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. This is among the lowest in the nation.
Driving without insurance in South Carolina means license suspension, fines up to $500, and possible jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded. Getting caught uninsured is serious.
If you cause an accident without insurance, you are personally liable for all damages. Victims can sue you directly for medical bills and repairs.
Can Immigrants Get a License in South Carolina?
South Carolina does NOT issue driver licenses to undocumented immigrants. You must prove legal residency or have a valid visa to get a SC license.
If you have a valid foreign driver license and valid visa or immigration status, you can apply at your local DMV with passport, proof of SC residency, and Social Security number or ITIN letter.
Without a SC license, you cannot legally drive. Some immigrants use an international driving permit (IDP) with their foreign license, but this does not satisfy SC insurance requirements. You still need to buy insurance as the driver.
Best Insurance Options for Immigrants in South Carolina
Many major insurers in South Carolina accept ITIN numbers instead of SSN: Geico, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive. Rates vary—get quotes from multiple companies.
If you have no US license, some insurers will insure you if you have a valid foreign license and proof of SC residency. Always ask the agent directly if they accept your documents.
SC has no state-run insurer of last resort for high-risk drivers. If rejected by standard insurers, ask agents about non-standard (high-risk) carriers that operate in SC.
Tips for Immigrant Drivers in South Carolina
Buying car insurance in South Carolina does NOT report you to ICE. Insurance companies are not immigration enforcement. Your data is protected by federal privacy law (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act).
Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. SC police conduct traffic stops and vehicle inspections. If stopped, you must show insurance proof, vehicle registration, and ID.
Document everything: your insurance policy number, agent contact, and policy dates. If you are in an accident, call police and your insurer immediately.
Contact SC Department of Motor Vehicles with questions: they have resources about licensing and insurance requirements.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $15,000 | Covers injuries you cause to others |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $30,000 | Total per accident limit |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to other vehicles or property |
| Uninsured Motorist | Not required | Optional but recommended |
| Underinsured Motorist | Not required | Optional but recommended |
| PIP/Medical Payments | Not required | No-fault state exemption |
📋 Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
可以。南卡罗来纳州保险公司接受ITIN (国税局个人税号)代替SSN。告诉保险公司你有ITIN。保险公司不是移民执法部门，不会报告你。
不提供。南卡罗来纳州只向有法律居住身份的人发放驾照。查看你的州DMV网站了解其他选项。
责任保险最低：身体伤害15,000美元，财产损害5,000美元，未保险驾驶人15,000美元。与保险公司确认当前要求。
国家农民互助保险、州农场、好事达等主要公司接受ITIN。获取报价比较价格。许多公司在线报价无需SSN。
可以。许多保险公司接受国际驾驶许可证或翻译的外国驾照。告诉保险公司你有什么证件。