Updated April 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.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
After a DUI or serious violation in South Carolina, expect your premium to increase 80–200% depending on the offense, your prior history, and the carrier. A DUI typically triggers the highest increases—drivers who paid $100/month for standard coverage often face $250–$400/month with a non-standard carrier offering SR-22 filings. Rates begin to normalize 3–5 years after the violation, assuming no additional incidents during that period.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type—DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges, often 150–200% increases, while speeding violations typically result in 20–50% increases
- 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
- Prior insurance history—drivers with a lapse before the violation face compounded surcharges, sometimes adding another 30–50% to the base high-risk rate
- Age and gender—young male drivers with DUIs face the highest premiums, often exceeding $500/month for full coverage
- County—urban counties like Richland and Charleston have more carrier options and slightly lower high-risk rates than rural areas with limited underwriting capacity
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina
Find Your City in South Carolina
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles – SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- South Carolina Department of Insurance – High-Risk Auto Insurance Regulations