South Carolina Insurance Requirements & Rates
Everything you need to know about insurance requirements, regulations, and average costs in South Carolina — across all 9 insurance types.
Avg. Auto Premium
$1,886/yr
Avg. Home Premium
$2,776/yr
Uninsured Rate
10.9%
Fault System
At-Fault
Insurance Requirements by Type
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Auto Insurance
Min. Liability25/50/25
Fault SystemAt-Fault
UM Required❌ No
PIP Required❌ No
Avg. Premium$1,886/yr
View full auto insurance guide →
🏠
Home Insurance
Avg. Premium$2,776/yr
Flood RiskHigh
Earthquake RiskModerate
Disaster Riskshurricanes, flooding, tornadoes
View full home insurance guide →
❤️
Life Insurance
Median Income$59,318
Life ExpectancyBelow Avg.
Ownership Rate47%
View full life insurance guide →
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Renters Insurance
Renter Population31%
Avg. Monthly Rent$1,050
Landlord Can Require✅ Yes
Avg. Premium$205/yr
View full renters insurance guide →
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Business Insurance
Workers' Comp✅ Required
ExemptionsBusinesses with fewer than 4 employees exempt
Small Businesses500,000
Top IndustriesAutomotive Manufacturing, Tourism
View full business insurance guide →
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Motorcycle Insurance
Helmet LawUnder 21
Lane Splitting❌ Not Legal
Riding SeasonYear-round
Eye Protection✅ Required
Avg. Premium$530/yr
View full motorcycle insurance guide →
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Final Expense Insurance
Senior Pop. (65+)18%
Avg. Funeral Cost$7,400
Medicaid Lookback60 months
View full final expense insurance guide →
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Pet Insurance
Pet Ownership70%
Dog Owners54%
Cat Owners30%
Avg. Vet Visit$58
View full pet insurance guide →
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Health Insurance
Uninsured Rate10.7%
MarketplaceFederal (HC.gov)
Medicaid Expanded❌ No
View full health insurance guide →
Sources: NAIC, NHTSA, FHWA, IRC, FEMA, SBA, Census Bureau, IIHS, AVMA, KFF, CMS, NFDA
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Insurance Agent Guides in South Carolina
Insurance FAQ — South Carolina
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage). South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required but recommended.
What natural disasters affect home insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina homeowners face risks from hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms. The flood risk level is high and earthquake risk is moderate. Separate hurricane deductible in coastal counties. The average annual home insurance premium is $2,776.
What is the motorcycle helmet law in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires riders under 21 to wear helmets. Lane splitting is not legal. Eye protection is required for all riders. The riding season is year-round.
Is workers' compensation insurance required in South Carolina?
Yes, workers' compensation insurance is required in South Carolina. Businesses with fewer than 4 employees exempt. South Carolina has approximately 500,000 small businesses, with top industries including Automotive Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture.
Has South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
No, South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. The state uses the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov. The uninsured rate is 10.7%.
Can landlords require renters insurance in South Carolina?
Yes, landlords in South Carolina can require tenants to carry renters insurance as a condition of the lease. About 31% of South Carolina residents are renters, with average monthly rent of $1,050.
How much life insurance do South Carolina residents need?
With a median household income of $59,318, most South Carolina families should consider 10-12x their annual income in life insurance coverage. South Carolina has below-average life expectancy, making adequate coverage especially important. Currently, 47% of South Carolina households have life insurance.
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