South Carolina (SC)

Reference overview — last reviewed: 2026-02-18

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🚗 Repairable & Total Loss

Rule type
threshold
Threshold %
75.00%
TLF allowed
Yes
Salvage brand trigger
Salvage title required when cost of repair equals or exceeds 75% of fair market value for titling purposes.
Owner retention
Owner may retain salvage vehicle. Salvage title branding applies. Vehicle must meet state requirements before being retitled for road use.
Repairability notes
Even if repair cost is below 75%, insurers may declare total loss based on repair feasibility, structural damage, airbag deployment, safety systems, or market value considerations.
Last verified
2026-02-18

💰 Diminished Value

Third-party DV
yes
First-party DV
no
Formula
none
Notes
South Carolina permits recovery of diminished value in third-party liability claims when the claimant proves a measurable loss in market value after proper repairs. There is no statutory formula. Recovery is case-specific and typically requires supporting market evidence or an appraisal.

First-party diminished value is not automatically owed and depends on the specific insurance policy language.
Last verified
2026-02-18

⚖ Appraisal Clause (scope)

Enforceable
yes
Amount of loss
yes
Total loss disputes
yes
Repairability disputes
yes
Coverage disputes
no
Umpire / process notes
South Carolina courts generally enforce appraisal clauses in property and auto policies when the dispute concerns the amount of loss. Each party selects a competent appraiser, and the two appraisers select an umpire. A written agreement signed by any two (both appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire) is typically binding as to the amount of loss.

Appraisal does not determine coverage, policy interpretation, or liability issues.
Additional notes
Appraisal is commonly used in disputes involving repair estimates, total loss valuation, and diminished value amounts when the disagreement concerns the monetary amount rather than policy coverage. Courts generally limit appraisal to valuation issues.
Last verified: 2026-02-18

📎 Official Sources

No sources linked yet for this state.

Notes

South Carolina follows a 75% total loss threshold for titling purposes. Insurers may elect to declare a vehicle a total loss below that percentage based on cost, safety, or claim handling considerations. Diminished value may be recoverable in third-party claims when proven. Appraisal clauses are generally enforceable to determine the amount of loss, but do not decide coverage disputes.

Always verify current statutes and policy language before relying on this summary.

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