The best car insurance in South Carolina
Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our
editorial standardsand how we make money.
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $1,864, though individual rates will vary based on factors like age, ZIP code, driving history, and how much coverage you buy.
Ready to shop car insurance?
Start calculator
The best way to make sure you’re getting the most affordable car insurance coverage possible is to compare quotes before you pick a policy. Policygenius can show you what you’ll pay for coverage from top companies, so you can choose the best option for you
Key Takeaways
American National has lowest average rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
GEICO has the cheapest coverage for brand new drivers
South Carolina requires $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability coverage
Cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina
American National has the cheapest average premiums in South Carolina — $683 for a full coverage policy, which is almost half the cost of some of their competitors. But car insurance costs can vary widely from driver to driver, so you should still shop around to make sure you’re finding the best rates.
Company
Average cost
JD Power Rating
American National
$683
--
GEICO
$1,064
871
USAA
$1,163
890
State Farm
$1,305
881
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,329
890
Cheapest car insurance companies by age in South Carolina
Young drivers pay the most for car insurance because they are more likely to file a claim in the years they are gaining experience on the road. Fortunately, with age and practice come lower rates and most drivers will see their rates drop by age 25.
Age
Cheapest company
Average cost
16
GEICO
$3,351
18
American National
$1,663
21
American National
$1,072
25
American National
$751
30
American National
$716
35
American National
$688
45
American National
$645
55
American National
$591
Choosing the right car insurance company in South Carolina
Cost is always an important factor when choosing a car insurance company. But before you go with your cheapest quote, consider all the coverage you’re getting and get a feel for a company’s customer service ratings. That will help you pick a policy that is not only affordable, but also provides the best overall value. Policygenius can help you see your options, so you know you’re choosing the right policy.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in South Carolina
Since drivers with accidents and violations on their record are more likely to file a claim in the future, insurance companies consider them a bigger risk to insure, and they’ll pay more for car insurance.
Violation
American National
GEICO
USAA
State Farm
Auto-Owners Insurance
At-fault Accident
$970
$1,595
$1,758
$1,577
$1,935
DUI
$1,063
$2,705
$2,274
$1,424
$2,767
Driving with a suspended license
$1,144
$2,100
$2,187
$1,424
$1,572
Driving with an open container
$970
$2,100
$1,828
$1,424
$1,572
Driving with expired registration
$844
$1,071
$1,523
$1,424
$1,333
Driving without Lights
$844
$1,071
$1,523
$1,424
$1,333
Failure to show documents
$844
$1,071
$1,523
$1,424
$1,333
Failure to stop at a red light
$844
$1,071
$1,523
$1,424
$1,333
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina
Having bad credit is likely to cost you when it comes to car insurance. Anything you can do to raise your credit score before shopping for a new policy will help you get a cheaper rate.
Company
Rates for drivers with bad credit
Nationwide
$2,322
GEICO
$2,356
American National
$2,476
State Farm
$2,674
State Auto
$2,680
Car insurance costs in South Carolina cities
Location plays a factor in how much you pay for auto insurance. Crime rates, traffic patterns, past accidents and claims and even the cost of car repairs in your city will all affect what you’ll pay for car insurance coverage. Here’s what drivers pay in the 10 biggest cities in South Carolina:
Charleston: $1,970
Columbia: $1,975
North Charleston: $2,056
Mount Pleasant: $1,765
Rock Hill: $1,833
Greenville: $1,754
Summerville: $2,002
Goose Creek: $1,964
Hilton Head Island: $1,627
Sumter: $1,929
Ready to shop car insurance?
Start calculator
Buying car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina requires drivers to have at least a minimum amount of car insurance, although most drivers need well over those minimum amounts in order to be fully protected. The coverage levels required by law are:
Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
Property damage liability coverage: $25,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Coverage must equal liability limits ($25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
How to get cheap car insurance in South Carolina
Car insurance can be expensive, but there are some go-to tips for making sure you’re getting your most affordable rates.
Shop around. Not all insurance companies will charge the same amount even for the same coverage, so compare quotes before you buy
Look for discounts. Insurance companies offer lots of opportunities to save. These include safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and military discounts
Bundle policies. Get your auto and home insurance from the same company and save on both.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do to raise my credit score so I don’t pay more for insurance?
To avoid paying more due to bad credit, you can make sure you pay your credit card bills on time, don’t allow excessive inquiries into your credit score, increase your credit limit, and double check your credit report for errors.
How can I save money with a new driver on my policy?
Having a new driver on your policy can cause your rates to go up, but you can save some money if your teenager gets good grades or takes a defensive driving course. Check with insurance companies to see what kind of discounts they offer for teen drivers.
Why should I buy more insurance than what’s required in my state?
Minimums are just that — the bare minimum. If you get into an accident, having only the state-mandated requirements might leave you with a big bill to cover on your own.
Who has the cheapest rates in South Carolina?
American National has the cheapest average rate in South Carolina — by a lot. At $683 for a full coverage policy, they are well below the next closest competitor. Of course, low premiums sometimes come at a price, so do your homework and make sure you’re getting the coverage you need and the service you deserve.
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.
Jessica Olivo
Freelance contributor