Minimum Coverage Car Insurance — South Carolina
Minimum coverage car insurance is the lowest liability-only policy South Carolina law allows you to drive with — it pays for damage you cause to others, but nothing for your own vehicle or injuries.
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What Is Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Insurance?
This coverage pays the other driver's bills when you cause an accident. It does not pay to repair or replace your own vehicle, cover your medical bills, or protect you if an uninsured driver hits you unless you add optional coverages.
Who Needs Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Insurance?
It's also appropriate if you're meeting South Carolina's legal requirement temporarily while saving for a better car or building your insurance history.
Compare your car's current value to the annual cost of adding collision and comprehensive coverage.
How Much Does Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Insurance Cost?
- Your at-fault accident history — even one recent accident can raise minimum coverage premiums by 30–50 percent.
- Your ZIP code — urban areas like Charleston and Columbia see higher rates due to accident frequency and theft risk.
- Your age and driving experience — drivers under 25 and over 70 typically pay more even for minimum liability limits.
- Your credit-based insurance score in South Carolina — insurers use credit data to price policies, and lower scores increase premiums.
- The carrier you choose — minimum coverage rates vary widely between State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and regional carriers operating in South Carolina.
