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South Carolina SR-22 & Points 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

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.

Liability Insurance

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability minimums for all drivers. High-risk drivers with recent violations should strongly consider higher limits — 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 — because at-fault accidents with insufficient coverage can lead to personal liability and license suspension. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license if you're found at fault in an accident and cannot pay damages.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurer with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. It is not a separate policy but an add-on to your existing auto insurance. If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, the insurer notifies the DMV and your license is suspended immediately.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50 minimum, though you can reject it in writing. For high-risk drivers who have paid elevated premiums to reinstate their license, this coverage protects against uninsured drivers who could otherwise leave you liable for medical bills and vehicle damage.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability, comprehensive, and collision and is required if you have a loan or lease. High-risk drivers often face higher collision and comprehensive premiums due to their driving record, but dropping these coverages on a financed vehicle violates lender requirements and can result in force-placed insurance at much higher cost. South Carolina does not require comprehensive or collision by law, only liability.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk drivers with DUIs, suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or multiple violations. These insurers typically charge higher premiums but offer coverage when standard carriers decline. In South Carolina, non-standard carriers often provide month-to-month policies and accept SR-22 filings immediately, which is critical for drivers facing reinstatement deadlines.

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

  • Violation type: DUI convictions result in higher premiums than speeding tickets or minor at-fault accidents
  • 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
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Coverage Types

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. South Carolina minimum is 25/50/25, but a second at-fault accident with insufficient coverage can result in personal liability for damages exceeding your policy limits.

SR-22 Filing

Certificate filed with the South Carolina DMV proving you maintain continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI, suspension, or driving uninsured. Policy lapses trigger immediate license suspension.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, multiple violations, or SR-22 requirements. Non-standard carriers accept higher-risk profiles that standard insurers decline and can file SR-22 immediately.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage if you're hit by an uninsured driver. South Carolina offers this at 25/50 minimum, and you can reject it in writing, but approximately 13% of state drivers are uninsured.

Full Coverage

Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision. Required by lenders and lessors. High-risk drivers pay significantly more for collision due to their accident or violation history.

Collision Coverage

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident or single-vehicle collision, minus your deductible. High-risk drivers often face higher deductibles or restricted coverage options.

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