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SC DMV EXPRESS KIOSKS - Service in Grocery Stores

Doug Stockman • October 24, 2024

Don't like to wait in SC DMV lines?

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.

By Doug Stockman April 9, 2025
tl;dr Why Car Insurance is Pricey: Expensive Accidents: Repairs, medical bills, and lost wages drive up claim costs. Rising Healthcare Costs: Increased medical fees directly impact insurance payouts. Distracted Driving: More accidents due to distractions mean more claims and higher premiums. Costly Car Repairs: Modern, complex vehicles are pricier to fix. Factors Affecting Your Rate: Driving record, age, vehicle type, and location all play a role. Why is Car Insurance So Expensive? Car insurance is expensive. There's no getting around it. But why does it cost so much? The High Cost of Accidents One of the main reasons car insurance is so expensive is because accidents have become more expensive. When you get into an accident, there are a lot of costs involved. There's the cost of repairing your car has risen, the cost of medical care for you, any passengers, the other party and the cost of lost wages if they can't work. Insurance companies have to pay for all of these costs, which is why they charge high premiums. South Carolina is trending towards having higher rates. Let's do our part by driving safe to help reduce our costs. The Rising Cost of Healthcare The cost of healthcare is also on the rise, which is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. When you get into an accident, you or the other party may need to go to the hospital or see a doctor. The cost of these services is only going to continue to rise, which means that insurance companies will have to charge more for their policies. The Increasing Number of Distracted Drivers Distracted driving is a major problem, and it's only getting worse. When people are distracted while driving, they're more likely to get into an accident. This means that insurance companies have to pay out more claims, which drives up the cost of car insurance. Follow Us on Facebook The Increasing Cost of Car Repairs Cars are becoming more and more complex and not to mention safety technology, which means that they're also becoming more expensive to repair. This is another reason why car insurance is so expensive. There are delays in South Carolina body shops and supply chain disruptions. When you get into an accident, it can cost a lot of money to fix your car. How to Keep Your Car Insurance Costs Down There are a few things you can do to keep your car insurance costs down here in the upstate. One is to shop around for the best rates. At Select Source Insurance we do the shopping for you. You can also get discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company and many others. The Bottom Line Car insurance is expensive, but there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down. Shop around for the best rates, get discounts, and drive safely. A Few More Things to Keep in Mind Your driving record: If you have a clean driving record, you're likely to get a lower rate on your car insurance. Check your record for claims and tickets to make sure you are not being charged for errors. Your age: Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Your car: The type of car you drive can also affect your car insurance rates. Sports cars and luxury cars are usually more expensive to insure than other cars. One myth is if you have a red car your rates will be higher. This is false. Your location: Where you live can also affect your car insurance rates. If you live in a big city like Spartanburg, you're likely to pay more than if you live in a small surrounding town like Lyman or Inman. In Conclusion Car insurance is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to break the bank. By shopping around for the best rates, getting discounts, and driving safely, you can keep your costs down. I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us at 864-585-8318. If you would like to submit your basic information to our private local website, we will quote your rates with the most competitive companies available. We do not sell your information, it is completely secure. Get a Quote Here Additional Tips: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies. At Select Source we do that for you. Ask about discounts for things like good grades, safe driving, and having multiple policies with the same company. Drive safely. Maintain a clean driving record. Consider getting a higher deductible. Take a defensive driving course. Use a rideshare service or public transportation when you've been drinking. Will Car Insurance Rates Go Down Who has the Cheapest Car Insurance Maximize Your Groove With Discounts South Carolina DMV
tailgating
By Doug Stockman April 9, 2025
