South Carolina § 38-57-170 - Free insurance or advertisement prohibited; exceptions.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 38-57-170 — Free insurance or advertisement prohibited; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-57-170. Free insurance or advertisement prohibited; exceptions.
(1) No person in this State may advertise, offer, or provide free insurance as an inducement to the purchase or sale of real or personal property or of services directly or indirectly connected with real or personal property.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "free" insurance is insurance for which no identifiable and additional charge is made to the purchaser of the real property or personal property or services or insurance for which an identifiable or additional charge is made in an amount less than the cost of the insurance as to the seller or other person, other than the insurer, providing the insurance.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to:
(a) insurance against loss of or damage to the real or personal property involved in any sale or services under a policy covering the interest of the seller or vendor;
(b) credit life or credit accident and health insurance;
(c) title insurance;
(d) obligations issued by insurers licensed in this State which shall indemnify against breaches of warranties made in connection with any sale or services.
(4) No person may use the word "free" to describe life or accident and health insurance in connection with the advertising or offering for sale of any kind of goods, merchandise, or services.
HISTORY: Former 1976 Code SECTION 38-57-170 [1947 (45) 322; 1951 (47) 433; 1952 Code SECTION 37-1165; 1962 Code SECTION 37-1165; 1978 Act No. 585, SECTION 15] recodified as SECTION 23-9-420 by 1987 Act No. 155, SECTION 1; Former 1976 Code SECTION 38-55-170 [1962 Code SECTION 37-1217; 1964 (53) 2293] recodified as SECTION 38-57-170 by 1987 Act No. 155, SECTION 1.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 38-57-170
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 38-57-170 cover?
Section 38-57-170 ("Free insurance or advertisement prohibited; exceptions.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 38-57-170?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 38-57-170" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 38-57-170 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.