The best car insurance companies in South Carolina for 2024 are Auto-Owners, Travelers, State Farm and Progressive. This list is determined by analyzing the companies’ annual car insurance premiums, financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings.
Use our guide to determine which insurance company is best for your needs and budget. Learn how to navigate your insurance options in South Carolina with confidence and ease.
Our takeAuto-Owners stands out as the best overall car insurance company in South Carolina. With a strong financial rating (A++ from AM Best) and competitive rates, it offers an excellent balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage.
Auto-Owners’s average annual car insurance cost is $1,475. Additionally, It received a J.D. Power score of 859/1,000 and an overall rating of 3.99 out of 5, the highest among the companies surveyed.
It is worth noting that Auto-Owners has the lowest average car insurance premiums in our survey, at $1,475 a year.
Check out our experts’ recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in South Carolina?
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, finding the right car insurance is important. South Carolina drivers have various top-rated insurers to choose from. Whether you prioritize the best overall experience, affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer to match your needs.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of South Carolina’s best auto insurance companies by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Auto-Owners |
| Most affordable | Auto-Owners |
| Highest customer satisfaction | Auto-Owners |
| Best for teen | Auto-Owners |
| Best for young adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for seniors | Auto-Owners |
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Compare the best auto insurance companies in South Carolina
Choosing the right car insurance in South Carolina can feel overwhelming, with so many companies offering different coverage at varying rates. To help, we’ve taken a closer look at the top insurers in South Carolina.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,475 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.99 |
| Travelers | $1,949 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.36 |
| State Farm | $2,106 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 3.23 |
| Progressive | $1,816 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 3.11 |
| Geico | $2,054 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.05 |
| Allstate | $2,336 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.92 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in South Carolina
As drivers age, their needs, driving habits and risk profiles change, influencing their car insurance rates and the types of coverage they need. Understanding which car insurance company caters best to your needs helps you make more informed decisions, potentially leading to better coverage and cost savings.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
| Company | Annual rates | Customer satisfaction rating |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in South Carolina
Teen drivers often face higher insurance premiums because of their increased risk and limited driving experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are more prone to misjudging or failing to notice risky situations compared to older drivers.
They are also more likely to make serious mistakes that can result in major accidents. In 2022, a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that 2,883 teenagers aged 13 to 19 lost their lives in car accidents.
Known for its lower-than-average rates for teen drivers, Auto-Owners is a great option for teenagers looking to save on premiums at $3,967 a year.
To find the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, we considered various parameters to ensure a detailed analysis. Each company’s score is based on a weighted analysis of four key factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is assigned a certain percentage weight based on the companies’ performance in each category.
According to our analysis, these are the top picks for teens aged 16-19 in South Carolina:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $3,967 | A++ | 859 | 0.5 | 3.99 |
| Travelers | $5,577 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.26 |
| State Farm | $5,674 | A++ | 807 | 0.7 | 3.17 |
| Geico | $5,351 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.03 |
| Allstate | $6,010 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.9 |
| Progressive | $8,846 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.37 |
Best for young adults in South Carolina
Finding the right insurance is important for young drivers, who typically face higher insurance premiums due to their perceived risk.
Companies like Auto-Owners and Travelers offer competitive rates that are more affordable for younger drivers aged 20-24.
For our 2024 ranking of the best car insurance companies for young adults, we considered four factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor has been weighted accordingly to evaluate overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $2,439 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.99 |
| Travelers | $2,813 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.44 |
| State Farm | $3,351 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 3.22 |
| Progressive | $2,989 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 3.09 |
| Geico | $3,291 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.04 |
| Allstate | $3,562 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.95 |
Best for adult drivers in South Carolina
For those aged 25 to 60, choosing car insurance means weighing factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs. These factors are important in finding the best insurer.
For adult drivers, Auto-Owners is the best choice for car insurance in South Carolina. It provides full coverage at an average yearly cost of $1,501 and has an overall rating of 3.99, the highest among the companies analyzed.