TL;DR: The 3-Second Rule: Why It's Not Just a Suggestion (And Why You're Not Vin Diesel). Three seconds is NOT an eternity: It's the buffer you need to avoid turning your car into a metal pancake. "Pro" drivers are delusional: Physics doesn't care about your ego; it cares about stopping distances. It's simple: Pick a point, count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." If you pass it too soon, back off. Those seconds give you time to process, react, and let your car do its thing. Chill out, count, and avoid awkward insurance conversations. Driving isn't a race, it's a shared journey to avoid metal-on-metal crime. Three Seconds: The Eternity Between "Oops" and "OH NO." Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the thrilling world of the three-second following distance. Yes, that glorious, often-ignored rule that separates us from a symphony of crumpled metal and insurance adjusters. Let's be honest, three seconds on the road feels like an eternity. Especially when you're stuck behind someone who seems to be navigating too delicately. You're thinking, "Come on, buddy, I could knit a sweater in three seconds!" But, alas, the highway safety supreme being (and your insurance premium) demand we adhere to this seemingly endless time gap. Both following too closely and texting while driving has added to the number of accidents in South Carolina in recent years. Ten Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain The "But I'm a Pro!" Delusion We've all been there. You're a driving ninja. You can parallel park in a space the size of a postage stamp. You know the exact moment to hit the gas to catch that elusive green light. You're basically Vin Diesel, but with a slightly less impressive car and a significantly less impressive physique. So, three seconds? Pfft. Amateur hour. And really, does arriving at your destination 3 seconds later matter? Avoiding the nightmare of claims is definitely worth it. Don't become a South Carolina accident statistic. "I can react in a nanosecond!" you declare, as you tailgate a semi-truck during a monsoon. "Three seconds is for people who can't tell the difference between a brake light and a Christmas tree." Spoiler alert: You're wrong. And you're about to learn a valuable lesson in the physics of large, metal objects, sudden stops and metal accordions. The Reality Check: Physics Doesn't Care About Your Driving Ego. Here's the thing: even if your reflexes are lightning-fast, your car isn't. It needs time to respond. And those three seconds? They're not just some arbitrary number a bored traffic engineer pulled out of thin air. They're a buffer. A safety net. A "Hey, maybe don't turn your car into a metal accordion" zone. The 3 second rule works for every speed whether you are traveling at 15 mph or 60 mph. Imagine this: the car in front slams on their brakes. Why? Who knows? Maybe a squirrel decided to audition for "American Ninja Warrior" by crossing the highway. Maybe they saw a particularly enticing roadside taco stand. Whatever the reason, they've stopped. Now, you have three seconds (or less, if you're a "pro") to react. Those three seconds give you: Time to process: "Wait, are those brake lights? Are they serious?" Time to react: "Okay, foot, move to the brake pedal! Now!" How much time does that take? I tried to calculate the time and it is slow. Time for your car to react: "Engaging anti-lock brakes! Please hold while I calculate the optimal stopping distance." Without those precious seconds, you're just a passenger in a metal projectile, headed for a very expensive collision. The Actual Technique (Because, You Know, Safety) For those of you who haven't memorized the driver's manual (and let's be honest, who has? I definitely have not.), here's the lowdown on the three-second rule: Pick a stationary object: A sign, a pole, a particularly grumpy-looking squirrel. When the car in front passes it, start counting: "One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi." I slow this count also. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you're too close. Back off, buddy. Back. Off. The Moral of the Story: Chill Out and Count. Follow Us on Facebook Driving isn't a race. It's a delicate dance of metal, momentum, and the shared desire to get to our destinations without becoming a viral road rage video. So, take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself (and everyone else) a little space. Have you ever seen a stop light change to green and the car in front of you races to the next light. You can see clearly that the next light ahead just changed to red. Why are we racing to get to it? Also, if you are following too closely, and can't see what's in front of the car in front of you, be prepared for an accident. If the car in front stops suddenly or moves to another lane to avoid the stopped car in front of it, you won't have enough time to react and hit the stopped car. Several years ago, this happened to me. The 3 second rule works. Those three seconds might feel like an eternity, but they're the difference between a smooth ride and a very awkward conversation with your insurance agent. And trust me, nobody wants that. And besides that, it is less wear and tear on your car. Following to close, means using your brakes more often. I don't know if you have paid for a brake repair job lately, but it is not cheap. Can Car Insurance Drop You? What Does Car Insurance NOT Cover ? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms You Need to Know
