State guide
Insurance in South Carolina
Required coverage, penalties, official contacts and sources for South Carolina, reviewed 2026-10.
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Car insurance
What South Carolina requires.
Liability 25/50/25 plus uninsured motorist. Claims system: fault-based claims.
| Coverage | Requirement in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Injury protection | Not listed as required |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Required. The Department lists limits of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage |
Required coverage
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage at the limits the Department lists: $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
Other coverage commonly available
- Underinsured motorist (optional)
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Medical payments
If you drive without required coverage
South Carolina law sets a reinstatement fee for operating an uninsured vehicle (section 56-10-520), which the Department of Insurance adjusts by order. Confirm the current fee and the consequences with the SCDMV and the Department's orders.
Notices
What to know in South Carolina.
- Underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. The insurer must have a signed form from you confirming whether you want it. If you do not return the form, the company will add underinsured motorist coverage to your policy and rate you for it.
- Uninsured motorist coverage carries a $200 deductible for property damage. If your carrier collects its payout back from the uninsured motorist, your deductible should be refunded.
- Insurers in South Carolina are not required to write automobile insurance. If you cannot find a company to insure you, the Department points to the South Carolina Joint Underwriting Association.
- The Department of Insurance publishes an annual order adjusting the reinstatement fee for uninsured motorists (Order 2025-006 for the most recent one we saw).
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official sources listed below.
Home insurance
Start with the Department of Insurance
- Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood. Flood coverage is bought separately, including through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- The Department of Insurance publishes consumer FAQs and is the state authority for questions about insurers, agents and complaints.
Health insurance
HealthCare.gov
HealthCare.gov (federal marketplace)
- South Carolina residents use the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov, according to KFF's 2026 listing of marketplace types.
- Confirm current enrollment dates and eligibility for financial help on HealthCare.gov.
Contacts
Who to contact.
- South Carolina Department of Insurance
- Website: doi.sc.gov
- Contact page
- Phone: 803-737-6160 (Department of Insurance, Columbia)
- NAIC directory of state insurance departments
Sources
Where this summary comes from.
Reviewed 2026-10. Check each source for the current rule.
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