SR-22 Insurance — South Carolina
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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South Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina is an at-fault state requiring all drivers to maintain continuous liability coverage. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles mandates SR-22 filing for most suspension causes, including DUI, excessive points, and driving uninsured. Coverage must remain active for the full three-year filing period, or the SR-22 lapses and the suspension clock resets.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$327–$411/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Compare South Carolina Insurers That File SR-22s
Get My South Carolina SR-22 Auto Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Route Restricted Drivers License (DL-127); separate Provisional License for first-offense DUI/DUAC
application fee $100.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 20 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in South Carolina after a DUI?
South Carolina requires SR-22 filing for three years following a DUI conviction, measured from your license reinstatement date, not the conviction date. If your insurance lapses at any point during those three years, the DMV re-suspends your license and the three-year period resets.
Can I get car insurance in South Carolina while my license is suspended?
Yes — South Carolina allows you to purchase insurance and file SR-22 while your license is suspended, which is often required before the DMV will reinstate your license. Most suspended drivers need a non-owner SR-22 policy if they do not own a vehicle.
Do I need SR-22 if my South Carolina license was suspended for unpaid tickets?
It depends on the suspension type. The South Carolina DMV requires SR-22 for suspensions related to driving uninsured, excessive points, DUI, reckless driving, and certain court-ordered penalties. Suspensions for administrative reasons like unpaid fines or child support typically do not require SR-22, but you must contact the DMV to confirm your specific reinstatement conditions.
Can I get a restricted or hardship license in South Carolina during suspension?
South Carolina offers a Provisional License for first-time DUI offenders after 30 days of suspension, allowing limited driving to work, school, medical appointments, and alcohol treatment programs. You must install an ignition interlock device and maintain SR-22 insurance. Eligibility and conditions vary by suspension cause — contact the South Carolina DMV for your specific case.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Court-ordered proof of financial responsibility filed electronically with the South Carolina DMV. Required for most suspensions, including DUI, reckless driving, and driving uninsured.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for suspended drivers who do not own a vehicle but need to satisfy South Carolina's SR-22 requirement to reinstate their license.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but these limits are frequently exceeded in serious accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. South Carolina requires carriers to offer this coverage.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for high-risk drivers, including those with suspensions, DUIs, or coverage gaps. Non-standard carriers specialize in SR-22 filings and reinstatement cases.