Driving Record Insurance
Get a Quote

South Carolina SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

South Carolina requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, license suspensions, and driving without insurance. The filing typically lasts 3 years and costs $15–$50 to add to a policy, but high-risk premiums average $200–$400/mo depending on violation type and carrier availability.

South Carolina cityscape and street view

Updated April 2026

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.

Minimum Liability (25/50/25)
State minimum coverage with SR-22 filing for drivers with a single DUI, uninsured violation, or moderate point accumulation. Most non-standard carriers start here, though some require higher limits.
Standard Liability (50/100/50)
Increased liability limits often required by non-standard carriers for drivers with multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or DUI combined with other offenses. Provides better asset protection during the SR-22 period.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision, required for financed vehicles. High-risk full coverage rates reflect both violation surcharges and vehicle replacement risk, with some carriers adding 20–30% for SR-22 filing on top of base high-risk pricing.

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 Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Charleston

urban
Columbia, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Columbia

urban
North Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

North Charleston

suburban
Wooden pier extending over water at sunset with marsh grasses in foreground and orange sky

Mount Pleasant

suburban
Park walking path with bench and small dog among tall trees and fallen leaves

Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
Suburban street with houses and orange tile roofs during golden hour lighting

Summerville

suburban
Evening street scene with glowing street lamps, parked cars, and landscaped flower beds in downtown area

Spartanburg

urban

Sources

  • South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles — SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
  • South Carolina Department of Insurance — Minimum Coverage Standards
  • South Carolina Code of Laws Title 56 — Motor Vehicle Laws and SR-22 Triggers

Get Your Free Quote in South Carolina