Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina mandates minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 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.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay substantially higher premiums due to violation severity, filing requirements, and carrier availability. A DUI conviction typically increases rates by 80–150%, while at-fault accidents or lapses add 40–80%. Non-standard carriers dominate this market, and rates vary widely based on whether you need minimum liability with SR-22 or full coverage with a lien.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions increase rates more than license suspensions for points
- Time since violation: rates decrease 10–20% per year after the first year if no new claims occur
- Lapse history during SR-22 period: any lapse restarts the clock and adds 20–40% to premiums
- 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
- Vehicle type and value: full coverage on vehicles worth over $15,000 can double total premium cost for high-risk drivers
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 injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums are required for SR-22 filing but may not cover the full cost of a serious collision, exposing high-risk drivers to personal liability.
SR-22 Filing
Certificate filed by your insurer proving you meet South Carolina's financial responsibility requirement after a major violation. The filing itself costs $15–$50, but the high-risk policy behind it drives the total premium increase.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage. South Carolina requires UM/UIM at the same limits as your liability policy unless you decline in writing.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision to protect both your legal obligation and your vehicle's value. Required by lienholders and recommended for vehicles worth over $5,000.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers, including those with DUI, suspensions, lapses, or multiple violations. These carriers accept profiles standard insurers reject but charge higher premiums and require larger down payments.
Comprehensive and Collision
Comprehensive covers non-collision events like theft, weather, and vandalism; collision covers damage to your vehicle in an accident regardless of fault. Both require deductibles, typically $500–$1,000 for high-risk drivers.
