Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina (August 2024)


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Updated: September 27, 2024

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An SR-22 is a form that proves you carry the minimum liability coverage required in South Carolina after certain moving violations. It's filed by either you or your insurance company. While the SR-22 itself doesn't affect your rates, the violations necessitating it can lead to higher premiums.

For drivers needing SR-22, the two most affordable companies are American National P&C with an annual rate of $431, and American Family at $530 per year. These rates reflect the cost of state minimum coverage for those with a DUI on their record.

As for non-owner car insurance, the cheapest options for those requiring an SR-22 are Auto-Owners Insurance Co at $460 annually and State Farm with a yearly rate of $641. These rates offer a financially sensible choice for residents who need to file an SR-22 but don't own a vehicle.

MoneyGeek Logo IconCheapest SR-22 InsuranceSouth Carolina
2024

Why Trust MoneyGeek? Our team obtained data from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to determine the most affordable SR-22 insurance companies for various driver profiles.

30,900Quotes Analyzed
 
14Companies Compared
 
35ZIP Codes

Cheapest Companies for SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina

The cheapest companies for state minimum coverage SR-22 car insurance in South Carolina are:

  • American National P&C: $36 per month, $431 per year
  • American Family: $44 per month, $530 per year

The least expensive providers for full coverage car insurance SR-22 insurance in South Carolina are:

  • American National P&C: $63 per month, $756 per year
  • South Carolina Farm Bureau: $87 per month, $1,047 per year

After a moving violation, your car insurance rates typically rise becasue insurers view you as a high-risk driver. Nevertheless, affordable cheap SR-22 car insurance is available by comparing quotes from various providers.

Finding the most affordable SR-22 insurance is important in South Carolina. It can ease the financial burden after a violation and ensure you comply with state requirements.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
Driving Record:
Driving Record:DUI
American National P&CAnnual Premium$431Monthly Premium$36
American FamilyAnnual Premium$530Monthly Premium$44
South Carolina Farm BureauAnnual Premium$582Monthly Premium$49
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$667Monthly Premium$56
State FarmAnnual Premium$867Monthly Premium$72
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$1,050Monthly Premium$88
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,102Monthly Premium$92
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,189Monthly Premium$99
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,601Monthly Premium$133
Bristol WestAnnual Premium$2,493Monthly Premium$208
DairylandAnnual Premium$3,269Monthly Premium$272
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Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina

The companies with the cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina are:

  • Auto-Owners: $38 per month, $460 per year
  • State Farm: $53 per month, $641 per year

Non-owner car insurance can fulfill the state minimum coverage requirements for individuals who need to file an SR-22 but do not own a vehicle. This is often necessary after a license suspension, revocation or serious traffic violation. For non-owner drivers, finding the most affordable insurance provider is crucial to managing costs while meeting legal obligations.

Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$460Monthly Premium$38
State FarmAnnual Premium$641Monthly Premium$53
GEICOAnnual Premium$678Monthly Premium$57
TravelersAnnual Premium$944Monthly Premium$79
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,242Monthly Premium$104
Bristol WestAnnual Premium$2,140Monthly Premium$178
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WHAT IS NON-OWNER CAR INSURANCE?

Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for people who drive frequently but do not own a vehicle. It's ideal if you're using rental cars or working as rideshare drivers, covering third-party bodily injury and property damage if you're at fault in an accident.

Non-owner vehicle insurance in South Carolina is generally more affordable than standard auto insurance. Comparing quotes from various insurers ensures you get the most reasonable rates.

What Is SR-22 in South Carolina?

An SR-22 is not insurance but a form that proves you carry the state minimum coverage. Either you or your insurer must file it after certain violations like DUI, driving without insurance or repeat traffic offenses. You'll need this form for three years in South Carolina, and if it's canceled or lapsed, your insurer must tell the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. It's a way to keep you on track with your driving responsibilities.

An SR-22 certificate verifies that you carry the minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

If you don't own a car, you'll need SR-22 non-owner car insurance. Having an insurance card is not the same as having an SR-22.

Who Needs an SR-22 in South Carolina?

Drivers in South Carolina may need to file an SR-22 through their insurance company after certain moving violations. This filing is a certificate of insurance proving you carry the state minimum coverage. It's required to keep your driver's license if you've committed a DUI, driven without insurance or made serious traffic offenses.

The SR-22 is typically necessary for three years. Below, you'll find a list of convictions that mandate an SR-22 filing in South Carolina.

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    DUI

    If you're convicted of driving under the influence in South Carolina, you'll need SR-22 insurance to prove minimum coverage.

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    Driving Without Insurance

    If you've been pulled over without auto insurance and can't provide proof of auto insurance in South Carolina, expect to have to file an SR-22 form.

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    Serious Traffic Offenses

    Serious traffic offenses, like reckless driving, may lead to a mandate for SR-22 insurance in South Carolina for license reinstatement.

How an SR-22 Impacts Your Car Insurance in South Carolina

Filing an SR-22 in South Carolina can lead to higher rates and fewer choices for minimum coverage. It might also cause insurers to say no to your coverage or to cancel your policy mid-term. It's important to keep your insurance going without a break. If not, you may have to start your SR-22 requirement, which usually lasts for three years.

Below is the list of how an SR-22 negatively impacts your car insurance:

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    Limited number of insurance options

    High-risk drivers in South Carolina may find fewer insurance providers willing to offer coverage, potentially leading to higher premiums and limited choices.

