South Carolina DUI and insurance: How much does a DUI raise your insurance?

Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in South Carolina?

With a clean driving history, car insurance in South Carolina averages $2,009. After a DUI, the rate increases to $2,988, which is $979 more.

Auto insurance companies substantially increase premiums when they classify you as a high-risk driver. If you accumulate multiple DUIs, average rates escalate drastically to $4,227.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in South Carolina?

The cheapest insurer after a DUI is Progressive, with rates averaging $2,247. The next cheapest insurer is State Farm a difference of $18 from Progressive. Travelers has the third-most affordable car insurance rates with a DUI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a DUI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a DUI in South Carolina.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
Progressive	$1,816	$2,247	$3,277
State Farm	$2,106	$2,265	$2,265
Travelers	$1,949	$2,875	$3,973
Auto-Owners	$1,475	$2,918	$5,935
Allstate	$2,336	$3,195	$4,324
GEICO	$2,054	$4,943	$9,758
USAA	$1,451	$2,692	$3,272

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in South Carolina?

If you're convicted of a DUI in South Carolina, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and DUI will stay on your record for 10 years.

If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the DUI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your premiums may rise if your car is involved in an accident caused by a DUI. Your vehicle may also be treated as a crime scene after the crash, meaning you won't be able to access it until the police release it.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in South Carolina?

Even though a DUI may remain on your driving record for life, it won't affect your insurance rates forever. In South Carolina, a DUI impacts car insurance and stays on your record for 10 years. Your premiums should begin to decrease after a few years of keeping a clean driving record without further violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a DUI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DUI is $5,778.

These are the cheapest companies after a DUI by age:

For teens: State Farm is the cheapest at $5,778.
For young adults: Progressive offers the cheapest young adult coverage at $2,600.
For adults: Progressive, with an average rate of $2,247.
For seniors: State Farm has the most affordable average rate at $2,070.

This table shows how a DUI affects car insurance rates based on age group.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
State Farm	$5,288	$5,778	$490	9%
Travelers	$4,865	$7,219	$2,354	48%
GEICO	$5,142	$7,750	$2,608	51%
Auto-Owners	$3,662	$8,255	$4,593	125%
Allstate	$6,058	$8,580	$2,522	42%
Progressive	$9,184	$9,645	$461	5%
State Farm	$5,288	$5,778	$490	9%
Travelers	$4,865	$7,219	$2,354	48%
GEICO	$5,142	$7,750	$2,608	51%
Auto-Owners	$3,662	$8,255	$4,593	125%
Allstate	$6,058	$8,580	$2,522	42%
Progressive	$9,184	$9,645	$461	5%
USAA	$6,089	$9,952	$3,863	63%
USAA	$6,089	$9,952	$3,863	63%

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?

The least expensive city in South Carolina for car insurance after a DUI is Westminster, while the costliest city is Eastover, with an average rate of $3,091. Your location influences your insurance costs, even without a DUI. Drivers in areas with heavier traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft typically face higher premiums because their cars are at a greater risk. A DUI then raises those already elevated rates even more.

This table shows the average car insurance rates after a DUI by city. Comparing rates in both large cities and rural areas can help you see how your location affects your premiums.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Anderson	$1,931	$2,902	$971	50%
Eastover	$2,065	$3,091	$1,026	50%
Hardeeville	$1,920	$2,855	$935	49%
Johnsonville	$2,055	$3,048	$993	48%
Manning	$2,012	$2,965	$953	47%
Myrtle Beach	$2,042	$3,015	$973	48%
Seneca	$1,744	$2,628	$884	51%
Spartanburg	$1,945	$2,904	$959	49%
Westminster	$1,739	$2,593	$854	49%
York	$1,920	$2,876	$956	50%
Anderson	$1,931	$2,902	$971	50%
Eastover	$2,065	$3,091	$1,026	50%
Hardeeville	$1,920	$2,855	$935	49%
Johnsonville	$2,055	$3,048	$993	48%
Manning	$2,012	$2,965	$953	47%
Myrtle Beach	$2,042	$3,015	$973	48%
Seneca	$1,744	$2,628	$884	51%
Spartanburg	$1,945	$2,904	$959	49%
Westminster	$1,739	$2,593	$854	49%
York	$1,920	$2,876	$956	50%

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How to get car insurance after a DUI in South Carolina

Insurers will label you as a high-risk driver after a DUI, but that doesn't mean you can't get car insurance. Finding the best fit after a DUI conviction may require a little work.

If you have car insurance and get a DUI, your insurer will probably continue to offer coverage. However, your rates will increase on renewal.

If you need car insurance after a DUI or want to find the most affordable rates, take the time to compare different policies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the cheapest option in South Carolina, as each company sets its own rates after a DUI.

South Carolina DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in South Carolina means you must meet specific high-risk driver requirements. In South Carolina, this includes obtaining an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form your insurer submits to the state to verify that you carry at least the minimum car insurance required by law. While the SR-22 itself doesn't increase your rates, the offense that led to it does.

A DUI can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment and even jail time. Multiple offenses carry even harsher penalties. You may also have to pay attorney fees, towing charges and impound costs.

The table below highlights South Carolina DUI laws and the penalties for both first-time and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC	Administrative license suspension after a first offense	Limited driving privileges during suspension	Ignition interlocks	Open container laws	Repeat offender laws
0.10 and 0.16	1 month (for BAC 0.15 or higher)	Yes	Mandatory for all convictions	Yes	No
0.10 and 0.16	1 month (for BAC 0.15 or higher)	Yes	Mandatory for all convictions	Yes	No

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

A DUI affects car insurance rates for at least three years, but the actual time varies. In some states like California, a DUI can affect rates for 10 years.

South Carolina drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for 10 years.

Tips to save money after a DUI

A DUI can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees and increased insurance premiums. Fortunately, there are still ways to lower your rates afterward.

South Carolina drivers can cut car insurance expenses after a DUI by:

Raising their deductible to reduce monthly premiums
Looking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or safety feature discounts
Keeping a clean driving record going forward
Completing a defensive driving course
Improving their credit score
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers

Methodology

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
40-year-old driver
Honda Accord LX
Good credit
A clean driving record
12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

One and two DUI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

South Carolina DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?

DUIs can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, depending on your state. Typically, a DUI stops affecting car insurance rates in three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in South Carolina?

Most insurers won't drop you after one DUI, but rates will increase significantly. However, multiple DUIs may cause your insurer to refuse coverage. The more risk you pose, the more challenging it is to get car insurance.