Uninsured motorists are a significant issue that is only getting worse. The bottom line is that insured drivers foot the bill for uninsured drivers to the tune of billions (yes, billions) per year. That makes it illegal to drive without car insurance in South Carolina.
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in South Carolina?
All states have enacted legislation to reduce the issue by making it more difficult and costly for drivers to drive without car insurance in South Carolina. If you drive without car insurance in South Carolina, or if you’re thinking about dropping your insurance to save a few bucks, it’s time to learn about the penalties for driving without insurance in the state.
South Carolina mandates that all drivers maintain a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage at all times. The current minimums are $25000 per person for injury or death, $50000 for all persons involved in a single accident, and $25000 for property damage.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance and registration in SC?
The state will seize your car’s registration and license plates if you are found driving for the first time without insurance or the $550 uninsured motorist fee. By paying the uninsured motorist fee or presenting documentation of insurance coverage within 20 days, you can avoid severe penalties.
What to expect if you don’t have car insurance
South Carolina uses the Automobile Insurance Liability Reporting System (AILR). This is how AILR works: When you cancel your car insurance in South Carolina, your former car insurance company will send an electronic cancellation notice to the DMV. Once that happens, the DMV will send you a notice giving you 20 business days to provide proof of current insurance coverage. If you’ve changed insurers without a lapse in coverage, there’s no need to worry. Just forward the letter to your new insurance company, and they can contact the DMV on your behalf.
But if you fail to respond within the 20-day window, you’re likely to face consequences. Your license plate and vehicle registration may be suspended, and your driving privileges could be revoked. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid the penalties if you miss the deadline. First and foremost, you must buy new insurance and provide proof of coverage to the DMV. Then you’ll have to pay reinstatement fees of up to $400.
What happens when you drive without car insurance?
Your driver’s license will be suspended (if it hasn’t already been) and will stay suspended until you pay a $550 uninsured motorist fee and have the insurance provider file an SR-22 form for the next three years. If you’re caught driving a car you don’t own, your license will be revoked for thirty days, and you’ll have to pay a $100 reinstatement charge.
Uninsured and in an accident
Apart from the state’s fines, there’s the issue of being involved in an accident where you are at fault. These accidents can result in property damage and personal injury. The costs of property loss, and, more specifically, the costs of severe personal injury, can be staggering. Paying for your accident victims’ injuries can wipe out a lifetime’s worth of savings in a moment.
What is the average car insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina drivers pay an average of $321 per month and $3741 per year for car insurance. South Carolina is the ninth most expensive state in the country for car insurance rates. This is 28% higher than the national average. When deciding the cost of their policies, South Carolina auto insurers consider a variety of factors, such as age, credit history, driving record, and location. Way.com listed the best auto insurance companies in the state based on affordability, customer loyalty, financial power, and other factors. The rankings on Way.com will assist you in locating the most reliable quotes and appropriate coverage choices.
Comparing car insurance rates from some of South Carolina’s most well-known companies could save you up to $528. A liability-only policy is the most cost-effective choice for drivers looking for inexpensive auto insurance in South Carolina.
This type of insurance meets only the minimum requirements set by the state.
In South Carolina, the most affordable minimum coverage auto insurance is offered by USAA at an average of $522 per year—though it’s available only to military members and their families.
On the other hand, Nationwide has the highest average rate for minimum coverage in the state, costing around $771 annually.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
