Min Auto Insurance Coverage: South Carolina
Summary
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Understanding these minimums — and why they're often not enough — helps you protect yourself financially. South…
Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Understanding these minimums — and why they're often not enough — helps you protect yourself financially.
South Carolina Required Coverage
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
| PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | Not required |
| Uninsured Motorist | Required |
The 25/50/25 Format Explained
South Carolina's minimum is expressed as 25/50/25, meaning:
- $25,000 maximum payout per injured person
- $50,000 maximum payout per accident (all injured people combined)
- $25,000 maximum for property damage per accident
Why Minimums Are Not Enough
South Carolina's minimum coverage is the legal floor — not a recommendation:
- Average car repair costs $4,000-$8,000 — easily exceeding $25,000 for serious accidents
- Average ER visit costs $3,000-$5,000 — a single injury can exceed $25,000
- Serious injuries can reach $100,000+ — far beyond minimum BI limits
- You're personally liable for any damages exceeding your policy limits
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Has Only Minimums
If you're injured by a driver carrying only South Carolina's minimums:
- Their $25,000 per-person limit may not cover your medical bills
- You'd need underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy
- Without UIM, you'd need to sue the at-fault driver personally
- Many minimum-coverage drivers have few assets to collect against
Recommended Coverage Levels
Insurance experts recommend significantly more than South Carolina's minimums:
| Coverage | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | $100,000/$300,000 or higher |
| Property Damage | $50,000-$100,000 |
| UM/UIM | Match your BI limits |
| PIP/MedPay | $10,000+ if available |
| Comprehensive/Collision | Based on vehicle value |
How This Affects Your Claim
When filing a claim in South Carolina, the at-fault driver's coverage limits cap your recovery:
- Check their limits first — ask the adjuster what coverage is available
- Stack coverage if allowed — South Carolina allows stacking of UM/UIM
- File with your own insurer if the at-fault driver's limits are insufficient
- Consider gap between limits and damages — you may need an attorney for large gaps
South Carolina minimum coverage guide. Coverage requirements may change — verify with the South Carolina DOI at 803-737-6160.
Last updated: April 2026 | Source: InsurifyAI Knowledge Hub
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