Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In South Carolina 2025

Struggling to find affordable SR-22 insurance in South Carolina? You’re not alone. Many insurers charge 25% to 100% more for SR-22 filings, while some refuse coverage altogether.

After extensive research, I’ve identified the cheapest SR-22 providers in South Carolina to help you save money. As a seasoned insurance professional, I’ll break down costs, coverage options, and ways to lower your premiums, so you can find the best policy without overpaying.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies In South Carolina

If you’re looking for the cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina for liability-only coverage, here are the top three options:

• American National – $361 annually
• American Family – $440 annually
• South Carolina Farm Bureau – $551 annually

These insurers offer the most affordable rates after a DUI or serious traffic violation, but your premium may vary based on personal factors.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Liability Only)

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage

If you need full coverage SR-22 insurance (including collision and comprehensive), these three providers offer the best rates:

• American National – $649 annually
• American Family – $964 annually
• South Carolina Farm Bureau – $1,030 annually

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Full Coverage)

SR-22 insurance rates in South Carolina depend on multiple factors, including:

• Your driving record – A DUI, reckless driving, or multiple violations will increase your premiums significantly.
• Your insurer – Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and offer lower rates.
• Your location – Urban areas with higher accident rates may see higher SR-22 premiums.
• Your coverage level – Full coverage costs more than liability-only but offers greater financial protection.

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

SR-22 insurance is not an actual insurance policy—instead, it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have the state-mandated minimum auto insurance coverage.

Your insurance company files this form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm that you’re covered.

Why Is SR-22 Insurance Required?

SR-22 is typically required after serious traffic violations, such as:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Multiple traffic offenses in a short period
• At-fault accidents while uninsured
• Suspended or revoked driver’s license

If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance, you must maintain it for a set period (usually three years). Failure to do so can result in license suspension or further penalties.

Example Scenario: Why You Might Need an SR-22

James was caught driving without insurance and caused an accident. The state now requires him to file an SR-22 to prove he has proper coverage before reinstating his license. His insurance premiums increased, and he must maintain SR-22 insurance for three years to keep his driving privileges.

What Is SR-22a Insurance?

SR-22a is a more restrictive version of the SR-22 certificate, required in certain states for repeat traffic offenders or drivers with multiple financial responsibility violations. It is commonly mandated in Missouri, Georgia, and Texas.

Who Needs SR-22a Insurance?

You may need an SR-22a if you:

• Have multiple violations of financial responsibility laws (such as driving without insurance multiple times).
• Have committed severe or repeat traffic offenses.
• Had an SR-22 lapse or were found non-compliant with insurance requirements.

How to Get SR-22a Insurance?

1. Find an insurer that offers SR-22a policies – Not all providers offer it, so you may need to shop around.
2. Prepay six months of premiums upfront – Unlike standard SR-22 insurance, this is mandatory for SR-22a.
3. Your insurer files the SR-22a with the DMV – Your driving privileges are reinstated once it’s processed.
4. Maintain continuous coverage – A lapse will reset the required filing period and could lead to further penalties.

Penalties for Not Maintaining SR-22a

If you fail to maintain an SR-22a policy, your license will be suspended immediately, and you may have to restart the filing period from the beginning.

Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In South Carolina

If you need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 insurance policy can help you meet state requirements and maintain your driving privileges. These policies are ideal for individuals who frequently rent or borrow cars but still need to prove financial responsibility.

Here are the three cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance providers in South Carolina:

• Auto-Owners – $460 annually
• State Farm – $641 annually
• Geico – $944 annually

Below is a detailed comparison of the most affordable non-owner SR-22 insurance providers in the state:

What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

• A non-owner SR-22 policy is liability-only coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle but are required to file an SR-22.
• Covers damage and injuries you cause while driving a borrowed or rented car.
• Does NOT cover the vehicle itself – only provides liability protection.
• Cheaper than standard SR-22 policies because it excludes vehicle-related coverage.

Who Needs Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

You may need a non-owner SR-22 policy if you:

• Had your license suspended and need an SR-22 to reinstate it.
• Were convicted of DUI/DWI but don’t own a car.
• Regularly borrow or rent vehicles and need liability protection.

Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In South Carolina

The cost of SR-22 insurance in South Carolina varies based on the severity of your driving violation. DUI convictions, at-fault accidents, and speeding tickets can significantly increase your insurance rates. Below is a comparison of average SR-22 insurance costs for different violations:

How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates

If you need an SR-22, expect your car insurance premiums to rise significantly—but not because of the SR-22 itself. The underlying violation (like a DUI or reckless driving) is what causes the spike in rates. On average, drivers pay $993 more per year after filing an SR-22.

Here’s a general breakdown of how SR-22-related violations impact car insurance premiums:

How To File An SR-22

If you’re required to file an SR-22 in South Carolina, follow these steps to complete the process and stay compliant with state laws.

Step 1: Find an Insurance Company That Offers SR-22 Coverage

Not all insurers provide SR-22 filings, so check with your current provider first. If they don’t offer SR-22 insurance, compare quotes from companies that specialize in high-risk drivers.

Step 2: Purchase a Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Policy

South Carolina requires you to carry at least the state’s minimum liability coverage before an SR-22 can be filed. Your insurance provider will add the SR-22 form to your policy.

Step 3: Pay the SR-22 Filing Fee

Your insurer will charge a one-time filing fee, usually between $15 and $25. This fee covers submitting the SR-22 to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Step 4: Wait for the DMV to Process Your SR-22

It typically takes 7 to 10 business days for the DMV to process your SR-22 form. You can verify its acceptance by checking your driving record online or calling the DMV.

