Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina operates under a tort liability system and requires all drivers to maintain proof of financial responsibility. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles issues Route Restricted Licenses for employment purposes during most suspension types, but eligibility depends on the underlying violation and current suspension status. You must complete the SR-22 filing before the DMV will process your restricted license application.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your South Carolina quote.
Get your South Carolina quoteHow Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina SR-22 insurance rates for drivers with suspended licenses average $160-$240 per month for minimum liability coverage. Rates vary based on the suspension cause, driving history, age, and county. Drivers with DUI suspensions pay 40-60% more than drivers suspended for points or uninsured violations.
What Affects Your Rate
- DUI suspensions increase rates 50-65% compared to points-based suspensions in South Carolina because carriers classify DUI as a major violation with elevated accident risk for 5 years.
- Drivers under 25 with suspended licenses pay 30-40% more than drivers over 25 for SR-22 policies in South Carolina due to age-based risk tier adjustments.
- Charleston County and Horry County drivers average $20-$35 higher monthly premiums than Greenville or Spartanburg County drivers due to higher uninsured motorist claim frequency and coastal weather risk.
- The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $25-$50 in South Carolina, but the suspension on your record increases your base premium for the entire 3-year filing period.
- Carriers that write high-risk SR-22 policies in South Carolina include Progressive, The General, Direct Auto, Acceptance Insurance, and National General — shopping between carriers can produce rate differences of 25-40% for identical coverage.
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance for Route Restricted License
SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it is a certificate your carrier files with the South Carolina DMV proving you maintain continuous liability coverage. You cannot obtain a Route Restricted License without an active SR-22 filing.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Non-owner policies provide liability coverage when you drive vehicles you do not own. You can fulfill South Carolina's SR-22 requirement with a non-owner policy if you do not have a car registered in your name.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. It does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. South Carolina requires carriers to offer it, but you can reject it in writing.
