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South Carolina: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 11 topic we track for South Carolina on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how South Carolina compares.
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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Personal injury | 3 years |
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| Property damage | 3 years |
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| Minimum liability | $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000 |
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| Fault system | At-fault (the driver who caused it pays) |
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| Shared-fault rule | Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more |
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| Acknowledge | No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness |
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| Accept or deny | Prompt investigation; no fixed number of days |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Dollar limit | $7,500 (magistrates court) |
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| Filing fee | $80 |
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| Lawyers | Allowed |
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| Total loss rule | 75% of actual cash value |
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| Rule | Strict liability |
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| Details | Strict liability for bites and attacks |
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| Rule | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are 51% or more at fault |
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| Report required if | Death, injury, or over $1,000 damage |
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| Deadline | 15 days |
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| Handheld ban | Yes, all drivers (from Sept. 2025; tickets from March 2026) |
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| Texting ban | Yes, primary |
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| Law type | Partial |
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| Who must wear one | Riders under 21 |
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| Drivers uninsured | 10.3% |
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| UM/UIM coverage | Uninsured motorist required |
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