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. Drivers with DUI convictions, at-fault uninsured accidents, excessive points, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for 3 years. Uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory at the same 25/50/25 limits. Many high-risk drivers carry higher limits to meet court requirements or protect against rate increases after another violation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
High-risk auto insurance rates in South Carolina vary dramatically based on violation type, driver age, coverage level, and city. A single DUI typically increases premiums by 80–120% above clean-record rates, while multiple violations or a suspended license can triple your costs. Based on available industry data, high-risk drivers in South Carolina pay $210–$420/mo for minimum coverage and $280–$550/mo for full coverage, though rates drop significantly after 3–5 years with no new violations.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI increases rates 80–120%, reckless driving 50–80%, at-fault accidents 40–70%
- SR-22 filing requirement adds $15–$50 filing fee plus ongoing premium surcharges
- Time since violation: rates drop 20–40% after 3 years with no new incidents
- City location: Charleston and Columbia average 15–25% higher than Greenville or Spartanburg
- Coverage level: full coverage costs 30–50% more than minimum liability for high-risk profiles
- Carrier type: non-standard specialists may cost more initially but offer faster rate reduction paths
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer proving you carry at least South Carolina's minimum 25/50/25 liability limits. Required for 3 years after DUI, uninsured accidents, or license suspension.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers who've been declined by standard insurers. Typically the only option immediately after DUI, suspension, or multiple violations.
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but high-risk drivers often need higher limits to meet court requirements or satisfy SR-22 obligations.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, uninsured motorist, comprehensive, and collision. Required by lenders and protects your vehicle's value regardless of who's at fault in an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage up to your policy limits.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Umbrella term for coverage designed for drivers with DUI, violations, accidents, or lapses. Includes both non-standard carriers and standard carriers' high-risk programs.
