Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina (2025)
High-risk drivers in South Carolina typically pay more for car insurance, but it’s possible to find affordable coverage.
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Car insurance is required for all South Carolina drivers. But if you’re a high-risk driver, you might have trouble finding affordable auto insurance because insurers see you as riskier to cover. High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay an average of $233 per month. In contrast, drivers in South Carolina with a clean record pay a monthly average of $198.
Data indicates that the Palmetto State has a significant number of high-risk drivers. In 2023, 39% of fatal collisions in South Carolina involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, compared to 30% nationwide.1
Quick Facts
High-risk drivers in South Carolina may be required to prove they have the state-minimum liability coverage.
In South Carolina, points from traffic violations remain on your driver’s license for two years.
Direct Auto is the best high-risk auto insurance company for discounts.
Who’s a high-risk driver in South Carolina?
A high-risk driver in South Carolina is typically someone who has at least one of the following violations on their driving record:
Driving under the influence (DUI) conviction
Reckless driving
Multiple at-fault accidents
Driving without insurance
Driving with a suspended license
The South Carolina DMV uses a points system to track driving violations. Under this system, having too many points on your driver’s license may classify you as high risk. After 12 or more license points, the state can suspend your license.
Additionally, insurers usually consider you a high-risk driver if you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you meet the state’s insurance requirements.2
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Best South Carolina auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
The cost of car insurance in South Carolina varies depending on the specific traffic violations on your record. To find the cheapest auto insurance for your situation, it pays to shop around and compare quotes from several insurers.
The following car insurance companies are some of the best choices for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.
USAA: Best for military families
Direct Auto: Best for discounts
Auto-Owners: Best for customizable coverage
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability.
The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina with an at-fault accident
An at-fault accident on your driving record can raise your auto insurance premium in South Carolina. Insurers see at-fault crashes as a sign that you’re more likely to cause a second crash.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina for drivers with an at-fault accident.
Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina with a DUI
A DUI is a serious violation. If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, your car insurance premium will likely increase significantly. After a DUI, you may need to shop around for a new insurer with lower rates.
The cheapest car insurers for drivers in South Carolina with a DUI appear in the following table.
Cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina with a speeding ticket
If you’re pulled over for speeding, your premium may increase when your policy renews. Speeding is a risky driving behavior that can lead to accidents. As a result, your insurer may charge higher rates.
The table below shows the car insurance companies with the cheapest rates for South Carolina drivers with a speeding ticket.
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How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina
High-risk drivers in South Carolina usually pay higher premiums than drivers with clean records. But high-risk drivers can still find affordable coverage.
The tips below can help you get cheaper auto insurance in South Carolina:
How to improve your driving record in South Carolina
Your driving record directly affects your car insurance premium in South Carolina. Improving your driving record can help you get a more affordable rate.
Consider these strategies to help improve your record:
Take a driver education course. South Carolina drivers can remove four points from their driver’s license by completing the National Safety Council’s 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course or a similar program. You can qualify for a points reduction only once within three years.
Get legal help for driving record errors. If your driving record has errors, like a speeding ticket that should’ve dropped, consider working with a lawyer to remove them.
Maintain or improve your credit history. While your credit history doesn’t directly affect your driving record, it can affect your insurance premium. Prioritize paying your bills on time to boost your score and potentially lower your rate.3
South Carolina high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about high-risk car insurance in South Carolina, answers to the following frequently asked questions can provide additional information about insurance coverage.
How do you know if you’re a high-risk driver in South Carolina?
You might be a high-risk driver in South Carolina if you have a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple at-fault accidents on your record. You might also be high risk if you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance or have too many points on your license.
How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in South Carolina?
South Carolina auto insurance companies calculate risk based on factors like your driving history, age, and credit-based insurance score. If an insurer determines that you pose a higher risk, you might pay a higher premium.
What is the cheapest insurance company for South Carolina high-risk drivers?
The cheapest auto insurance company for South Carolina high-risk drivers is USAA, according to Insurify’s rate data. USAA’s average monthly liability-only premium is $63 for high-risk car insurance in South Carolina, but coverage is available only to military members and their families.
Auto Owners is close behind, with an average monthly liability-only premium of $69 for South Carolina high-risk drivers.
How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average cost of high-risk car insurance in South Carolina is $233 per month. But keep in mind that rates depend on many factors, including your ZIP code, age, vehicle type, driving record, and coverage choices.4
How long does reckless driving affect insurance in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, points from a reckless driving charge remain on your driver’s license for two years.
Is South Carolina an at-fault state for car accidents?
Yes. South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents. That means the driver who caused a collision must compensate the other person for their injuries and property damage using their liability insurance.5
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