Cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
We found that American National has the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina. American National offers SR-22 insurance for an average of $93 per month, or $1,117 a year, 64% cheaper than the statewide average.
State Farm and USAA, are among the other companies that offer cheap coverage in South Carolina for drivers who need an SR-22. Since the cost of SR-22 insurance depends on the company, you should compare your rates before getting insurance.
Company | Average monthly cost of SR-22 insurance | Average annual cost of SR-22 insurance |
|---|---|---|
State Farm | $115 | $1,386 |
USAA | $154 | $1,844 |
South Carolina Farm Bureau | $172 | $2,066 |
Auto-Owners | $173 | $2,076 |
Travelers | $177 | $2,120 |
American Family | $182 | $2,190 |
GEICO | $207 | $2,482 |
Allstate | $240 | $2,881 |
Methodology: Why you can trust our picks for the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
We found the companies in South Carolina with the cheapest SR-22 insurance by calculating the average rate for drivers with a suspended license, DUI, or a reckless driving citation.
Our sample driver was a 30-year-old male driver of a 2017 Toyota Camry LE with average credit who had a policy with the following limits:
Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of insurance costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
What is SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
An SR-22 is not a type of car insurance, it’s a form that your insurance company files with the state of South Carolina to prove you have insurance. If you’re required to have an SR-22 in South Carolina, you need at least the following amounts of car insurance:
Bodily injury liability (BIL): $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability (PDL): $25,000 per accident
You may be required to get SR-22 insurance after a license suspension or a serious driving violation, like being caught driving without insurance or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In fact, you will need an SR-22 on your record to get a provisional license as a part of South Carolina’s mandatory ADSAP substance abuse program after a DUI or DUAC.
Needing an SR-22 makes it more expensive to get insurance, but letting your coverage lapse during the time an SR-22 is required means more fines and a license suspension, so it’s important to find coverage.
How to get SR-22 insurance in South Carolina.
If you need to get SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, you should take the following steps:
Find a company that will offer you coverage: Not every company covers drivers with a serious violation on their records, so you may have to shop around before you will find one that offers SR-22 insurance.
Don’t let your coverage lapse: In most cases, you need an SR-22 for at least three years. If you let your coverage lapse, you’ll be unable to drive and be fined or even face prison time.
Enroll in any state-required programs: If you’re required to get SR-22 insurance because of an alcohol-related violation, you may also have to sign up for ADSAP (and pay the necessary fees) to regain your driver’s license.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
Let’s say that you don’t own a car, but you have a license, and you’re pulled over for a DUI or your license is suspended. You may still be required to get an SR-22, but since you don’t have a car, you may need to get a non-owner SR-22 policy.
A non-owners policy offers the same basic coverage as a regular policy and allows you to get your driving privileges back. It’s even slightly cheaper than standard coverage since it has lower limits than a regular policy.
It may be harder for high-risk drivers to find non-owner SR-22 insurance, since not every company offers it. An independent agent can help you shop around to find the coverage you need.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an SR-22 required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires drivers to have an SR-22 for three years. The state is automatically notified if drivers drop their coverage early.
What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses in South Carolina?
You won’t be able to drive anymore if your SR-22 insurance lapses. You could also be fined or face prison time.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in South Carolina?
You have to have car insurance to drive in South Carolina. If you don’t, you’ll have to find an insurer who will file an SR-22 for you (and it will raise the cost of your insurance significantly).
