High-Risk Car Insurance in South Carolina

High-risk drivers in South Carolina will find American National provides the most affordable full coverage rates across multiple violation categories. The insurer offers competitive pricing regardless of your driving history.

For nationwide options, explore our guide to affordable high-risk car insurance in the U.S.

South Carolina drivers with a DUI pay rates ranging from $91 per month with American National to as high as $385 from other insurers for full coverage. This serious violation stays on your driving record for 10 years in South Carolina, though most insurers consider it for three to five years when setting your premiums.

For reducing your costs, check our car insurance after a DUI guide.

South Carolina drivers with speeding tickets find full coverage rates ranging from $81 per month through American National to as high as $401 from other insurers. Your actual premium increase depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit and whether it's a first offense or a repeat violation. Speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three to five years in the state.

South Carolina drivers with an at-fault accident pay rates ranging from $81 per month through American National to as high as $430 for full coverage from other insurers. Companies increase premiums because at-fault accidents signal you're more likely to file future claims, with steeper increases when the accident involved injuries or property damage. These accidents remain on your driving record for three to five years.

American National offers South Carolina drivers with distracted driving violations the most affordable full coverage at $73 per month, while other insurers charge up to $406. South Carolina prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving, with violations resulting in fines that start at $25. Though distracted driving citations aren't as serious as DUI or reckless driving offenses, they still increase your insurance premiums across most providers.

At-fault accidents raise full coverage rates in South Carolina by 43% ($57 more per month), while a DUI increases costs by 48% ($64 monthly) compared to drivers with clean records. South Carolina residents with violations pay more than those without infractions for the same full coverage protection. The table compares average monthly costs for different violation types, and you'll find a filter that lets you switch between full coverage and minimum liability rates.

For clean-record rates, see our average cost of car insurance in South Carolina guide.

High-risk drivers pay higher rates, but you can still find affordable coverage by comparing quotes from multiple insurers. Learn what makes you high risk, how to find affordable providers, and what to do if insurers deny you.

Learn more ways to cut costs with violations in our cheap car insurance after a bad driving record resource.

Insurers label you high risk if you have a DUI or DWI conviction, moving violations or at-fault accidents, a suspended or revoked license, limited driving experience, high-performance vehicles or a history of racing activity, poor credit or a lapse in coverage, or reckless driving citations. Drivers over 65 also pay higher premiums.

These tips can help South Carolina drivers get better high-risk insurance rates and reliable coverage.

Insurers may reject your application in South Carolina's voluntary insurance market if you're seen as too risky due to a poor driving record or claims history. If at least three standard insurers have turned you down, you can get required coverage through the South Carolina Automobile Insurance Plan (SCAIP), the state's assigned risk pool.

*SCAIP, administered through the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina (AAIPSC), assigns applications to participating insurers based on their market share. All licensed South Carolina auto insurers must participate.

South Carolina doesn't offer a separate low-cost auto insurance program. The South Carolina Automobile Insurance Plan (SCAIP) serves as the state's residual market for high-risk drivers, providing state minimum liability coverage (25/50/25) plus uninsured motorist coverage at regulated rates. While SCAIP premiums run 50% to 100% higher than standard market rates, the plan ensures all drivers can access required coverage.

South Carolina has no dedicated low-cost program for income-eligible drivers. Drivers qualify for SCAIP if they hold a valid South Carolina driver's license, have a registered vehicle and have been rejected by at least three standard insurers. High-risk factors include DUIs, multiple violations, at-fault accidents or coverage lapses.

South Carolina requires SR-22 insurance for drivers with DUIs, suspended licenses or certain serious violations as proof of financial responsibility filed with the state.

SCAIP is the assigned risk pool for high-risk drivers unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market. After rejection by at least three insurers, SCAIP ensures access to minimum liability coverage. The program, administered through the Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina (AAIPSC), assigns drivers proportionally to participating insurers based on each company's market share.

Licensed agents submit applications to SCAIP after documenting rejections from three standard insurers. SCAIP assigns drivers to participating insurers proportionally based on market share. The assigned insurer issues the policy upon premium payment, providing South Carolina's mandatory minimum liability coverage.

SCAIP rates run 50% to 100% above voluntary market premiums due to increased risk. A driver with a clean record paying $75 monthly for minimum coverage might pay $110 to $150 through SCAIP. Rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle type and location. The South Carolina Department of Insurance regulates SCAIP rates and operations.

Note: The South Carolina Reinsurance Facility (SCRF) historically handled residual market reinsurance but was restructured. Individual drivers now access coverage through SCAIP.

For South Carolina Automobile Insurance Plan (SCAIP):

1. Apply for auto insurance with at least three standard insurance companies in the state.
2. Obtain written rejection letters or documentation from each insurer you contact.
3. Find a licensed insurance agent who works with the SCAIP program.
4. Submit your application through the agent along with your rejection documentation.
5. Provide required information including your driver's license, vehicle details and driving record.
6. Once processed, you'll be assigned coverage through a participating insurance company.
7. Your policy starts after premium payment.

Apply through a licensed South Carolina agent rather than contacting SCAIP directly. Agents handle the assignment process. Contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance at (803) 737-6160 for help finding an agent.

After analyzing major carriers, American National has the most affordable high-risk car insurance rates in South Carolina. Full coverage ranges from $73 per month for drivers with distracted driving violations to $91 per month for those with DUI convictions, depending on your violation and coverage needs.

Drivers turned down by multiple standard insurers can get required coverage through the South Carolina Reinsurance Facility, which helps you meet state insurance requirements when traditional carriers won't write policies.

Once your driving record improves, you may qualify for standard rates in South Carolina.

We calculated average rates using full coverage insurance with 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. State minimum rates were based on South Carolina's mandatory 25/50/25 liability requirements.

All rate calculations use this standard profile:

• Driver aged 35
• Male
• Annual mileage of 12,000
• Good credit score
• One violation (DUI, speeding ticket, at-fault accident or distracted driving)

Rates from major carriers were analyzed by violation type to determine the lowest-cost insurers for South Carolina high-risk drivers. Filter options allow users to compare full coverage and state minimum coverage for their specific needs.