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South Carolina SR-22 & Points Auto Insurance

South Carolina requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, at-fault uninsured accidents, and license suspensions — typically for 3 years. Most point violations from speeding or minor tickets do not trigger SR-22. High-risk premiums typically range $200–$400/mo depending on violation type and driving history.

South Carolina cityscape and street view

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. SR-22 filing is required for major violations including DUI, driving without insurance, at-fault accidents while uninsured, and license suspensions. Standard point violations from speeding tickets or minor moving violations do not trigger SR-22 unless they result in suspension. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles administers SR-22 requirements and point accumulation rules.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

High-risk auto insurance premiums in South Carolina vary widely based on violation type, age, location, and driving history. DUI convictions typically result in the highest rate increases, often 80–150% above clean-record rates. Point violations from speeding or at-fault accidents without SR-22 requirements typically increase rates 20–50%, and these surcharges decrease as the violation ages off your record.

Minimum Liability (25/50/25)
Meets South Carolina's legal minimum for high-risk drivers with recent violations or SR-22 requirements. Non-standard carriers often require higher down payments and may not offer payment plans.
Standard Liability (50/100/50)
Higher liability limits recommended for drivers with prior at-fault accidents or SR-22 requirements, as another at-fault accident with insufficient coverage can result in personal liability and additional suspension.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision, required for financed or leased vehicles. High-risk drivers pay significantly more for collision coverage due to accident history, and lenders may require higher deductibles.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type: DUI convictions result in higher premiums than speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents
  • Years since violation: Rates typically decrease 10–20% each year as the violation ages, with the largest drop after the first renewal
  • SR-22 requirement: Drivers with SR-22 filings pay approximately 50–100% more than similar high-risk drivers without SR-22
  • Point accumulation: South Carolina's point system assigns 2 points for speeding 10+ mph over, 4 points for reckless driving, and 6 points for DUI — rates increase with total points
  • Location: Urban areas like Charleston and Columbia typically have higher premiums due to accident frequency and uninsured driver rates
  • Age and experience: Drivers under 25 with violations face compounded surcharges, often paying double the rate of older high-risk drivers with similar records

Compare Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Charleston

urban
Columbia, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Columbia

urban
North Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

North Charleston

suburban
Wooden pier extending over water at sunset with marsh grasses in foreground and orange sky

Mount Pleasant

suburban
Park walking path with bench and small dog among tall trees and fallen leaves

Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
Suburban street with houses and orange tile roofs during golden hour lighting

Summerville

suburban
Evening street scene with glowing street lamps, parked cars, and landscaped flower beds in downtown area

Spartanburg

urban

Sources

  • South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles — SR-22 Requirements and Point System
  • South Carolina Department of Insurance — Minimum Coverage Requirements
  • Insurance Research Council — Uninsured Motorists Study

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