In South Carolina, like most states, drivers must meet minimum coverage requirements to legally operate a motor vehicle. But when a crash happens, is minimum car insurance coverage really enough to protect you from financial responsibility, medical expenses, and property damages?
Many assume that complying with the minimum requirement means they’re fully protected. Unfortunately, real-world costs often exceed these liability limits, putting both the fault driver and the injured party in a financially vulnerable position.
South Carolina’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
By law, South Carolina drivers must carry automobile liability insurance that includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 for liability per accident (if multiple people are injured)
- $25,000 for property damage liability coverage
In addition, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory at the same coverage per person and coverage per accident limits. This helps protect you from uninsured drivers and hit-and-run drivers.
Optional but highly recommended is underinsured motorist coverage, which can be a lifeline in serious wrecks. Many drivers add underinsured motorist property damage and motorist bodily protections for comprehensive security.
When Minimum Insurance Isn’t Enough
1. Medical Bills Add Up Quickly
Even a short ER visit can result in thousands in medical treatment costs. If someone suffers a concussion, broken bones, or long-term injuries, the medical expenses could easily exceed $100,000. Unfortunately, minimum limits fall short of covering these expenses.
2. Vehicle Damage Is Costly
The average cost of car repairs after an accident can be more than $10,000, especially for newer models. If multiple vehicles are involved, the property damage liability coverage limit of $25,000 may not go far. Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage offer added protection.
3. Personal Asset Risk
If you’re the fault driver and your insurance policy limit is reached, the remaining compensation may be claimed from your personal assets, including your home or savings. That’s the price of inadequate coverage.
Common Types of Additional Protection
To safeguard against financial ruin, consider these types of insurance coverages:
- Underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by an underinsured driver.
- Medical payments coverage: Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage from non-collision events like theft or weather.
Together, these form part of what’s called optional coverage.
The Risk from Other Drivers
Even if you’re fully covered, you could still suffer if someone else isn’t. Many South Carolina drivers only carry the minimum. When an underinsured driver causes a serious wreck, you may be forced to rely on your own underinsured motorist property damage and motorist bodily coverage to recover.
And if you’re injured by an uninsured driver, the same risk applies. That’s why uninsured motorist property damage, underinsured motorists, and bodily injury coverage protection are so important.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Insufficient Coverage
Choosing low insurance limits can lead to:
- Legal action against you
- Seizure of personal assets
- Poor credit rating
- Wage garnishment
- Difficulty getting an insurance quote from another insurance company or auto insurer
This can ultimately result in long-term damage to your finances and reputation.
What’s the Alternative?
Rather than gambling with adequate insurance, consider increasing your bodily injury coverage, motorist property damage coverage, and auto insurance coverage. This also better protects against expenses like:
- Loss of income
- Ongoing medical care
- Health insurance deductible gaps
You might also benefit from a single limit policy, which provides protection per accident without splitting limits between individuals.
Debunking Myths About State Minimum Coverage
“It’s cheaper.”
Yes, in the short term. But when a crash happens, it could cost you hundreds of thousands.
“I’m careful, so I don’t need more.”
Even the safest drivers can be involved in accidents caused by negligent drivers or fault-based coverage situations.
“My insurance agent didn’t say I need more.”
It’s your responsibility to review your policy , not just rely on what the insurance agent suggests.
Policy Review Checklist
Make sure to:
- Review your auto insurance policies for coverage type and insurance liability coverage.
- Ask your insurance carrier about adding or increasing underinsured motorist coverage.
- Consider the full cost of a crash: actual cash value of the car, hospital bills, death per accident, and more.
Real South Carolina Case Scenarios
Scenario 1: Multi-Car Wreck in Myrtle Beach
An uninsured driver crashes into two vehicles. Damage totals exceed $70,000. With only minimum coverage requirements, the driver’s insurance company pays out $25,000. The rest? The injured parties sue.
Scenario 2: Pedestrian Injury in Columbia
A pedestrian suffers a spinal injury. Medical expenses reach $120,000. The underinsured driver only has $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage. Without underinsured motorist coverage, the pedestrian might never recover the difference.
Minimum Coverage Is Legal , But Rarely Enough
Just meeting the requirement of insurance doesn’t mean you’re protected. Consider that:
- Auto accident victims often suffer accident injuries far above what minimum coverage requirements pay.
- The insurance company liable only pays up to your auto insurance policy limit.
- In many cases, a lack of additional protection leads to long-term financial harm.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm represents injury victims across South Carolina, including Charleston, Aiken, North Augusta, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Greenville. We handle cases involving auto accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and serious injuries. We’re committed to helping you recover , legally and financially , from devastating events caused by another’s negligence.
We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
