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South Carolina Car Insurance

The Palmetto State offers a mix of coastal routes, scenic drives through the mountains in upstate South Carolina and charming cities in between. From running errands in Gaffney to exploring the capital city of Columbia, having the right coverage ensures you're ready for whatever comes your way.

Amica offers customized South Carolina car insurance quotes that allow you to tailor your coverage with comprehensive protection backed by personalized service. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to protecting yourself and your family on the road. Instead, take the time to get a customized quote for coverage that meets your unique needs.

Understanding South Carolina’s auto insurance minimums

In South Carolina, drivers are required to carry the following minimum liability coverage limits for auto insurance:

  • Bodily Injury Liability Coverage:
    • $25,000 per person
    • $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability Coverage:
    • $25,000 per accident

Bodily injury liability coverage: Provides financial protection for causing bodily harm to others in an auto accident. It includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. If you’re sued, your policy may also pay legal defense costs. Coverage is subject to policy limits and exclusions.

Property damage liability coverage: Coverage for damage you cause to someone else’s property in an auto accident where you’re at fault. This includes the costs of repairing or replacing the other party’s vehicle, as well as any other damaged property, such as fences or other structures. Additionally, your policy may help with legal fees if you’re sued for the property damage you caused. Coverage is subject to certain limitations and exclusions.

In addition to the minimum liability coverage requirements, South Carolina mandates coverage for uninsured motorist bodily injury, with the following minimum limits:

  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage:
    • $25,000 per person
    • $50,000 per accident
  • Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage:
    • $25,000 per accident

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: Provides protection if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who’s uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical bills and other expenses.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: Coverage for your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured driver or by a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified.

It’s important to understand that these are just the minimum requirements, and South Carolina drivers may choose higher coverage limits for added protection.

Additional South Carolina car insurance coverages

Opting for additional auto insurance coverage beyond state-mandated minimums can provide invaluable protection in various scenarios. It’s not only a wise choice for safeguarding your financial assets, but may be required coverage if you lease or finance your car. Here are some additional coverage South Carolina drivers might consider:

  • Comprehensive (other than collision): Provides coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by things other than a collision. Includes damage from falling trees or rocks kicked up by other cars.
  • Collison coverage: Coverage for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
  • Rental reimbursement: If your vehicle is damaged in an accident and needs repairs, rental reimbursement coverage pays for transportation costs. Coverage includes rental cars, ridesharing or public transportation like trains, taxis and buses.
  • Auto loan/lease coverage: Coverage for the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and the current value of your vehicle if it’s totaled in a covered accident.
  • Roadside assistance coverage: Provides roadside assistance 24/7 for issues you may face on the road like changing flat tires, jumping dead batteries, towing your car, unlocking doors and getting your vehicle unstuck from mud or snow.
  • Repairing or replacing auto glass: Provides coverage for repair or replacement of your windshield, windows and other auto glass, without a deductible.

Key factors impacting South Carolina auto insurance rates

There are several factors that impact auto insurance in South Carolina, including individual circumstances, location, claims in your state and more. Consider these points:

  • Driving history: Your individual driving record significantly impacts insurance premiums. Drivers in South Carolina with a history of accidents or traffic violations typically face higher rates, while those with clean records may see lower rates.
  • Coverage options and limits: Opting for the state-mandated minimum coverage is usually less expensive, while adding optional coverages with higher limits will increase protection and premiums.
  • Vehicle type: Factors such as the make and model of your vehicle, its safety rating, and repair costs all influence your car insurance premiums in South Carolina. 
  • Weather patterns in South Carolina: Weather-related incidents impact your rates, particularly for comprehensive coverage that includes protection against damage caused by the weather.

It’s important to know that auto rates change over time for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons, like your driving record and claim history, are within your control, while others, like industry repair rates and claim frequency in your area, are not. If your auto rates increase, you may be able to mitigate the increase by adjusting your coverage or deductible, or qualifying for policy discounts.

Save more with South Carolina car insurance discounts

Amica offers various auto insurance discounts to help South Carolina policyholders save money on their premiums.1 Here are some ways you can save:

  • Discounts for family
    • Young driver training: We have discounts for drivers under 21 who complete an accredited driver training program. 
    • Good student: Policies with full-time high school or college students, ages 15-25, with a “B” average or higher are eligible for our Good Student Discount.
  • Discounts for how you drive
    • Accident-free: Get an auto insurance discount when you’ve been claim-free for the past three years. 
    • Defensive driver training: Taking an approved driver safety course can earn you a discount.
  • Discounts for your car’s systems
    • Forward-collision warning: We’ll reward you for keeping your car safe with forward-collision warning. 
    • Adaptive headlights: If your car is equipped with adaptive headlights, you may be eligible for a discount.
  • Discounts for how you pay
    • AutoPay: Simplify your payment experience with AutoPay to earn more savings. 
    • Paperless: Get a discount when you sign up to receive policy documents and bills electronically.
    • Paid in full: Save money when you pay the entire balance of your South Carolina policy premium up front.

If you’re a South Carolinian in need of both auto and home insurance coverage, it’s worth exploring options for bundling policies to maximize your savings. Whenyou bundle auto and home insurance with Amica, you can save up to 20% with a multiline discount.1

Facts and figures about South Carolina

Facts and figures about South Carolina

  • Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet has the largest collection of outdoor sculptures in the U.S., with over 2,000 works by more than 400 artists.2
  • While the peach may be associated with Georgia, South Carolina produces the most peaches in the country after California.2
  • Sassafras Mountain is the highest elevation in South Carolina, reaching 3,560 feet. The name originates from the sassafras trees around its foothills and slopes.

Facts about driving in South Carolina

  • South Carolina’s graduated driver’s license program, for ages 15 to 17, helps develop driving skills. It initially restricts nighttime and unsupervised driving, with restrictions easing over time. There are three stages: conditional license (15½), special restricted license (16), and regular driver’s license.3
  • New residents who have a valid driver's license from another state must apply for a South Carolina driver’s license within 90 days of moving. The out-of-state license must be surrendered to receive a new one. If the out-of-state license has been expired for more than nine months, you must pass the knowledge, skills and vision tests before obtaining a South Carolina license.3
  • To renew your driver’s license, you must pass a vision test. Complimentary vision screenings are available at all DMV branches. Alternatively, the DMV will accept a Certificate of Vision Examination from a licensed eye care professional, provided it’s dated within the past 12 months.3

How to get car insurance in South Carolina

We’re here to guide you through the process of personalizing your car insurance in South Carolina. Here’s how to secure your policy in three easy steps:

  1. Assess your coverage needs: 

    An Amica representative can provide guidance and help you navigate your options to find the right coverage for your needs.

  2. Discover potential discounts:

    A representative can also assist you in exploring potential discounts or cost-saving measures available to South Carolina drivers based on your unique circumstances.

  3. Get a quote:

    Amica offers convenient options for getting a quote. You can either get a car insurance quote online or call 800-242-6422 today to speak with a representative.

With Amica, South Carolina drivers can hit the road with confidence, knowing they’re prepared for any situation that may arise.

Get an auto insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2 43 Things You Probably Don’t Know About South Carolina
3 South Carolina Driver’s Manual
 

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