SR-22 After DUI
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South Carolina SR-22 After DUI: Reinstatement Guide

South Carolina requires SR-22 with 25/50/25 minimum liability after DUI conviction — typically $120–$185/mo in the non-standard market. Filing period is 3 years from reinstatement date, not conviction date, and most major carriers non-renew after DUI.

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Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina is a tort state with financial responsibility laws enforced by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. After DUI conviction, you must file SR-22 with SCDMV to reinstate your license. Your 3-year filing period begins on your reinstatement date, not your conviction date — a critical distinction that adds months to the requirement if you delay.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?

South Carolina DUI-SR-22 rates vary by conviction class, time since conviction, and whether you carry IID restrictions. First-offense standard DUI with clean prior record runs $120–$185/mo for minimum coverage. Aggravated DUI, refusal, or repeat-offense conviction adds 30–60% to base rates.

Minimum Coverage
State minimum 25/50/25 liability plus SR-22 filing. Satisfies SCDMV reinstatement requirements. Leaves you personally liable for at-fault damages above these limits.
Standard Coverage
50/100/50 liability plus uninsured motorist coverage. Provides realistic protection in South Carolina, where 1 in 8 drivers is uninsured and median at-fault bodily injury claims exceed state minimums.
Full Coverage
Liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist. Required if financing. Covers vehicle damage from accidents, theft, weather, and uninsured drivers. Deductibles run $500–$1,000 to keep premiums manageable.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Conviction class: first-offense standard DUI qualifies for lower-tier non-standard rates; aggravated DUI or refusal elevates you into higher-risk pricing tiers with fewer carrier options.
  • Time since conviction: South Carolina carriers re-tier you 12 months post-conviction if no additional violations occur — monthly premium drops $20–$40 at first anniversary.
  • IID requirement: if court-ordered ignition interlock is active, some carriers add 10–15% surcharge; others waive it if IID proof is filed with policy.
  • ZIP code: Columbia, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach run 15–25% higher than Greenville or Spartanburg due to claims frequency and uninsured motorist collision rates.
  • Prior insurance history: 6+ months continuous coverage before DUI qualifies you for mid-tier non-standard pricing; lapsed coverage before conviction moves you into assigned risk territory.
  • Vehicle type: high-value vehicles and sports cars price 20–40% higher in the non-standard market; older sedans with low book value reduce comprehensive and collision premiums significantly.

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Coverage Types

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Charleston

urban
Columbia, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Columbia

urban
North Charleston, South Carolina cityscape and street view

North Charleston

suburban
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Mount Pleasant

suburban
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Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
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Summerville

suburban
Evening street scene with glowing street lamps, parked cars, and landscaped flower beds in downtown area

Spartanburg

urban

Sources

  • South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles — SR-22 filing requirements and reinstatement procedures
  • South Carolina Department of Insurance — minimum liability coverage regulations
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Auto Insurance Database Report

Frequently Asked Questions

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