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South Carolina SR-22 & High-Risk 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

Drivers with DUI convictions, at-fault uninsured accidents, license suspensions for points, or habitual offender status must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for typically 3 years. Uninsured motorist coverage is required at the same 25/50/25 limits unless you decline it in writing, making it particularly important for high-risk drivers facing premium increases who still need protection from other uninsured drivers.

Liability Insurance

High-risk drivers often face lawsuits that pierce minimum coverage limits, exposing personal assets. Many non-standard carriers in South Carolina require 50/100/50 or higher limits to write policies for drivers with recent DUI or multiple violations.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate your insurer files electronically with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least state minimum liability. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing in South Carolina—standard insurers like USAA and State Farm often non-renew drivers with DUI convictions, forcing placement with non-standard specialists.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability policy unless you explicitly waive it. Carriers writing high-risk policies in South Carolina often bundle UM/UIM into base rates, making rejection less common than in states where it's purely optional.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability, comprehensive, and collision and is required by lienholders if you finance or lease a vehicle.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles and are often the only option for South Carolina drivers with recent DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, or lapses during SR-22 periods. Non-standard policies in South Carolina may require full premium upfront or higher down payments and offer fewer coverage options, but they provide legal compliance and a path to rate recovery after 3–5 years of claim-free driving.

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

  • Type of violation: DUI convictions increase rates more than license suspensions for points
  • Carrier availability: South Carolina has fewer non-standard carriers in rural counties, limiting competition
  • Credit-based insurance score: South Carolina allows credit scoring, which compounds high-risk surcharges for drivers with poor credit
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