All Laws Decoded

South Carolina Car Insurance Laws: Minimum Coverage, Penalties and SR-22

South Carolina car insurance law: minimum liability limits, fault or no-fault, uninsured motorist coverage, proof of insurance, penalties for driving uninsured, SR-22, title and registration.

Quick answers for South Carolina

Minimum coverage required
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. S.C. Code §§ 38-77-140, 38-77-150; SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
At-fault or no-fault
South Carolina uses a tort (at-fault) system. The basic coverages are bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage; SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
Driving without insurance
Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; S.C. Code § 56-10-520; SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured
SR-22 filing
An owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension. SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured

Last verified: 2026-10-27

Required coverage

Minimum coverage requiredSouth Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You must also carry uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum amounts (25/50/25), typically with a $200 deductible.
Statutes: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c077.php
Source: S.C. Code §§ 38-77-140, 38-77-150; SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
At-fault or no-faultSouth Carolina uses a tort (at-fault) system. The basic coverages are bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage; bodily injury claims against an at-fault driver may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source: SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
Uninsured motorist coverageUninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required at no less than 25/50/25 (including $25,000 for property damage, with a possible $200 exclusion). Insurers must offer additional UM coverage up to your liability limits and must offer underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage up to your liability limits; UIM is optional to buy.
Source: S.C. Code §§ 38-77-150, 38-77-160; SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
Proof of insuranceProof of insurance must be kept in the vehicle at all times and shown on demand of a police officer; it may be shown on a mobile electronic device in a format issued by the insurer. SCDMV electronically verifies coverage when you register or renew, and insurers notify SCDMV when a policy is canceled. If ticketed for not showing proof, you must provide proof within 30 days to avoid a license suspension ($100 reinstatement fee if suspended).
SCDMV page: https://www.scdmvonline.com/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements
Source: S.C. Code § 56-10-225; SCDMV, Insurance Requirements

Driving without insurance and SR-22

Driving without insuranceOwning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; third or later offense (within five years), 45 days to six months in jail. SCDMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until a reinstatement fee is paid; the statute sets the fee at $600, adjusted annually by the Department of Insurance, and SCDMV currently describes it as a $700 fee. A non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days ($100 reinstatement fee). If insurance lapses and coverage is not verified within 20 business days of SCDMV's letter, the license, plate and registration are suspended, with up to $400 in fees to reinstate.
SCDMV page: https://www.scdmvonline.com/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements/facts-about-driving-uninsured
Source: S.C. Code § 56-10-520; SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured
SR-22 filingAn owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension.
Source: SCDMV, Facts About Driving Uninsured

Your rights with insurers

Cancellation and nonrenewalA cancellation or nonrenewal notice must give an effective date at least 15 days after it is mailed or delivered, state the specific reason, and tell the insured of the right to ask the Director of Insurance in writing, within 15 days of receiving the notice, to review the action. Insurers may cancel only for listed reasons (such as a license suspension or revocation of a household or regular driver). Insurers may not refuse to renew because of age, sex, location of residence in South Carolina, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status or income level, and may not refuse to renew solely for reasons such as occupation, limited driving experience, accidents or violations older than 36 months, or comprehensive or towing claims.
Source: S.C. Code §§ 38-77-120, 38-77-123
What insurers can use to set ratesInsurers may not set rates based in whole or in part on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, location of residence in South Carolina, economic status or income level, although a territorial rating plan approved by the Director of Insurance is allowed. The Department of Insurance lists driving record, area, gender and age, marital status, prior coverage, vehicle use, and make and model as common rating factors.
Source: S.C. Code § 38-77-123(A)(3); SC Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance
Total loss rulesA vehicle is a salvage vehicle (a "vehicle declared to be a total loss") when the cost to repair it, including parts and reasonable labor, equals or exceeds 75% of its fair market value (not applying to vehicles worth $2,000 or less or antique vehicles). When an insurer acquires a vehicle in settlement of a claim, or leaves it with the claimant after declaring it a total loss, the insurer must deliver the title to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Source: S.C. Code § 56-19-480
Complaints about an insurerFile a complaint with the SC Department of Insurance Office of Consumer Services online (doi.sc.gov/complaint, which links to the online Consumer Complaint Form) or with the PDF form. Phone 803-737-6180 or toll-free 1-800-768-3467; email consumers@doi.sc.gov.
Source: SC Department of Insurance, Consumers; Automobile Insurance

