Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in South Carolina in 2026
South Carolina law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under South Carolina Code of Laws Title 38, Chapter 77, vehicle owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility continuously while operating a motor vehicle in the state. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance throughout South Carolina.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
South Carolina Code Section 38-77-140 establishes that no person shall operate, or permit the operation of, a motor vehicle in South Carolina unless financial responsibility is maintained continuously. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the primary method of demonstrating financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roads, with limited statutory exceptions.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of South Carolina law and may result in suspension of driving privileges, vehicle registration suspension, and reinstatement fees. South Carolina law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections, and failure to provide proof may result in citations and penalties including a $100 reinstatement fee.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
South Carolina Code Section 38-77-140 establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The South Carolina Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. South Carolina requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. South Carolina law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or medical payments coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles. South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum liability coverage amounts.
South Carolina Department of Insurance
1201 Main Street, Suite 1000, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 737-6160
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
South Carolina requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Financial responsibility identification card issued by the insurance company showing policy number, coverage dates, and vehicle information
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
- Policy of liability insurance or declaration page showing current coverage
- Insurance binder providing temporary proof of coverage while the permanent policy is processed
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide the name of their insurance company when registering a vehicle for the first time in South Carolina and every time they renew their vehicle registration.
New South Carolina residents must establish South Carolina insurance coverage and transfer their out-of-state driver license and vehicle registration within 45 days of establishing residency. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy South Carolina registration requirements for residents. New residents must obtain South Carolina insurance before completing vehicle registration.
South Carolina motorists may renew vehicle registrationonline, by mail, or in person at SCDMV branch offices. Registration renewals require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The Department of Motor Vehicles confirms insurance status electronically before processing registration transactions.
