Do You Need Full Coverage on an Older Car in South Carolina? What Myrtle Beach Drivers Should Really Consider

By Brad Davis, CIC (February 18, 2026)
Davis Insurance Associates – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you are asking “Do you need full coverage on an older car in South Carolina?”, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from drivers in Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand, and surrounding South Carolina communities, especially from drivers comparing full coverage vs liability only in South Carolina.

Many people assume that once a vehicle gets older, they should automatically remove certain coverages to save money. While that may make sense in some situations, the right decision really comes down to your personal risk tolerance and how comfortable you are financially if your vehicle were a total loss.

Before making any changes, it helps to understand what people actually mean when they say “full coverage,” how Comprehensive and Collision work, and why liability limits still matter even on an older car.

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There Is No Such Thing as “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance

Let’s start here because it is important.

In the insurance world, there really is no official policy called “full coverage.” It is simply a phrase people use when they are referring to a policy that includes:

• Liability Coverage

• Comprehensive Coverage

• Collision Coverage

• Sometimes additional coverages like Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance

When someone asks if they need full coverage on an older vehicle, what they are usually asking is whether they should keep Comprehensive and Collision (article by (III) Insurance Information Institute).

Every driver’s situation is different, so the goal should not be chasing a label like “full coverage.” Instead, focus on building coverage that matches your comfort level and financial situation.

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What Happens If You Drop Comprehensive and Collision on an Older Car?

Removing Comprehensive and Collision can lower your premium, but it also changes how your policy responds to certain types of losses.

Without these coverages:

• Damage from an accident involving your vehicle may not be covered.

• Theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage may not be covered.

• You could be responsible for replacing your vehicle out of pocket after a total loss.

For some Myrtle Beach drivers, the savings may be worth it. For others, especially those who rely heavily on their vehicle, the risk may outweigh the premium difference.

This is where your risk tolerance becomes the most important factor.

These are the kinds of older car insurance coverage options many Myrtle Beach drivers review each year.

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Risk Tolerance and Older Car Insurance Coverage Options

Instead of asking, “Do I need full coverage on an older car?” a better question might be:

👉 “If my car were totaled tomorrow, would I be financially OK replacing it myself?”

Here are a few things to consider:

• Could you comfortably replace the vehicle without insurance help?

• Would losing the car create financial stress or disrupt your daily routine?

• Is the vehicle still important for commuting, family transportation, or business use?

Some drivers prefer to self-insure older vehicles. Others want the peace of mind that comes with keeping Comprehensive and Collision even as the car ages.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

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Older Car Does NOT Mean Lower Liability Limits

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is drivers lowering their liability coverage simply because the vehicle is older.

Your vehicle’s age has nothing to do with the damage you could cause to someone else.

An older car can still:

• Cause serious bodily injury in an accident

• Damage newer and more expensive vehicles

• Create liability exposures that exceed minimum state limits

In South Carolina, minimum liability requirements are relatively low compared to the real-world cost of accidents. Many Myrtle Beach drivers choose higher liability limits to better protect their assets and future income.

Saving money by adjusting Comprehensive or Collision may make sense for some drivers. Lowering liability limits just because a car is older usually does not.

For many drivers researching how to lower car insurance in South Carolina, adjusting Comprehensive or Collision is often one of the first options they consider.

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When Might It Make Sense to Remove Comprehensive or Collision?

Every situation is unique, but here are a few common scenarios where drivers begin considering changes:

• The vehicle’s value is very low compared to the premium cost.

• You have enough savings set aside to replace the car if needed.

• The car is rarely driven or used as a secondary vehicle.

Even in these cases, it is often helpful to review the actual premium difference before making a decision. Sometimes the savings are smaller than people expect. Some drivers start asking whether they should drop collision coverage once a vehicle reaches a certain age.

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Questions to Ask Before Dropping Collision Coverage on an Older Car

Before removing Comprehensive or Collision, consider asking:

• What is my vehicle’s current market value?

• How much premium would I actually save?

• What deductible am I comfortable with?

• Would I regret losing coverage after an accident or storm?

Having a quick conversation with your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons without guessing.

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Get a Myrtle Beach Auto Insurance Quote and Review Your Coverage Options

If you are trying to decide whether you need “full coverage” on an older car in South Carolina, we can help you look at real numbers and real options.

If you are shopping for a Myrtle Beach auto insurance quote, reviewing your coverage on older vehicles is one of the smartest places to start.

👉 At Davis Insurance Associates, we help Myrtle Beach drivers compare coverage choices based on their comfort level, budget, and long-term protection goals. Whether you keep Comprehensive and Collision or adjust your policy, our goal is to help you make an informed decision.

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Final Thoughts: It’s About Comfort, Not Just Cost

There is no universal rule for whether you should keep Comprehensive and Collision on an older vehicle. The best choice depends on your financial situation, your risk tolerance, and how you would handle a total loss.

Remember:

• “Full coverage” is just a common phrase, not an actual policy type.

• Older cars can still create major liability exposure.

• The right decision is the one that helps you feel confident, not just the one that saves the most money today.

If you ever want a second opinion, our Myrtle Beach team is always happy to help you review your options.

Disclaimer:
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage or pricing. Insurance coverages, limits, and eligibility vary by carrier and individual circumstances, and only the actual policy language and a licensed insurance professional can determine how coverage applies to your specific situation.