Like most motorists across the United States, South Carolina drivers must carry minimum amounts of liability auto insurance on any registered vehicle in the state to comply with the laws and regulations in place. City or town of residence is unimportant; the need for auto insurance coverage remains the same. Drivers who fail to carry the state-required auto insurance coverage are subject to a plethora of consequences, including suspension of driving privileges, increased auto insurance rates, and suspension of the vehicle registration.
Additionally, costs of an accident while driving uninsured are the responsibility of the driver to pay. It is simply best to comply with state laws and carry the required amounts of auto insurance on your vehicle at all times. But, exactly how much coverage is required to comply with the state requirements?
South Carolina Required Auto Insurance
Driver’s must carry a policy known as a 25/50/25 policy to comply with the South Carolina auto insurance requirements. This policy includes $25,000 in Bodily Injury coverage for one injury in the accident, with a maximum payout of $50,000 for all injuries. The policy should also include $25,000 in Property Damage coverage that pays for damages to vehicles, fences, buildings, homes, etc. This coverage pays for damages to the other driver’s vehicle and medical bills up to the policy amount but does not cover costs of your damages or injuries. You are responsible for paying the costs of your damages and injuries after an at-fault accident has occurred.
Driver’s must also carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage to comply with state auto insurance laws. This policy must include $25,000 in coverage. Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages and injuries that occur with a driver who doesn’t comply with the state laws or whose policy amounts do not cover the total amount of the damages. To the dismay of many, numerous drivers do not carry the state-required auto insurance coverage.
Optional Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Drivers who buy or lease a new car may be required to carry full-coverage auto insurance, regardless of state law. Dealerships require the coverage to protect their investments. Many other drivers choose to protect themselves with the addition of these policies to their state-required coverage. Additional types of insurance available to drivers include collision and comprehensive, both of which are usually sold together but not always.
Collision pays for damages to your vehicle when involved in an accident with another automobile. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to the vehicle caused by vandalism, acts of nature, etc. This coverage is completely optional, and there are no penalties for drivers who do not purchase the coverage. For many drivers, however, the coverage provides peace of mind and superior protection they want.