The South Carolina laws permit certain motorists to forgo a car insurance policy and register an uninsured motor vehicle. At the time of registration the automobile owner must pay a fee of $550 in order to register an uninsured motor vehicle. The fee is due every year at the time an auto is being registered and is not a set amount that can be increased annually. This fee does not include any type of coverage to the motorist and is paid for the privilege to operate an uninsured automobile on South Carolina’s roadways.

Although this option is available, it is often recommended to purchase automobile policies rather than pay this fee since expenses arising from a traffic accident that is caused to another party would still need to be paid if the driver is found liable; the expenses caused the vehicle owner would also have to be paid by their own means. The $550 fee could be put towards automobile coverage rather than risk driving uncovered and paying for accident related costs out of pocket. Prior to opting to operate cars without policies, motorists may want to take the time to compare South Carolina auto insurance quotes to see if affordable coverage is available. By doing so, a motorist may be able to satisfy the state’s financial responsibility requirements and also have compensation in place should they be involved in a traffic collision.

Choosing to Buy an SC Insurance Policy

Similar to most states, those who wish to purchase an automobile policy must acquire certain levels of coverage as prescribed by the state. SC’s laws currently require that all motorists that carry car insurance policies must do so with liability limits of no lower than $25,000 for bodily injury caused to one person and $50,000 for bodily injury caused to two or more people; this may include another party’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from an accident where the policyholder was at fault. Additionally, motorists must also carry $25,000 for the property damage of others which could include vehicles, fences, poles, equipment, etc.

In addition, according to the South Carolina Department of Insurance drivers must also carry Uninsured Motorist coverage. This type of protection will cover the insured for bodily injuries in the event that they are involved in a traffic accident where the other motorist does not carry a policy or if victim of a hit-and-run. The limits that must be purchased are the same as the liability limits at $25,000 for bodily injury of one person and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident. Both of the liability and uninsured motorist coverage limits can be raised for added protection for an additional premium.