Full vs. Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Florida, Georgia & South Carolina: What Drivers Actually Need (2026 Guide)

by

Choosing the right car insurance isn’t just about staying legal—it’s about protecting your finances, your family, and your future. In Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, the difference between minimum coverage and full coverage can mean thousands of dollars after an accident.

This 2026 guide breaks down what each state requires, what “full coverage” really means, and how to choose the right protection for your budget and risk level.

Man sitting at computer holder small car surrounded by images that represent auto insurance

What Is Minimum Coverage?

Every state sets its own minimum car insurance requirements, which represent the least amount of insurance you must carry to drive legally. These limits vary widely across the U.S. and are updated regularly. As of 2026, all states except New Hampshire require liability insurance, but the required limits differ significantly.

Minimum coverage typically includes:

  • Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
  • Property Damage Liability (PD)
  • (Some states) Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay)
  • (Some states) Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Minimum coverage keeps you legal—but rarely fully protected.

What Is Full Coverage?

“Full coverage” isn’t a legal term. It’s a common phrase for a policy that includes:

  • Liability (BI/PD)
  • Comprehensive coverage (theft, fire, vandalism, weather, animals)
  • Collision coverage (your vehicle in an at‑fault accident)
  • Optional add‑ons like:
    • UM/UIM
    • Roadside assistance
    • Rental reimbursement
    • Gap coverage

“Full coverage” protects your vehicle and family for your specific needs.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements by State (2026)

Below is a quick breakdown of the legally required minimums in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, based on 2026 state‑level data from national insurance analyses.

StateRequired MinimumsNotes
Florida$10,000 PIP +
$10,000 PDL		Florida requires only PDL and PIP; no BI liability is required for most drivers.
Georgia25/50/25Higher minimums than Florida; UM/UIM is optional but strongly recommended.
South Carolina25/50/25 +
UM Required		South Carolina requires UM coverage equal to liability minimums.

Learn more specifics about car insurance coverages in Florida HERE.

What Do Liability Limits Like 25/50/25 Actually Mean?

Before we go any further, it’s important to understand what numbers like 25/50/25 actually mean. These liability limits appear in every state’s minimum coverage requirements, but most drivers aren’t sure how to interpret them. In short, these numbers represent the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. Here’s a simple breakdown.

First Number — Bodily Injury Liability per Person

This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.

  • In 25/50/25, the “25” means $25,000 per person.

Second Number — Bodily Injury Liability per Accident

This is the total amount your insurer will pay for all injuries combined in a single accident.

  • In 25/50/25, the “50” means $50,000 total per accident.

If multiple people are injured, this total is split among them — and it can be exhausted quickly.

Third Number — Property Damage Liability

This is the maximum your insurer will pay for damage to someone else’s property, such as their vehicle, fence, or building.

  • In 25/50/25, the “25” means $25,000 in property damage.

Why These Numbers Matter

A single accident today can easily exceed minimum limits:

  • Many new vehicles cost $40,000–$60,000+
  • Medical bills can reach $50,000+ per person
  • Multi‑car accidents can exceed $100,000 in damages

If your limits run out, you pay the rest out of pocket — which is why many drivers choose higher limits or full coverage.

Auto insurance form

Is Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Ever Enough?

Minimum coverage is designed to meet legal requirements—not real‑world accident costs.

A single at‑fault accident can easily exceed:

  • $50,000+ in medical bills
  • $20,000+ in vehicle repairs
  • $100,000+ in liability exposure

If your insurance limits run out, you are responsible for the rest.

How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Coverage (2026 Checklist)

✔️ Consider your vehicle’s value
Newer or financed vehicles almost always need full coverage.

✔️ Evaluate your financial risk tolerance
 Could you afford to replace your car out of pocket?

✔️ Consider your commute
 High‑traffic areas = higher accident risk.

✔️ Think about weather and theft
 Florida and coastal South Carolina have elevated storm and flood risks.

✔️ Review uninsured motorist rates
 States with high UM rates (like Florida and Georgia) make UM/UIM essential.

How Blanchard Insurance Helps Drivers in FL, GA & SC

As an independent agency serving Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, Blanchard Insurance helps drivers:

  • Compare full vs. minimum auto insurance coverage across multiple carriers
  • Understand state‑specific insurance laws
  • Customize policies based on risk, budget, and vehicle type
  • Access discounts for safe driving, bundling, telematics, and more
  • Get personalized guidance from local experts who understand regional risks

Whether you’re insuring a family SUV, a teen driver, or a commuter vehicle, our team helps you find the right balance of cost and protection.

Final Takeaway

Minimum coverage keeps you legal.

Full coverage keeps you protected.

With rising repair costs, medical bills, and accident rates across the Southeast, most drivers benefit from more than the bare minimum—especially in Florida.

If you’re unsure which coverage level is right for you, the Blanchard Insurance team is here to help you make a confident, informed decision.

Click HERE to get a car insurance quote TODAY!

Previous Post: