- Understanding SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- How long do you need an SR-22 in South Carolina?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in South Carolina
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in South Carolina: FAQ
- Compare South Carolina SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in South Carolina. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.
Most drivers in South Carolina don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you how long you need to keep it.
"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina?
Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in South Carolina costs $2,060, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.
Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina by violation
The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.
For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.
This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $2,342 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $2,802 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $3,964 |
| Reckless driving | $2,948 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $2,060 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $3,024 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
Progressive offers the lowest car insurance rate for drivers after a single DUI at $2,247 yearly. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be challenging, but comparing quotes can help. Some insurance companies view a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.
The table below shows how average insurance rates vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $2,247 | $187 |
| State Farm | $2,265 | $189 |
| Travelers | $2,875 | $240 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,918 | $243 |
| Allstate | $3,195 | $266 |
| GEICO | $4,943 | $412 |
| USAA | $2,692 | $224 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance with a reckless driving conviction is State Farm at an average annual rate of $2,265. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in South Carolina leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.
Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,265 | $189 |
| Progressive | $2,660 | $222 |
| Travelers | $2,875 | $240 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,918 | $243 |
| Allstate | $3,195 | $266 |
| GEICO | $3,873 | $323 |
| USAA | $2,151 | $179 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
The cheapest company for car insurance after getting a ticket for driving without insurance is State Farm, with an average rate of $2,265 annually.
South Carolina requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.
The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had a lapse in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,265 | $189 |
| Travelers | $2,412 | $201 |
| Progressive | $2,603 | $217 |
| USAA | $1,788 | $149 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina may require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a vehicle as a prerequisite for reinstating your license. Drivers who sometimes borrow or rent a car can buy non-owner SR-22 insurance, which provides state minimum auto insurance coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy meets the legal requirements, and an SR-22 can be filed based on that policy.
It's important to note that non-owner car insurance only acts as secondary liability coverage when driving someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will need the proper insurance to drive it in South Carolina.
How long do you need an SR-22 in South Carolina?
Typically, South Carolina drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
Most South Carolina drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.
You may need an SR-22 in South Carolina for reasons like:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Several traffic violations in a short time
- Not maintaining auto insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer test
- At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in South Carolina
Although your insurance rates will go up if you need an SR-22, you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around.
You can lower your auto insurance costs with an SR-22 by:
- Using all available discounts. Most insurance companies let you bundle discounts to help you save more.
- Raising your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Taking a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, and some states remove points from your license, which can help lower your insurance rates.
- Signing up for a usage-based program. If you show good driving habits while being monitored, you could earn a discount.
- Shopping around for SR-22 insurance. Compare quotes from several companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina.
Methodology
170+ insurance companies analyzed 34,000+ ZIP codes examined 53M+ insurance quotes analyzed
National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
All base rate 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
Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22
- One DUI
- Two DUIs
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
SR-22 insurance in South Carolina: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:
- Losing your driver's license
- Paying fines
- Increased car insurance rates
- Restarting your SR-22 period
- Jail time
- Getting your car's registration revoked
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.
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