South Carolina Auto Insurance Information - Charleston, South Carolina

Mandatory Minimum Level of Coverage

Current South Carolina law requires that at the time a driver's license is issued for the first time and a driver's license is renewed, drivers must certify on the driver's license application (DL 447) that they are insured by an automobile liability policy.

You must carry the minimum insurance also for uninsured motorist.  However, you have the option of whether or not to purchase underinsured coverage.   You can also choose whether you want only liability insurance or whether you want "full coverage" or "collision."  Only full coverage will cover you in the event that you are at fault.  It is important that you discuss with your agent what the appropriate coverages and minimums are for your needs. Presently, the minimum limits for South Carolina are:

• Bodily Injury
  - $25,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident
  - $50,000 for all persons in any one accident


• Property Damage
  - $25,000 for any one accident

Other Important Notes

• A company can refuse to insure you as long as they do not do so for certain, protected reasons. You must shop around to find a company that will insure you. If you cannot find a company to insure you, then you will need to contact the Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) at 1-803-779-0092.
  
  
• Automobile liability insurance can be canceled if you failed to pay your premiums on time and for any reason during the first 90 days of a new policy.  Note there is no grace period for failure to pay auto insurance.
  
  
• If you purchased comprehensive insurance in South Carolina, your insurance will cover a broken windshield with no deductible.  Be sure to report a broken windshield promptly.
  
  
• The law requires that your insurance company notify you at least 15 days prior to expiration of your policy. Most companies mail renewal notices 30-45 days before the policy renewal effective date.
  
  
• In general, insurance companies should pay all claims in a prompt and reasonable amount of time. However, what constitutes "prompt and reasonable" may vary from claim to claim. Claims that require a special or extended investigation or ongoing medical treatment may take longer to resolve. Inclement weather conditions often cause an increase in the number of claims filed, and that can slow the process down as well.
  
  
• Your insurance company has the option to take title to your auto when it issues payment for total loss of your vehicle. The insurer is entitled to any salvage value your auto may have. You can, of course,retain the salvage by negotiating with your company on the salvaged value of your auto. The Department of Motor Vehicles, in these cases, requires the insurer to attain your title from you and send it to them. The Department of Motor Vehicles will reissue it to you withsalvage on the title.
  
  
• There is no hard and fast way to determine what your used vehicle is worth.  Note that the Blue Book is only a guide. The company is required to pay you what your vehicle was actually worth (as a used car) the moment before the crash. The adjuster will find out how much used cars like yours (same make, model, year, and mileage) are going for in your area and will make an offer.
  
  
• If your car needs repairs, you can have it repaired wherever you choose.  But no matter what shop you choose, the adjuster will base your claim payment on market price for the repairs and pay the local average rates for parts & labor.
  
  
• When the claim is against the other driver's company, the other driver's company is required by law to reimburse your loss of use for what is reasonable and necessary.However, some insurers will do a direct bill with a rental car company.  If the car is totaled, many companies pay for your rental or reimburse you until a settlement has been offered.
  
  

If your car is collateral for a loan, the insurance company may put the bank’s name on a check for fixing your car.  This is because your car is collateral for your loan, and the bank (or whoever is financing the car) has an interest in making sure the money is used to repair the car and not for something else. In most situations, you have listed yourfinancial institution as leinholder per their requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding South Carolina Auto Insurance

What Happens If I Don't Carry Auto Insurance?
Owners are required to provide proof that the vehicle being operated is insured. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and unable to provide proof that the vehicle you are operating is insured, you may be issued a citation and be subject to imprisonment.

What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I have registered in South Carolina?
Your insurance company will send you a Proof of Insurance card listing the covered automobiles and drivers and showing the policy number and expiration date. Your policy or a temporary binder is also acceptable evidence of insurance.

How Do I Prove I Have Insurance?
Failure of the owner to submit verification that the vehicle is currently insured or advise the department of the current disposition, will result in the suspension of the vehicle plate/registration. If suspended, the owner may be required to pay a reinstatement fee up to $400.00.

Can a family member’s poor driving record affect my insurance premiums or insurability even if I have a clean driving record?
Yes, if that family member is a resident of your household or customarily operates a vehicle that you own.

South Carolina law now allows me to legally drive uninsured if I pay an annual fee of $550. Where do I pay the fee and what is the money used for?
The fee is paid to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. It is used to offset the costs of uninsured motorist coverage and to provide education programs for South Carolina consumers. There are more requirements to be eligible to drive uninsured; contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance for more information.

Why did an insurance company deny me coverage?
Since 1999, insurance companies in South Carolina do not have to provide coverage to all motorists. However, they cannot discriminate on the basis of race, religion, etc. In addition, an insurance company cannot non-renew your automobile insurance policy solely on the basis of any one of the following factors:

1. Lawful occupation, including military service;


2. Lack of driving experience or the number of years of driving experience;


3. Lack of supporting business or lack of the potential for acquiring such business;


4. One or more accidents or violations that occurred more than 36 months immediately preceding the upcoming anniversary date;


5. One or more claims submitted under the uninsured motorists’ coverage of the policy where the uninsured motorist is known or there is evidence of physical contact;


6. One claim by an insured under the medical payments coverage or medical expense coverage due to an accident for which the insured was neither wholly nor partially at fault;


7. One or more claims submitted under the comprehensive or towing coverages under certain specific conditions;


8. Two or fewer motor vehicle accidents within a 36 month period unless the accident was caused either wholly or partially by the named insured, a resident of the same household, or customary operator.

Insurers may refuse to renew policies for false or fraudulent claims. An insurance company may also modify comprehensive and towing coverages at the time of renewal under certain circumstances.

If you have been denied coverage for one of these reasons, you can contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

Additional Resources for South Carolina Residents

South Carolina Department of Insurance
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
The Official State of South Carolina website
South Carolina Highway Patrol
South Carolina Department of Transportation
A.M. Best - Provides an independent rating of insurance companies
4 Safe Drivers - A valuable insurance resource where you can get a copy of your motor vehicle driving record (there is a fee).

Car Purchasing Sites

Intellichoice - Compare your vehicle against others.
Car Financing - Get a loan quote on-line, calculate your payments, and other insurance resources.

Automobile Recall Information

Vehicle Recalls - The National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) maintains a list of recalled vehicles.
Car Seat Recalls - The NHTSA also maintains a list of recalled child car seats. Make sure your child is safe.

Safety Sites

AAA Foundation for Safety
Crash test results
Highway Loss Data Institute
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
National Highway Safety Institute
National Seat Belt Coalition

FREE CONSULTATION

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or due to the negligence of a medical care provider, contact a South Carolina accident lawyer at the Bostic Law Firm today. Our office is located in Charleston, but we represent clients from many areas, including North Charleston, Mt Pleasant, Ravenel, Hollywood, Goose Creek, Monks Corner, Summerville, Hampton County, Colleton County, Berkeley County, Dorchester County ,Beaufort, Jasper County, Columbia, Daniel Island, Sumter, Aiken, Greenville, Walterboro, Hanahan, James Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Island, Johns Island, Rantowles, Edisto, Jericho, Osborn, Wadmalaw Island, Yonges Island, Meggett, Adams Run, Walterboro, Rockville, Kiawah, Seabrook, Chester, Lincolnville, Ladson, Horry County, Spartanburg, and others. Complete a FREE Online Consultation Form or call us today.

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