Most states require drivers convicted of DUI or other serious driving offences to obtain SR-22 and South Carolina. The SR-22 is not insurance coverage. This is a certificate that will certify that your insurance provider will file your DMV and have the required type and amount of car insurance coverage for your state. It’s not the actual insurance, but the provider will have to pay an additional fee to file it. Normally, the SR-22 is required for 3-5 years. Looking at the exceptions, we explain how the SR-22 affects Palmetto State insurance.
What is SC’s SR-22 Insurance?
If your driver’s license is suspended in South Carolina, you will likely need to pay to file an SR-22 on your behalf. The SR-22 is a proof of a special type of insurance, not a type of insurance of its own. Carrying the minimum required car insurance in South Carolina proves to be represented as 25/50/25. This includes compensation for the following personal liability:
- $25,000 for body injury liability compensation per person
- $50,000 for physical injury liability coverage for each accident
- 25,000 liability compensation for property damages for each accident
However, the South Carolina SR-22 is merely a requirement for high-risk drivers. This may include a driver who suspends his license, receives a serious traffic violation, drives without car insurance, has been convicted of DUI, or causes an accident that causes death or injury.
The process of obtaining an SR-22 is relatively simple, but not all car insurance companies offer it. If your personal auto insurance provider doesn’t offer SR-22 filing, look for a carrier that specializes in non-standard insurance. You will be asked to fill out the documents and pay the application fee. Finally, the insurance company sends the document to the South Carolina DMV.
When do I need the SR-22 in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, there are certain circumstances that could lead to SR-22 requirements. If you do something to suspend your license, you may need the SR-22 to get it back. South Carolina SR-22 insurance is required for high-risk drivers who exhibit a certain level of risk on the road. The minimum amount of car insurance is primarily enforced by states that help prevent or limit costly litigation after a car accident that could be a financial burden on taxpayers.
SR-22 South Carolina alternative
Some other states offer alternatives to SR-22 after a serious accident or violation, while South Carolina does not require any format other than SR-22.
Non-owner SR-22
If you are borrowing someone else’s vehicle at the time of the violation, you will need to purchase a certificate called the non-owner SR-22. As the name suggests, this form is only necessary if you have lost your license and do not have your own vehicle. The insurance requirements for non-owner SR-22 insurance are the same as the standard SR-22.
SR-22 South Carolina Insurance Costs
In South Carolina, submitting an SR-22 certificate usually costs less than $50. The exact cost varies slightly based on the insurance company. If your license is suspended, you will need to pay a $100 license recovery fee.
Drivers with SR-22s on their records also pay higher than average car insurance fees, particularly drivers convicted of drug or alcohol-related offences. South Carolina drivers arrested without insurance may also pay a high premium when purchasing a policy, even with liability-only coverage.
Luckily, the SR-22 will never stay with your driving record. Depending on the violation, you may need to use the SR-22 for 3-5 years. Once the SR-22 is removed from the record, you will no longer have to pay to submit a certificate and your car insurance interest rate should return to normal.
