SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
What South Carolina requires after a DUI, a lapse or driving uninsured, how long the filing lasts, what it costs the state, whether a non-owner filing works, and which companies in South Carolina write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
South Carolina uses the SR-22 filing. Who needs it: Owners found guilty of driving their own uninsured vehicle, and generally any license suspension or revocation after a conviction, plus unlicensed drivers convicted of certain offenses. How long: 3 years from the date of suspension. The insurer files it electronically with the state once the policy is bound; a non-standard auto policy with the filing is often cheaper than people expect. 0 companies write personal auto in South Carolina; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What South Carolina requires
From South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV); sources at the bottom.
| Filing | SR-22 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Owners found guilty of driving their own uninsured vehicle, and generally any license suspension or revocation after a conviction, plus unlicensed drivers convicted of certain offenses. |
| How long | 3 years from the date of suspension. |
| State fees | No state SR-22 filing fee; insurer charges vary. Uninsured owner fee: $700. Reinstatement: $100 per suspension; up to $400 after failing an insurance check. |
| Non-owner filing | Accepted by statute: an operator's policy qualifies and the certificate need not list vehicles for a non-owner. SCDMV pages don't address non-owner SR-22s. |
| How it's filed | Your SC-authorized insurer files the SR-22 electronically through SCDMV's ALIR system, within 15 days. The policy must be written for at least six months. |
| If the policy cancels | The SR-22 stays in force at least 90 days; your insurer must tell SCDMV of any cancellation, and SCDMV suspends your license and registration until new proof is filed. |
| Minimum liability limits | 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage) |
| Who handles it | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) |
How to get it today
- Send the quote request with the reason for the filing (DUI, lapse, uninsured accident) and the date the state gave you; that goes to the companies above that take it.
- Bind the policy; the insurer sends the SR-22 to the state electronically the same day in most cases.
- Keep the policy paid for the whole period: a cancellation is reported to the state and usually restarts the suspension.
I'm licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida and Washington, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.
Questions people ask
How long do I need an SR-22 in South Carolina?
3 years from the date of suspension.
Who needs an SR-22 in South Carolina?
Owners found guilty of driving their own uninsured vehicle, and generally any license suspension or revocation after a conviction, plus unlicensed drivers convicted of certain offenses.
Can I get a non-owner SR-22 in South Carolina?
Accepted by statute: an operator's policy qualifies and the certificate need not list vehicles for a non-owner. SCDMV pages don't address non-owner SR-22s.
What happens if my policy cancels during the SR-22 period?
The SR-22 stays in force at least 90 days; your insurer must tell SCDMV of any cancellation, and SCDMV suspends your license and registration until new proof is filed.
Sources
- https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements/facts-about-driving-uninsured
- https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements
- https://dmv.sc.gov/vehicle-owners/insurance-requirements
- https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/license-reinstatement
- https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/license-reinstatement/pay-reinstatement-fees
- https://dmv.sc.gov/business-customers/insurance-companies
Send it once. It gets filed.
A few minutes to request the quote; the companies that file SR-22 answer by email, and the filing goes to the state when you bind.
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.