SR-22 insurance in South Carolina is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
Your insurance company submits the SR-22 form to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. Make sure to keep your insurance active for the duration mandated by the court or DMV.
In this guide, you’ll find what SR-22 insurance covers in South Carolina and how it affects your annual premiums should you need one.
Who needs an SR-22 in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, an SR-22 is typically required for individuals whose license was suspended or revoked due to certain violations.
Some examples of violations that may lead to an SR-22 requirement include:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in South Carolina typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by South Carolina laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in South Carolina?
Getting insurance in South Carolina involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Contact your current insurance provider: Many insurers can handle SR-22 filings, but remember that your rates may change. It’s important to confirm whether they offer an SR-22 and if it will affect your premiums.
- Shop for quotes: It’s important to compare quotes from different insurers that offer SR-22 coverage. Disclose your need for an SR-22 so you get accurate estimates.
- Meet state minimum liability limits: Make sure that your coverage meets South Carolina’s required minimums, which is 25/50/25.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Remember, getting SR-22 insurance may result in higher premiums due to your driving record. Compare car insurance quotes every six months and ask about discounts to get the cheapest car insurance possible.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,194 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $101 higher than the national average of $2,093 a year. However, if you have a DUI on your record, the average annual premium in South Carolina jumps to $3,226 for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in South Carolina?
Drivers in South Carolina who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $269 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes an SR-22.
Only some insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to look around to find one that does. When you do find an insurer, be prepared for higher premiums because of driving violations on your record.
However, by driving responsibly and avoiding speeding tickets, DUIs and other infractions, you can gradually improve your driving record and secure lower insurance rates in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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For drivers in South Carolina looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, Auto-Owners offers the lowest rates at $1,912 annually. While not the least expensive, Progressive and Geico offer affordable rates in South Carolina, based on CarInsurance.com data.
In South Carolina, after a traffic infraction such as a DUI, getting SR-22 insurance is mandatory. While the SR-22 form does not impact insurance costs, the offenses that necessitate it typically result in increased premiums. However, there are still insurers in South Carolina that offer affordable coverage for high-risk drivers.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | 1,475 | 1,912 |
| Progressive | 1,816 | 2,014 |
| Geico | 2,054 | 2,081 |
| State Farm | 2,106 | 2,490 |
| Allstate | 2,336 | 2,678 |
| USAA* | 1,451 | 1,490 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
You will need SR-22 in South Carolina for a duration of 3 years It assures the South Carolina DMV that you’re consistently maintaining at least the minimum required coverage levels mandated by the state.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my car insurance?
If you cancel your car insurance in South Carolina before the required period mandated by the state, it can lead to serious consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: Your South Carolina insurance provider is legally required to inform the state if your insurance is canceled. This likely triggers a driver’s license suspension, as you must still maintain SR-22 coverage for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In addition to suspension, some states may impose additional fines or penalties for failing to comply with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your South Carolina SR-22 requirement was part of a probation period for a driving offense, cancellation might restart the clock.
- Increased insurance costs: Future attempts to purchase insurance might be costly due to the lapse in coverage and driving record violations.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in South Carolina
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In South Carolina, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in South Carolina?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in South Carolina. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for South Carolina drivers
If you don’t have a car but require an SR-22 in South Carolina, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your driving privileges and meet the SR-22 requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
How do I check my SR-22 status online in South Carolina?
You can visit the official South Carolina DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the South Carolina DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in South Carolina?
The SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company files with the South Carolina DMV to show you have the minimum required liability coverage. SR-1P is for two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – if you’ve been caught riding without insurance or had your license suspended, you’ll need an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in South Carolina if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance in South Carolina doesn’t disappear when you move. You’ll need to find a new insurance company licensed in your new state to file an SR-22 on your behalf. They’ll likely need to file forms with the South Carolina DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Don’t cancel your South Carolina insurance until you have the new SR-22 in place to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Your new state’s SR-22 requirements might differ from South Carolina’s. You’ll need to consult with your new insurer and the DMV in the state to understand what’s needed.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in South Carolina?
Yes, Geico offers SR-22 in South Carolina. It is one of the major car insurance companies that file SR-22 with the state on your behalf, along with providing the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s requirements.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in South Carolina. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of South Carolina