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 May 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.

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Liability Insurance
$25,000 per person injured, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, $25,000 for property damage. South Carolina prosecutes uninsured motorist violations aggressively — driving without active SR-22 on file converts your license suspension into a criminal charge. The state minimum covers basic legal compliance but leaves you personally liable for damages above these limits in at-fault accidents.
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is an electronic certificate your insurer files with SCDMV proving continuous coverage. Your carrier files it within 24 hours of policy inception. If your policy lapses for any reason, your carrier files an SR-26 cancellation notice with SCDMV immediately and your license suspends automatically — no warning letter, no grace period. Most mainstream carriers will file SR-22 for existing customers but non-renew at term, pushing DUI drivers into the non-standard market.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage equal to your liability limits unless you reject it in writing. Your carrier must offer you the option to buy higher UM limits than your liability limits — most agents skip this disclosure. After DUI, you are statistically more likely to be hit by another high-risk or uninsured driver, making UM coverage critical despite the added premium.
Non-Owner SR-22
If you do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 to reinstate your license, non-owner SR-22 policies satisfy SCDMV filing requirements. Rates run $30–$60/mo in South Carolina, significantly cheaper than standard policies. Non-owner SR-22 does not cover vehicles you own, regularly use, or live with — if your household includes a vehicle titled to someone else, SCDMV may require you to be listed on that policy instead.
Full Coverage
Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive. Required if you finance or lease your vehicle. South Carolina non-standard carriers price full coverage at $180–$320/mo after DUI depending on vehicle value and conviction class. First-offense standard DUI qualifies with most non-standard carriers; aggravated DUI or repeat-offense conviction limits your carrier pool to Direct Auto, GAINSCO, and regional specialists.

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.

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.
Minimum Coverage
$120–$185/mo
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
$155–$240/mo
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
$200–$320/mo
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.

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Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

Electronic certificate your carrier files with SCDMV proving continuous coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI reinstatement.

Non-Owner SR-22

SR-22 filing for drivers who do not own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental cars.

Liability Insurance

Pays damages you cause to others in at-fault accidents. South Carolina minimum is 25/50/25.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Covers your injuries and vehicle damage when hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Full Coverage

Liability, collision, and comprehensive combined. Required by lenders and lessors.

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
Wooden pier extending over water at sunset with marsh grasses in foreground and orange sky

Mount Pleasant

suburban
Park walking path with bench and small dog among tall trees and fallen leaves

Rock Hill

suburban
Greenville, South Carolina cityscape and street view

Greenville

urban
Suburban street with houses and orange tile roofs during golden hour lighting

Summerville

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

Spartanburg

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

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