Teen Driver Insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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South Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
15
Minimum learner's permit age, 40 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
Teen drivers must complete a graduated licensing program: a learner's permit at age 15, an intermediate restricted license at age 15½ (with passenger and nighttime restrictions), and a full license at age 17 after holding the intermediate license for at least one year. South Carolina Code of Laws Section 38-77-350 mandates that all insurers licensed in the state offer a good student discount to any driver under age 25 who maintains a B average or better.
Liability Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Full Coverage
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$397–$535/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, adding a driver aged 16–19 to a parent's policy
Rate data: Insurify and ValuePenguin, 2025
What Affects Your Rate
- Parents must provide proof of GPA or honor roll status to the insurer—this discount is not applied automatically.
- Teen drivers who avoid hard braking, excessive speed, and late-night driving see the largest discounts.
- Vehicle type: Assigning the teen to an older, lower-value vehicle on the policy rather than a newer or high-performance car can reduce the collision and comprehensive premiums significantly.
- The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides a list of approved courses, and the discount typically applies for three years.
- Bundling and multi-car discounts: Parents who already bundle home and auto insurance or insure multiple vehicles often see smaller incremental rate increases when adding a teen driver compared to single-policy households.
- Location within South Carolina: Teen drivers in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville face higher rates than those in smaller cities like Sumter or Anderson due to higher traffic density, accident frequency, and comprehensive claims from theft and vandalism.
Cover Your New Driver for Less
Compare Teen Driver Insurance RatesRules for new drivers
Night driving
6pm-6am EST / 8pm-6am EDT
Passengers
no more than 2 passengers younger than 21
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage the teen driver causes to others. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimum is the legal floor, not a recommended amount for families with assets to protect.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Protects the teen and family if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. South Carolina requires insurers to offer this coverage, but drivers can reject it.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to the teen's vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault, minus the deductible. Optional unless the vehicle is financed or leased.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Also optional unless the vehicle is financed.
Medical Payments Coverage
Pays medical expenses for the teen driver and passengers regardless of fault, typically in amounts of $1,000–$10,000. Optional in South Carolina.
Rental Reimbursement
Pays for a rental car while the teen's vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim. Optional coverage, typically $20–$40/day for a limited number of days.