CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE
Charleston SR22 insurance refers to the type of insurance coverage known as SR22 insurance that is required for individuals in Charleston, South Carolina, who have been convicted of certain driving offenses. SR22 insurance is not a specific policy but rather a form that is filed by your insurance company with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the required minimum liability coverage.
What is an SR22?
The SR22 form serves as proof of financial responsibility, indicating that you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. It is typically required for individuals who have been convicted of offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving without insurance, or driving with a suspended license. The SR22 form is often necessary before the reinstatement of driving privileges or the issuance of a new driver’s license.
Why is an SR22?
Maintaining continuous SR22 coverage is crucial, as any lapse in coverage or failure to renew the policy may result in the suspension of your driving privileges. It’s important to comply with the requirements set by the DMV until the mandated period has passed, typically a few years, depending on the offense.
Obtaining a Charleston SR22 Insurance Policy
To obtain SR22 insurance in Charleston, you need to contact an insurance provider licensed to offer this type of coverage in South Carolina. They will guide you through the process and help you obtain the necessary SR22 form. However, it’s important to note that SR22 insurance is often more expensive than standard auto insurance due to the higher risk associated with the driver’s history.
STEP 1 TO GETTING CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE
PURCHASE LIABILITY INSURANCE AT THE VERY LEAST!
| State | Minimum Coverage Requirements | Average Cost for Minimum Liability Coverage |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 | $537 |
STEP 2 TO GETTING CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE
PAY THE FILING FEE ALONG WITH THE LIABILITY INSURANCE!
| Company | Average (SR22 Fee) |
| Assurance America | $25 |
| Bristol West | $35 |
| Dairyland | Free |
| Gains Co | $25 |
| Mendota | $25 |
| Progressive | 5% (average) |
| State Farm | SR22 Not available |
| The General | $25 |
| Travelers | SR22 Not available |
STEP 3 TO GETTING CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE
KEEP IT FOR AS LONG AS YOU ARE MANDATED TO. (1 TO 3 YEARS)
WHY DO I NEED CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE?
You may need Charleston SR22 insurance if you have been convicted of certain driving offenses or violations in South Carolina. The SR22 filing requirement is a way for the state to ensure that individuals with a history of risky driving behavior maintain the minimum required liability insurance coverage.
Here are a few reasons why you might need SR22 insurance in Charleston:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): If you have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in South Carolina, the state requires you to file an SR22 form as proof of financial responsibility. This applies to both DUI convictions involving alcohol and those involving drugs.
- Driving Without Insurance: If you have been caught driving without valid auto insurance in South Carolina, you may be required to file an SR22 form. This serves as proof that you now have the necessary insurance coverage to meet the state’s minimum requirements.
- Driving with a Suspended License: If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to various reasons, such as excessive traffic violations, failure to pay fines, or accumulating too many points on your driving record, you may need to file an SR22 to have your driving privileges reinstated.
- Serious Traffic Offenses: South Carolina law may require you to file an SR22 if you have committed certain serious traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, hit-and-run accidents, or multiple at-fault accidents within a specific time frame.
| Violation Name | Major, Minor, or Non Moving | How Long it Will Affect Your Insurance Rates |
| Failure to Stop for a Pedestrian Side walk | Minor | 3 Years |
| No Proof of insurance | Non Moving | NA* |
| Failure to Yeld | Minor | 3 Years |
| Improper Lane use | Minor | 3 Years |
| Failure to maintain Clear Distance (tailgating | Minor | 3 Years |
| DUI | Major | 10 Years |
| Running a Traffic Light or Stop Sign | Minor | 3 Years |
| Failure to Use Turn Signal | Minor | 3 Years |
| Non-At-Fault Acccident | Minor | NA* |
| Failure to Use a Seat Belt | Non Moving | NA* |
| Crossing over a Center Divider | Minor | 3 Years |
| Reckless Driving | Major | 5 Years |
The SR22 form is submitted by your insurance company to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as proof of coverage.
The length of time you are required to maintain SR22 insurance varies depending on the offense and can range from a few years to longer periods.
It’s crucial to adhere to the SR22 filing requirements and maintain continuous coverage throughout the mandated period. Failure to do so may result in further penalties, including the suspension of your driving privileges.
