Car insurance in South Carolina, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It protects your car from dents, and it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, South Carolina car insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Palmetto State" should have; it's something they must have.

Auto insurance in South Carolina doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in South Carolina, you need auto insurance in South Carolina. Here's what kind and how much, according to South Carolina state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in South Carolina, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage; collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in South Carolina must include BIL coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in South Carolina must include PDL coverage of at least $25,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a South Carolina auto insurance quote online

For a car insurance quote South Carolina drivers should start on the Internet. Available from all major South Carolina car insurance agencies, online quotes offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: To get auto insurance quotes, South Carolina drivers should consult websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit a South Carolina auto insurance quote from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in South Carolina and all provide competitive South Carolina auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in South Carolina are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in South Carolina.

Get car insurance in South Carolina from local and regional companies

In South Carolina, car insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance, South Carolina drivers should try South Carolina-based companies like South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance and Anderson Insurance Associates. Also consider local programs, like the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in South Carolina.

Use an independent agent to find SC auto insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in South Carolina via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in South Carolina, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina website.

Choose South Carolina auto insurance agencies that you can trust

Before doing business with South Carolina car insurance agencies, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on South Carolina car insurance agencies. Another good resource is the South Carolina Department of Insurance, which licenses South Carolina auto insurance agencies and compiles statistics on complaints against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum South Carolina car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Driving without auto insurance in South Carolina is a misdemeanor; penalties for drivers who don't have South Carolina car insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as cash fines.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better South Carolina car insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in South Carolina.