SR22 Car Insurance SC: Everything You Need To Know

An SR22 is a simply a state filing that is added to an insurance policy.  This filing lets thestate of SCknow that a person meets the requirements to drive on the roads.    The car insurance policies can either be for just basic liability or can be for full coverage.  The SR22 filing is an attachment to the car insurance policy.  That requires the company to report to the state on a monthly basis with your status of your coverage.

• Some companies may charge a simple filing fee for the SR22
• Some companies will charge a surcharge point system.
• Good news? Some companies file the SR22’s for free.  

The length of time is determined by the department of motor vehicles and the courts.  We have seen filing needed for as short as three months, but we have also seen filings needed for as long as seven years.  The typical certificate filing we have seen is three years.  It is always a good idea to check with your local DMV to make sure in regards to your particular case.

SR22 Insurance SC, like most, has a set term. The time is usually either six months or one year for average vehicle policies. SR22 works differently because the court typically requires the certificate to be maintained for several years. DUI convictions, for example, would typically require a five-year policy in South Carolina. There can be no lapse in coverage during the entire policy. If a payment is missed or is seriously late, the coverage will become null and void. The insurance company is required by law to report any lapses in SR22 coverage to the state of South Carolina. This report, known as an SR-26, is filed with the state and the policyholder will then lose their ability to drive.

The Type of Coverage Required by Law: SR22 insurance policies must contain the following types of coverage according to the law in South Carolina.

1. $25,000 in Bodily Injury/Death for one person, per accident
2. $50,000 in Bodily Injury/Death for multiple injured people, per accident
3. $25,000 in Property Damage coverage per accident, which can be applied to various people

The amounts listed above are only minimums in liability coverage. It is up to the individual driver whether they wish to purchase additional coverage. In many cases, additional liability is recommended. If an accident is caused by the SR22-insured driver and the minimum coverage is not sufficient to pay the damages, the insured person may be subject to a lawsuit from the individual who was injured.

Proof of SR22 Coverage: South Carolina also requires all drivers to keep proof of insurance with them at all times when behind the wheel. The company will provide the certificate of insurance, and it will be valid until explicitly stated otherwise. Drivers with this type of policy are strongly encouraged to keep a copy of the coverage in their glove compartment at all times.