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.
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 rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage 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.
