South Carolina Auto Insurance
South Carolina automobile insurance provides essential protection against personal liability and lawsuit in case of an accident. But finding the right, affordable policy can sometimes be difficult.
That’s where InsureMe comes in. We’ve been helping consumers like you find the South Carolina auto insurance policy best fitting their needs since 1993. We’ll get you up to five competitive quotes from leading insurers who can tailor your auto insurance policy to your needs.
Protect yourself with South Carolina auto insurance before you hop in your car. Act today!
The South Carolina Auto Insurance Marketplace
State law allows you to legally drive without South Carolina auto insurance. However, if you do so and cause an accident, you may find yourself financially responsible for the other driver’s losses, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to the accident. This is because South Carolina is a “tort” state, which means the person not at fault in an accident may pursue an insurance claim against the party who caused it.
South Carolina auto insurance protects you from the burdens you might face if you are involved in an accident. It also pays for your defense in any associated lawsuit or claim filed against you.
South Carolina auto insurance companies do not have to insure you. They have the authority to make this decision based on your claims risk. But if you have a good driving record, put a limited number of miles on your car, take a driver’s education course and/or live in a suburban area, you should be able to purchase the South Carolina auto insurance protection you need.
Minimum Limits
Minimum South Carolina auto insurance limits for liability and uninsured motorist coverage are referred to as 15/30/10. This means you must carry at least $15,000 bodily injury per person; $30,000 bodily injury per accident and $10,000 property damage per accident.
You are not required to purchase underinsured motorist coverage.
Know Your Rights
Knowing and understanding your rights concerning your South Carolina auto insurance policy can save you a lot of time and heartache, should you need to file a claim. Take note of these rights and keep them where you can find them, should you need to:
- A South Carolina auto insurance provider may not refuse to cover you for reasons of race, income level, national origin, marital status or military service.
- If your policy has been in effect for 90 days or more, your insurance company may not cancel your policy for the remainder of the term unless you don’t pay the premium on time or you have your license suspended or revoked.
- If your policy is cancelled, your South Carolina auto insurance company must give you written notice telling you why you are being cancelled or nonrenewed.
- Your auto insurer may not nonrenew your policy based solely on military service, a lack of driving experience, a claim from an accident that is not your fault, or violations or accidents occurring more than three years previously.
Shopping for Auto Insurance
When you start your search for South Carolina auto insurance, be prepared to give the following information to each insurance agent or company for an accurate quote:
- A complete description of your vehicle and how it is used
- Your driver’s license number
- The types of coverage and limits you need
- Information concerning your driving record
- Accident claims information
- Proof of previous insurance
- Proof of vehicle ownership
Keep in mind that different insurance companies charge different amounts for the same coverage. So compare costs and coverage, ask about any discounts which may help bring your premiums down, give yourself plenty of time to shop around before your renewal date, and make the most informed South Carolina auto insurance purchase possible.
What Affects Your Rates
South Carolina auto insurance companies base premiums on a variety of factors. Your premium consists of a base rate, plus or minus certain amounts reflecting your age, driving pattern, marital status, claims history and location, as well as your car’s make, model and year.
Insurance premiums are calculated not only according to your own record, but also according to the records of other drivers living in your household. This includes other family members and roommates. So keep this in mind when looking for your South Carolina auto insurance.
Age
Statistics show that drivers under the age of 30 have more accidents than the remainder of the population. Thus, younger drivers (and households containing younger drivers) tend to have higher insurance premiums.
Driving Pattern
The more you drive your car, the higher your rates will be. This includes both miles driven to and from work and those driven for “pleasure.”
Marital Status
Married couples tend to have fewer accidents than single persons. Rates reflect this difference.
Claims History
The more claims you have had, the higher your rates will likely be. Most companies apply a surcharge to drivers who have a history of accidents.
Location
Both a high number of accidents and a high crime rate within an area can raise comprehensive premiums. South Carolina auto insurance companies are allowed to base premium rates on addresses, even though you may drive to other areas.
Get the insurance you need now!
Driving without South Carolina auto insurance is simply not wise. But neither is spending a lot of valuable time calling auto insurance agents and looking for the protection you need.
Submit your information today, and let InsureMe find you just what you need. We’re waiting to help you!
