Drivers typically see an increase in car insurance rates starting at age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that older drivers have higher fatal crash rates than those aged 35 to 54.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in South Carolina and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- In South Carolina, a 65-year-old driver can expect to pay an average of $1,878 annually for full coverage car insurance.
- In South Carolina, a 70-year-old driver’s car insurance rates are 5% more for full coverage than for a 65-year-old driver.
- A 75-year-old driver in South Carolina pays 16% more a full coverage policy than a 65-year-old driver.
- Reviewing and comparing car insurance quotes every six months or at renewal can help you find the most affordable rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in South Carolina
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in South Carolina for drivers of different ages below.
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Auto-Owners, $129 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Auto-Owners, $118 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Auto-Owners, $128 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Auto-Owners, $141 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in South Carolina
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,415 | $118 |
| Progressive | $1,578 | $131 |
| Travelers | $1,850 | $154 |
| State Farm | $1,921 | $160 |
| Geico | $1,923 | $160 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,947 | $162 |
| Allstate | $2,415 | $201 |
| Sentry Insurance | $3,276 | $273 |
| USAA* | $1,371 | $114 |
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in South Carolina?
As drivers age, car insurance typically becomes more expensive. This is largely because statistics reveal that seniors, on average, are more involved in accidents than younger drivers, excluding teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Despite decades of driving experience, older drivers face age-related problems like hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medication and other health concerns that make driving more challenging.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
All of this leads to higher car insurance rates. Car insurance premiums go up for most senior drivers in their mid-60s, according to CarInsurance.com data analysis, and then continue to climb. The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in South Carolina is $1,878 for a full coverage policy. Drivers age 70 pay $1,972 for the same coverage.
In South Carolina, 70-year-old drivers pay 5% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-olds pay 16% more for a full coverage policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Find below the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in South Carolina by age and different coverage limits.
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comp/coll deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in South Carolina
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance rates regardless of age. Insurers rely on statistics, which indicate that drivers with a ticket are more likely to be involved in an accident that could lead to a claim.
The rate increase will vary by insurance company, but South Carolina drivers can expect a 30% rise in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for going 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors who have a speeding ticket or minor moving violation can expect increased insurance costs. Based on our analysis, the best insurance providers for seniors with tickets are shown in the table below.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,797 | $150 |
| State Farm | $2,070 | $173 |
| Progressive | $2,306 | $192 |
| Travelers | $2,776 | $231 |
| Allstate | $3,188 | $266 |
| USAA* | $1,689 | $141 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in South Carolina
A DUI is a serious driving violation; your insurance rates will soar once it hits your driving record. In most cases, your insurance premium will double if you have a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com in some states, the increase can be as much as 53% after your first DUI. If you manage to rack up a second DUI, the increase could be as much as 121%.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, these are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in South Carolina:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,070 | $173 |
| Progressive | $2,122 | $177 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,830 | $236 |
| Travelers | $2,905 | $242 |
| Allstate | $3,371 | $281 |
| Geico | $4,813 | $401 |
| USAA* | $2,529 | $211 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in South Carolina
Similar to a ticket or DUI, an accident on your record will lead to higher insurance rates. Although the exact increase depends on the insurer, data show drivers can expect a 52% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will generally be in effect for three to five years, so it’s essential to seek the most affordable insurance provider. Below, these insurers offer the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors after an accident in South Carolina.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,900 | $158 |
| State Farm | $2,293 | $191 |
| Travelers | $2,683 | $224 |
| Geico | $2,851 | $238 |
| Progressive | $3,105 | $259 |
| Allstate | $4,074 | $340 |
| USAA* | $2,235 | $186 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in South Carolina?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 4% on their car insurance in South Carolina. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in South Carolina.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in South Carolina
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors lower their insurance costs.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 1% |
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 6% |
| Days advanced purchase | 7% |
| Days per week driven | 4% |
| Defensive driver | 4% |
| Education | 3% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% |
| Homeowner | 5% |
| Lower annual mileage | 6% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in South Carolina
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in South Carolina
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in South Carolina?
According to our data, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in South Carolina at about $482 a year, on average. Progressive and Geico also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in South Carolina.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in South Carolina?
Auto-Owners has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in South Carolina at an average annual premium of $675. Progressive and Southern Farm Bureau also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in South Carolina, based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in South Carolina?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in South Carolina, but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
A CarInsurance.com analysis found that Auto-Owners provides the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes for senior drivers in South Carolina.
Shopping around and comparing online rates from different insurers can help seniors find the best car insurance deals. Additionally, senior drivers might qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with another policy.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed March 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed March 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed March 2025.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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