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South Carolina DUI & Violation Insurance Guide

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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South Carolina at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

Vision test

Required at license renewal; no separate rule by age

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina

After a DUI or serious violation in South Carolina, your current insurer will typically issue a non-renewal notice — not an immediate cancellation — meaning your policy stays active until the renewal date, usually 30–90 days out. If you're convicted of DUI or certain violations, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will require you to file an SR-22 certificate proving you carry minimum liability coverage, and you'll need to maintain that filing for three years without a lapse. Most standard carriers either don't offer SR-22 filings or will decline to renew your policy once the violation appears on your motor vehicle record, which means you'll need to find a non-standard carrier that specializes in high-risk drivers.

SR-22 Certificate

SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it's a certificate your insurer files electronically with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least the state-required minimum liability coverage (25/50/25). Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings; you'll need a non-standard or high-risk insurer.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. These policies cost more because the insurer is accepting higher risk, but they're the only option for most drivers who need an SR-22 in South Carolina.

Liability Insurance

After a violation, you may want to consider higher limits — if you cause another accident during your SR-22 period, the financial and legal consequences compound quickly. Many senior drivers carry 100/300/100 or higher to protect assets accumulated over a lifetime.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina law requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage, though you can reject it in writing. Given that roughly 1 in 8 South Carolina drivers is uninsured, this coverage is especially important for senior drivers on fixed incomes who can't afford out-of-pocket costs from an at-fault uninsured driver.

Comprehensive and Collision

If your vehicle is paid off and has depreciated significantly, dropping collision and comprehensive can lower your premium during the high-cost SR-22 period. However, if you still owe money on the vehicle or can't afford to replace it out-of-pocket, keeping full coverage is usually the safer choice despite the higher cost.

What Drivers Pay in South Carolina

$168–$181/mo

Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, drivers 65 and over

Rate data: MoneyGeek and Insure.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type: DUI surcharges are higher than speeding tickets; reckless driving falls in between
  • Age and driving history: senior drivers with otherwise clean records typically pay less than younger high-risk drivers, but the violation penalty still applies
  • Location: urban areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have higher base rates due to accident frequency and theft
  • SR-22 carrier availability: South Carolina has fewer non-standard carriers than neighboring states, which can limit competition and raise prices
  • Coverage lapses: any gap in coverage during the SR-22 period restarts the clock and adds a lapse surcharge on top of the violation penalty
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Mature-driver discount

Required by state law

S.C. Code 38-73-736 (nonyouthful operator, driver-training credit, insurer-set)

Source: state statutes and insurance departments, verified July 2026

Coverage Types

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Coverage designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or serious violations who can't get standard policies. Costs significantly more but provides the legally required protection and SR-22 filing.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies from carriers specializing in drivers with imperfect records. The only realistic option for most South Carolina drivers who need SR-22 filings after violations.

SR-22 Insurance

Not a separate insurance type — it's the certificate your carrier files with the South Carolina DMV proving you have coverage. You need a policy from a carrier that offers SR-22 filings.

Liability Insurance

Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. The foundation of any SR-22 policy and the minimum required by South Carolina law.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Especially important during high-risk periods when another accident could devastate your finances.

Full Coverage

Liability plus comprehensive and collision to protect your own vehicle. Most expensive option but necessary if you can't afford to replace your car or still owe money on it.

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston

urban

Columbia

urban

North Charleston

suburban

Mount Pleasant

suburban

Rock Hill

suburban

Greenville

urban

Summerville

suburban

Spartanburg

urban