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.
We’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the right car insurance in South Carolina. The team at CarInsurance.com has done all the hard work by researching and analyzing insurance prices for different kinds of drivers.
Keep reading to learn how auto insurance in South Carolina works and how much insurance 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 differ depending on factors such as coverage limits, age and location, with key factors including the make/model of your vehicle and your driving history
- Minimum liability coverage in South Carolina costs $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 help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
Average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina by coverage level
Car insurance costs in South Carolina can differ based on the coverage limit. To legally drive, South Carolina residents must adhere to the minimum liability limits of 25/50/25.
Liability-only insurance policies are the most affordable option and provide the minimum coverage required in South Carolina. However, they don’t offer much protection.
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.
Below, you will find the rates for car insurance in South Carolina for different coverage levels.
| 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 car insurance cost in South Carolina is $720 a year. However, this basic coverage only offers limited protection. South Carolina drivers can choose to add more coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, raise their liability limits and include personal injury protection or other insurance coverage, for better protection.
Drivers in South Carolina must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay 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.
Liability-only insurance helps cover the costs if you damage someone else’s car or injure someone in an accident. It’s more affordable than full coverage insurance, but remember, it doesn’t pay for repairs to your vehicle or cover injuries to your passengers.
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina cost $2,009 per year for the 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.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, with a deductible.
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Calculate the cost of car insurance in South Carolina
Insurance rates can differ depending on your ZIP code because what’s affordable in one area might be expensive in another.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
As a result, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in South Carolina pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.
South Carolina Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
Estimate car insurance in South Carolina by car model
Car insurers in South Carolina use the make and model of your car to determine your insurance rates. Cars deemed more expensive to repair, such as luxury cars and EVs, may raise your rates more than those that may cost less to fix.
For instance, Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi are some of the most expensive cars to insure. Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are among the cheapest cars 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 drivers age, their auto insurance premiums change – with younger and teen drivers paying higher rates than experienced drivers. The crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than that of drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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.
Drivers aged 16-19 pay $4,062 more for car insurance than South Carolina drivers aged 30-60 per year.
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 yearly for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged adult drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,959 annually in South Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers aged 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
A history of DUI, speeding, or at-fault accidents often results in significant hikes in insurance premiums. In South Carolina, a DUI conviction lead to increased rates and you may see a rate hike of up to 47% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in South Carolina, you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 25% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
Here’s a breakdown of how much your car insurance rate goes up in South Carolina following 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, comparing quotes can still help you save money.
Car insurance cost in South Carolina for high-risk drivers
In South Carolina, if you’re a high-risk driver, you’ll pay more for car insurance. Factors such as past accidents, speeding tickets, and having a low credit score can increase your insurance costs.
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 compare prices from different companies and find out which is cheaper for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions or at-fault accidents.
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
Average car insurance cost in different states of U.S.
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Compare car insurance quotes in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in South Carolina by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in South Carolina and 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 costs differ from city to city in South Carolina, mainly because of traffic congestion. Cities with more traffic usually see more accidents and insurance claims, which makes insurance more expensive.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for South Carolina’s largest cities.
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?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in South Carolina costs $167 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
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
The ideal car insurance company varies depending on what matters most to you. Some prioritize excellent customer service, even if it costs slightly more. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates. Some drivers also value the convenience of handling everything through a mobile app, while some prefer the personalized touch of a dedicated agent.
It’s really important to figure out what you need and find the best insurance policy for your car without breaking the bank while driving in South Carolina.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of South Carolina