Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance In South Carolina For 2024
Looking to find the most budget-friendly SR-22 car insurance in South Carolina? Wondering how you can secure affordable coverage without compromising on quality? Let’s explore the realm of SR-22 insurance together and uncover the best options tailored to your needs.
SR-22 insurance serves as evidence of financial responsibility, often mandated by the state for drivers involved in serious violations like DUIs or reckless driving. In South Carolina, incorporating SR-22 into your car insurance comes at an extra expense, with increases varying from minor to substantial based on my experience in the insurance sector.
Furthermore, there are cases where insurance companies decline coverage for individuals needing SR-22s. It can be daunting to navigate through the eligibility requirements and pricing of various companies. Nonetheless, I’ve conducted extensive research to streamline this process.
In this article, I’ve curated a list of the leading insurance providers in South Carolina that offer SR-22 insurance, along with their average pricing. This information aims to equip you with valuable insights to facilitate an informed decision-making process.
Our Methodology
In our search for the most competitive rates for drivers in need of SR-22 insurance, we tailored our quotes to individuals with serious infractions like DUIs or reckless driving. For instance, we provided a quote for a 2017 Toyota Camry LE with full coverage, considering a 30-year-old male with average credit. The coverage included:
Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
Property Damage: $50,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
Comprehensive: $500 Deductible
Collision: $500 Deductible
Keep in mind that these rates may vary based on factors such as your location, driving history, and prior insurance records.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies In South Carolina
Here are the top three most affordable SR-22 insurance providers in South Carolina, offering liability coverage only:
- American National- $361 Annually
- American Family – $440 Annually
- South Carolina Farm Bureau – $551 Annually
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Policies With A DUI (Liability Only)
| Company | Annual Premium |
| American National | $361 |
| American Family | $440 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $551 |
| State Farm | $573 |
| Auto-Owners | $905 |
| Allstate | $905 |
| Progressive | $976 |
| Travelers | $1,047 |
| Geico | $1,331 |
| Bristol West | $1,891 |
Cheapest SR-22 Insurance With Full Coverage
If you require coverage beyond liability-only, here are the three most budget-friendly SR-22 insurance options in South Carolina, providing full coverage:
- 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)
| Company | Annual Premium |
| American National | $649 |
| American Family | $964 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,030 |
| State Farm | $1,142 |
| Allstate | $1,607 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,785 |
| Travelers | $1,844 |
| Progressive | $1,969 |
| Geico | $2,638 |
| Bristol West | $3,533 |
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
SR-22 insurance, also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, is a document certain drivers must get to show they have the minimum required auto insurance coverage set by their state’s laws.
It’s needed after serious traffic violations like DUI or driving without insurance. It’s not an insurance policy but a certificate from an insurer confirming coverage to the state’s DMV. Drivers typically must keep SR-22 insurance for a specific time, and failing to do so can lead to penalties like license suspension.
Though premiums may be higher, it’s crucial for those required to have it to meet legal obligations and regain driving privileges.
What Is SR-22a Insurance
In certain states, an SR-22a may be necessary instead of a standard SR-22. This is typically for drivers with multiple violations of financial responsibility laws or for more severe citations. Missouri, Georgia, and Texas are among the states that may require this form.
Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Companies In South Carolina
If you’re required to obtain an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, a non-owners policy is your ideal choice. Below are the most affordable non-owner SR-22 policies available in South Carolina.
- Auto-Owners – $460 Annually
- State Farm – $641 Annually
- Geico – $944 Annually
| Company | Annual Premium |
| Auto-Owners | $460 |
| State Farm | $641 |
| Geico | $944 |
| Travelers | $1,242 |
| Progressive | $2,140 |
Average Cost Of SR-22 Insurance In South Carolina
| Violation | Annual Premium (Liability Only) | Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
| DUI | $1,099 | $2,066 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,164 | $2,174 |
| Minor Violation | $1,019 | $1,907 |
How SR-22 Affects Car Insurance Rates
In general, drivers can anticipate an average yearly increase of $993 in their car insurance premiums when an SR-22 is required. This hike is usually linked to past driving infractions prompting the need for an SR-22, rather than the SR-22 itself. For instance, if you were mandated to obtain an SR-22 due to a DUI conviction, the rise in your policy cost would likely be attributed to the DUI offense.
Additionally, there’s a filing fee associated with an SR-22, typically ranging from $15 to $25, which is charged on top of the rate increase. Removing the SR-22 from your policy once it’s no longer necessary can help alleviate the premium increase.
How To File An SR-22
To file an SR-22 in South Carolina, start by contacting your insurance provider to ensure they offer SR-22 filings. Provide them with your personal information, including your full name, address, driver’s license number, and the reason for needing an SR-22.
If you don’t already have the minimum required auto insurance coverage in South Carolina, purchase it from your insurance company. They will then charge a fee for filing the SR-22 on your behalf, which is typically a one-time payment. Once you’ve provided all necessary information and purchased the required insurance coverage, your insurance company will submit the SR-22 form to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or relevant authority.
It’s essential to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the specified period mandated by the state to avoid penalties such as license suspension or revocation. Monitor your SR-22 status and ensure your insurance remains active throughout the required period.
Once the SR-22 period is over, you can request your insurance company to remove the SR-22 filing from your policy. Following these steps will help you successfully file an SR-22 in South Carolina and fulfill your legal obligations.
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.
Other Effects Of SR-22 Insurance
SR-22s not only impact your insurance cost but also your ability to drive. If you don’t get an SR-22 on time or keep it as long as needed, the state might take away your driver’s license or car registration. You might also face fines and fees to get them back. Some insurance companies might not cover drivers who need SR-22s, limiting your choices.
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.
Arkansas and Indiana also have their own unique requirements. In Arkansas, instead of proving you have future coverage, you may need an SR-21 after specific accidents to show you were insured at the time of the incident. In Indiana, after a DUI, you may need an SR-50 form to confirm the dates you were insured.
How Much Does Credit Score Affect SR-22 Insurance Costs
Your credit score is one of the factors that affects how much you pay for car insurance. Generally, if your credit score is lower, insurance companies see you as more risky. Similarly, if you need an SR-22, insurers also see you as high risk. So, if you have poor credit and need an SR-22, you’ll likely pay more for insurance.
Drivers with low credit scores pay an average of 72% more for insurance than those with good credit scores. Additionally, having an SR-22 can increase your car insurance rates by an average of 18% or more. However, the exact amount of the increase varies depending on the insurance company.
Alternatives To SR-22
If a state mandates you to get an SR-22, there’s no avoiding it. As mentioned earlier, some states either don’t need an SR-22 or might ask for other forms like SR-21, SR-50, or FR-22. To figure out what’s necessary for you, reaching out to a local independent agent could be the most helpful step.
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.
FAQs
Do you need SR-22 insurance if you don’t have a car?
Yes, you may still need SR-22 insurance even if you don’t have a car. If you’re required to have an SR-22 because of a driving violation, you’ll need to get a non-owner SR-22 policy.
How do you get rid of SR-22?
To get rid of SR-22 insurance, you need to maintain continuous coverage for the period required by your state. Once the mandated time is over and you no longer need the SR-22, you can ask your insurance company to remove it from your policy.
How much does SR-22 cost?
The cost of SR-22 insurance varies depending on factors like your driving record, the state you live in, and the insurance company you choose. Typically, there’s a one-time filing fee of $15 to $25, along with higher insurance premiums.
