The best car insurance in Charleston, SC

The average car insurance premium in South Carolina is $1,864. Drivers in the state pay some of the highest insurance rates in the nation. The state’s average rate is more than $200 higher than the national average of $1,652. And while the average premium in Charleston is even higher, at $1,970 per year, there are several major insurers that offer much cheaper rates.

As you’re shopping for car insurance, it’s important to get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the best rate. Policygenius can help you get quotes from all of the top insurers in Charleston and find the best policy for you.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Charleston, SC

Car insurance companies generally use the same factors to set car insurance rates. Those factors include a driver’s age, gender, location, driving history, and more. And while they all rely on those same basic factors, each company has its own internal formula for setting rates. As a result, you could get very different quotes from different companies.

As you can see below, American National has the lowest average insurance cost in Charleston. Keep in mind that the lowest rate for you will depend on your situation.

Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Charleston, SC

Just like insurance companies consider your state and city when determining your car insurance rates, they also consider your ZIP code. Certain ZIP codes throughout Charleston undoubtedly have higher rates of uninsured drivers, more car accidents, or a higher rate of vehicle-related crimes. As a result, drivers in those neighborhoods are likely to pay higher insurance rates. On the other hand, drivers in lower-risk neighborhoods are likely to pay lower rates.

Below you can see the average rate that drivers pay across different ZIP codes in Charleston. As you can see, the average rate in certain areas is considerably higher than the average rate in other areas.

ZIP code	Average cost
29401	$1,917
29403	$2,052
29407	$1,950
29409	$2,054
29412	$1,881
29414	$1,965
29424	$1,884
29425	$2,146
29492	$1,884

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Choosing the right car insurance company in Charleston, SC

Because South Carolina drivers pay above-average car insurance rates, it’s even more important that you shop around. As you shop, also consider discounts from different insurance companies. For example, some insurers may offer greater discounts than others for people who don’t drive a lot or who use telematics. Similar benefits may exist based on your profession.

Policygenius can help you get quotes from the top insurers in Charleston. Additionally, our insurance experts can answer all of your insurance questions.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Charleston, SC

South Carolina drivers already pay insurance rates that are higher than the national average. And unfortunately, drivers with violations on their driving records will pay even more. Insurance companies often increase a driver’s rates by hundreds of dollars when they have offenses on their record, such as speeding, causing an accident, or driving under the influence. These violations can remain on your record for years, causing your rates to stay high.

Below you can see how certain driving violations can impact your car insurance rates. You’ll also see that certain insurers increase your rates more than others after a violation.

Violation	American National	GEICO	USAA	Auto-Owners Insurance	State Farm
At-fault accident	$1,030	$1,530	$1,816	$2,029	$1,703
DUI	$1,130	$2,597	$2,340	$2,940	$1,531
Suspended license	$1,218	$2,014	$2,251	$1,631	$1,531
Open container	$1,030	$2,014	$1,882	$1,631	$1,531
Expired registration	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Driving without lights	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Not showing documents	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Running a red light	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Failure to yield	$1,003	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Following too closely	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Hit and run	$1,218	$2,597	$2,425	$2,940	$1,531
Illegal turn	$896	$1,025	$1,571	$1,384	$1,531
Improper passing	$1,003	$1,025	$1,571	$1,518	$1,531
Not-at-fault accident	$778	$1,025	$1,270	$1,631	$1,416
Passing a school bus	$1,003	$1,025	$1,882	$1,384	$1,531
Racing	$1,218	$2,014	$2,340	$2,050	$1,531
Reckless driving	$1,218	$2,014	$1,882	$2,940	$1,531
Speeding	$1,003	$1,025	$1,571	$2,050	$1,531

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Charleston, SC

Your credit score is another important factor that insurance companies consider when setting car insurance rates. South Carolina law allows insurers to pull a driver’s credit score and use it when determining their rates. Drivers with bad credit are considered to be a higher risk for insurance, meaning they can also expect to pay higher rates. On the other hand, drivers with good credit may be rewarded with lower premiums.

Buying car insurance in Charleston, SC

South Carolina law requires that all drivers in the state have a certain amount of insurance. Charleston drivers are required to hold the following insurance coverages:

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

• Property damage liability coverage of $25,000

• Uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum liability coverage

South Carolina is considered an at-fault insurance state, meaning the driver that causes an accident is financially responsible for all damages. If you’re found to be at fault for an accident and liable for damages, your liability insurance will cover them.

Keep in mind that the state’s minimum coverage doesn’t necessarily represent the maximum amount you could be responsible for. If you cause an accident and the damages exceed your liability insurance coverage limits, then you could be responsible for paying the rest out of your own pocket.

In addition to liability coverage, insurance companies are also required to offer underinsured motorist coverage. However, unlike uninsured motorist coverage, drivers don’t have to accept the underinsured motorist coverage.

The state of South Carolina keeps a record of all drivers’ car insurance policies. If the DMV is notified that your insurance policy has been canceled or lapsed, you’ll receive a letter instructing you to purchase new insurance. If you fail to do so within 30 days, you’ll have your driving privilege, license plate, and vehicle registration suspended with a $400 fee to reinstate them.

How to get cheap car insurance in Charleston, SC

South Carolina drivers pay car insurance rates that are higher than the national average. As a result, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce your premiums. Here are a few ways to save money on car insurance:

• Shop around. Insurance rates vary from one company to the next. Policygenius can help you get quotes from all of the top insurers in South Carolina to find the best rate.

• Save with discounts. Insurance companies offer discounts for bundling your policies, driving safely, installing vehicle safety features, and more.

• Raise your deductible. In general, the higher your insurance deductible, the lower your premiums will be, meaning you can save by increasing your deductible.

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.