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South Carolina SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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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 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.

Liability Insurance

High-risk drivers often carry 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 limits to reduce lawsuit exposure after a second violation, as insurers view higher limits as risk-mitigation evidence that can moderate rate increases over time.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy — it's a certificate your insurer files with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing in South Carolina; non-standard insurers like The General, Direct Auto, and Acceptance dominate this market.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina is one of few states mandating uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50/25 limits as liability. High-risk drivers cannot waive this coverage, and rejecting higher UM limits in writing is required — insurers often push 50/100 or 100/300 UM limits because high-risk drivers statistically have more accident exposure.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive. If you're financing a vehicle while under SR-22 requirement, lenders require collision and comprehensive to protect their asset. South Carolina's coastal storm exposure and vehicle theft rates in Columbia and Charleston make comprehensive especially expensive for high-risk profiles.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk drivers with SR-22 requirements, multiple violations, or lapses. These insurers — including Safe Auto, Dairyland, and Bristol West — charge higher base rates but accept drivers standard carriers reject. Policies often feature 6-month terms, monthly payment plans with fees, and stricter cancellation provisions.

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 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
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Coverage 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.

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston

urban

Columbia

urban

North Charleston

suburban

Mount Pleasant

suburban

Rock Hill

suburban

Greenville

urban

Summerville

suburban

Spartanburg

urban