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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, 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.

Liability Insurance

South Carolina's required 25/50/25 minimums are among the lowest in the nation and rarely sufficient after a serious accident.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy—it's a certificate your insurer files electronically with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. If your insurer cancels your policy or you let coverage lapse during the 3-year requirement period, they must notify the DMV within 15 days, triggering immediate license suspension and requiring you to restart the entire 3-year SR-22 clock.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles including DUI, multiple violations, license suspensions, and lapses.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina is one of the few states that mandates uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same limits as liability: 25/50/25. High-risk drivers cannot waive UM coverage in writing like clean-record drivers can—the South Carolina Department of Insurance requires continuous UM coverage for anyone with an SR-22 filing.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines liability, uninsured motorist, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

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

  • Carrier type: non-standard specialists may cost more initially but offer faster rate reduction paths
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