No matter how often you use your car, you want to make sure it’s protected as much as possible before you hit the road. You may have heard the term “full coverage” in association with car insurance before, and it can be tempting to ask for this option. However, “full coverage” really isn’t a standard industry term.

Fortunately South Carolina independent insurance agents can help you get your vehicle fully protected regardless. They’ll work with you to find the best coverage for your needs, and make sure you walk away with all the car insurance required to keep your ride safe. But first, here’s a closer look at what really constitutes full coverage.

What’s Included in Full Coverage Car Insurance in South Carolina?

Again, “full coverage” car insurance in South Carolina is actually just a slang term used by the public, not officially by the insurance industry. Since asking for “full coverage” is essentially meaningless, it’s important to address what would actually constitute complete protection for your vehicle. You’ll want to work closely with a South Carolina independent insurance agent to address all your specific concerns, and assemble your insurance package that way.

Which Coverages Would Constitute “Full Coverage” Car Insurance in South Carolina?

According to insurance expert Paul Martin, most likely if you’re asking for “full coverage” car insurance in South Carolina, what you’re really referring to is a package of a few of the most important and commonly purchased protections for your vehicle. A policy like this would probably include:

• Liability insurance: Liability insurance provides important protection for lawsuits filed against drivers after an accident. Reimbursement for legal fees, including attorney and court payments, is included. Bodily injury liability and property damage liability insurance are often both added to a car insurance policy, to protect against lawsuits relating to each of these disasters.
• Collision insurance: Collision insurance protects your vehicle from damage caused in a collision, such as with another vehicle.
• Comprehensive insurance: Also known as “other than collision” insurance, comprehensive insurance protects against other threats to your vehicle, such as theft.

A “full coverage” package can provide a lot of critical coverage for drivers, but there are still other important protections that need to be considered with the help of your South Carolina independent insurance agent. More on this next.

What Doesn't “Full Coverage” Car Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Martin adds that asking for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina is actually likely to leave you with some major coverage gaps. A couple of important coverages that may be missing in a “full coverage” package include:

• Medical payments coverage: Also known as personal injury protection coverage, this insurance pays for medical costs related to treating injuries of the policyholder and their passengers if they get involved in an accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This important coverage protects drivers against losses after getting into an accident with another driver who does not have any/enough car insurance.

A South Carolina independent insurance agent will ensure that you walk away with a car insurance package that provides all the coverage you need to feel safe on the road. Don’t let a misnomer like “full coverage” leave you without critical protection. The experts will help you find and assemble an honest comprehensive car insurance package.

Do South Carolina or Other Specific Locations Require Car Insurance?

Yes, each state comes with its own minimum requirements for car insurance, including South Carolina. Almost every state requires both forms of liability coverage, with only two exceptions. South Carolina specifically requires the following coverages for all drivers:

Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can tell you more about your state’s legal minimum car insurance requirements, and why you’ll most likely want to purchase coverage beyond these basic mandates.

Does “Full Coverage” Car Insurance in South Carolina Cover Hurricane Damage?

Since the term “full coverage” varies so greatly, you’ll really need to double-check your specific policy to know the answer. If you want protection against hurricane damage, make sure to get comprehensive insurance, which includes coverage for high winds, hail, flood damage, and much more, like:

• Fire
• Riots
• Vandalism
• Falling objects
• Missiles
• Collisions with large animals
• Explosions
• Windshield damage

Talk to your South Carolina independent agent about the importance of adding comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy.

Hurricane and Flood Stats for South Carolina

Still not convinced that comprehensive coverage is important in South Carolina? Check out a few stats for hurricanes and flooding in the state, and you may just change your mind:

With hurricanes and flooding being such a common and destructive occurrence in South Carolina, it’s crucial to make sure your vehicle is protected against possible damage resulting from these disasters. Your South Carolina independent insurance agent will get you equipped with the right coverages for the job.

Here’s How a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When it comes to protecting South Carolina drivers against hurricane and flood damage, theft, and all other perils, no one’s better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent. South Carolina independent insurance agents search through multiple carriers to find providers who specialize in auto insurance, deliver quotes from a number of different sources, and help you walk through them all to find the best blend of coverage and cost.