Auto Insurance in Charleston & Mount Pleasant, SC

Q: Should I buy underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if it's optional?

Yes, we recommend it for almost every driver. South Carolina requires insurers to offer UIM coverage, but you can decline it in writing, and many drivers do to save a few dollars a month. The problem is that a large share of SC drivers carry only the state minimum liability limits, which often isn't enough to cover a serious injury claim. UIM coverage fills that gap when the at-fault driver's insurance runs out before your medical bills do.

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Need Auto Insurance?

South Carolina requires every driver to carry auto liability insurance and, unlike most states, mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at those same limits — currently 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage). Coastal Insurance Brokers compares rates across 25+ carriers to build coverage that goes beyond the state minimum, matched to how you actually drive in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and the surrounding Lowcountry.

Understanding South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

South Carolina is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for damages after an accident. That makes the right liability limits — not just the state minimum — the most important decision in your policy.

Minimum liability (25/50/25): $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. This is the legal floor, not a recommendation — a single serious accident can easily exceed these limits.

Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, not optional: South Carolina law requires every policy to include UM coverage equal to your liability limits (25/50/25), typically with a $200 deductible. This protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or in a hit-and-run.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: Insurers must offer UIM coverage, but South Carolina does not require you to buy it. We generally recommend it — it covers the gap when the at-fault driver has insurance that isn’t enough to cover your damages.

Total-loss threshold: Under South Carolina law, an insurer can total your vehicle once repair costs reach 75% of its actual cash value.

Ways to lower your premium: multi-vehicle and auto/home bundling discounts, driver education and good-student discounts, anti-theft devices, low-mileage discounts, and a clean driving record all factor into your rate — ask us which ones you qualify for.

Please contact us today, and we’ll compare your options across 25+ carriers to find coverage that fits your budget and protects you beyond the state minimum. Looking for coverage on a motorcycle, golf cart, or boat instead? We’ve also built dedicated guides for motorcycle insurance, golf cart insurance, and boat & watercraft insurance, plus personal umbrella insurance for liability protection beyond your auto policy’s limits.

Auto Insurance FAQ

Answers to the questions Mount Pleasant and Charleston drivers ask us most.

How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?

It depends on how much coverage you carry. Liability-only policies at South Carolina's state minimum (25/50/25) typically run around $55 to $65 a month, while full coverage with collision and comprehensive averages roughly $130 to $200 a month, depending on your driving record, vehicle, and where you live in the Lowcountry. We compare rates across 25+ carriers to find your actual price rather than a generic estimate.

What happens if I'm hit by an uninsured driver?

South Carolina requires every auto policy to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage, typically 25/50/25 with a $200 deductible. If an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes the accident, your UM coverage steps in to pay for your injuries and damage, so you're not left covering the cost yourself.

Should I buy underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage if it's optional?

Yes — we recommend it for almost every driver. South Carolina requires insurers to offer UIM coverage, but you can decline it in writing, and many drivers do to save a few dollars a month. The problem is that a large share of SC drivers carry only the state minimum liability limits, which often isn't enough to cover a serious injury claim. UIM coverage fills that gap when the at-fault driver's insurance runs out before your medical bills do.

When will my insurer total my car after an accident?

South Carolina uses a 75% total-loss threshold: if repair costs reach 75% or more of your vehicle's actual cash value, your insurer will typically declare it a total loss and pay you the ACV rather than fund the repair. This applies whether the damage is from a collision, weather event, or other covered claim, so it's worth understanding your coverage limits and vehicle value before an accident happens.

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We don’t work for an insurance company. We work for you — with local Charleston coastal expertise and honest advice, not a sales quota.

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Not sure what insurance coverage you need?

Our professional agents can provide consultation to make sure you're properly covered from a variety of risks, while still fitting your budget. Call us today at (843) 471-2621 to discuss your insurance needs.

John Cosgrove, Owner and Licensed Insurance Agent at Coastal Insurance Brokers

John Cosgrove
Owner & Principal Insurance Advisor · Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent, South Carolina — License #446274

John Cosgrove is the Owner & Principal Insurance Advisor at Coastal Insurance Brokers, an independent insurance agency serving Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Myrtle Beach, and communities throughout South Carolina's coast. A licensed South Carolina Property & Casualty agent since 2009 (License #446274).

Reviewed by John Cosgrove. Last Updated: July 19, 2026

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