South Carolina SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Free to compare
South Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Yes
A defensive driving course can reduce points on your record
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
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.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Insurance
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Full Coverage
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$226–$276/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, drivers after a speeding ticket
Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- 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
- Credit history: South Carolina allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, which amplifies rate increases for high-risk drivers with poor credit
Put Your Record Up Against Every Rate
Compare Rates for Your Driving RecordCoverage 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.