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    Possible policy cancellation

    Upon filing an SR-22, South Carolina insurers may cancel your policy mid-term or decide not to renew it, requiring you to seek a new provider.

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    Long period of required filing

    South Carolina mandates that you maintain SR-22 coverage for two years from the date of your qualifying conviction, ensuring continuous minimum liability coverage.

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    Filing fees

    Filing an SR-22 in South Carolina comes with a one-time fee, typically around $25, adding to the financial impact of the filing.

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WHAT TO DO IF NO ONE WILL INSURE YOU

For high-risk drivers with violations on their records, nonstandard auto insurance is a viable choice. Although it generally costs more than standard policies, it provides essential coverage for those who may be denied by traditional insurers.

Average Cost of SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina

For drivers with a DUI in South Carolina, the average annual cost for full coverage car insurance is $2,381. Minimum coverage costs about $1,253 annually. By comparison, drivers with a clean record pay $1,720 for full coverage and $871 for minimum coverage.

The severity of your offense significantly affects your premiums. It's not the SR-22 certificate itself that raises rates, but the violations associated with it. If you have severe or repeated violations, your insurer might not renew your policy or could increase your rates at renewal.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum Liability Only
CleanAnnual Premium$871Monthly Premium$73
Speeding TicketAnnual Premium$1,158Monthly Premium$97
DUIAnnual Premium$1,253Monthly Premium$104
At-fault AccidentAnnual Premium$1,313Monthly Premium$109

How to Get SR-22 Car Insurance in South Carolina

Filing an SR-22 in South Carolina is mandatory after certain violations, such as DUI or driving without minimum coverage. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences. Ensure you maintain the required 25/50/25 liability coverage for three years. Here are the steps to secure an SR-22 in South Carolina:

1
Determine if you need an SR-22

If you've been convicted of a DUI, caught driving without insurance or committed serious traffic offenses in South Carolina, you may be required by a municipal court to file an SR-22. This form verifies you carry the state minimum coverage.

2
Contact your insurance provider

Reach out to your existing insurance company to request an SR-22 filing. Your insurer will need to certify that you have the minimum liability coverage required by South Carolina law.

3
Understand the fees involved

Filing an SR-22 in South Carolina may incur a fee, typically around $25. This fee is for processing the SR-22 certification and is paid to your insurance provider.

4
Confirm your insurance coverage meets state requirements

Ensure your policy includes at least the minimum liability coverage required in South Carolina. This means $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 for property damage, $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person and $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident.

5
File the SR-22 form

Your insurance company will file the SR-22 form on your behalf with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. They will notify the DMV that you have the necessary coverage.

6
Verify with the DMV

After your insurer has filed the SR-22, check with the South Carolina DMV to confirm they have received the form and that your driving privileges are in good standing.

7
Maintain your insurance coverage

South Carolina requires you to maintain your SR-22 certification for three years. If your policy lapses, your insurer is obligated to notify the DMV, which could lead to a suspension of your driving privileges.

8
Check your SR-22 status periodically

It's wise to periodically verify your SR-22 status with your insurance provider and the South Carolina DMV to ensure no issues with your coverage or filing.

If you don't keep your SR-22 in South Carolina, your license will be suspended again. You need this form for three years with minimum coverage auto insurance. To get your license back, there's a fee for a new SR-22.

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FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CANCELLATION FORM

Once you've completed your SR-22 term in South Carolina, your insurance company will file a Financial Responsibility Cancellation Form. This tells the state you've maintained minimum coverage for the required three years after certain driving offenses. Rest easy knowing your provider handles this final step.

How to Save on Car Insurance in South Carolina After a Violation

A DUI on your record can increase your car insurance premiums, but affordable options are still available. For instance, a driver aged 30 to 59 might pay around $849 per year for state minimum coverage with a clean record, compared to $1,228 after a DUI. That's a difference of $379 annually. South Carolina residents needing an SR-22 can find the cheapest rates by comparing insurers, ensuring they meet the minimum liability coverage required. Car insurance after a DUI doesn't have to break the bank if you shop wisely.

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    Complete DWI classes or programs

    After a DWI, enrolling in state-recommended DWI education can improve your driving record. Although completion of the class will not guarantee lower rates, it shows insurers you're taking steps to avoid future incidents.

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    Look for discounts

    Even post-DWI, you might still qualify for car insurance discounts. Ask your provider about savings for bundling policies, installing safety equipment, insuring multiple vehicles, paying in full or setting up electronic billing.

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    Compare car insurance quotes

    Post-violation, compare auto insurance quotes. Providers offer different rates for minimum coverage, so shop around to find an affordable plan.

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    Increase deductibles

    Opting for a higher deductible, which only applies to full coverage policies with collision and comprehensive insurance, can reduce your monthly premium. Assess your finances to see if you can handle a larger out-of-pocket expense in the event of a claim.

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    Consider usage-based insurance

    Usage-based insurance telematics track driving behavior and mileage via a mobile app. Safe, limited driving after a DWI can demonstrate responsibility, potentially reducing rates over time.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

FAQ: SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina

Finding affordable SR-22 insurance in South Carolina can be a challenge. Get answers to common questions about securing the cheapest options available.

What are the cheapest SR-22 car insurance options in South Carolina?
How much does filing an SR-22 increase car insurance rates in South Carolina, on average?
How long do you need to have an SR-22 in South Carolina?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.