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What Happens After a DUI or Violation in South Carolina

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

Yes

A defensive driving course can reduce points on your record

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 non-renew your policy at the end of the term rather than cancel it immediately—this gives you 30 to 60 days to secure replacement coverage, but you must act quickly. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) requires an SR-22 filing for most DUI convictions and suspensions, which proves you carry continuous liability coverage for 3 years. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings, so you'll likely need a non-standard auto insurance policy from a carrier that specializes in high-risk drivers.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a type of insurance—it's a certificate your insurer files with the SCDMV proving you carry the state-required minimum liability coverage (25/50/25). Any lapse in coverage during the 3-year filing period resets the clock and triggers a new suspension.

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 substantially more than standard coverage because the carrier is accepting higher risk, but they're often the only option for drivers who need an SR-22 filing. Not all non-standard carriers operate in South Carolina, so availability varies by county.

Liability Insurance

This is the floor for SR-22 filings—many drivers with violations choose higher limits to reduce financial exposure, especially since a second violation during the filing period carries severe consequences. Liability-only policies are the cheapest option for high-risk drivers but offer no coverage for your own vehicle.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is an umbrella term for policies sold to drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or suspensions. In South Carolina, this typically means a non-standard carrier that files SR-22 certificates and accepts drivers most standard insurers have non-renewed.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. It's not required by South Carolina law, even for drivers with SR-22 filings, but lenders require it if you have a car loan or lease.

What Drivers Pay in South Carolina

$226–$276/mo

Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Time since violation—the first year after a DUI or suspension shows the steepest premiums; rates begin to drop after 3 years if no new violations occur
  • Carrier availability—South Carolina has fewer non-standard carriers in rural counties, limiting competition and keeping rates higher outside metro areas like Charleston and Columbia
  • County—urban counties like Richland and Charleston have more carrier options and slightly lower high-risk rates than rural areas with limited underwriting capacity
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Get Back to a Fair Rate After a Violation

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Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

A certificate filed by your insurer with the SCDMV proving you carry continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after most DUI convictions and suspensions in South Carolina.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Coverage from carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers with DUIs, violations, or suspensions. Often the only option for drivers who need SR-22 filings after standard insurers non-renew.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Policies designed for drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or suspensions. Premiums run 2–3 times higher than standard rates due to elevated risk.

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but higher limits reduce financial exposure after a violation.

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