Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, driving without insurance, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory at 25/50/25 limits. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts 3 years from reinstatement, and any lapse triggers license suspension and restarts the filing period.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
High-risk drivers in South Carolina typically pay $2,460–$4,920 annually for minimum liability with SR-22, compared to $1,200–$1,800 for standard drivers. Your rate depends on violation type — DUI drivers often pay 80–120% more than standard rates, while drivers with speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents see 30–50% increases. Rates typically drop 15–25% after the first year of clean driving, with most drivers returning to near-standard pricing within 3–5 years if no new violations occur.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/DWI increases rates 80–120%, at-fault accidents 40–60%, reckless driving 50–80%
- SR-22 filing duration: 3-year requirement in South Carolina means rates stay elevated until filing is released
- Point accumulation: drivers near the 12-point suspension threshold pay more than those with 4–6 points
- Coverage lapses: a gap in coverage during SR-22 period restarts the 3-year clock and adds a lapse surcharge of 20–40%
- Coastal location: drivers in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head pay 15–25% more due to hurricane and flood exposure
- Non-standard vs. standard carrier: non-standard insurers charge 30–50% higher base rates but accept high-risk profiles rejected elsewhere
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. South Carolina requires 25/50/25, but high-risk drivers often need higher limits to offset lawsuit risk after a violation.
SR-22 Filing
Electronic proof filed by your insurer to the South Carolina DMV confirming you carry required coverage. The filing itself costs $15–$50, but underlying high-risk premiums add $1,000–$3,000 annually.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Mandatory in South Carolina at 25/50/25 limits, this covers your injuries if hit by a driver with no insurance. High-risk drivers cannot waive this coverage.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive. Required by lenders if financing and recommended for vehicles worth more than $5,000.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage from insurers that accept high-risk drivers with SR-22 requirements, multiple violations, or coverage lapses. Non-standard carriers dominate South Carolina's high-risk market.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair your vehicle after an at-fault accident, minus your deductible. High-risk drivers typically carry $1,000–$2,500 deductibles to lower premiums.
