The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,018 per year, though individual rates will vary based on factors like age, ZIP code, driving history, and the amount of insurance 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
Key takeaways
American National has lowest average rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
American National also has the cheapest rates for new teen 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 | -- |
USAA | $1,043 | 890 |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,151 | 865 |
GEICO | $1,167 | 874 |
State Farm | $1,292 | 882 |
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 |
|---|
18 | American National | $1,682 |
21 | American National | $1,077 |
25 | American National | $750 |
30 | American National | $714 |
35 | American National | $688 |
45 | American National | $646 |
55 | American National | $590 |
60 | American National | $597 |
65 | American National | $623 |
70 | American National | $704 |
16 | GEICO | $3,567 |
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.
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 |
|---|
USAA | $1,671 |
American National | $2,463 |
Travelers | $2,524 |
GEICO | $2,585 |
State Farm | $2,611 |
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:
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:
Frequently asked questions
Does South Carolina require car insurance?
Drivers in South Carolina are required by law to have at least 25/50/25 levels of liability insurance, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How much is car insurance per month in South Carolina?
Drivers in South Carolina pay an average of $168 per month for car insurance, which breaks down to $2,018 per year.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in South Carolina?
Uninsured motorists in South Carolina will be charged a $550 fee. Depending on the situation, they may also be expected to pay additional fines, reinstatement fees, or even serve time in jail.
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: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
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.
Authors
Jessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.
After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.
Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.
Questions about this page? Email us at editorial@policygenius.com.
