If you have been told you need an SR-22 in South Carolina, you are not alone. Thousands of Greenville area drivers deal with SR-22 filings every year after a DUI, driving without insurance, or too many at-fault accidents. The good news is that an SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy. It is a certificate your insurance company files with the SC DMV to prove you carry the required liability coverage. The filing fee is usually between 15 and 50 dollars, but the real cost is the increase in your auto insurance premium.
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. When you get a DUI, get caught driving without insurance, or accumulate too many violations, the South Carolina DMV requires proof that you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25. That means 25,000 dollars per person for bodily injury, 50,000 dollars per accident, and 25,000 dollars for property damage. Your insurance company files the SR-22 form directly with the DMV. If your policy ever lapses, the insurer notifies the DMV immediately and your license gets suspended again. In South Carolina, you must maintain the SR-22 filing for three years from the date of conviction or license reinstatement.
Not every insurance company writes SR-22 policies. Many of the big-name carriers prefer not to deal with high-risk drivers. The companies that actually offer competitive rates for SR-22 drivers are non-standard or specialty carriers like Dairyland, Bristol West, Progressive's non-standard division, and The General. An independent insurance agent in Greenville can shop your SR-22 across multiple carriers to find the lowest rate. The Morgano Agency works with over a dozen carriers and regularly helps Greenville and Upstate SC drivers get their SR-22 filed quickly and affordably. Call us at 864-609-5285 or visit morganoagency.com to get started.
Shop multiple carriers through an independent agent. Rates for high-risk drivers vary by hundreds of dollars between companies. 2. Maintain a clean driving record during your SR-22 period. After 12 months with no incidents, ask your agent to re-shop your policy. 3. Take an SC-approved defensive driving course. Many carriers offer a 5-10 percent discount for completion. 4. Increase your deductible if you can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost. This lowers your monthly premium. 5. Bundle your SR-22 auto policy with renters or homeowners insurance for a multi-policy discount.
The Morgano Agency Inc is an independent insurance agency located at 206B Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609. We help drivers across Greenville, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Greer, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Easley, and Fountain Inn get the SR-22 coverage they need at the best available rate. Phone: (864) 609-5285. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Website: morganoagency.com. We serve all of Greenville County and Upstate South Carolina.