Navigating South Carolina's scenic coastal drives or bustling city streets requires more than just a map; it demands reliable car insurance. South Carolina law mandates that all drivers maintain active auto insurance to register and operate a vehicle. If you're caught without proof of car insurance, according to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV), it could mean suspension of your license and registration, as well as fines up to $200. In fact, you can't register or renew registration on any vehicle in South Carolina without having auto insurance first.
Read on to learn how you can get a South Carolina auto insurance quote online or explore our Columbia or Charleston car insurance guide for localized tips and coverage options tailored to drivers in the area. You can also check out our Greenville car insurance guide for additional insights and resources specific to drivers in Greenville.
Texting while driving is prohibited in some cities and towns, including Columbia, South Carolina. Distracted driving is a serious problem and government estimates tell us distractions account for 3,000 to 5,000 deaths on U.S. roads each year. Distracted driving accidents can lead to significant insurance claims and potentially increase your premiums. Make sure you're protected with adequate car insurance in South Carolina. But remember, texting and driving isn't worth the risk.
Every driver with South Carolina auto insurance must carry the required minimums on all registered vehicles:
| Coverage Type | South Carolina Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Property damage | $25,000 per accident |
| Bodily injury | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 per accident with a $200 deductible |
| Underinsured motorist bodily injury* | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Underinsured motorist property damage* | $25,000 per accident |
*Note: Underinsured motorist coverages can be rejected
In addition to always carrying proof of insurance in case a law enforcement officer pulls you over, you must also provide South Carolina auto insurance information when you apply for and renew your driver's license.
At GEICO, we know the best insurance policies are the ones that give you all the coverage you need at an affordable rate. That's why we offer discounts for safe driving, bundling, and more that can help bring your premium down.
A few ways to save big include:
For even more ways to save, check out our full list of savings opportunities .
While the required coverages included in personal auto insurance, such as liability and collision coverage, might be sufficient for some, others will require additional protection that covers them across a wider range of potential scenarios. Fortunately, GEICO's flexible policies allow drivers to include add-ons like Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, rental reimbursement, and emergency roadside service to ensure their insurance plan meets their specific requirements.
Young drivers in South Carolina may get a Class D beginner's permit when they reach 15 years of age, which allows them to drive from 6 AM to midnight. Drivers must be accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. From midnight to 6 AM, the permit driver can only operate a vehicle when accompanied in the front seat by a licensed parent or guardian.
Drivers with 180 days or more of permit driving can obtain a Conditional License after passing a vision and skills tests, which allows them to drive alone during daytime hours and with no more than two passengers under age 21. Otherwise, they must follow the same driving restriction times as permit holders. Teens become eligible for a regular driver's license at age 17.
If you move to South Carolina from another state, you have 45 days to transfer your vehicle title and registration. You may apply for the title and registration by mail. The Form 400, Application for Certificate of Title/Registration, which must be completed, contains the proper mailing address for the department.
You must have the following to transfer your out-of-state vehicle title and registration:
You may use a valid driver's license from your former state for up to 90 days. However, you must convert to a South Carolina driver's license before the end of the 90-day period. If your driver's license from your home state has expired, you must also pass the knowledge and road tests.