South Carolina is one of a couple of states that will allow you to drive without insurance by paying a fee. If you are able to pay $500 to the Department of Public Safety, you can legally operate your car without purchasing insurance. However, although this might save you money on insurance premiums, it won't help you in the event of an accident. If you're cited for causing an accident, the damages and injury costs will all come out of your pocket. Imagine paying $500,000 for damages rather than just paying $100 a month or less for auto insurance in South Carolina.

If you are wise enough to purchase the required insurance, these are the minimum coverage amounts you will need: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injury coverage, and $25,000 property damage coverage per accident.

The insurance rates you pay will be determined based on your driving record and the type of car you're insuring, among other factors. By shopping around and comparing quotes, you can find an affordable auto insurance policy for your needs. You should also consider purchasing more insurance than required, because if you don't have enough coverage, you can still face legal problems and out-of-pocket expenses as a result of an accident.

There are discounts available for auto insurance in South Carolina. Some available discounts include:

•     Good student
•     Good driver
•     Multiple vehicle
•     Multiple policy
•     Vehicle safety features (airbags, anti-theft systems, etc.)

Check with your agent to see which discounts are available to you. With these discounts and quote comparisons, you might be able to afford more insurance than you originally thought.