South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
South Carolina requires all drivers to carry liability insurance: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage.
Driving uninsured in South Carolina means fines up to $300, license suspension, and registration suspension. You must show proof of insurance when stopped by police.
Your insurance card or digital proof on your phone counts as verification.
Can Immigrants Get a License in South Carolina?
South Carolina does NOT currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver license regardless of immigration status.
You must have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN to qualify for a South Carolina license. Check the full list of states allowing licenses at https://www.ncsl.org/transportation/states-that-allow-unauthorized-immigrants-to-get-a-drivers-license
If you cannot get a SC license, you may be eligible in another state if you have residency there. Some immigrants use this option legally.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in South Carolina
Many major insurers accept ITIN numbers in South Carolina as an alternative to SSN. These include national companies and regional insurers. Always call ahead and ask: "Do you accept ITIN for car insurance?"
Non-standard insurers often have more flexible requirements and accept ITIN. Rates vary widely - get quotes from at least 3 companies.
You do not need a valid US driver license to buy insurance in South Carolina. Insurance companies only verify you can legally own a vehicle.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in South Carolina
Keep your insurance card with you at all times. Police stops are routine traffic checks - having insurance protects you legally.
Insurance companies are NOT immigration enforcement. Buying insurance does not share your information with ICE. Your data is protected by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security/gramm-leach-bliley-act
If you have an ITIN, get one from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $15,000 | Covers injuries you cause |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $30,000 | Total per accident limit |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Covers damage you cause |
| Uninsured Motorist | Optional | Highly recommended |
| Underinsured Motorist | Optional | Protects you if at-fault driver underinsured |
📋 Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Insurance companies accept ITINs. Get one from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number
No. South Carolina does not issue driver licenses to undocumented immigrants. You need legal status or a valid visa to qualify for a SC license.
South Carolina requires: 25,000 bodily injury per person, 50,000 per accident, 25,000 property damage.
These are liability minimums only.
State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and SCPIP (South Carolina Personal Injury Protection Plan) work with ITIN holders. Rates vary—get quotes from multiple companies.
No. South Carolina requires a valid US or SC driver license to buy insurance. A foreign license alone will not work.
Yes. Insurance companies are NOT immigration enforcement. Your data is protected by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Buying insurance does NOT trigger ICE reports.
You cannot legally drive without a license in South Carolina. Explore getting an ITIN and speaking to the SC DMV about options, or use rideshare services instead.
No. Insurance companies ask for ID and driving history—not immigration status. You do not have to disclose it.