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Although we try to be great drivers, we can all make mistakes from time to time. However, there’s a difference between a small moving violation and a major one. One instance of turning a corner when there’s a “no turn on red” sign likely won’t wreak havoc on your driving record. But more serious offenses can lead to you needing an SR-22.
What’s an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a certificate of responsibility (CFR) that shows you’ve purchased the required minimum liability auto coverage required by your state. If you’re categorized as a higher-risk driver due to traffic violations, a DWI/DUI conviction, or other reasons, your state or a court order may require you to get an SR-22.
You might hear about “SR-22 insurance,” but an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy – it’s just a term sometimes used to refer to any insurance policy bought by someone who’s required to have an SR-22.
The cheapest SR-22 insurance policies in South Carolina are offered by Nationwide, at $1,269 a year, and Geico, at $1,310 a year.
But if your driving record is pristine, there’s no need to worry about an SR-22.
Key Takeaways
- An SR-22 isn’t a separate insurance policy but a form your insurer files with the state to show you have the minimum coverage.
- You might need an SR-22 in South Carolina due to DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension/revocation.
- Filing an SR-22 isn’t expensive, but those with an SR-22 often pay higher premiums.
What is SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
As previously mentioned, SR-22 is not an insurance policy but a form your insurance company files with your state’s DMV. This form lets the state know that even though you have certain driving offenses on your record, you have at least the minimum required insurance for your situation. The typical filing cost isn’t much — usually around $25.
Examples of offenses that might require an SR-22:
- DUI, DWI, or other serious moving violations
- Reckless driving
- Accidents resulting in suspension or revocation
- Accumulation of too many driving violation points
- Driving without insurance
If you have any of these on your record, you may need an SR-22. After purchasing an insurance plan that meets your state’s requirements, ask your insurer to file the SR-22 form with the DMV.
You typically must maintain an SR-22 for at least three years. If you don’t, you could risk license suspension.
Average SR-22 car insurance cost in South Carolina
The average SR-22 car insurance cost in South Carolina is $1,998.
South Carolina’s rate is $983more expensive than SR-22 insurance in the New Hampshire, the cheapest state. However, it’s also $2,043 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 insurance.
However, there are a lot of factors that might affect the cost of SR-22 insurance, such as the reason for the SR-22, your driving history, and the city in which you live.
Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from city to city, so drivers need to be sure they’re getting the best deal. Insure.com has done the research for you. Get more information on auto insurance rates by city below.
Car insurance rates in South Carolina by city
Charleston
Columbia
Greenville
North Charleston
Rock Hill
Top 10 cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in South Carolina
Insurance rates usually increase if you have an SR-22. But not all insurance companies have the same rates for people with an SR-22. The companies listed below have some of the lowest rates available in South Carolina.
Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
---|---|---|
Nationwide | $1,269 | $106 |
Geico | $1,310 | $109 |
Travelers | $1,405 | $117 |
State Farm | $1,718 | $143 |
Auto-Owners | $1,756 | $146 |
Progressive | $1,899 | $158 |
Allstate | $2,254 | $188 |
American Family | $2,369 | $197 |
Farmers | $4,678 | $390 |
USAA* | $1,326 | $111 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheap SR-22 insurance in South Carolina by city
As mentioned earlier, where you live can also make a big difference in the cost of SR-22 insurance. Below, you’ll find the cheapest rates for SR-22 insurance in 10 South Carolina cities.
City | Average annual premium |
---|---|
Seneca | $1,120 |
Westminster | $1,120 |
Myrtle Beach | $1,160 |
Anderson | $1,205 |
Spartanburg | $1,217 |
Tega Cay | $1,221 |
Hardeeville | $1,253 |
York | $1,262 |
Eastover | $1,392 |
Johnsonville | $1,431 |
Manning | $1,437 |
SR-22 insurance requirements in South Carolina
The South Carolina DMV requires all drivers to meet the following minimum requirements for car insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for injury/death per person
- $50,000 for injury/death per accident
- $25,000 for damage to property per accident
These are just the minimum requirements. Experts advise drivers to get more than the minimum insurance. It may lead to a higher premium, but the extra coverage could be well worth it.
How much does SR22 in South Carolina cost with a DUI?
Some insurance companies are much more forgiving than others if you have a DUI. Some charge a few hundred dollars more, while others charge thousands more per year.
Note: In the table below, “filing only” represents the cost of a policy including the fee to file the SR-22 – without considering the reason why someone needed an SR-22.
Company | SR-22 with 1 DUI | SR-22 Filing only |
---|---|---|
State Farm | $1,855 | $1,718 |
Travelers | $2,011 | $1,405 |
Nationwide | $2,216 | $1,269 |
Progressive | $2,278 | $1,899 |
American Family | $2,687 | $2,369 |
Allstate | $3,130 | $2,254 |
Geico | $3,150 | $1,310 |
Auto-Owners | $3,204 | $1,756 |
Farmers | $5,886 | $4,678 |
USAA* | $2,462 | $1,326 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
If you have an SR-22 in South Carolina, you might think you are doomed to pay inflated insurance rates. But just because you need an SR-22 doesn’t mean you’ll end up paying the highest rates.
