Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, caught driving uninsured, or accumulating excessive points must file SR-22 with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate or maintain driving privileges. The SR-22 filing proves continuous coverage, and the requirement typically lasts 3 years from the violation date or reinstatement date, depending on the offense.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
High-risk auto insurance in South Carolina costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation type, SR-22 filing requirements, and limited carrier competition in the non-standard market. DUI convictions typically increase premiums by 80–150%, while uninsured driving violations or lapses add 50–100%. Rates vary widely by county, with urban areas like Charleston and Greenville offering more carrier options than rural markets.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI carries the steepest surcharge (80–150% increase), followed by uninsured driving (50–100%) and at-fault accidents (40–70%)
- SR-22 duration remaining: some carriers reduce rates after 18–24 months of clean SR-22 filing, while others hold rates flat for the full 3-year period
- County and ZIP code: Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia have more non-standard carrier options and competitive pricing than rural counties with limited high-risk capacity
- Time since violation: rates begin to normalize 6–12 months after SR-22 filing if no new incidents occur, with meaningful drops possible at the 2-year mark
- Payment plan: many non-standard carriers require payment in full or charge 10–15% more for monthly installments due to lapse risk
- Credit history: South Carolina allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, which amplifies rate increases for high-risk drivers with poor credit
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Required by law and the foundation of any SR-22 filing in South Carolina.
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the South Carolina DMV. Proves continuous coverage for 3 years after DUI, uninsured driving, or suspension.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies written by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, lapses, or violations that disqualify them from standard insurers.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Optional in South Carolina but strongly recommended for high-risk drivers.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision to protect both you and your vehicle. Required for financed or leased cars.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events—theft, vandalism, weather, fire, or animal strikes. Typically required alongside collision for full coverage.
