Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires NO pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance (though exam prep courses are strongly recommended)
- The combined P&C exam is 150 questions (140 scored + 10 pre-test) with 2.5 hours and requires 70% to pass
- Pearson VUE administers all SC insurance exams - exam fee is $59 per test
- Fingerprinting required since January 2017 via IdentoGO ($50.50 fee) for all resident producers
- South Carolina auto insurance minimums are 25/50/25 with mandatory UM coverage equal to liability limits
- SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association provides residual market coverage for coastal counties
South Carolina Property & Casualty Exam Overview
Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE South Carolina Property & Casualty Insurance exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers South Carolina-specific regulations, licensing requirements, coastal wind/hail coverage, and state insurance laws you need to know to pass your exam in 2026.
About the South Carolina P&C Exam
The South Carolina Property & Casualty insurance examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI). The exam tests your knowledge of:
- South Carolina Insurance Code (Title 38 SC Code of Laws)
- Property insurance principles (homeowners, fire, commercial property)
- Casualty insurance principles (auto, liability, workers' compensation)
- SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association
- Coastal property insurance requirements
- Ethics and professional conduct
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Regulatory Authority | South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Question Format | 150 multiple-choice (140 scored + 10 pre-test) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Test Delivery | In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers |
| Results | Immediate |
| Registration | pearsonvue.com/sc/insurance or 877-759-5226 |
Exam Options
South Carolina offers flexibility in how you obtain your P&C license:
| Exam Type | Questions | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined P&C (19-04) | 150 questions | 2.5 hours | $59 |
| Property Only (19-05) | 100 questions | 2 hours | $59 |
| Casualty Only (19-06) | 100 questions | 2 hours | $59 |
Tip: The combined exam is the most efficient path to a full P&C license. Taking separate Property and Casualty exams costs $118 total vs. $59 for the combined exam.
Pearson VUE Testing Locations in South Carolina
Pearson VUE operates testing centers throughout South Carolina:
| City | Region |
|---|---|
| Columbia | Midlands (Capital) |
| Charleston | Lowcountry/Coastal |
| Greenville | Upstate |
| Myrtle Beach | Grand Strand/Coastal |
| Spartanburg | Upstate |
| Rock Hill | Charlotte Metro Area |
No Pre-Licensing Education Required
South Carolina does NOT require pre-licensing education for Property & Casualty insurance.
What This Means
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Hours | 0 hours - no requirement |
| Approved Courses | Not required (but recommended) |
| Education Verification | Not needed to schedule exam |
| Timeline | Can schedule exam immediately |
Why Prep Courses Are Still Recommended
While not required, exam preparation is strongly recommended because:
- Exam Difficulty: The 70% passing score requires solid knowledge
- State-Specific Content: SC insurance laws differ from other states
- Pass Rate Improvement: Prep courses significantly increase first-time pass rates
- Time Efficiency: Structured study is more effective than self-study alone
This FREE study guide provides everything you need to prepare for the South Carolina-specific content on the exam.
South Carolina Insurance Market Context
Why South Carolina Is Unique
South Carolina has distinctive insurance characteristics:
-
Coastal Exposure
- 190-mile coastline with significant hurricane risk
- Wind and hail coverage often separate from homeowners
- SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association serves as residual market
- Hurricane deductibles range from 2-5% of dwelling value
-
Auto Insurance Requirements
- 25/50/25 minimum liability (higher than some states)
- Mandatory UM coverage equal to liability limits
- At-Fault insurance state (tort system)
- Financial Responsibility Law for all drivers
-
Regulatory Structure
- Director of Insurance appointed by Governor (not elected)
- Title 38 SC Code of Laws governs insurance
- Prior approval for most rate changes
- Strong consumer protection focus
-
Market Dynamics
- Growing population, especially in coastal retirement areas
- Tourism industry creates significant exposure (Myrtle Beach, Charleston)
- Multiple carriers have reduced coastal writings
- Manufacturing and distribution sector growth
SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association
The Association is South Carolina's residual market for wind and hail coverage:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Provide wind/hail coverage when private market unavailable |
| Coverage Areas | Designated coastal counties and portions |
| Eligible Counties | Horry, Georgetown, Charleston, Beaufort, Berkeley (partial), Colleton (partial), Jasper (partial) |
| Coverage Types | Dwelling, homeowners, commercial property |
| How It Works | Insurer of last resort; must be rejected by 2+ private carriers |
| Funding | Assessments on all property insurers in SC |
License Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
-
Study and Prepare (Recommended first)
- Complete this FREE study guide
- Review national P&C concepts
- Take practice quizzes
- Focus on SC-specific laws (Title 38)
-
Schedule and Pass the Exam
- Register at pearsonvue.com/sc/insurance or call 877-759-5226
- Pay $59 exam fee
- Choose a Pearson VUE testing center
- Pass with 70%+ score
-
Complete Fingerprinting
- Required for ALL resident producers since January 2017
- Use South Carolina's vendor: IdentoGO
- Cost: $50.50
- Includes SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) and FBI background checks
-
Apply for License
- Submit application through NIPR
- Pay $30 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee
- Provide all required documentation
- Must apply within 12 months of passing exam
-
Receive License
- SCDOI review includes background check
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks typical
- License issued upon approval
- Valid for 2 years
- Begin selling P&C insurance in South Carolina
Exam Day Requirements
What to Bring:
- Two valid forms of government-issued ID
- One ID must contain your photograph and signature
- Pearson VUE confirmation number
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Study materials or notes
- Bags or personal items (lockers provided)
Exam Retake Policy
| Situation | Policy |
|---|---|
| Failed Exam | Can retake after 24 hours |
| Wait Period | 24 hours between attempts |
| Fee | $59 per attempt |
| Attempts | Unlimited |
| Score Report | Shows performance by content area |
Total Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep Course (Optional) | $0-300 |
| Exam Fee | $59 |
| Fingerprinting (IdentoGO) | $50.50 |
| License Application Fee | $30 + $5.60 |
| TOTAL (Minimum) | $145.10 |
Note: South Carolina has moderate total licensing costs. The $30 application fee is among the lower in the nation.
