Some drivers may need an SR-22 form, often referred to as a certificate of financial responsibility, to drive legally in many states. This form acts as proof of insurance for certain drivers. While it usually costs more than car insurance for people who don’t need an SR-22 form, it’s possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance in Greenville, SC. Here’s some more information about SR-22 insurance in the area and how it works.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
People often call the SR-22 form SR-22 insurance, but the minimum required insurance in South Carolina for people who need an SR-22 form isn’t different from the minimum coverage other people must have. However, SR-22 insurance usually costs more than other types of insurance because it involves higher risks.
In South Carolina, people must have bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. They also need $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles can require people to have SR-22 insurance for up to three years. If you cancel your SR-22 insurance or let it lapse before then, your insurance agent must report you to the state.
People with an SR-22 form on file in South Carolina usually don’t qualify for car insurance discounts aimed at safe drivers. Whether they have an SR-22 or not, all drivers must keep proof of insurance in their vehicles and show it to law enforcement when requested.
Who Needs an SR-22 Form?
In South Carolina, courts can require an SR-22 form to reinstate a person’s license or driving privileges after it’s suspended or revoked. This can happen because:
- Someone was convicted of driving under the influence (DUI)
- They were convicted of reckless driving
- Their license was suspended because of unsatisfied judgments
- They didn’t pay court-mandated damages after an accident
- They were convicted of driving without the minimum required amount of insurance coverage multiple times
- They didn’t pay child support
- They were convicted of multiple minor infractions like toll evasion, speeding, or running red lights
If you’re not sure whether your driver’s license has been suspended, you can get a summary of your driving record points for free through the South Carolina DMV. A more detailed report of your driving record is also available for a small fee.
What Types of SR-22 Insurance Are Available in Greenville, South Carolina?
Non-owner SR-22 insurance is required for people who don’t own cars or drive regularly if they want their licenses reinstated after a violation. It’s less expensive than SR-22 insurance for owners. However, you should get SR-22 insurance for owners if you use the same vehicle regularly.
For example, your roommate might let you use their vehicle on most weekends. That would be considered regular access to the car, and you would need to buy your own owner’s SR-22 insurance or be listed on your roommate’s policy as an authorized operator. With both types of SR-22 insurance, there’s usually a one-time filing fee between $15 and $50, depending on the company.
Getting SR-22 Insurance in Greenville, South Carolina
Purchasing SR-22 insurance in South Carolina is very similar to getting standard car insurance. However, not every insurance provider offers SR-22 insurance. You may need to consider signing up with a different company. To get SR-22 insurance, you should apply for new coverage or request to add SR-22 insurance to your policy.
After you submit the application to your insurance agent and get coverage, they’ll file an SR022 form with the state. Then, you should receive a confirmation from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days. When you get the confirmation, your driving privileges will be reinstated. To make sure you don’t let your SR-22 insurance lapse, renew it at least 45 days before it’s scheduled to expire. If your SR-22 insurance lapses, your car insurance agent has to report you to the South Carolina DMV, and your driver’s license will be suspended immediately.
Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Greenville, South Carolina
Cheap SR-22 insurance is available through several insurers in Greenville, and you can choose from many different levels of coverage.
State Farm
State Farm offers high-risk auto insurance that fulfills SR-22 requirements. You can get discounts for trading in your vehicle for one with better safety features, being ticket- and accident-free for three years and no longer needing SR-22 insurance, being a good student, or taking a defensive driving course. State Farm has a large network of local agents, so you can easily discuss your needs with an expert.
USAA
USAA is only available for veterans, current members of the United States military, and their family members. Even with SR-22 insurance, rates are cheaper than most other companies. Discounts are available when you move or use a rental car. You can also save money for:
- Being a student who gets good grades
- Having one or more vehicles in storage
- Owning multiple vehicles
- Getting low annual mileage
- Having more than one type of insurance policy with USAA
Progressive
Progressive usually offers lower rates than State Farm for drivers with a flawed record. With Progressive, you can get discounts for:
- Continuous insurance coverage
- Paying for your entire policy in advance
- Signing up for car insurance coverage online
- Choosing automatic payments
- Getting paperless statements
- Owning your own home
Forgiveness for accidents with costs less than $500 is included as soon as you start coverage. Accident forgiveness for larger incidents is available for people who stay with the company for more than five years and avoid tickets or accidents for at least three years.
Many factors can influence your insurance rates, and different companies can have a variety of calculation methods. They can include your age, past insurance claims, credit history, marital status, ZIP code, and more. To find cheap SR-22 insurance in Greenville, SC, that meets your needs, consider liability insurance for less costly vehicles. You can keep your rates low, but you’ll need to pay for any damage to your car on your own.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
