In the news

Understanding and complying with the regulations of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is crucial to avoid fines and suspensions. Below are detailed answers to some of the most common questions related to SCDMV regulations. Registration and License Plates How many days do you have to register a newly purchased vehicle in South Carolina? Answer: You must register a newly purchased vehicle within 45 days. Is there a grace period for registering a vehicle in South Carolina? Answer: Yes, residents have 30 days to renew their car tags after the expiration date. If an officer pulls you over after this period, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. Remember to cancel your insurance effective on the date you turn in the tag. Why did the SCDMV send me a new license plate/tag? Answer: New plates are issued after paying county taxes at the end of the year in which your individual plate is up for reissue. In South Carolina, license plates are up for reissue every 10 years. Can I use my old license plate on my new car in South Carolina? Answer: Yes, if you have a valid tag from a vehicle you sold, parked, or traded, you can transfer that tag to a new vehicle as long as the name on the new vehicle's title was also on the old vehicle's title. Driving Without Plates and Penalties Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in South Carolina? Answer: No. Every vehicle on South Carolina roads must have either a regular license plate or a temporary plate, which is valid for only 45 days. If you have a temporary plate, carry the bill of sale, rental contract, or title in the vehicle at all times. What is the penalty for not registering a vehicle in South Carolina? Answer: First 14 days - $10.00 15 to 30 days - $25.00 31 to 90 days - $50.00 91 days or more - $75.00 Note: The SCDMV considers the postmark date as the date of receipt when assessing penalties. License Plate Turn-In and Transfer How long do you have to turn in your license plate in South Carolina? Answer: You are required to surrender the license plate within 30 days of selling or disposing of a vehicle. You can request a refund from the Auditor's office for the unused months on the registration after you've surrendered the plate. Note: Do not cancel your insurance until you have turned in the tag to the SC DMV. How do I transfer my license plate to a new car in South Carolina? Answer: Take the registration of your previous vehicle and the bill of sale for your replacement vehicle to the DMV to register your new vehicle and perform the transfer. Be sure to contact your insurance company to make the policy change. It is the owner’s responsibility to request the change; do not rely on the dealership or lender to add your newly purchased vehicle. Can I throw away old license plates in South Carolina? Answer: If your license plate is expired, it does not need to be decommissioned. Only active plates require decommissioning. You may return the plate to any SCDMV branch. Tags/plates can also be turned in or decommissioned online via the Virtual SC DMV Tag Return or Decommission. Temporary Tags and Grace Period How long can you drive on a bill of sale in South Carolina? Answer: You have 30 days to drive with just a bill of sale until you are required to get a new tag. Ensure that you keep the bill of sale in the car and have informed your insurance company. Is there a grace period for tags in South Carolina? Answer: Yes, South Carolina residents have 30 days to renew their vehicle tags after expiration. If you move from out of state, you have 45 days to transfer your vehicle's title and registration. Registration can be applied for online or in person at your local DMV. Obtain South Carolina car insurance before registering your vehicle. We hope you find this helpful. For complete SC DMV information please click the link below: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Online Website Virtual Tag Return or Decommission a Tag *Based on information from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles as of October 2024. Car owners should always use the most current information from the SC DMV.he body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

We are excited to share some fantastic news with you. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) now offers self-service electronic kiosks inside grocery stores. These kiosks, known as “SCDMV Express,” will allow customers to complete certain DMV transactions at any time the store is open, eliminating the need to visit an SCDMV branch office. The SCDMV Express kiosks launched last November (November, 2023) at three locations across South Carolina, with more sites to be added in the future to support customer demand. The first three locations are: Publix Grocery Store at Thornblade Village, 411 The Parkway in Greer Kroger Marketplace at Killian Crossing, 1028 Roberts Branch Parkway in Columbia Publix Grocery Store in The Market at Cane Bay, 1724 State Road in Summerville The goal of the project is to add another customer service platform, in addition to SCDMV’s 66 branch offices and the numerous online services available on the agency’s website, where they can complete SCDMV transactions. “We are really excited about providing the opportunity to allow customers to obtain DMV services without coming into the DMV,” said Kevin Shwedo, executive director of the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. The SCDMV Express kiosks will be yellow and blue, and look similar to an ATM. The kiosks are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Through an SCDMV Express kiosk, customers can obtain a replacement vehicle registration and obtain their license plate registration decal, assuming they have completed payment of required county personal property taxes on the vehicle. Those customers wishing to renew a vehicle registration can scan the barcode on the renewal notice, pay the fees with a credit or debit card, and print the registration and decal from the the kiosk. In addition to registrations, other types of DMV transactions are expected to be added to SCDMV Express in the future. Customers can learn more about the kiosks at https://SCDMVexpress.com . “The kiosks are just the first step to increasing customer convenience in a virtual world,” Shwedo said. The SCDMV is working with Intellectual Technology, Inc., a private vendor that provides similar services in more than a dozen states. ITI is the owner and operator of the equipment. No state tax dollars are being spent to provide this additional service. Adding SCDMV Express is the latest step in an effort to help South Carolinians get DMV business done without standing in line at agency branch locations. In addition to the SCDMV Express kiosks, a number of driver and vehicle services, including license renewals, are available on the agency’s website at https://SCDMVonline.com . The SCDMV website also provides live data about wait times for the 66 branch offices, so customers can know in advance of leaving their home about the anticipated wait time at their local branch.

