Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina (2024)

Although often referred to as "SR-22 insurance," an SR-22 is actually a certificate proving that your insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage requirements set by South Carolina. State law mandates that drivers with specific serious traffic offenses must file an SR-22 to regain their driving privileges. This filing notifies insurers that you are a higher-risk driver, which typically results in increased insurance rates.

In South Carolina, the SR-22 form serves solely to verify that high-risk drivers comply with the state’s insurance requirements following serious traffic violations. To satisfy SR-22 regulations in South Carolina, you must meet these coverage minimums:

American National offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance for most South Carolina drivers across various coverage levels. With an average minimum liability rate of $46 per month, this is about 58% less than the state average of $109 per month, potentially saving drivers $756 annually.

For full coverage SR-22 insurance, American National is also the most affordable choice in South Carolina, averaging $81 per month.

Auto-Owners Insurance offers the most affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, with average premiums of $38 per month or $460 per year. Non-owner car insurance helps drivers who need an SR-22 filing but do not own a vehicle to comply with the state's minimum insurance requirements.

Below is a list of providers with competitive rates for non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, along with their average prices for minimum coverage policies:

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina for drivers requiring an SR-22 is $1,311 per year for minimum coverage, which is roughly 44% higher than the state’s average annual rate of $909 for drivers with a clean record.

The average yearly cost for full coverage SR-22 car insurance in South Carolina is $2,486, approximately 38% more than the state average of $1,797 for drivers without violations.

In South Carolina, higher insurance premiums are primarily driven by the underlying traffic violation, such as a DUI, speeding ticket or at-fault accident — not the SR-22 form itself. The SR-22 acts as proof that you carry the state's required minimum insurance coverage after a major violation. Below, you'll find a comparison of SR-22 insurance rates for common violations like DUIs, speeding tickets and accidents across different age groups, alongside average rates for drivers with clean records.

An SR-22, sometimes referred to as a "certificate of financial responsibility" or "SR-22 bond," is often mistakenly thought to be an insurance policy. In reality, it is a document filed by your insurance provider to inform South Carolina state authorities that you carry the required liability insurance, meeting the state’s Financial Responsibility law for reinstating your license.

South Carolina law mandates an SR-22 filing for drivers who have committed significant traffic offenses. This form is crucial for reinstating or retaining your driving privileges. Courts usually require SR-22 filings for drivers implicated in violations such as:

In South Carolina, SR-22 certificates are generally required for a period of three years. However, for repeat offenses or more severe violations, the required filing period may be extended to five years or longer, depending on the nature and frequency of the infractions.

Along with complying with South Carolina's state minimum coverage laws for three years, drivers with an SR-22 in South Carolina should take note of these key requirements:

• Fees: To reinstate your driving privileges, you must submit an SR-22 to prove you have full liability coverage and pay any applicable reinstatement fees to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
• Policy Cancellation: Filing an SR-22 may lead your insurer to cancel your policy or decide against renewing it, which could require you to seek a new insurance provider.
• Continuous Coverage: Maintaining continuous insurance coverage throughout the SR-22 period is essential. If your policy lapses, your insurer is required to notify the state, which could result in penalties or a suspension of your license.
• Relocation: If you relocate outside of South Carolina while under an SR-22 obligation, you must inform your insurer to ensure compliance with SR-22 regulations in your new state.
• Completion and Cancellation: When your SR-22 term ends (three years or longer if necessary), your insurer should submit a cancellation of the SR-22 to the SCDMV to confirm that you have fulfilled the requirement.

In South Carolina, drivers involved in serious offenses, including DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance, must file an SR-22. Failure to do so when required can result in further penalties, such as extended license suspension or delays in reinstating driving privileges.

See below steps to filing an SR-22 in South Carolina:

Maintaining minimum liability coverage throughout the SR-22 period is crucial in South Carolina to prevent penalties and keep your license eligible for reinstatement. If you currently lack insurance, obtaining an SR-22 insurance quote is essential. Once an SR-22 is filed, some insurers may choose to cancel your policy or not renew it, making it more challenging for high-risk drivers to find SR-22 coverage compared to those with clean driving records.

High-risk drivers in South Carolina often have fewer options, as not all insurance companies are willing to offer coverage, and premiums are generally higher. To find more affordable SR-22 car insurance in South Carolina, consider these tips:

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for individuals who drive frequently but do not own a vehicle. This type of policy ensures you are covered when operating another person's car, whether borrowing a friend's vehicle or renting one.

In South Carolina, once you obtain a non-owner car insurance policy, your insurer can file an SR-22 form on your behalf to meet state requirements and assist with reinstating your driver’s license. The SR-22 filing is typically required for a minimum of three years following certain traffic violations.

Non-owner insurance is ideal for those who frequently rent cars or occasionally drive vehicles they don’t own. These policies cover third-party injuries and property damage in at-fault accidents. Non-owner policies in South Carolina are generally more affordable than standard auto insurance, as they offer only liability coverage and do not insure a specific vehicle.

To secure the best rates, it’s beneficial to compare quotes from various insurance providers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Drivers in South Carolina who are convicted of serious traffic violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving, are required to file an SR-22 to demonstrate that they meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage). Typically, the SR-22 must be maintained for a period of three years, although this timeframe can be extended for repeat offenses or more serious violations.

Although SR-22 filings often result in higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk designation, several affordable car insurance providers in South Carolina offer competitive rates tailored for high-risk drivers.

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

MoneyGeek analyzed 30,900 quotes from 14 companies across 35 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance premiums for drivers of various profiles and needs in South Carolina.

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 $1,000–1,999 in property damage
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE
• 12,000 miles driven annually

Coverage Levels and Deductibles

We gathered quotes for minimum coverage insurance policies to help motorists find the cheapest SR-22 insurance for their desired coverage level. For the most affordable minimum coverage policy, quotes were based on South Carolina’s minimum coverage car insurance requirements with the following liability limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

For the most affordable policy with comprehensive and collision coverage — also referred to as a full coverage policy — 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.