License Maintenance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| CE Hours | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics Hours | 3 hours (included in 24) |
| Renewal Fee | $25 |
| Late Renewal | Additional penalty fees apply |
Continuing Education Requirements
South Carolina P&C producers must complete:
- 24 total CE hours every 2-year licensing period
- 3 hours of ethics included in the 24 hours
- Must be completed BEFORE license expiration
South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements
Minimum Liability Limits
South Carolina requires the following minimum auto liability coverage:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage (per accident) | $25,000 |
Memory Tip: South Carolina minimums are 25/50/25 - easy to remember as the same number twice!
Key South Carolina Auto Insurance Laws
1. Mandatory UM Coverage
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is REQUIRED
- Must equal liability limits (at least 25/50/25)
- Can only be rejected IN WRITING by insured
- Protects when at-fault driver is uninsured
2. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
- Must be OFFERED to all policyholders
- Can be rejected in writing
- Protects when at-fault driver has insufficient coverage
3. Financial Responsibility Law
- All drivers must maintain minimum liability coverage
- Proof of insurance required at traffic stops
- SR-22 required for certain violations
4. At-Fault (Tort) State
- South Carolina uses traditional tort system
- At-fault driver's insurance pays for damages
- Comparative negligence applies (modified 51% rule)
South Carolina Department of Insurance Contact
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | doi.sc.gov |
| Consumer Services | 1-800-768-3467 or (803) 737-6180 |
| Licensing Division | (803) 737-6160 |
| Address | 1201 Main Street, Suite 1000, Columbia, SC 29201 |
| Pearson VUE Registration | pearsonvue.com/sc/insurance or 877-759-5226 |
| IdentoGO Fingerprinting | identogo.com |
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide focuses on South Carolina state-specific content for the P&C exam:
Chapter 1: South Carolina Insurance Regulation & Licensing
- SC Department of Insurance structure (Director appointed by Governor)
- Producer licensing requirements and procedures
- Title 38 SC Code of Laws overview
- Continuing education requirements
Chapter 2: South Carolina Property Insurance Laws
- Homeowners insurance requirements
- SC Wind and Hail Underwriting Association
- Hurricane deductibles and coastal coverage
- Flood insurance considerations (NFIP)
- Policy cancellation and non-renewal rules
Chapter 3: South Carolina Casualty Insurance Laws
- Auto insurance minimums (25/50/25)
- UM/UIM coverage requirements
- Financial Responsibility Law
- Workers' compensation requirements
- Commercial liability insurance
Chapter 4: Ethics & Consumer Protection
- Prohibited practices (rebating, twisting, misrepresentation)
- Claims handling time requirements
- SC Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association
- Producer conduct standards
national Property & Casualty exam prepFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
Study Tips for Success
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Topic | Number |
|---|---|
| Pre-license hours | 0 (not required) |
| Exam questions | 150 (140 scored + 10 pre-test) |
| Exam time limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing score | 70% |
| Exam fee | $59 |
| License application fee | $30 + $5.60 |
| Fingerprinting fee | $50.50 |
| License term | 2 years |
| CE hours per renewal | 24 |
| Ethics CE required | 3 hours |
| Auto minimum liability | 25/50/25 |
South Carolina-Specific Topics to Know
- Director of Insurance - Appointed by Governor (not elected)
- Title 38 - SC Code of Laws governing insurance
- UM Coverage - Mandatory, equal to liability limits
- SC Wind and Hail Association - Residual market for coastal coverage
- Fingerprinting - Required since January 2017
- 25/50/25 - Auto liability minimums
Next Steps
Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:
- Complete this FREE study guide - Read all 4 chapters
- Study national P&C concepts - See our Property & Casualty exam prep
- Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
- Register with Pearson VUE - Schedule your exam
- Pass exam - With 70%+ score
- Complete fingerprinting - Through IdentoGO
- Apply for license - Pay $30 + $5.60 fee
Remember: No pre-licensing is required in South Carolina, but thorough preparation is essential. Use this guide and practice quizzes to ensure success on exam day!
Let's get started with Chapter 1: South Carolina Insurance Regulation & Licensing!
As of 2026, how many hours of pre-licensing education does South Carolina require before taking the Property & Casualty exam?
What are the minimum auto liability insurance limits required in South Carolina?
Which statement about Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in South Carolina is TRUE?
How is the South Carolina Director of Insurance selected?
What organization administers the South Carolina Property & Casualty licensing exam?
What is the purpose of the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association?