Whether you’re a seasoned biker cruising through the Blue Ridge Mountains or a new rider exploring Charleston’s coastal roads, understanding South Carolina’s motorcycle insurance laws is crucial. Not only does it keep you legal, but it also protects you in case the unexpected happens.
At GTA Law Riders, our motorcycle accident lawyers in South Carolina are all about helping motorcyclists ride smart and stay protected. Here’s what you need to know about insurance requirements in South Carolina, including answers to some common questions.
Is South Carolina a No-Fault State?
No, South Carolina is not a no-fault state. South Carolina follows a fault-based system when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. This means the driver (or rider) found at fault in an accident is financially responsible for damages. So, if you’re involved in an accident that someone else caused, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
On the other hand, if you cause the accident, you could be held liable for the other person’s medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Insurance companies will investigate who is at fault, and that determination will impact claims and payouts.
Because motorcycles can lead to more severe injuries in crashes, carrying adequate insurance isn’t just smart — it could be the difference between manageable recovery and financial disaster.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires all motorcycle owners to carry liability insurance. As of the most recent regulations, your policy must at least include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Additionally, all riders are required to carry $25,000 per person in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and $25,000 per accident in uninsured motorist property damage coverage. These are the minimums, but many riders choose higher limits or additional coverage to better protect themselves.
How Long Do You Have to Get Insurance After Buying a Motorcycle?
When you purchase a motorcycle, getting insurance isn’t something you can put off — it’s a crucial step that needs to happen immediately. Most states, including South Carolina, require proof of insurance before you can register the motorcycle or legally take it on the road.
Consequences For Riding Without Insurance
As exciting as buying a new bike, hitting the open road without insurance can have serious legal and financial consequences. In South Carolina, as in many other states, riding without insurance is against the law. If you’re caught riding uninsured, you could face:
- Hefty fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Impoundment of your motorcycle
- Increased insurance rates in the future
If you already have an auto insurance policy, check with your insurer to see if they offer a grace period to cover your motorcycle under your existing policy. Typically, this grace period only lasts a few days and is not guaranteed. The coverage (if available) is often limited, so it’s essential to check directly with your insurer to understand whether a grace period applies and what type of coverage is included.
Keep in mind that this grace period is more commonly extended for additional vehicles, not for motorcycles, if you don’t already have a motorcycle endorsement or coverage on your policy.
What Type of Coverage Do You Need?
At a minimum, most states require liability coverage, which pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident. However, you may want to consider additional protection like:
- Collision coverage – for damage to your bike in an accident
- Comprehensive coverage – for non-collision-related incidents (theft, fire, vandalism, etc.)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) – in case someone with little or no insurance hits you
We cannot emphasize enough that, as motorcyclists, choosing the highest available amount for underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is strongly encouraged. The injuries from a motorcycle collision are often severe and require expensive treatment that you want to be certain you’ll have the coverage to address. The legal lowest required amounts are often insufficient to cover medical expenses involving motorcycle collisions. So, speak to you broker to ensure you’ve purchased sufficient coverage.
If you recently bought a motorcycle, don’t wait to buy insurance coverage. You should contact your insurance provider the same day you purchase your bike, or even beforehand if you know what you’re buying. Securing coverage early ensures you’re legal, protected, and ready to ride with peace of mind.
Ride Legal. Ride Protected.
Motorcycles offer a sense of freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility. At GTA Law Riders, our motorcycle accident attorneys are riders like you, and we’re here to help South Carolina motorcyclists stay on the right side of the law and be prepared for whatever the road brings. Whether you need legal guidance after an accident or have questions about your rights as a rider, we’ve got your back.
