Updated April 2026
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)
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Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles – SR-22 Requirements and Reinstatement Procedures
- South Carolina Department of Insurance – Minimum Coverage Requirements
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners – High-Risk Auto Insurance Data