Golf Cart & LSV Insurance in South Carolina
Few states love golf carts like South Carolina. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston's islands, Murrells Inlet, and Surfside Beach are packed with carts and low-speed vehicles every season. Whether you run a classic E-Z-GO or Club Car, a lifted ICON or Evolution, or a street-legal Bintelli built right in Charleston, knowing the state's permit rules helps you ask for the right quote.
Call for a South Carolina Quote
866-347-8683Call center hours
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Pacific Time
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Pacific Time
South Carolina's Golf Cart Permit Rules
South Carolina lets permitted golf carts operate during daylight hours on secondary roads posted 35 mph or less, within four miles of the owner's registered address (or a gated community entrance). You'll generally need a golf cart permit decal from the SCDMV, proof of insurance, and a licensed driver.
Note the insurance piece: the permit application itself generally asks for liability coverage on the cart. That's where a specialty golf cart policy comes in — the intention of this coverage is to satisfy the permit requirement while adding options for theft and physical damage.
LSVs in South Carolina
A low-speed vehicle capable of 20–25 mph can be titled, registered, and plated for broader street use than a permitted golf cart — including operation after dark, which the golf cart permit does not allow. Street-legal LSVs are generally expected to meet auto-style liability requirements, and many mainstream carriers choose not to quote them. Specialty markets may — calling is the fastest way to find out.
How to Get a South Carolina Quote
Call 866-347-8683 or request a quote online. Tell us whether your vehicle is an off-road cart, a permitted street cart, or a plated LSV, and ask about multi-policy discounts with boat, jet ski, motorcycle, or other powersports quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance for a golf cart permit in South Carolina?
Yes. The South Carolina SCDMV golf cart permit application requires proof of liability insurance. A dedicated golf cart policy is intended to satisfy that requirement while also providing optional physical damage and theft coverage. Without a policy in place, the permit cannot typically be issued.
How far from home can I drive my golf cart in South Carolina?
South Carolina's golf cart permit allows operation within four miles of the owner's registered address, or within four miles of a gated community entrance. Operation is generally limited to secondary roads posted 35 mph or less during daylight hours. Driving beyond those limits — or at night — is not covered by the standard golf cart permit.
Can I drive a golf cart at night in South Carolina?
Not on the standard golf cart permit. The permit restricts road use to daylight hours. A low-speed vehicle (LSV) — titled and registered separately as a 20–25 mph class vehicle — can generally be operated after dark on roads it is allowed to travel, which is one reason some South Carolinians opt for an LSV title rather than a golf cart permit.
How much does golf cart insurance cost in South Carolina?
Golf cart insurance in South Carolina typically runs $100–$300 per year for a permitted cart with basic liability and physical damage coverage. Rates vary by vehicle value, coverage level, and whether the cart is used only in a community or on public roads with the SCDMV permit.
What beach towns in South Carolina are known for golf carts?
Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Garden City, Hilton Head Island, Kiawah Island, Folly Beach, and many other coastal and island communities in South Carolina allow or encourage golf cart travel. Local rules vary, so it is worth confirming the specific ordinance for your town.
Learn more: LSV vs Golf Cart · Common Discounts · Learning Center