Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina

American National offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance at $46 monthly for minimum coverage, 58% less than the state average of $109 per month. It's also the most affordable for full coverage at $81.

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina at $38 monthly or $460 annually. Non-owner insurance helps drivers without a vehicle meet state minimum coverage requirements. 

The table shows providers and their average costs for minimum coverage.

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina for drivers with an SR-22 is $1,311 annually for minimum coverage, 44% more than for clean-record drivers who pay $909.

SR-22 drivers pay about $2,486 per year for full coverage, compared to $1,797 for drivers with clean records — a 38% increase.

Having an SR-22 form alone doesn't raise your insurance rate. The violation determines the cost. The table below compares SR-22 insurance prices in South Carolina for common violations across age groups.

An SR-22 isn't insurance; it's proof you have the state's minimum coverage. After certain violations, South Carolina drivers must file it to reinstate their license. Insurers view these drivers as high-risk, often charging higher premiums.

An SR-22, also called an SR-22 bond or certificate of financial responsibility, is often mistaken for an insurance policy. It's a certification your insurer files to confirm that you have enough insurance to meet the reinstatement requirements of South Carolina's Financial Responsibility law.

An SR-22 is required in South Carolina for three years after serious traffic violations. This form proves you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements. To comply with SR-22 laws, you must adhere to the following:

• $25,000 personal injury liability per person
• $50,000 personal injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $50,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage per accident
• $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

In South Carolina, SR-22 certificates are usually required for three years.

Along with using an SR-22 for three years to comply with South Carolina's minimum coverage laws, drivers must follow these other rules:

• Fees: You must pay a fee to regain driving privileges and file the SR-22 form to prove liability coverage.
• Insurers' policies: After an SR-22 filing, your current insurer may cancel or refuse to renew your policy, requiring you to find a new provider.
• Continuous coverage: You must maintain uninterrupted coverage during the three-year SR-22 period. Lapses can result in penalties or license suspension, as insurers must notify the state of coverage gaps.
• Relocation: If you move out of South Carolina during the SR-22 period, coordinate with your insurer for out-of-state filing.
• Cancellation: After completing the three-year requirement, your insurer must file a financial responsibility cancellation with the state, confirming you’ve fulfilled the SR-22 obligation.

To avoid penalties and reinstate your license after a serious violation, keep your SR-22 coverage for the entire required period. You must get an SR-22 insurance quote if you don't have coverage. Finding insurance with an SR-22 can be more challenging than for drivers with clean records, as insurers may cancel your policy or deny coverage when you file.

High-risk drivers in South Carolina may face limited coverage options and higher premiums. When seeking an SR-22 insurance quote, verify the exact fee with your insurer, especially if it's your first filing. Consider these tips to find cheaper SR-22 insurance:

Non-owner insurance covers drivers who frequently operate vehicles they don’t own, especially those renting cars or driving for rideshare services. It protects you when driving someone else’s car, covering third-party injuries or property damage in accidents.

Non-owner insurance is often more affordable than standard coverage. Comparing quotes from various insurers can help you find the best rates. Once you purchase a policy, your insurer can file an SR-22 form to meet state requirements, enabling license reinstatement after three years.

If you’ve had a serious driving offense, you’ll need an SR-22 to prove you meet state minimum coverage requirements. This is typically required for three years after major or repeated violations. Although SR-22 insurance costs more, you can find cheap car insurance providers in South Carolina.

Below are frequently asked questions about SR-22 certifications in South Carolina:

MoneyGeek analyzed 127,836 quotes from nine companies across 258 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for South Carolina drivers with various profiles and needs.

South Carolina Driver Profile

We collected data for a sample driver with the following attributes:

• 40-year-old male
• Driving record with a DUI or an at-fault accident causing $1,000 to $1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage policies to help drivers find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their coverage needs. Quotes were based on South Carolina's minimum coverage requirements, with the following limits:

• $25,000 personal injury liability per person
• $50,000 personal injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident
• $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage per person
• $50,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage per accident
• $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also called full coverage — we used the following limits with a $1,000 deductible:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 property damage liability per accident

Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.