Updated May 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina operates a point-accumulation system where moving violations add points to your driving record and trigger license suspension at defined thresholds. The state suspends your license for 12 points accumulated within 12 months or immediately upon any single 6-point violation. Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date. South Carolina allows defensive driving course completion once every three years to remove up to 4 points, and the state offers a route-restricted license during suspension for work, medical, and educational transportation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
South Carolina rates increase sharply after multiple moving violations because carriers price on three-year loss history and points reflect crash risk. Speeding 15+ mph over the limit adds 4 points and raises premiums 20–35%. Two speeding violations within 12 months typically double your base rate. Drivers suspended for points pay $190–$280 per month on average after reinstatement.
What Affects Your Rate
- Speeding 15+ mph over the limit adds 4 points in South Carolina and raises rates 25–35% with most carriers for three years.
- Reckless driving adds 6 points and triggers immediate suspension plus FR-44 filing requirement, increasing premiums 60–90%.
- Two moving violations within 12 months signal pattern risk to carriers and typically double your base premium regardless of point total.
- Completing a South Carolina-approved defensive driving course removes 4 points from your record and qualifies you for a 5–10% premium discount with most carriers.
- Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville zip codes carry 10–15% higher base rates than rural South Carolina counties due to traffic density and claim frequency.
- Maintaining continuous coverage for 12 months post-reinstatement with no new violations opens access to standard-market carriers and reduces rates 15–25%.
Get insured and start your reinstatement process today
Compare carriers that file SR-22 in your state and work with suspended license drivers.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Multi-Violation Driver Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers with multiple moving violations who no longer qualify for standard-market policies. Rates reflect elevated risk but remain significantly lower than SR-22 or FR-44 specialty programs.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Specialty insurance for drivers suspended for points, with multiple violations, or who carry SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirements. Requires non-standard carrier placement and higher premiums.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. South Carolina requires 25/50/25 minimums, but multiple violations often require higher limits to secure affordable coverage.
SR-22 and FR-44 Insurance
Certificate filed by your carrier proving you carry minimum required coverage. FR-44 requires double the state minimum liability limits. Required for specific violations, not point-threshold suspension alone.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages if an uninsured driver hits you. South Carolina requires it at 25/50/25 unless you reject it in writing at policy inception.
Find Your City in South Carolina
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles — Point System and Suspension Guidelines
- South Carolina Department of Insurance — Liability Coverage Requirements
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Auto Insurance Database Report