While the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,018 per year, drivers in Columbia pay more — at an average premium of $2,147 per year. However, your exact rates will vary based on factors like what car you drive, how much you drive, your age, your ZIP code, and your driving history.
Policygenius can help you compare policies from Columbia insurers to find the right car insurance for your budget and needs.
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
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.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia, SC
The cost of your car insurance premium depends on several factors that are unique to you, including your age, the car you drive, and your experience behind the wheel. But rates also vary by company — here are the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia:
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
American National | $730 | -- |
USAA | $1,017 | 890 |
GEICO | $1,112 | 874 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,157 | 865 |
State Farm | $1,331 | 882 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Columbia, SC
Where you live in Columbia is also a factor in how much you pay for your car insurance. Residents in certain Columbia ZIP codes pay more for car insurance than drivers in other areas because some neighborhoods present a higher risk to insurance companies. For example, rates of theft and vandalism vary by ZIP code, as do population densities and the volume of traffic.
ZIP code | Average cost |
|---|---|
29212 | $1,954 |
29206 | $2,002 |
29229 | $2,073 |
29205 | $2,081 |
29209 | $2,096 |
29223 | $2,128 |
29201 | $2,137 |
29225 | $2,145 |
29204 | $2,170 |
29203 | $2,255 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Columbia, SC
The most important step when choosing a policy is to compare rates from multiple carriers. Also make sure to consider what types of car insurance coverage are available and if there are any exclusions that could affect you. Most insurance companies also provide discounts such as vehicle safety discounts or savings when you bundle home and auto insurance.
Policygenius compares prices for you so that you can find the right car insurance policy for your needs.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Columbia, SC
Your driving record is a critical factor in the cost of your auto insurance. Car insurance providers will look to your driving history to determine what kind of driver you are and the corresponding risk of insuring you. Certain violations will also increase your rates more than others.
Violation | American National | USAA | GEICO | Auto-Owners Insurance | State Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $1,048 | $1,541 | $1,649 | $1,654 | $1,587 |
DUI | $1,154 | $1,952 | $2,777 | $2,514 | $1,431 |
Suspended license | $1,247 | $1,879 | $2,162 | $1,371 | $1,431 |
Open container | $1,048 | $1,576 | $2,162 | $1,371 | $1,431 |
Expired registration | $907 | $1,321 | $1,115 | $1,167 | $1,431 |
Driving without lights | $907 | $1,321 | $1,115 | $1,167 | $1,431 |
Running a red light | $907 | $1,321 | $1,115 | $1,167 | $1,431 |
Following too closely | $907 | $1,321 | $1,115 | $1,167 | $1,431 |
Hit and run | $1,247 | $2,022 | $2,777 | $2,514 | $1,431 |
Not-at-fault accident | $783 | $1,072 | $1,115 | $1,371 | $1,347 |
Passing a school bus | $1,020 | $1,576 | $1,115 | $1,167 | $1,431 |
Reckless driving | $1,247 | $1,576 | $2,162 | $2,514 | $1,431 |
Speeding | $1,020 | $1,321 | $1,115 | $1,737 | $1,431 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Columbia, SC
Company | Rates for drivers with DUIs |
|---|---|
American National | $1,154 |
State Farm | $1,431 |
USAA | $1,952 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $2,514 |
GEICO | $2,777 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Columbia, SC
Company | Rates for drivers with speeding tickets |
|---|---|
American National | $1,020 |
GEICO | $1,115 |
USAA | $1,321 |
State Farm | $1,431 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,737 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Columbia, SC
Another factor in how much you pay for car insurance is your credit score. Providers use your credit score to determine whether you have a history of making timely payments. Bad credit has also been linked to a higher likelihood of incidents behind the wheel, so car insurance companies may charge more to cover the additional risk. However, the cost of car insurance for drivers with bad credit will still vary from provider to provider.
Company | Rates for drivers with bad credit |
|---|---|
USAA | $1,623 |
GEICO | $2,453 |
American National | $2,637 |
State Farm | $2,693 |
Travelers | $2,752 |
Buying car insurance in Columbia, SC
Drivers in South Carolina are required to maintain a minimum amount of car insurance to legally operate a vehicle. South Carolina is also an at-fault state, which means that the driver found at fault for an accident is responsible for any resulting damages. When you are found at least 50% at-fault for an accident, South Carolina law dictates that you cannot claim damages from another party.
If you drive in South Carolina, here is the minimum amount of coverage you must carry:
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 $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
It is always a good idea to purchase more than the minimum required car insurance if you can afford it. Should you ever be involved in an accident resulting in extensive damages, you could be on the hook for any costs that exceed your policy’s limits. There are also option coverages you may want to consider, like underinsured motorists coverage, which insurers must offer you but you aren’t required to accept.
How to get cheap car insurance in Columbia, SC
To help you save money on your Columbia car insurance, here are some expert tips to consider:
Ask about discounts. Multiple individual discounts are available for everyone from teens and young drivers to military and senior drivers. Ask providers what kind of discounts may be available for you.
Practice safe driving. Car insurance companies often offer significant discounts when you maintain a driving record clear of any infractions or incidents.
Pass a course. Many car insurance companies will reward drivers that successfully pass an approved defensive driving course.
Shop multiple quotes. Not all insurance companies offer the same rates, so it’s important to shop around for the right policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of car insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,018 per year, a bit higher than the national average.
How much does car insurance cost in Columbia?
The average cost of car insurance in Columbia is $2,147 per year, but you may be able to find cheaper car insurance, depending on where you live.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Columbia?
The cheapest car insurance company in Columbia is American National at an average cost of $730 per year. However, you should always compare quotes to find the right company for you.
How do I find the cheapest car insurance in Columbia?
The best way to find the cheapest car insurance in Columbia is to shop around. Policygenius can help you compare pricing from multiple providers to find the best car insurance at the cheapest price.
