Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina requires 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, license suspensions for points accumulation, or at-fault accidents while uninsured typically face SR-22 filing requirements administered by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. High-risk drivers often carry higher limits than minimums to meet lender requirements and reduce personal exposure after a violation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
High-risk auto insurance premiums in South Carolina vary widely based on violation type, driving history, age, and location. DUI convictions typically increase rates by 80–150%, while at-fault accidents add 40–70% and speeding violations 15–30%. Non-standard carriers and SR-22 filing requirements push costs higher, with urban areas like Charleston and Columbia seeing premiums 10–20% above rural counties.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type (DUI adds 80–150%, reckless driving 50–90%, at-fault accident 40–70%)
- SR-22 filing requirement and duration remaining
- Driver age (under-25 high-risk drivers pay 20–40% more than drivers over 30)
- County and municipality (Charleston and Greenville urban zip codes run 10–20% higher than rural areas)
- Coverage lapse history (gaps exceeding 30 days can double premiums)
- Vehicle type and value (full coverage on financed vehicles with high-risk profiles often exceeds $400/mo)
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 with the South Carolina DMV proving continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI, suspended license violations, or uninsured accidents.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers: multiple DUIs, license suspensions, or long coverage lapses. Costs 30–60% more than standard high-risk policies but provides immediate coverage when standard carriers decline.
Full Coverage
Liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Required by lenders and lessors, protects your vehicle in addition to meeting SR-22 liability requirements.
Liability Insurance
Covers damage and injuries you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but many high-risk drivers carry 100/300/100 to protect assets and meet lender or court requirements.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. South Carolina insurers must offer it at limits matching your liability policy, though you can reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle in an accident, regardless of fault. Required by lenders and often bundled with comprehensive coverage in full-coverage policies.