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, more homeowners are exploring the potential of earning extra income by renting out their homes. While this can be a lucrative opportunity, it’s crucial to understand how your homeowners insurance policy is impacted by home-sharing activities. At Select Source Insurance Group, we want to ensure you are fully informed and protected. Here's what you need to know. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Short-Term Rentals? Most standard homeowners insurance policies are designed to cover typical risks, such as damage from fire, windstorms, or personal liability if someone gets injured on your property. However, short-term rentals are usually excluded from this coverage. If a renter damages your property or gets injured while staying, your regular policy won’t cover the loss. Home-Sharing Considered a Business Activity When you rent out your home regularly, it’s generally considered a business activity. Business activities aren’t covered under a standard homeowners policy, meaning any damage or liability incurred during a rental could leave you financially vulnerable. To protect yourself, additional or specialized insurance is often required. Coverage Options for Home-Sharing: Insurance Riders: Some insurance companies allow you to extend your homeowners policy to cover short-term rentals. This is typically available for one-time events and must be arranged in advance. Keep in mind, coverage may be limited, and only certain items might be protected. Additional Liability Insurance: In certain states, such as Massachusetts, laws may require hosts to carry additional liability insurance for short-term rentals. Be sure to check whether your hosting platform, like Airbnb, offers sufficient coverage, or if you’ll need to purchase your own. Specialty Policies: Several insurers offer specialized policies tailored specifically for home-sharing, covering the unique risks associated with short-term rentals. These policies can provide peace of mind by covering both property damage and liability. What About Renters? If you’re renting a property and plan to sublet it through a home-sharing platform, review your renters insurance policy and consult with your landlord. Renters insurance typically does not cover subletting, and your sublessee will need to secure their own coverage to protect their belongings. Stay Informed and Protected Before listing your property for rent, it’s essential to review your current insurance coverage and explore any additional policies or endorsements you may need. Ensuring you have the right coverage can prevent significant financial and legal issues down the road. Follow us on social media for more tips and insights on keeping your home protected while maximizing the benefits of home-sharing!

As the leaves begin to fall, it's the perfect time to take care of your home's exterior. With winter just around the corner, ensuring your home is well-prepared can save you from potential damage and costly repairs. Here are some essential tips from our team at Select Source Insurance to help you get started: 1. Clean and Check Gutters Fallen leaves and debris can quickly accumulate in your gutters, leading to blockages that prevent water from draining properly. This can cause water to overflow, leading to damage to your home's foundation and exterior walls. Here's what you should do: Remove leaves and debris: Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts. Install gutter guards: Consider adding gutter guards to reduce future buildup. Ensure proper water flow: Check that water flows away from your home to prevent foundation issues. 2. Inspect the Roof Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Even minor damage can lead to significant issues if left unaddressed. Take the following steps to inspect your roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles: Use binoculars or your smartphone (by taking a picture and zooming in) to check for any loose, curling, or missing shingles. Hire a professional: If you notice anything unusual, contact a professional roofer for a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs. 3. Trim Trees and Shrubs Overhanging branches can pose a serious risk during winter storms, potentially causing damage to your roof or home. Here's how you can mitigate these risks: Cut back branches: Trim any branches that hang over your roof. Remove dead or diseased limbs: Prevent bigger problems by removing any dead or diseased limbs that could fall during a storm. 4. Prep Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing if outdoor faucets and sprinklers aren't properly prepared. To avoid costly repairs: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets: Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water. Insulate pipes: Wrap outdoor pipes to protect them from freezing. Blow out sprinkler systems: Ensure your sprinkler system is completely drained to prevent damage from frozen water. By taking these steps now, you can protect your home from potential winter damage and ensure it remains in great shape all season long. If you need recommendations for local service providers to help with any of these tasks, feel free to Contact Our Business. We're here to help you keep your home safe and secure.