First, shopping around is always a good idea. There can be an enormous difference in the rates you will get from different insurance companies. Some companies might even specialize in high-risk drivers and be able to offer you better SR-22 rates.
Another way to get the cheapest insurance with an SR-22 is to improve your driving record. Sure, that might be easier said than done, but it can be worth putting in the time if you want a better rate. You can get a quick win by taking a defensive driving course. Ask your insurer if they offer any of these courses and if they can help you qualify for a discount.
You can also ask about safe driving programs. These usage-based programs track your driving habits and may reward you with lower premiums for safe driving.
There are a few ways someone required to get SR-22 insurance can find the most affordable policy while still meeting all the legal requirements. Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, South Carolina, recommends the following:
- Shopping around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
- Pay upfront: If possible, paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.
- Opt for non-owner insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle but want to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be a cost-effective option as it is typically 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Keep reading for more information on non-owner insurance options.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
Another term that’s sometimes used when talking about SR-22 is “non-owner SR-22 insurance.” This usually refers to liability insurance for people who don’t own a car but need to reinstate their license after it is suspended or revoked. This is often a requirement after a DUI, DWI, or several moving violations.
Non-owner insurance provides secondary coverage when driving cars you don’t own, such as a vehicle you borrow or rent.
If you find yourself regularly driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, you should probably apply for a non-owner insurance policy. These policies have certain benefits, like costing less than traditional insurance.
Who needs SR22 insurance?
Remember that an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. Instead, it’s a certificate that shows your state’s DMV that you have at least the minimum insurance coverage required.
For instance, if you have a DUI on your record, the state will require you to prove that you have enough insurance to be financially responsible.
Keep in mind that not all driving offenses require an SR-22. You will be notified if you require an SR-22. If you aren’t sure if you need one, ask your local DMV or an attorney who has experience with traffic laws.
How long do you need SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
You typically need to maintain an SR-22 for three years.
In some cases, the time you need to maintain an SR-22 could be longer or shorter. The length of the SR-22 period will depend on your driving history and how serious the offense is.
SR-22 alternatives in South Carolina
If you’re required to have an SR-22, but can’t afford even minimum insurance, you don’t have many driving alternatives.
To get around, you could walk, bike, take the bus, or rideshare.
The bottom line on SR-22 in South Carolina
South Carolina’s average SR-22 insurance rate is $1,998, compared to the overall average car insurance cost in South Carolina, which is $1,811. That means South Carolina’s SR-22 rate is $187 more per year.
But remember that there are a lot of factors that can affect insurance premiums.
What our expert says
Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance?
Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance
Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It's crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.
Resources and Methodology
Sources:
- Shouse Law Group. “SR22 South Carolina.” Accessed February 2024
- Progressive Insurance. “What is an SR-22?” Accessed March 2024
Methodology
Insure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies.
How much is car insurance in other states
Alaska$1,359/Year
Alabama$1,542/Year
Arkansas$1,597/Year
Arizona$1,617/Year
California$2,115/Year
Colorado$1,940/Year
Connecticut$1,750/Year
Delaware$2,137/Year
Florida$2,560/Year
Georgia$1,647/Year
Hawaii$1,306/Year
Iowa$1,321/Year
Idaho$1,121/Year
Illinois$1,578/Year
Indiana$1,256/Year
Kansas$1,594/Year
Kentucky$2,105/Year
Louisiana$2,546/Year
Massachusetts$1,538/Year
Maryland$1,640/Year
Maine$1,116/Year
Michigan$2,133/Year
Minnesota$1,493/Year
Missouri$2,104/Year
Mississippi$1,606/Year
Montana$1,692/Year
North Carolina$1,368/Year
North Dakota$1,419/Year
Nebraska$2,018/Year
New Hampshire$1,307/Year
New Jersey$1,901/Year
New Mexico$1,505/Year
Nevada$2,023/Year
New York$2,020/Year
Ohio$1,023/Year
Oklahoma$1,797/Year
Oregon$1,244/Year
Pennsylvania$1,445/Year
Rhode Island$1,845/Year
South Dakota$1,581/Year
Tennessee$1,373/Year
Texas$1,875/Year
Utah$1,469/Year
Virginia$1,321/Year
Vermont$1,158/Year
Washington$1,371/Year
Wisconsin$1,499/Year
West Virginia$1,610/Year
Wyoming$1,736/Year
Show more
Bob Haegele is a personal finance writer. He covers car insurance, health insurance and life insurance. While working in the corporate world he started a personal finance blog. He later left his corporate job and began freelance writing full-time. Since then, he has made it his mission to help people master their money. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, FinanceBuzz and others.
In case you missed it
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On this page
- What's an SR-22?
- What is SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
- Average SR-22 car insurance cost in South Carolina
- Top 10 cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in South Carolina
- Cheap SR-22 insurance in South Carolina by city
- SR-22 insurance requirements in South Carolina
- How much does SR22 in South Carolina cost with a DUI?
- How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- Non-owner SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- Who needs SR22 insurance?
- How long do you need SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
- SR-22 alternatives in South Carolina
- The bottom line on SR-22 in South Carolina
- What our expert says
- Resources and Methodology
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