Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements in SC
South Carolina has certain minimum auto insurance requirements for vehicles registered in the state. Minimums may differ based on the type of vehicle, such as commercial or passenger, and whether the vehicle is used for rideshares. It’s always recommended that you contact a dedicated Charleston personal injury lawyer at Wyndham Law Firm with questions about recovering needed car insurance compensation after a motor vehicle accident. Schedule a free, no-risk case consultation today by calling (843) 279-5312 or connecting with us online.
Minimum South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
South Carolina requires passenger vehicle owners, including individuals and corporations, to carry at least three types of auto insurance with certain minimum coverage amounts. You may elect to carry additional or higher-value coverage, but the legal requirements are as follows:
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury insurance covers injuries sustained by other drivers, pedestrians, or passengers due to the insured driver’s negligence. This is liability insurance, meaning it covers other people injured in a crash when you were at fault for the accident. South Carolina requires vehicle owners to carry a minimum $25,000/$50,000 policy. This means the insurance will cover up to $25,000 in damages per injured individual but only up to $50,000 per accident.
Property (Vehicle) Damage
South Carolina also requires vehicle owners to carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage insurance to cover other people’s property damaged in an accident, not your vehicle. Because this is liability-based, you may demand coverage from negligent drivers for damage to your vehicle, expensive items in the vehicle, or bicycles. It also provides coverage if a vehicle runs off the road and damages someone’s home, mailbox, or landscaping.
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Vehicle owners must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage in SC. This policy provides compensation if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident or the driver did not have car insurance. Your personal UM coverage might compensate you for the following:
- Emergency room and ambulance costs
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
It might also provide coverage for future anticipated lost earnings and medical expenses.
Obtaining Insurance Compensation for Car Accident Injuries in South Carolina
Many drivers carry coverage that exceeds state minimums, and corporately owned vehicles might have additional umbrella liability insurance policies. Innocent victims of South Carolina motor vehicle accidents should immediately contact a dedicated personal injury lawyer, who can demand insurance declaration pages to maximize available compensation in your case. Most car accident claims settle with liable insurers, but this often requires experienced attorneys to fight insurance liability determinations and submit demand packages detailing your injuries.
Contact a Dedicated South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you suffered an injury in a South Carolina car accident, do not try to file an insurance claim on your own. Bodily injury adjusters are trained to deny and minimize their insured’s liability and often trick victims into accepting small settlements and waiving valuable personal injury claims. For help recovering auto insurance compensation after a car crash in South Carolina, schedule a free case consultation with the accident injury lawyers at Wyndham Law Firm today by calling (843) 279-5312 or contact us online.