With the back-to-school season upon us, Select Source Insurance offers a few key safety tips to help ensure a safe and smooth transition for your children. Before School Walking or Biking: Encourage children to walk or bike to school in groups. Equip them with reflective clothing or backpacks and ensure they understand traffic signals. Bus Safety: Review the basics of safe boarding and exiting with your child. Make sure they know their home address. Driving: If you drive your child to school, obey school zone speed limits, follow drop-off procedures, and never pass a bus that is loading or unloading children. At School Contact Information: Ensure your child knows their full name, your cell phone number, and home address. Hygiene: Review proper hand-washing techniques. Personal Safety: Avoid personalizing the exterior of backpacks and other items with your child’s first name to prevent making them vulnerable to predatory adults. Initials or names can be placed inside items instead. Backpack Weight: To promote healthy posture, keep your child’s backpack weight between 5% to 10% of their body weight. Bullying Awareness: Teach your child how to recognize and report bullying. Trusted Adults: Help your child identify a "trusted adult" at school they can approach if they feel unsafe or need help. After School Check-In Routine: If no one is home in the afternoons, set up a check-in routine where your child calls or texts to inform you they've arrived home safely. Consider using a family locator app to track your child’s real-time location. Home Safety: If your child will be home alone after school, establish routines for locking the door and specify who is allowed to visit during your absence. Internet Safety: Discuss internet safety and remind children never to share personal information online. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure your child knows what to do in an emergency, such as where to go during severe weather, where to meet outdoors in the event of a house fire, and who to call if they need immediate help. Remember, precaution is a shared responsibility. Your awareness and thoughtfulness contribute significantly to a safer school environment. For more safety tips or assistance, reach out to Select Source Insurance as the school year gets underway.

Imagine walking your dog and stumbling upon a piece of history. That's exactly what happened to 12-year-old Rowan Brannan and his mother, Amanda, in Sussex, England. What Amanda initially dismissed as just some old strapping turned out to be a golden treasure from the first century AD! Rowan's adventurous spirit and curiosity led him to discover something truly extraordinary — a 2,000-year-old gold band, proving that sometimes, the most remarkable treasures are just beneath our feet. Here’s the full story: While walking their dog in a field, Rowan picked up what he thought was an interesting piece of metal. Covered in dirt, Amanda thought it was just some discarded strapping, but Rowan had a feeling it was something special. After taking it home and researching how to identify real gold, Rowan became convinced he had found something significant. The true value of Rowan’s find wasn’t confirmed until a chance conversation with their hairdresser, who was into metal detecting. She took a photo of the piece and shared it with a local metal detecting group leader, who suggested they contact a British Finds Officer. The excitement grew as they learned more about the item. It turned out to be an exceptionally rare armilla Roman bracelet, a piece of jewelry awarded to Roman soldiers as a mark of respect and valor. The British Museum confirmed its rarity and historical significance. Rowan’s discovery has been a thrilling journey for the Brannan family, filled with learning and wonder. Amanda shared, “It’s like, ‘Wow, imagine who wore that.’ We’ve had a piece of history in our house.” This story is a beautiful reminder that the world is full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered. So, next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes peeled – you never know what treasures you might find. If you enjoyed this story, follow and like our social media accounts to stay updated with more heartwarming and exciting tales!

