Sanctions from the State of South Carolina are serious if you are caught driving without insurance. You can be jailed for up to 30 days and face a misdemeanor charge that will remain on your driving record permanently. In addition, if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may not be able to recover the full amount of compensation you are asking for. South Carolina law requires that all auto insurance policies sold in the state include coverage for uninsured drivers (UM).
This means that if you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can still receive compensation from the insurance company that insures you or a member of your family. Police officers may ask you to show proof of coverage during routine traffic stops or at the scene of an accident. Collision coverage only applies to your vehicle and does not cover personal injuries you may have suffered during the accident. However, South Carolina does not require drivers to have underinsured motorist coverage, which can include the differences between the total amount of their damages and what the other driver's insurance company will pay. If you are unable to agree with your insurance company on the amount of compensation they are willing to offer, you can submit your claim to binding arbitration. This consists of a panel of judges that will review your case and determine who wins.
You can also avoid more severe penalties by paying the uninsured driver fee or by providing proof of insurance coverage within 20 days. In conclusion, driving without car insurance or paying the annual uninsured motorist fee in South Carolina can result in serious consequences. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may not be able to recover the full amount of compensation you are asking for. However, South Carolina law requires that all auto insurance policies sold in the state include coverage for uninsured drivers (UM).
This means that if you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can still receive compensation from the insurance company that insures you or a member of your family.