By Doug Stockman April 8, 2025
TL;DR: Car Insurance Breakups (Cancellations) Happen: Reasons for Cancellation: Poor driving record, dishonesty, non-payment, moving, or high risk. Don't Panic: You have options even if dropped. Find Out Why: Understand the reason for cancellation. Shop Around: Use an independent agent to find new coverage. Improve Your Situation: Clean up your driving or dispute unfair cancellation. Car Insurance Breakups (Cancellations) Happen: You've Been Dumped! (By Your Car Insurance? Seriously?) Ah, the sweet, sweet security of car insurance. That warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing someone's got your back when you accidentally introduce your bumper to a mailbox. But what happens when they decide to break up with you? Can your car insurance company just...ghost you? Let's dive into this awkward scenario that happens in Spartanburg. The "It's Not You, It's Me" Speech (Insurance Edition) Yes, folks, car insurance companies can drop you. It's like a bad breakup, only instead of returning your mix CDs, they're canceling your policy. And just like any good breakup, they usually have their reasons (even if they sound like they were written by a robot). Common Reasons You Might Get the Boot: The "Lead Foot of Doom" Award: A string of speeding tickets, accidents, or reckless driving citations? You've basically written a love letter to higher premiums, and now they’re returning to sender. Upstate South Carolina has seen an uptick in citations. Watch the 3 Second Rule Video The "Honesty? What's That?" Clause: Misrepresenting yourself or your driving record is like wearing a fake mustache to a police lineup. They will find out, and it won't be pretty. The "Payment? Oh, Right" Oopsie: Failing to pay your premiums is like forgetting your anniversary. It's a big no-no, and it will hurt the relationship. The "Moving to Mars" Clause: Companies have specific geographic areas, like states, they cover. If you move outside those boundaries, it's like a long-distance relationship that just won't work. If you live in South Carolina, have a car registered here, you have a South Carolina policy. If you move to North Carolina, you will need a policy for NC. The SC policy will have to be cancelled. And don't forget to turn the tag in and cancel the policy for the same date the tag was turned in. The "Risk Factor: Off the Charts" Scenario: Sometimes, even if you’re a saint behind the wheel, if your overall risk profile is deemed too high, they might cut you loose. Top Insurance Myths What to Do When You Get the "Dear John" Letter: Don't Panic (Too Much): It's not the end of the world. There are other fish in the insurance sea. Ask Why: Get the lowdown on the reason for the cancellation. It's your right to know. Possibly there is a mistake, like being charged for a claim or ticket that is not yours. I have seen that happen with common names or 1 time a twin brother's claim was on his twin brother's record. We helped them correct the record and lowered the rates. Shop Around (With an Independent Agent!): This is where we come in! Select Source can help you find a new policy that fits your needs and budget. We can shop many companies and find the best fit. We will optimize your coverage and costs. Clean Up Your Act: If it was your driving record, start driving like your grandma is watching. Or a great tip from Select Source is drive like there is a baby sleeping in the back seat, unbuckled. Dispute (If Necessary): If you believe the cancellation was unfair, you have the right to dispute it. The Moral of the Story: Communication is Key There are some companies that say they will never drop you. While this may be true, they don't say anything about how high the rates can go. Like any relationship, communication is vital. Be honest, pay your bills, and drive safely. And if you’re ever feeling unsure, talk to your friendly neighborhood independent insurance agent (that’s us! Select Source Insurance ). We’re here to help you navigate the sometimes-rocky road of car insurance. In Conclusion: Don't Let Insurance Dump You! Getting dropped by your car insurance is a bummer, but it doesn't have to be a tragedy. With a little knowledge and a good agent on your side, you'll be back on the road to insurance bliss in no time. And remember, driving safely is like sending your insurance company flowers – it always helps. Top Insurance Myths How Much Car Insurance Do I Need? Top Ten Car Insurance Terms South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles History of the "Dear John Letter"
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