Pizza is more than just a meal—it's an experience. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, crafting your own pizza can be incredibly rewarding. Today, we'll explore three delicious pizza recipes that cater to different tastes and skill levels. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of homemade pizza! Neapolitan Margherita Pizza Level: Intermediate Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: One 10-inch pizza; serves 2 to 4 Ingredients: One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, drained Sea salt "00" or all-purpose flour, for forming and cooking 9 ounces pizza dough, at room temperature (store-bought or homemade) 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into strips 2 large fresh basil leaves Directions: Preheat Your Oven: Place a pizza stone on the lower rack, remove the other racks, and preheat the oven to 500°F. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Grind the tomatoes using a food mill or pulse in a food processor until coarsely pureed. Season with sea salt and set aside. Form the Dough: Lightly dust a work surface with flour. Flatten the dough using your fingertips, flipping and pressing until it stretches into a 10-inch circle. Assemble the Pizza: Spread about 1/4 cup of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Scatter the mozzarella strips and tear the basil leaves over the top. Transfer to the Oven: Lightly flour a pizza peel, then slide the pizza onto the peel. Transfer the pizza onto the hot stone and bake until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve: Remove the pizza with the peel, slice, and serve immediately. Stuffed Pizza Crust Level: Easy Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Yield: 6 servings Ingredients: One 1-pound loaf store-bought frozen bread dough, thawed and risen All-purpose flour, for dusting 2 teaspoons olive oil Large pinch of kosher salt Arrabbiata Sauce (recipe follows), cooled 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella 14 slices pepperoni, chopped 10 pieces string cheese, each cut in half 1 egg, whisked with 1 teaspoon water 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced Fresh basil leaves Directions: Preheat the Oven: To 475°F. Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough into a 31-inch rope, then flatten it into a 3-inch wide rectangle. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Add Fillings: Spread a thin layer of Arrabbiata Sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Arrange string cheese pieces in a double line. Form the Crust: Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges together to seal. Shape into a circle and place seam-side down on an oiled baking sheet. Bake the Pizza: Brush the surface with egg wash and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish: Arrange tomato slices and basil leaves in the center and serve with remaining Arrabbiata Sauce for dipping. Arrabbiata Sauce: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup white wine Two 15-ounce cans crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Pinch of sugar Kosher salt Cook the Sauce: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add red pepper flakes and onions, cook until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly. Deglaze with white wine, reduce by half, then add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes. Barbecue Chicken Pan Pizza Level: Easy Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 2 to 4 servings Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken EVOO or vegetable oil 1 red onion 3 to 4 cloves garlic Salt and pepper 1/2 cup chicken stock 1 cup ketchup 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika 1 tablespoon ground mustard 1 pound pizza dough 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons hot sauce Cilantro leaves Sliced scallions Sliced fresh jalapeno peppers Directions: Preheat the Oven: To 525-550°F. Prepare the Chicken: Remove skin and bones, shred the meat. Cook the Sauce: Heat oil in a skillet, add onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper. Add stock, ketchup, sugar, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and mustard. Add chicken, coat in sauce, then remove from heat. Prepare the Dough: Roll and stretch the dough to fit a preheated 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle with cornmeal, press dough into the skillet, brush with oil, and season. Assemble the Pizza: Top with chicken and sauce, then cheeses. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes. Garnish: Drizzle with hot sauce, and top with cilantro, scallions, and jalapenos. Homemade pizza is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together. Whether you're creating a classic Margherita, a stuffed crust delight, or a BBQ chicken masterpiece, these recipes will guide you to pizza perfection. Enjoy the process and the mouthwatering results! For more delicious pizza recipes, check out Food Network's Top Pizza Recipes.

As summer approaches and the call of the open road becomes irresistible, it's important to remember that safety should always be your top priority. Nearly 82% of American adults are planning to travel this year, which means roads will be busier than usual. Moreover, statistics show that more than 30% of all fatal crashes occur between June and August. To ensure you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and memorable driving vacation, Select Source Insurance Group has compiled a list of essential road trip safety tips. Plan Your Trip Carefully Before you set off, take some time to plan your route thoroughly. Check the weather conditions for your travel dates and make sure your vehicle is road-worthy. A pre-trip maintenance check to inspect your tires, brakes, fluids, and lights is crucial. These steps will not only reduce the likelihood of unexpected incidents but also enhance your overall travel experience. Buckle Up It might seem basic, but wearing your seat belt is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Seat belts can reduce the risk of death for front-seat passengers by 45%. Make sure everyone in the vehicle, especially children, is properly restrained with seat belts or in appropriate car seats. This simple action could be the difference between a great adventure and a preventable tragedy. Avoid Fatigue Driving for long hours can be exhausting, and fatigue can significantly impair your reaction times. To combat this, take regular breaks to stretch and refresh yourself. If possible, share the driving responsibilities with another licensed driver. Getting a good night's sleep before starting your journey is also vital. Stay Alert Keep your focus on the road at all times. Pay attention to road signs, traffic signals, and the behaviors of other drivers. Avoid any distractions such as using your phone, eating, or adjusting the music while driving. Staying alert helps you react quickly to any unexpected situations, keeping you and your passengers safe. Look Out for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Summer weather brings more people outdoors, which means an increase in pedestrians and bicyclists, especially around urban areas, parks, and recreational spots. Keep an eye out for them and always yield the right of way when necessary. Be Prepared for Emergencies Always carry a roadside emergency kit equipped with essentials like water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. It's also a good idea to have emergency numbers programmed into your phone and keep a physical map on hand in case your GPS fails. Avoid Impaired Driving Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you plan to indulge, make sure you have a designated sober driver or arrange for alternative transportation. Impaired driving is not only illegal, but it also puts your life and the lives of others at serious risk. By following these tips from Select Source Insurance Group, you're setting the stage for a safe and enjoyable summer road trip. Remember, taking a few precautions can make a big difference in ensuring your vacation is both fun and safe. Drive safely and enjoy the journey!