If you're driving in South Carolina, you need to know about a requirement that sets the Palmetto State apart from most of the country: mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. Unlike most states where this coverage is optional, South Carolina law requires every driver to carry it. And when you consider that roughly one in eight drivers on South Carolina roads doesn't have insurance, you'll understand why that requirement exists.
The good news? South Carolina offers some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in the nation, especially if you live inland. The less good news? If you're in a coastal city like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, you'll pay more due to hurricane risk and traffic congestion. Here's everything you need to know about getting the right coverage at the right price.
What South Carolina Requires You to Carry
South Carolina's mandatory coverage is expressed as 25/50/25, which breaks down like this: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. But here's where South Carolina differs from most states—you also must carry uninsured motorist coverage at these same 25/50/25 limits.
Think of uninsured motorist coverage as your backup plan. If someone without insurance hits you—or if you're the victim of a hit-and-run—this coverage pays for your injuries and property damage. You'll typically have a $200 deductible, but that's a small price to pay when the alternative might be thousands of dollars in medical bills you can't recover from an uninsured driver.
Your insurance company must also offer you underinsured motorist coverage, though you're not required to buy it. This coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. Given how low the state minimums are, underinsured motorist coverage is worth serious consideration—a serious accident can easily exceed $50,000 in medical expenses.
What You'll Actually Pay in South Carolina
Here's some genuinely good news: South Carolina drivers pay well below the national average for auto insurance. The average cost for full coverage is about $2,023 per year, compared to the national average of $2,697. If you're just buying the state minimum coverage, you're looking at around $671 annually versus $820 nationally.
But those are statewide averages, and your location makes a huge difference. If you live in an inland city like Walhalla or Rock Hill, you'll enjoy some of the lowest rates in the state. Coastal residents aren't so lucky—Charleston drivers pay around $259 per month for full coverage, while Myrtle Beach averages $217 per month. That coastal premium reflects two realities: hurricane risk and tourist traffic.
The difference between coastal and inland rates can be dramatic. Drivers in Ladson, a coastal community, pay about $76 more per month than those in mountain towns. That adds up to over $900 extra per year just for living near the beach. Weather-related claims, particularly from hurricanes and tropical storms, drive these coastal premiums higher.
Unfortunately, everyone in South Carolina has seen rates climb recently. Between 2023 and 2024, full coverage costs jumped by more than 29%. Much of that increase stems from weather-related claims and the rising cost of vehicle repairs. Modern cars are packed with expensive technology—sensors, cameras, computer systems—that make even minor fender-benders costly to fix.
Why Those Minimum Limits Might Not Be Enough
Let's talk about what $25,000 in bodily injury coverage actually covers—because the answer might surprise you. If you cause an accident and seriously injure someone, that $25,000 can disappear quickly. An ambulance ride, emergency room visit, surgery, and follow-up care can easily exceed that limit. If the injured person has $60,000 in medical bills, your insurance pays $25,000, and you're personally responsible for the remaining $35,000.
The same math applies to property damage. Today's vehicles are expensive—the average new car costs over $48,000. If you total a newer SUV or pickup truck, that $25,000 property damage limit won't cover the full replacement cost. And if you damage multiple vehicles or crash into a building, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
This is why insurance agents often recommend higher limits—typically 100/300/100 or even 250/500/100 if you have significant assets to protect. The cost difference between minimum coverage and higher limits is usually modest, often $20 to $40 per month. That's cheap insurance against a financial catastrophe that could haunt you for years.
How to Find the Best Rates
Insurance companies use wildly different formulas to calculate your premium, which means rates can vary by 50% or more between carriers for identical coverage. One company might charge you $150 per month while another quotes $225. This is why shopping around isn't optional—it's essential.
Get quotes from at least three to five different insurers. Major national carriers, regional companies, and local independent agents can all offer competitive rates. Don't just compare prices—look at coverage limits, deductibles, and what's actually included. A cheaper policy might have higher deductibles or exclude coverage you need.
Ask about discounts aggressively. You might qualify for good driver discounts, multi-car discounts, bundling discounts if you combine auto and home insurance, good student discounts, military discounts, or discounts for safety features in your vehicle. Some insurers offer discounts for paying your premium in full, maintaining continuous coverage, or completing a defensive driving course. These discounts can stack up to reduce your premium by 20% or more.
Getting Started with Your South Carolina Auto Insurance
Before you start getting quotes, gather your information: your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance declarations page if you have one, and details about any accidents or violations in the past three to five years. Having this information ready makes the quote process faster and more accurate.
Think seriously about whether minimum coverage makes sense for your situation. If you own a home, have savings, or have assets that creditors could come after in a lawsuit, you need more than the state minimum. Consider what would happen if you caused a serious accident—could you afford to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket?
Once you've selected a policy, keep your proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. South Carolina requires you to show proof of insurance if you're stopped by law enforcement or involved in an accident. Most insurers offer digital insurance cards through their mobile apps, which law enforcement will accept, but it's smart to keep a paper copy in your glove box as backup.
South Carolina's combination of affordable rates and mandatory uninsured motorist coverage creates a decent baseline of protection for drivers. But baseline isn't always enough. Take the time to understand your options, compare quotes from multiple insurers, and choose coverage that actually protects your financial future. Your wallet—and your peace of mind—will thank you.
