South Carolina FTA Suspension Insurance After Court
South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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South Carolina at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina operates under a traditional tort liability system — the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state requires continuous proof of insurance and will suspend your license for lapses. A Failure-to-Appear suspension blocks reinstatement until the originating court releases the hold to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles — no reinstatement fee payment is accepted until the FTA release is processed.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in South Carolina
$327–$411/mo
Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Route Restricted Drivers License (DL-127); separate Provisional License for first-offense DUI/DUAC
application fee $100.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 20 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance in South Carolina before clearing my FTA hold?
Yes — you can buy a policy or get quoted before resolving the Failure-to-Appear hold, and you should. South Carolina requires proof of insurance at the moment you pay the reinstatement fee, so securing coverage before your court date prevents a gap between FTA clearance and license restoration. Most carriers issue policies immediately for drivers with pending FTA holds as long as no active warrant blocks the transaction.
Does South Carolina require SR-22 after a Failure-to-Appear suspension?
Not for the FTA itself — Failure-to-Appear is a procedural suspension, not a conviction. SR-22 requirements depend on the underlying citation you missed court for. If the original ticket was for uninsured driving, DUI, reckless driving, or certain repeat violations, the conviction triggers SR-22 once the case is resolved. A missed court date for a speeding or parking ticket typically does not require SR-22.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
Standard carriers often refuse to write new policies during the first 30–90 days after a license reinstatement following an administrative suspension. Non-standard carriers specialize in immediate post-suspension coverage and accept the higher risk in exchange for higher premiums.
SR-22 Insurance (If Citation Requires)
An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. Not all citations require SR-22 — parking tickets and most speeding tickets do not — but uninsured-driving tickets, DUI, reckless driving, and repeat violations typically do.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Mandatory in South Carolina unless you sign a written rejection form. Pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Particularly important for drivers who cannot afford out-of-pocket medical expenses after an accident.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Designed for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 filing to keep their license valid. Provides liability coverage when you drive borrowed or rented vehicles. Does not cover a specific vehicle — only your legal liability as a driver.
High-Deductible Liability-Only Policies
Meets South Carolina's legal requirements at the lowest possible premium by eliminating collision, comprehensive, and optional coverages. Suitable only for drivers with older vehicles worth less than $3,000 who can afford to replace the car out-of-pocket after a total loss.