State Requirements
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. The state also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50/25 limits unless waived in writing. SR-22 filing is triggered by DUI convictions, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, at-fault accidents without insurance, refusing a chemical test, or driving with a suspended license. These minimums may not provide adequate protection for high-risk drivers facing higher liability exposure.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in South Carolina typically costs 2–4 times more than standard rates due to increased claim likelihood and underwriting risk. Rates vary significantly based on violation type, with DUI convictions carrying the highest surcharges at 80%–200% above base rates, while multiple speeding tickets or at-fault accidents increase premiums 40%–120%. The SR-22 filing fee itself is minor, but the underlying policy cost reflects your risk classification for 3–5 years until violations age off your record.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity: DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges (80%–200%), while speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents add 40%–80%
- Number of incidents: Multiple violations within 3 years compound premiums exponentially; two DUIs can increase rates 250%–400%
- Time since violation: Premiums decrease 10%–25% annually as violations age; most carriers reassess rates at 3-year and 5-year marks
- County and city location: Urban areas like Charleston and Columbia average 15%–30% higher rates than rural counties due to claim frequency
- Credit-based insurance score: South Carolina allows credit history in underwriting; poor credit combined with violations can double premiums
- Vehicle type and value: Newer vehicles with higher replacement costs increase comprehensive and collision premiums by 20%–60% for high-risk drivers
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Required certificate proving you maintain minimum liability coverage following DUI, license suspension, or other serious violations. Filed by your carrier with the South Carolina DMV and must remain active for 3 years.
Non-Owner SR-22 Policy
Liability coverage for drivers who need SR-22 filing but do not own a vehicle. Provides legal compliance and maintains continuous coverage during license suspension or reinstatement periods.
High-Risk Liability Coverage
Bodily injury and property damage coverage for drivers with violations, accidents, or DUIs on record. Rates reflect increased risk but provide essential protection against lawsuits exceeding policy limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your medical bills and vehicle damage. South Carolina mandates this coverage at 25/50 limits unless declined in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident regardless of who caused the crash. Required by lenders if your vehicle is financed or leased.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal collisions. Required by lenders and recommended for vehicles worth more than $5,000 to avoid total loss without reimbursement.
