South Carolina requires every driver to carry liability insurance, and it goes one step further than most states: uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory and cannot be waived. Driving without both coverages puts your license, registration, and finances at risk.

This guide explains what South Carolina requires, why the minimums often aren't enough, what additional coverage makes sense for drivers in Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand, and what happens when you don't comply.

South Carolina minimum car insurance requirements

Under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 38-77-140, all drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury. If you cause an accident and someone is hurt, your policy pays up to $25,000 toward that person's medical bills, lost wages, and related costs.
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. The combined limit for all people injured in a single accident you cause.
• $25,000 per accident for property damage. Covers the other vehicle and any other property you damage.

South Carolina is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party's damages. Your liability coverage is what pays those damages when you're at fault.

Uninsured motorist coverage: mandatory in South Carolina

Unlike most states, South Carolina makes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage mandatory at the same 25/50/25 minimums as liability. You cannot waive it. Insurers are also required to offer underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), though UIM is optional rather than required.

UM coverage protects you when an at-fault driver either has no insurance at all or flees the scene after a hit-and-run. In South Carolina, that's a meaningful protection. The state has a significant uninsured driver population, and Myrtle Beach's high tourist traffic means you're regularly sharing roads with out-of-state drivers, some from states with even higher uninsured rates.

There is typically a $200 deductible on uninsured motorist property damage claims, though the insurer may waive it if they recover from the uninsured driver. The deductible does not apply to bodily injury claims.

Liability coverage limits explained

The 25/50/25 minimum has not been updated in many years. It was designed for a cost environment that no longer exists. The National Safety Council estimates that accidents involving injuries average $45,000 in total costs, and accidents with disabling injuries average $174,000. A serious multi-person accident can easily exceed the $50,000 per-accident cap.

When your liability limits are exhausted, you're personally responsible for the excess. That can mean lawsuits, wage garnishment, and liens against assets. For most South Carolina drivers with any assets worth protecting, insurance professionals recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 in liability coverage. The premium increase from minimum to 100/300/100 is often $20 to $40 per month, which is far less expensive than a single judgment exceeding your policy limits.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Mandatory UM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Optional UIM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages. Both are worth carrying, because a driver with the state minimum 25/50/25 limits who causes a $100,000 accident still leaves you with a $75,000 gap on bodily injury alone.

South Carolina allows UM/UIM stacking on some policies, which means coverage from multiple vehicles on the same policy can be combined for a larger total benefit. Ask your agent specifically whether your policy allows stacking and what your effective total UM/UIM limit is.

Penalties for driving without insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina's electronic verification system notifies the SCDMV when a policy lapses. You have 20 business days to provide proof of coverage before the DMV suspends your license and registration. The reinstatement fee is $550 for a first offense within five years and $550 for subsequent offenses within five years. Driving on a suspended registration can result in impoundment.

If you choose to drive without insurance rather than letting a policy lapse, you can pay the SCDMV a $600 uninsured motorist fee to register the vehicle as uninsured. This fee does not provide any insurance coverage. It simply satisfies the registration requirement and still leaves you personally liable for any damages from an accident you cause.

For serious violations like DUI or driving under suspension, South Carolina may require an SR-22 filing, which is a certificate filed by your insurer confirming you carry the required minimum coverage. SR-22 status typically stays on record for three years and results in higher premiums.

Coverage beyond the minimum: what Myrtle Beach drivers should consider

State minimums keep you legal. They don't necessarily keep you financially protected. Drivers in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand face a few specific risks worth addressing beyond the baseline.

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender requires it. For any vehicle that would be difficult to replace from savings, collision coverage is worth carrying.

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage: hurricane and tropical storm damage, flooding, theft, vandalism, and animal strikes. For coastal drivers, comprehensive is especially important given South Carolina's hurricane exposure and the flooding that follows major storms.

Medical payments coverage pays your and your passengers' medical bills after an accident regardless of fault. South Carolina doesn't require PIP, but MedPay fills a similar role at a low cost.

Underinsured motorist coverage fills the gap when an at-fault driver's limits are lower than your actual damages. Given how many drivers carry only state minimums, UIM coverage addresses a real and common risk.

Getting the right coverage for coastal South Carolina

Shopping for auto insurance in Myrtle Beach across multiple carriers is the most reliable way to find the right combination of coverage and price for your situation. Moore & Associates is an independent agency that has served the Grand Strand since 1979. We compare rates from multiple carriers to match your driving profile with the companies most likely to price your policy competitively. Call (843) 839-5076 or request a free quote at mooremb.com. We serve Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and surrounding communities.