State Requirements
South Carolina mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Drivers with DUI convictions, suspensions for point accumulation (12 points in 12 months), driving without insurance, or at-fault accidents while uninsured must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required at matching liability limits unless rejected in writing. High-risk drivers often need policies from non-standard carriers willing to file SR-22 and accept suspended or recently reinstated licenses.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your South Carolina quote.
Get your South Carolina quoteCost Overview
High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay premiums 90–250% above standard rates depending on violation type, with DUI convictions causing the steepest increases. Carriers classify drivers as non-standard based on major violations, multiple at-fault accidents, lapses in coverage, or SR-22 requirements, limiting options to specialty insurers or the state's assigned risk pool. Rates decline gradually as violations age off your record—most violations impact rates for 3–5 years, while DUIs remain surchargeable for up to 7 years in South Carolina.
What Affects Your Rate
- DUI convictions increase premiums 110–180% for 5–7 years in South Carolina
- At-fault accidents with injuries add 60–90% surcharges for 3–5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement signals high risk, limiting carrier options to non-standard market
- Lapses in coverage longer than 30 days add 20–40% to renewal premiums
- Point accumulation above 6 points triggers non-standard classification and rate increases
- Urban areas like Charleston and Columbia see 15–25% higher premiums due to accident frequency
Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle
Compare carriers that offer non-owner policies with SR-22 filing — required for reinstatement in most states.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the South Carolina DMV after major violations. The filing itself costs $15–$50, but underlying premiums range from $2,200–$5,400 annually due to non-standard carrier placement.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimum leaves significant exposure—serious accidents frequently generate $100,000+ in claims.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by drivers without insurance, covering your medical bills and vehicle damage. South Carolina requires UM coverage at matching liability limits unless you reject it in writing.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Provides liability coverage and SR-22 filing for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need to maintain filing requirements. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. Required by lenders if you finance a vehicle, providing complete protection despite high-risk premiums.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage from non-standard carriers willing to insure drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or major violations. Often the only option when standard insurers decline or non-renew policies.
