What You Should Know About Car Insurance in South Carolina

Considering South Carolina as a

Destination

If you’re new to or planning a

move to the beautiful state of

South Carolina, chances are

you may have a few questions

about car insurance. With that

in mind, knowing about car

insurance in South Carolina can

be quite helpful before you start

shopping for your next policy.

Liability CoverageAs with many states, South

Carolina drivers are required to

carry a minimum level of liability

coverage in the following amounts:

• $25,000 for injury/death to one

person

• $50,000 for injury/death to more

than one person

• $25,000 for damage to property

Additional Coverage

It’s generally recommended by

insurance experts that you buy

additional coverage. As an

example, you can purchase

comprehensive coverage, to

protect you if your car is damaged

as a result of a non-traffic related

occurrence, such as a storm, theft,or falling object.

Motorist CoverageThe state of South Carolina

also suggests

uninsured/underinsured

motorist coverage for its

licensed residents. Since

rates of uninsured motorists

are considerably low, drivers

are given the option to decide

for themselves if paying theextra expense makes sense.

The ConceptIn addition, the state offers

an alternative to car

insurance. You may qualify

to register as an uninsured motorist if:

• You have been licensed in

South Carolina for at least three years

• Have maintained a clean driving record

• Pay the $550 per year fee

ProtectionWhile the cost of $550 a year is less

expensive than many insurance

policies, the main drawback is that it

doesn’t provide you with any

protection whatsoever in the event of

an accident. Not only that, but if

you’re at-fault in an accident, you’ll

be digging deep into your pockets to

pay for all associated costs from the

collision. And, that could amount to

tens of thousands of dollars, which is

definitely something to consider

before choosing this option.

Plans For The FutureSouth Carolina drivers enjoy one

of the nation’s lowest car

insurance rates with an average

annual premium of $1,253. This

is, in part, the result of the

insurance-friendly laws and

normally good weather. Yet, you

can probably save even more by

comparison shopping and

researching all available

discounts when getting autoinsurance quotes.

Outcome of Failure to PayAn important point to remember is –

should you fail to keep your car insurance

current – and haven’t paid the uninsured

motorist fee of $550 – you could be

subject to some very costly

consequences. If you’re stopped while

driving uninsured, you could face a

substantial fine. Not only might your

license be suspended indefinitely, but you

could be forced to pay a $200

reinstatement fee, and charged $5 for

every day your vehicle remains

uninsured. And, if you make the mistake

of driving while your license is suspended

due to the insurance citation, you could

be arrested and sentenced to jail time.

Outcome of Failure to PayIf your driving record leaves a lot to

be desired – because of more than

one at-fault accident, getting caught

without auto insurance, driving on a

suspended license or have been

arrested for a DUI, you may have a

harder time getting insured. In this

case, you may be required to file an

SR-22. As a last resort, you might be

able to obtain coverage through

the Associated Auto Insurers Plan

of South Carolina. Your local DMV

can assist you with any additional

questions you may have.

Contact UsAre you an insured or

uninsured motorist in

South Carolina? Don’t

question if you’re getting

the best rate on your

auto insurance. Why not

get a free auto insurance

quote today?