If you are unsure whether you need SR22 insurance or have specific questions about your situation, it’s recommended to contact the South Carolina DMV or consult with a licensed insurance professional for accurate and up-to-date information.
DUI – CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Charleston, South Carolina, you will likely need to obtain Charleston SR22 insurance. DUI convictions typically trigger the requirement for SR22 filing to demonstrate financial responsibility and ensure that you carry the necessary liability insurance coverage.
When you receive a DUI conviction in Charleston, here’s how SR22 insurance comes into play:
- SR22 Filing Requirement: After a DUI conviction, the court or the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require you to file an SR22 form. This form is obtained from an insurance company authorized to issue SR22 certificates in South Carolina.
- Proof of Insurance: The SR22 form serves as proof that you have the minimum liability insurance coverage mandated by the state. The insurance company will file the form with the DMV on your behalf, indicating that you are maintaining the necessary coverage.
- Higher Insurance Premiums: Obtaining SR22 insurance after a DUI conviction typically leads to higher insurance premiums. Due to the increased risk associated with DUI offenses, insurance providers often consider you a high-risk driver and adjust the premiums accordingly.
- Continuous Coverage: It’s crucial to maintain continuous SR22 insurance coverage for the duration mandated by the court or the DMV. Any lapses or cancellations in coverage may result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
- License Reinstatement: In many cases, obtaining and maintaining SR22 insurance is a prerequisite for the reinstatement of your driver’s license after a DUI conviction. The DMV will typically require proof of SR22 coverage before restoring your driving privileges.
| CARRIER | NO DUI SR22 | DUI SR22 |
| Mendota Ins. Company | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| National General | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| Dairyland | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| Acceptance RTR | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| The General | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| Bristol West | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| GAINSCO | $185.00 | $250.00 |
| Nationwide | $185.00 | $250.00 |
CHARLESTON SR22 INSURANCE – BUT NO CAR?
If you need Charleston SR22 insurance but do not own a car, you may still be required to obtain an SR22 filing. In such cases, you can explore non-owner SR22 insurance, which provides liability coverage even if you don’t own a vehicle.
Here’s what you need to know about obtaining SR22 insurance in Charleston without a car:
- Non-Owner SR22 Insurance: Non-owner SR22 insurance is designed for individuals who don’t own a car but still need to fulfill the SR22 filing requirement. It provides liability coverage when you are driving a borrowed or rented vehicle.
- Proof of Financial Responsibility: Even if you don’t own a car, if you are required to file an SR22, you must still demonstrate financial responsibility to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Non-owner SR22 insurance fulfills this requirement.
- Liability Coverage: Non-owner SR22 insurance typically provides liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage liability. It helps protect you financially if you are at fault in an accident while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle.
- Renting Cars: Having non-owner SR22 insurance can be beneficial if you frequently rent cars. It ensures that you have the necessary liability coverage when driving a rental vehicle, as most rental companies require proof of insurance.
- No Vehicle Coverage: Non-owner SR22 insurance does not provide coverage for damage to the vehicle you are driving. It only covers liability in case of accidents or damage to other people or their property.
To obtain non-owner SR22 insurance in Charleston, you can contact insurance companies that offer this type of coverage. They will guide you through the process and help you obtain the necessary SR22 filing. Be prepared to provide information about your driving history and any previous convictions.
Any lapses or cancellations in coverage may result in the suspension of your driving privileges.
For accurate and up-to-date information about obtaining non-owner SR22 insurance in Charleston, it’s recommended to consult with a licensed insurance professional or contact the South Carolina DMV. They can provide specific guidance based on your situation and the state’s regulations.
| NON-OWNER CARRIERS | LIABILITY ONLY |
| Progressive Insurance | $97 |
| The General | $114 |
| Dairyland | $118 |
| Mendota Ins. Company | $138 |
| Bristol West | $139 |
| Geico | $161 |
| Acceptance RTR | $224 |
| Allstate | $230 |
| State Farm | $233 |
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
| GREENVILLE SR22 | SIMPSONVILLE SR22 |
| FOUNTAIN INN SR22 | FIVE FORKS SR22 |
| PIEDMONT SR22 | EASLEY SR22 |
| SPARTANBURG SR22 | CHARLESTON SR22 |
| COLUMBIA SR22 | MOUNT PLEASANT |
| ROCKHILL SR22 | SUMMERVILLE SR22 |