Title and registration

Transferring a car titleA newly purchased vehicle must be registered within 45 days of purchase. In a private sale, the seller signs over the title with the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, sales price (or a bill of sale), date of sale and both signatures; the seller files a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) and surrenders active plates not being transferred. The buyer submits a Title Application (Form 400), pays the 5% infrastructure maintenance fee (capped at $500) or sales tax, the title fee and registration fee, and provides a paid county property tax receipt, at an SCDMV branch or by certified mail.
Source: SCDMV, Buying or Selling a Car
Registering after you moveNew residents must apply for a South Carolina driver's license or ID within 45 days of moving and have 45 days to transfer vehicle registration. Before titling and registering, pay county property tax on the vehicle; most passenger vehicles owe $305 to SCDMV on entering the state ($250 one-time infrastructure maintenance fee, $15 title fee and $40 registration fee).
Vehicle steps and fees: https://www.scdmvonline.com/vehicle-owners/moving-to-sc.
Source: SCDMV, Moving to SC (Driver Services and Vehicle Owners)

Car Insurance & Vehicle Laws FAQ

What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You must also carry uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum amounts (25/50/25), typically with a $200 deductible.
Is South Carolina a no-fault car insurance state?
South Carolina uses a tort (at-fault) system. The basic coverages are bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage; bodily injury claims against an at-fault driver may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in South Carolina?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required at no less than 25/50/25 (including $25,000 for property damage, with a possible $200 exclusion). Insurers must offer additional UM coverage up to your liability limits and must offer underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage up to your liability limits; UIM is optional to buy.
Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in South Carolina?
Proof of insurance must be kept in the vehicle at all times and shown on demand of a police officer; it may be shown on a mobile electronic device in a format issued by the insurer. SCDMV electronically verifies coverage when you register or renew, and insurers notify SCDMV when a policy is canceled. If ticketed for not showing proof, you must provide proof within 30 days to avoid a license suspension ($100 reinstatement fee if suspended).
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in South Carolina?
Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor: first offense, a $100-$200 fine or 30 days in jail; second offense, a $200 fine and/or 30 days; third or later offense (within five years), 45 days to six months in jail. SCDMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until a reinstatement fee is paid; the statute sets the fee at $600, adjusted annually by the Department of Insurance, and SCDMV currently describes it as a $700 fee. A non-owner driver who knew the vehicle was uninsured has the license suspended for 30 days ($100 reinstatement fee). If insurance lapses and coverage is not verified within 20 business days of SCDMV's letter, the license, plate and registration are suspended, with up to $400 in fees to reinstate.
When do you need an SR-22 in South Carolina, and for how long?
An owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must have an insurer file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years starting from the date of suspension.
How much notice must an insurer give before canceling car insurance in South Carolina?
A cancellation or nonrenewal notice must give an effective date at least 15 days after it is mailed or delivered, state the specific reason, and tell the insured of the right to ask the Director of Insurance in writing, within 15 days of receiving the notice, to review the action. Insurers may cancel only for listed reasons (such as a license suspension or revocation of a household or regular driver). Insurers may not refuse to renew because of age, sex, location of residence in South Carolina, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status or income level, and may not refuse to renew solely for reasons such as occupation, limited driving experience, accidents or violations older than 36 months, or comprehensive or towing claims.
Can car insurance companies use your credit score in South Carolina?
Insurers may not set rates based in whole or in part on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, location of residence in South Carolina, economic status or income level, although a territorial rating plan approved by the Director of Insurance is allowed. The Department of Insurance lists driving record, area, gender and age, marital status, prior coverage, vehicle use, and make and model as common rating factors.
When is a car a total loss in South Carolina?
A vehicle is a salvage vehicle (a "vehicle declared to be a total loss") when the cost to repair it, including parts and reasonable labor, equals or exceeds 75% of its fair market value (not applying to vehicles worth $2,000 or less or antique vehicles). When an insurer acquires a vehicle in settlement of a claim, or leaves it with the claimant after declaring it a total loss, the insurer must deliver the title to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How do you transfer a car title in South Carolina?
A newly purchased vehicle must be registered within 45 days of purchase. In a private sale, the seller signs over the title with the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, sales price (or a bill of sale), date of sale and both signatures; the seller files a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) and surrenders active plates not being transferred. The buyer submits a Title Application (Form 400), pays the 5% infrastructure maintenance fee (capped at $500) or sales tax, the title fee and registration fee, and provides a paid county property tax receipt, at an SCDMV branch or by certified mail.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to South Carolina?
New residents must apply for a South Carolina driver's license or ID within 45 days of moving and have 45 days to transfer vehicle registration. Before titling and registering, pay county property tax on the vehicle; most passenger vehicles owe $305 to SCDMV on entering the state ($250 one-time infrastructure maintenance fee, $15 title fee and $40 registration fee).
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in South Carolina?
File a complaint with the SC Department of Insurance Office of Consumer Services online (doi.sc.gov/complaint, which links to the online Consumer Complaint Form) or with the PDF form. Phone 803-737-6180 or toll-free 1-800-768-3467; email consumers@doi.sc.gov.

Car Insurance & Vehicle Laws in other states

More South Carolina law

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.