SR-22 insurance in South Carolina isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.
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.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in South Carolina and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
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:
- Notify your insurer about your need for an SR-22. They will manage the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV on your behalf.
- Pay the fees. Be prepared to pay a filing fee for the SR-22 and a higher premium.
- Keep your insurance active. It’s crucial to avoid gaps in coverage.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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?
For drivers in South Carolina convicted of a DUI, the average monthly insurance cost for full coverage car insurance with an SR-22 is $269 per month.
Not all insurance companies provide car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you may need to look into various insurers to find the one that does. But be prepared to pay higher premium costs due to driving infractions 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.
Check out SR-22 insurance rates in nearby states
Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in South Carolina
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.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in South Carolina, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in South Carolina.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,336 | $2,678 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,475 | $1,912 |
| Geico | $2,054 | $2,081 |
| Progressive | $1,816 | $2,014 |
| State Farm | $2,106 | $2,490 |
| 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.
How do I check my SR-22 status online in South Carolina?
You can easily check your SR22 status by visiting the official website of the South Carolina DMV and using their online services. Alternatively, you can contact the South Carolina DMV by phone to inquire about your SR-22 status, and they can provide you with the required information.
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.
It’s important to fulfill the SR-22 requirements for the specified duration without any lapses or cancellations to avoid legal repercussions and maintain driving privileges.
How to get an SR-22 removed in South Carolina
If you want your SR-22 filing removed in South Carolina, the easiest way is to wait out the mandatory filing period. In South Carolina, this period typically lasts for 3 years from the date of filing.
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?
The requirement of an SR-22 certificate can increase your car insurance premiums significantly. Most insurance companies consider drivers with SR-22 high risk, resulting in premium hikes.
Your specific increase in rates will vary based on various factors, including your driving record and the reason for the SR-22.
Car insurance can be more expensive after an SR-22, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from different companies to find the best deal. However, maintaining a clean driving record and adhering to SR-22 obligations can lead to decreased insurance rates.
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’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in South Carolina but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your South Carolina driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in South Carolina?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the South Carolina DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in South Carolina if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in South Carolina remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from South Carolina to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in South Carolina. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in South Carolina?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in South Carolina. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed March 2025.
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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