Step 5: Maintain Continuous Coverage for the Required Period

South Carolina usually requires an SR-22 for three years. During this time, you cannot let your insurance lapse—if your coverage is canceled, your insurer must notify the DMV, which can result in license suspension.

Step 6: Request SR-22 Removal Once Your Requirement Ends

After the three-year period, ask your insurance company to remove the SR-22 from your policy. This can help lower your premiums, as high-risk insurance rates often decrease once the SR-22 requirement is lifted.

How Long Do I Need To Have SR-22 Insurance?

The duration for which an SR-22 is required varies depending on the state. In South Carolina, the minimum filing period is three years, but it may extend up to five years depending on the reason for needing the SR-22. Additionally, even if you relocate from the state that mandates the SR-22, you are still obligated to maintain it.

What Can Affect How Long You Need an SR-22?

The required filing period depends on the violation that led to the SR-22. Some examples include:

• DUI or DWI convictions: Usually 3-5 years
• Reckless driving: Typically 2-3 years
• Driving without insurance: Around 1-3 years
• Multiple traffic violations: Varies by state but generally 3 years

What Happens If You Let SR-22 Coverage Lapse?

If you cancel or let your SR-22 lapse before the required period ends, your insurance company must notify the DMV. This can lead to:

• License suspension
• Restart of the SR-22 period from the beginning
• Higher insurance rates

Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance

Filing an SR-22 affects more than just your insurance rates—it can impact your driving privileges, financial options, and even employment opportunities. Here’s how:

1. Increased Insurance Costs

The most immediate effect of an SR-22 is the significant increase in car insurance premiums.

• DUI Convictions: Rates can double or triple
• Multiple Traffic Violations: Increases by 50% or more
• Reckless Driving: Higher rates for 3-5 years

2. Limited Insurance Options

Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 filings. Some insurers drop high-risk drivers altogether, forcing them to seek coverage from non-standard insurers, which charge higher premiums.

3. Risk of License Suspension

Failing to file or maintain an SR-22 can lead to immediate license suspension. This means you won’t be able to legally drive until you:

• Pay any outstanding fines
• Reinstate your SR-22 policy
• Submit proof of active insurance to the DMV

4. Potential Loss of Car Registration

In some states, your car registration may be suspended if your insurance lapses. This means you cannot renew your license plates or legally drive the vehicle.

Example: In California, failure to maintain an SR-22 automatically leads to vehicle registration suspension until proof of insurance is provided.

5. Employment Consequences

If your job requires a clean driving record, having an SR-22 can limit your career options. This is especially true for jobs such as:

• Commercial drivers (CDL holders)
• Rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft)
• Delivery drivers

Some employers may terminate or refuse to hire drivers with SR-22 filings due to higher liability risks.

6. Restrictions on Leasing or Financing a Car

Leasing companies and banks check your driving record before financing a vehicle. If you require an SR-22:

• Your interest rates may be higher.
• Some lenders may refuse financing.
• Existing lease contracts may be terminated.

SR-22 Insurance State Requirements

It’s common for each state to have its own set of rules regarding SR-22s. For instance, some states like Delaware, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Oklahoma don’t require SR-22s.

However, other states may ask for more than just the minimum insurance coverage mandated by law. In Florida and Virginia, for example, along with the SR-22 for certain violations, you may also need an FR-22 for DUIs or DWIs.

Key Difference:

• SR-22 = Proof of future financial responsibility.
• SR-50 = Proof of past insurance coverage.
• FR-22 = Stricter liability limits (Florida, Virginia).

How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs

Your credit score plays a big role in car insurance costs—and if you need an SR-22, the impact is even greater. Insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to predict the likelihood of filing a claim. Lower credit scores indicate higher risk, leading to higher premiums.

How Credit Score Impacts SR-22 Insurance Costs in South Carolina

Key Findings:

• Drivers with poor credit pay an average of 72% more for car insurance than those with good credit.
• Needing an SR-22 increases rates by an average of 18%.
• Combined impact: A driver with bad credit and an SR-22 requirement could see insurance costs double compared to a driver with good credit and no SR-22.

Alternatives To SR-22

If your state requires an SR-22, you’ll need to comply. However, some states don’t require an SR-22 but instead have different financial responsibility forms. Below are SR-22 alternatives and where they apply.

Can You Get Car Insurance Without an SR-22?

If you need an SR-22 because of a serious violation (like DUI or reckless driving), you must get one to regain your driving privileges. However, here are potential workarounds:

• Assigned Risk Plans (ARP): Some states offer high-risk insurance pools for drivers who can’t find coverage elsewhere. This does not eliminate SR-22 requirements but can provide coverage.
• Non-Owner Car Insurance: If you don’t own a vehicle, getting non-owner SR-22 insurance may be cheaper than regular auto insurance with an SR-22.
• Waiting Until SR-22 Requirement Ends: If you don’t need a car immediately, you can wait until your SR-22 period expires before reapplying for standard insurance.

How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance In South Carolina After A DUI

After a DUI, your insurance rates might go up, but there are ways to manage the cost of your car insurance. First, shop around for quotes from different companies. Some insurers may charge less for DUI violations than others, and switching companies could significantly lower your premium.

You should also explore any available discounts you may qualify for. Consider taking a defensive driving course or bundling your home or renters policy to save more money.

Lastly, strive to avoid accidents or violations in the future. DUI violations typically affect your insurance for 3-5 years, but the longer you maintain a clean record, the more your rates should decrease.