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
State Requirements
The state operates a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system: teens get a learner's permit at 15, a restricted license at 15 years and 6 months (requiring supervised driving for 180 days and passing tests), and a full license at 17 after one year restriction-free. South Carolina law mandates that all insurers offer a good student discount to teen drivers maintaining a B average or better, making it one of the most accessible premium reduction tools for parents.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$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
- Graduated licensing stage: Teens on a learner's permit or restricted license may qualify for lower rates than those with a full license if they're listed as occasional drivers with limited access to the vehicle, though this varies by insurer and requires documentation of driving restrictions.
Add Your Teen Without Doubling Your Bill
Compare Teen Driver 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the graduated licensing restrictions for teen drivers in South Carolina?
South Carolina issues a learner's permit at age 15, a restricted license at 15 years and 6 months (after 180 days of supervised driving and passing tests), and a full license at age 17 after one year with no violations. During the restricted phase, teens cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergencies, and passenger restrictions apply. These restrictions can affect insurance rates, as some insurers offer lower premiums for permit holders listed as occasional drivers.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance (Higher Limits)
South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums are inadequate for a teen driver. Increasing to 100/300/100 costs an extra $15–$40/month and protects family assets if your teen causes a serious accident.
Collision Coverage (If Vehicle is Financed)
Repairs or replaces your teen's vehicle after an at-fault accident. Required by lenders if the car is financed or leased; optional if the vehicle is paid off and worth less than $4,000.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your family when a driver with no insurance hits your teen. South Carolina requires insurers to offer this coverage, though you can reject it in writing.
Comprehensive Coverage
Handles theft, vandalism, weather damage, and deer strikes. Usually inexpensive ($10–$30/month) and worth keeping even on older vehicles if the teen parks outdoors or drives in rural areas.
Good Student Discount (Legally Required)
South Carolina law mandates that all insurers offer a discount to students with a B average or higher. This discount typically reduces premiums by 15–25% and is available to high school and college students.
Telematics / Usage-Based Programs
Smartphone apps or plug-in devices that monitor your teen's driving habits (speed, braking, nighttime driving) and offer discounts for safe behavior. Can reduce premiums by 15–30% for cautious drivers.