Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). 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.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
Teen driver insurance costs in South Carolina are driven primarily by age, driving experience, and the vehicle assigned to the teen. South Carolina's mandated good student discount and widely available telematics programs provide the most significant cost reduction opportunities for parents adding a teen to their policy. Rates also vary significantly by location—urban areas like Charleston and Columbia typically see higher premiums than rural counties due to accident frequency and theft rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Good student discount (mandated by South Carolina law): Reduces premiums by 10–20% for any driver under 25 who maintains a B average or better. Parents must provide proof of GPA or honor roll status to the insurer—this discount is not applied automatically.
- Telematics programs: Usage-based insurance programs from major carriers operating in South Carolina can reduce rates by 15–30% for safe driving behavior. 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. A 16-year-old driving a 10-year-old sedan may add $200/mo to a parent's policy, while the same teen driving a 2-year-old SUV may add $400/mo.
- Driver training discount: Completing a state-approved driver education course can reduce premiums by 5–15% with most South Carolina insurers. 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.
See what adding a teen driver actually costs in your state
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage 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.
