The best car insurance in South Carolina

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.

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

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.

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
60	American National	$595
65	American National	$619
70	American National	$696

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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
Suspended license	$1,144	$2,100	$2,187	$1,424	$1,572
Open container	$970	$2,100	$1,828	$1,424	$1,572
Expired registration	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Driving without lights	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Not showing documents	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Running a red light	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Failure to yield	$945	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Following too closely	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Hit and run	$1,144	$2,705	$2,359	$1,424	$2,767
Illegal turn	$844	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,333
Improper passing	$945	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,455
Not-at-fault accident	$735	$1,071	$1,234	$1,323	$1,572
Passing a school bus	$945	$1,071	$1,828	$1,424	$1,333
Racing	$1,144	$2,100	$2,274	$1,424	$1,954
Reckless driving	$1,144	$2,100	$1,828	$1,424	$2,767
Speeding	$945	$1,071	$1,523	$1,424	$1,954

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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.

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

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.

Find car insurance in your city:

• Best car insurance in Charleston

• Best car insurance in Columbia

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.