Not once you register the car in South Carolina. SCDMV requires your auto insurer to be licensed in South Carolina and to have your new address, and the policy must meet South Carolina's requirements. North Carolina requires its own registered cars to carry a North Carolina policy. Plan the switch so there's no gap.
SCDMV tells new residents to update their vehicle insurance company with the new South Carolina address, and that the company must be licensed to do business in South Carolina. The policy has to meet South Carolina's minimums: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage at the same amounts. The South Carolina Department of Insurance also notes that no grace period applies to auto insurance. SCDMV sets the deadline for new residents to register, so check it when you move.
As long as the car carries a North Carolina plate, it needs a policy from a company licensed in North Carolina; NCDMV doesn't accept out-of-state policies. NCDMV also warns not to cancel insurance before turning in the plate, because the gap triggers a lapse notice and penalties. North Carolina's statute waives the lapse penalty for someone who moved, registered the car in the new state within 30 days and turned in the North Carolina plate.
First, have a South Carolina policy ready to start the day you register. Second, register the car in South Carolina. Third, turn in the North Carolina plate. Fourth, cancel the North Carolina policy. Done in that order, you're never uninsured and NCDMV has nothing to penalize.
If you live in North Carolina and drive into South Carolina for work or the beach, your North Carolina policy covers you there. The question only changes when you become a South Carolina resident. That comes up often near our Charlotte and Shallotte offices, where Fort Mill, Rock Hill and the Grand Strand are a short drive away.
Because we write auto insurance in North Carolina and South Carolina, we can often handle both ends of the move. Tell us your moving date and we'll line up the new policy before you go.
Every situation is a little different. If you want someone to look at your own policy, call us at (910) 791-1011 or start a quote online. We're an independent, family-owned company founded in 1977, with eight offices in North Carolina, and we're licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.
This page is general information, not a coverage determination or legal advice. Policies, rules and availability vary and change. Review your own policy or talk to your advisor.