We have considered four different factors to curate a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers. These factors consist of average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are usually seen as less risky than younger drivers because they have more experience on the road and as a result, they often pay lower insurance premiums.
Find below the list of the best car insurance companies in South Carolina and their average annual premiums for adult drivers aged 25-60.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,501 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.99 |
| Travelers | $1,978 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| State Farm | $2,113 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 3.23 |
| Progressive | $1,814 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 3.12 |
| Geico | $2,033 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.06 |
| Allstate | $2,295 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.93 |
Best for senior drivers in South Carolina
Auto-Owners provides the cheapest car insurance premiums among the companies analyzed at an average cost of $1,545 a year. It is an affordable option for senior drivers.
As drivers enter their senior years, insurance companies may raise premiums based on the risk associated with changes that can affect driving, such as slower reflexes and vision impairment. Besides, senior drivers might face difficulty finding a policy that offers adequate coverage at reasonable rates, given that insurers often view older drivers as high-risk due to their increased likelihood of being involved in accidents.
Finding the best car insurance companies for senior drivers necessitates a thorough evaluation of several factors. Each insurer’s overall score is determined through a weighted analysis of four different parameters: the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). The weight assigned to each factor reflects its significance in assessing an insurance provider’s financial stability, affordability, customer satisfaction and complaint index.
Here are the best auto insurance companies in South Carolina for senior drivers aged 65 to 75.
| Company | Monthly cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $129 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.99 |
| Travelers | $165 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| State Farm | $169 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 3.26 |
| Progressive | $149 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 3.14 |
| Geico | $189 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 2.95 |
| Allstate | $211 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.82 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Best overall car insurance company in state
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Choosing the right insurance company is largely determined by your driver profile. Here’s how to find the best insurer to suit your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in South Carolina
Look for car insurance companies that offer discounts, including safe driver, multi-policy and automatic payment discounts, to reduce your premiums. And you can opt to pay your premiums monthly, semi-annually or annually.
Find the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels listed below in South Carolina.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 25/50/25.
For high-risk drivers in South Carolina
If you’re a high-risk driver or someone with traffic violations or DUIs, seek insurance companies specializing in high-risk policies. To help lower your rates, try to improve your driving record by taking a defensive driving course. These actions can help you save money on your insurance over time.
High-risk status isn’t forever. Work toward earning a clean driving record, improving your risk profile and comparing insurance quotes to find better rates.
| Company | 6-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,172 | $2,343 |
| Progressive | $1,371 | $2,742 |
| Travelers | $1,400 | $2,799 |
| Geico | $1,536 | $3,071 |
| State Farm | $1,536 | $3,071 |
| Allstate | $1,726 | $3,451 |
| USAA | $1,052 | $2,103 |
By understanding specific driver profiles and doing proper research, high-risk drivers can find an insurance company that meets their needs and provides the best value.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,009 per year. This rate can vary based on factors such as the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limit.
How much car insurance coverage do I need in South Carolina?
When determining how much car insurance you need in South Carolina, it’s important to consider the legal requirements. The minimum coverage required in South Carolina typically includes $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.
Beyond South Carolina’s-required minimums, you should consider purchasing higher liability limits if you have significant assets to protect. Experts recommend that you purchase full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
This means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount that your insurance will cover for injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage that you cause to another person’s property in an accident.
These higher limits are recommended because they provide more comprehensive protection against financial losses. It’s also wise to consider factors such as your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing coverage limits.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina?
Based on CarInsurance.com’s data analysis, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance for South Carolina drivers at $123 a month or $1,475 a year.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed September 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for South Carolina drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:
- Teens: Age 16-19
- Young adults: Age 20-24
- Adults: 25- 60
- Seniors: 60-75
The different coverage levels include:
- Annual 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.
- A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:
- 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit
The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.
- Average annual cost: 25%
- J.D. Power score: 30%
- AM Best rating: 25%
Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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