SR-22 Requirement in South Carolina

If you live in South Carolina and have been convicted of a serious driving offense, like multiple traffic violations or DUI, and have had your driver’s license suspended, the state most likely will require you to file an SR-22 form. This SR-22 form serves as proof that drivers have at least the minimum coverage of auto insurance required in South Carolina. This is why it is always a great idea to know who provides the best – and cheapest – insurance in the area by shopping around and comparing rates.

In this state, you need to possess an SR-22 insurance policy for three years; however, filing time might differ depending on your offense. It is your responsibility to keep the SR-22 form for the whole duration of the filing time. In case you have lapses in your coverage, your auto insurance firm is required to tell the state that you no longer have this policy with the firm. This might lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and other fines. If you pay on time and maintain a good driving record, you will no longer need to have an SR-22 certificate when the required time is up.

This is a state-required certificate that proves you have the required insurance amounts. The filing shows South Carolina that a driver meets the insurance needs to drive. The SR-22 filing is an attachment to an auto insurance policy and insurance companies report the status of a driver’s insurance in real time to the state.

Your SR-22 insurance policy should meet the state’s liability insurance requirements which are:

Liability:

• $25,000 bodily harm for every person
• $50,000 physical harm for every accident
• $25,000 property harm for every accident

Uninsured driver:

• $25,000 bodily harm for every person
• $50,000 physical harm for every accident
• $25,000 property harm for every accident

Once you fail to comply with an order to file an SR-22 in this state, your car registration can be suspended, as well as your driver’s license. While not required, full insurance coverage can keep you and your car safe in case of a mishap. Additionally, you can add underinsured driver coverage that will serve as your buffer should the other motorist be underinsured.

SR-22 insurance in South Carolina is needed in some instances in order to reinstate your driver’s license after you have been convicted of eligible offenses, including:

• Driving with no car insurance
• A conviction for DWI or DUI
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Having repeated offenses in a certain period, which include speeding tickets
• Many at-fault accidents
• A deadly at-fault accident
• Reckless driving or dangerous driving
• Court order assignment
• Failure to disburse fines from tickets
• Refused blood alcohol test

In South Carolina, drivers who need an SR-22 are typically considered high-risk drivers. If you become labeled a high-risk driver, your insurer will charge you a higher premium – if they will insure you at all. SR-22 insurance rates aren’t the same for all service providers. You can look around for the most affordable policies prior to signing up. There are many factors that can affect the cost of SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, including your age, credit score, gender, type of car you are driving, marital status, and more.

One common reason motorists need this insurance is due to the conviction of a serious traffic offense. On average, auto insurance with an SR-22 filing is double or triple the amount for insurance without an SR-22. Shopping around and comparing rates from different car insurance companies can help you find insurance you can afford.

Insured Motorists

If you have car insurance, getting an SR-22 consists of calling your current auto insurance provider and asking them to file a certificate on your behalf. If the insurer is not willing to provide vehicle insurance to you, you will need to look for a new auto insurance company.

Uninsured Motorists

If filing for a new insurance policy, you may encounter an extra charge for the potential insurer to file an SR-22 form and to cover the risky driving profile.

Needing an SR-22 could keep you from being insured by some carriers, while others will be happy to cover you.

Whether you have a car or not does not impact your SR-22 requirement. If you have been ordered to file an SR-22, you must comply regardless of the status of your car ownership.

In this case, you may get a non-owner insurance policy prior to filing a form. This kind of insurance policy is often more reasonably priced than a conventional policy in view of the fact that it does not insure against physical harm to your auto.

When looking at and comparing auto insurance quotes, it can be frustrating trying to understand how the costs are computed. Auto insurance companies utilize formulas when determining prices and there are many factors they take into account, including:

• Driving record
• Location
• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Car make, model, and year
• Amount of coverage required

Part of your insurance price will reflect the area where you will be parking the car. Areas that see a lot of claims for accidents and vehicle theft and vandalism will see higher rates than areas that are considered safer. Your SR-22 car insurance quote will consist of the above-listed factors, plus your location and more. The largest factor in your case will most likely be that you are now considered a high-risk driver.

The good news is that if you drive safely, without incident, and continue to pay for your SR-22 throughout the term, your rates will go down eventually.

Just because you are now considered a high-risk driver who must file an SR-22 certificate with the state of South Carolina does not mean you cannot find affordable car insurance. Our mission at SR-22 Adviser is to make sure everyone has access to cheap insurance so they can legally drive. Get a fast and free insurance quote online from our partner site today!