Car insurance rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that Auto-Owners offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,475 per year.
This guide makes buying car insurance in South Carolina easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to learn how car insurance works in South Carolina and how much you need.
- Auto-Owners provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, costing $1,475 per year.
- In South Carolina, insurance costs are influenced by various factors, including coverage limits, age, location, make/model of your vehicle and your driving history.
- Minimum liability coverage in South Carolina costs around $720 annually for limits of 25/50/25, while liability-only coverage costs $925 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- In South Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 25%, a DUI raising rates by 47%, and an at-fault accident by up to 43%.
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, drivers pay an average of $167 monthly for full coverage car insurance, based on a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Understanding the average insurance cost can give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.
Average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina by coverage level
In South Carolina, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in South Carolina are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/25 to drive legally.
Liability-only policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
On the other hand, full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.
Full coverage car insurance comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in South Carolina for three different coverages.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $60 | $720 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $77 | $925 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $167 | $2,009 |
State minimum car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
The state minimum coverage in South Carolina costs $720 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. South Carolina drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.
Drivers in South Carolina must be aware of the minimum car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in South Carolina
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $925 in South Carolina for limits 50/100/50.
This policy covers the cost of damages caused to others but not damages to the policyholder’s vehicle or passengers. While it is less expensive than a full coverage plan, liability-only insurance does not protect against an accident or theft of the insured vehicle.
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
The average annual premium in South Carolina is $2,009 for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in South Carolina
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
This means that residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in South Carolina have to bear greater financial burdens than those in areas with lower risks.
Our tool lets you quickly obtain insurance quotes for different coverage limits specific to your ZIP code within minutes. Input your ZIP code to see how much you can save on premiums.
South Carolina car insurance rates by ZIP Code
For 30 year old Male ( Liability - Minimum)
Estimate car insurance in South Carolina by car model
South Carolina car insurance providers use the make and model of your vehicle to determine premiums. If you drive a luxury car, which can be expensive to repair, expect to pay more for insurance than cars that are easier and cheaper to fix.
For instance, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche, and Audi usually have higher insurance costs. Cars like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are often cheaper to insure.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in South Carolina.
Insurance rates by car model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in South Carolina
As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.
Auto insurance companies understand that teenage drivers typically have less experience and pose a higher risk to insure. In South Carolina, drivers aged 30 to 60 enjoy the lowest average auto insurance premiums, at $1,959 annually.
South Carolina drivers aged 16-19 pay $4,062 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $6,021 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,046 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,959 per year in South Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $2,027 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in South Carolina
If your driving record includes a DUI, speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, your rates will increase significantly. A DUI conviction in South Carolina can increase your premiums by up to 47% because insurers see you as a risky driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in South Carolina, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 25% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 25% increase
- DUI conviction: 47% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 43% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in South Carolina for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.
Fortunately, high-risk drivers have several options to lower their insurance premiums. A good first step is to shop around and compare quotes, as each insurance provider has a unique rate structure designed to meet individual needs.
Use this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,974 |
| USAA | $2,176 |
| State Farm | $2,504 |
| Travelers | $2,723 |
| Geico | $2,981 |
| Progressive | $3,114 |
| Allstate | $3,828 |
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in South Carolina
Drivers in South Carolina can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in South Carolina by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in South Carolina, along with their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $415 | $566 | $1,475 |
| Progressive | $560 | $748 | $1,816 |
| Travelers | $712 | $984 | $1,949 |
| Geico | $512 | $779 | $2,054 |
| State Farm | $621 | $863 | $2,106 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $686 | $915 | $2,202 |
| Allstate | $619 | $803 | $2,336 |
| Sentry Insurance | $1,999 | $2,516 | $3,681 |
| USAA | $444 | $611 | $1,451 |
Car insurance rates by city in South Carolina
Miley is the priciest city in South Carolina for car insurance, costing an average of $2,389 annually. On the other hand, Salem is the most affordable city, where drivers pay an average of $1,708 per year for car insurance.
Car insurance rates vary by city in South Carolina for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is traffic congestion. Areas with more traffic typically have higher rates of accidents and claims, which leads to higher premiums.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
Below, you’ll see the average annual car insurance cost of major cities in South Carolina.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,299 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,352 |
| Progressive | $1,626 |
| Travelers | $1,777 |
| Geico | $1,858 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,940 |
| Allstate | $2,051 |
| State Farm | $2,059 |
| Sentry Insurance | $3,634 |
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina per month?
In South Carolina, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $167 per month.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
On the other hand, paying for car insurance in full at renewal time can often result in a discount. Ultimately, your best option will depend on your needs and circumstances.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $60 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $77 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $167 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in South Carolina
When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.
Ultimately, understanding your needs to find the best policy at the most competitive price is critical. Shop around for a good deal that provides peace of mind when hitting the open road in South Carolina.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed March 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in South Carolina. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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