Updated April 2026
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
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Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles – SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- South Carolina Department of Insurance – Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Standards
- South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-10-230 – Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act