If your driver’s license is suspended in South Carolina, you will likely need to purchase the SR-22 insurance form. SR-22 insurance is not a type of insurance, although it is sometimes called that. This form is proof that you have insurance.
Although some states use SR-22 alternatives, such as forms FR-44, South Carolina uses only SR-22 certificates to verify proof of insurance coverage. Having an SR-22 on your record in South Carolina will affect your car’s insurance premium and also includes other costs.
What is “SR-22 insurance?”
SR-22 insurance is a special type of proof of insurance. It certifies that you carry the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina, which is represented as 25/50/25. This includes the following personal liability coverage:
- $ 25,000 in personal injury liability coverage per person
- $ 50,000 in accident personal injury liability coverage
- $ 25,000 in accident damage coverage
However, South Carolina’s SR-22 insurance is only a requirement for high-risk drivers. This includes drivers who have their license suspended, receive a serious traffic violation, are caught driving without auto insurance, are convicted of DUI or cause an accident that results in death or injury.
The process of obtaining an SR-22 is relatively simple, but not all car insurers offer it. If your personal car insurance provider does not sell SR-22 insurance, look for an operator specializing in non-standard insurance. You will be asked to fill out some papers and pay a filing fee. Finally, the insurer will send the document to the South Carolina DMV.
South Carolina SR-22 Alternatives
South Carolina only requires drivers to obtain SR-22 insurance after a serious accident or violation that results in suspension of the license. However, other states use SR-22 alternatives to verify proof of drivers’ insurance coverage. The type of certificate required may depend on the type of violation, financial liability requirements and the number of offenses.
Here are some common SR-22 alternatives that you will find in other states:
| Form | Issued States | Insurance minimums required |
|---|---|---|
| SR-22 | All states except Delaware, Kentucky, Minnesota, New, Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania | State minimum insurance coverage |
| SR-19 | California and Texas | Minimum state uninsured driver (UM) coverage |
| SR-21 | Florida, Georgia and Indiana | State minimum insurance coverage |
| SR-22A | Georgia, Texas and Missouri | State minimum insurance coverage |
| FR-44 | Florida and Virginia | Establish minimum coverage with higher liability insurance limits |
| SR-50 | Indiana | State minimum insurance coverage |
- SR-19: California and Texas use SR-19 forms. If a driver is hit by an uninsured driver and wants to file a claim with his insurer, he must first open an SR-19.
- SR-21: SR-21 forms are used in Florida, Georgia and Indiana. If a driver suffers a serious accident or receives a traffic violation, the SR-21 form is used to check your insurance coverage at the time of the incident.
- SR-22A: Georgia, Texas and Missouri use SR-22A forms, which are essentially the same as a standard SR-22. The SR-22A form is required for a driver to regain his / her driving privileges after a serious violation.
- FR-44: The only states that use FR-44 forms are Florida and Virginia. The FR-44 is similar to an SR-22, but an FR-44 requires drivers to have more liability coverage than the state minimum.
- SR-50: SR-50 forms are used only in Indiana. The SR-50 form is used to check a driver’s car insurance coverage if he is involved in an accident or receives any traffic violation that is reported to the Indiana BMV. This form is not necessarily linked to the license suspension.
Non-owner SR-22
If you are borrowing someone else’s vehicle at the time of the breach, you will need to purchase a non-owner certificate called SR-22. As the name suggests, this form is only necessary if you lose your license and do not have your own car. The insurance requirements for non-owner SR-22 insurance are the same as for standard SR-22s.
SR-22 insurance costs in South Carolina
In South Carolina, it usually costs less than $ 50 to register an SR-22 certificate. The exact cost varies slightly depending on the insurer. If your license has been suspended, you will also have to pay a $ 100 reactivation fee.
Drivers who have an SR-22 on their record will also pay higher-than-average car insurance rates, especially those convicted of drug or alcohol-related offenses. South Carolina drivers who are caught without insurance will also pay a high premium when purchasing a policy, even with liability only coverage.
Common questions
How long do I need an SR-22 in South Carolina?
Drivers who are required to purchase South Carolina SR-22 insurance will have the certificate on their record for at least three years. You may need to have the certificate on your record for more than three years, depending on the type of violation and the number of crimes you have committed.
How do I get SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
To obtain proof of SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, you will need to complete some basic documents and pay the filing fee. If you do not have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy. The last step is for the insurer to present the SR-22 form to the DMV of South Carolina. You will receive confirmation as soon as the paperwork is processed.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in South Carolina?
SR-22s in South Carolina are not expensive. You will pay a small registration fee, which is generally less than $ 50. Remember that SR-22 insurance is not really a true form of insurance, so factors such as your age, credit score, zip code, gender and type of car you drive have no impact on the cost of the SR-22.
How do I get cheap SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
To find cheap SR-22 insurance in South Carolina, call some insurance companies that offer SR-22s and ask about the filing fee. Choose the company that charges the cheapest filing fee, even if it is not your personal car insurance provider.