enough), your uninsured motorist coverage steps in to cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs. There's typically a $200 deductible, which is a small price to pay for protection against thousands in potential costs.
What Auto Insurance Actually Costs in Myrtle Beach
Let's talk numbers. The average car insurance policy in Myrtle Beach runs about $1,800 to $2,300 per year, depending on your coverage level and driving record. If you're just buying state minimum liability, expect to pay around $1,125 annually. Full coverage (which includes comprehensive and collision on top of liability) averages closer to $3,217 per year. That's roughly 26% higher than the national average, and there are good reasons why.
First, you're living in a high-traffic tourist destination with congested intersections, poorly marked lanes during construction season, and drivers who aren't familiar with local roads. Second, coastal weather brings hurricanes, flooding, and storm damage—South Carolina saw car insurance rates jump 31% in 2024 alone due to weather-related claims. Third, the sheer volume of vehicles during tourist season increases your likelihood of being in an accident, which insurers factor into their pricing models.
Industry analysts predict South Carolina rates will continue rising 4-11% through 2026 due to ongoing inflation, hurricane exposure, and reinsurance costs. That means if you're shopping for coverage now, lock in competitive rates while you can, and don't just settle for the cheapest option—make sure you're actually covered for the risks you face.
Why Minimum Coverage Isn't Enough Here
Here's the thing about those 25/50/25 minimums: they sound adequate until you actually need them. Imagine you rear-end a vacationing family at a stoplight on Highway 17 during rush hour—a scenario that happens regularly in Myrtle Beach. If multiple people are injured, your $50,000 bodily injury limit gets divided among all of them. Medical bills from even a moderately serious accident can blow through that cap in a hurry, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Most insurance professionals recommend liability limits of at least 100/300/100 for Myrtle Beach drivers. That's $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for injuries, and $100,000 for property damage. Yes, it costs more upfront, but it's substantially cheaper than being sued for damages beyond your policy limits. And if you own property, have significant savings, or run a business, consider umbrella insurance—an extra $1-2 million in liability coverage that kicks in after your auto policy is exhausted. In an area with tourist traffic, golf cart accidents, and rental properties, that peace of mind is worth every penny.
Coverage for Tourist Season Realities
Living in Myrtle Beach means dealing with seasonal driving conditions that most places never experience. During summer months, holidays, and weekends, the roads become significantly more dangerous. Highway 17 and Kings Highway regularly experience traffic backups, and parking lot fender-benders spike at shopping centers and beach access points. Rear-end collisions from sudden stops in heavy traffic are among the most common accident types.
This is where collision and comprehensive coverage become valuable, even though they're not legally required. Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident—crucial when you're dealing with an out-of-state driver who might have minimal insurance. Comprehensive coverage handles non-collision damage like hurricane flooding, fallen trees during storms, or theft. Given Myrtle Beach's coastal location and weather patterns, comprehensive coverage isn't just smart—it's essential protection for your investment.
Don't overlook rental reimbursement coverage either. If your car is in the shop after an accident, you'll need transportation while it's being repaired. This add-on typically costs just $20-30 per year but can save you hundreds in rental car fees during an already stressful time.
How to Get the Best Rate
Myrtle Beach has 26 local insurance agencies, which means you have plenty of options—and that competition works in your favor. Don't just accept the first quote you receive. Get proposals from at least three different insurers, and make sure you're comparing identical coverage limits. A cheaper premium might just mean less protection.
Ask about available discounts. Most insurers offer reductions for bundling auto and home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, installing anti-theft devices, or having safety features like automatic emergency braking. If you work from home and don't commute daily, mention that—lower annual mileage often qualifies for lower rates. And if you've been with your current insurer for several years without shopping around, you're likely overpaying. Loyalty doesn't get rewarded in insurance; comparison shopping does.
What to Do After an Accident
If you're in an accident in Myrtle Beach, call the police immediately and get a report—you'll need the FR-10 form from the responding officer, which must be submitted to the SCDMV within 15 days regardless of fault. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance information with the other driver, but keep the conversation brief and factual. Don't admit fault or apologize, even if you think you caused the accident.
Notify your insurance company right away, but keep initial conversations short until you've had a chance to fully assess the situation. Your policy covers you whether the accident happens in Myrtle Beach or anywhere else, but dealing with out-of-state tourists or visitors can complicate the claims process. Your uninsured motorist coverage and collision coverage become especially valuable in these scenarios, as they protect you regardless of the other driver's insurance status or home state.
Living in South Carolina's premier beach destination comes with unique insurance considerations. The good news? You have access to 26 local agencies competing for your business, and understanding what coverage you actually need puts you in control. Take the time to compare quotes, ask about discounts, and make sure your policy reflects the real risks you face on Myrtle Beach roads—not just the state minimums.
