The South Carolina Department of Insurance published an order announcing an increase in the reinstatement fee for uninsured motorists operating vehicles illegally in the state.

Section 56-10-520 of the South Carolina Insurance Code prohibits anyone with an uninsured motor vehicle from operating that vehicle in the state. Anyone doing so can face suspension of their driver’s license, registration certificates, and license plates until the reinstatement fee is paid.

The statute sets the reinstatement fee, which is adjusted annually by the Director. The fee is adjusted based on the average rate increase for private passenger automobile insurance in the state. An analysis of premiums from 2022 to 2023 determined that the average rate increase was around 14%. Based on the analysis, the reinstatement fee for 2026 will be set at $700.