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Crash Course:
- Car insurance in South Carolina averages $68 per month for minimum-coverage policies and $148 each month for full coverage.
- American National offers the lowest average prices in South Carolina for minimum coverage and State Farm for full coverage.
- High-risk drivers with at-fault accidents, DUIs, and speeding tickets on their driving records often pay more for South Carolina car insurance.
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina typically comes from American National, which offers an average rate estimate of $18 per month for minimum coverage. USAA usually has the second-cheapest coverage for South Carolina drivers, making it another strong choice.
Our team considered cost data, coverage choices, customer reviews, and industry reputations to learn which companies offer the best car insurance in South Carolina. We’ll break down each provider’s average costs to reveal where you can find high-quality and affordable insurance in the Palmetto State.
Best Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
American National, USAA, and Progressive tend to offer the cheapest auto insurance rates for South Carolina drivers. Make sure to get free quotes from various providers to determine which company has the lowest prices for your vehicle.
- Our researchers used cost data from Quadrant Information Services to find insurance premium estimates for different coverage types, driver profiles, and cities in South Carolina. We used this data to determine the cheapest coverage options from quality car insurance providers, and you’ll find details in tables throughout the article.
- To determine an overall rating for each top insurance company, our team considers not only affordability but also industry standing, availability, and coverage options. We then factor in the customer experience and online reviews to establish a numerical rating out of the highest possible score of 5.0.
- Unless stated otherwise, estimates reflect the profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good credit history.
South Carolina Car Insurance Rates at a Glance
You’ll find detailed cost estimates in the sections below, but we’ve listed out the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina for a few driver profiles right here:
- Cheapest full coverage: State Farm followed by GEICO
- Cheapest minimum coverage: American National followed by USAA
- Cheapest for teen drivers: American National followed by Auto-Owners
- Cheapest for drivers with a traffic violation: American National followed by State Farm
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
You’ll find the auto insurance providers with South Carolina’s best mix of affordable coverage and superb plans below. American National has the Palmetto State’s cheapest rates overall, but State Farm received the highest score of any company we researched.
| Car Insurance Provider | Overall Rating | Average Monthly Rate: Minimum Coverage | Average Monthly Rate: Full Coverage | Number of Discounts |
| GEICO | 4.4 | $50 | $99 | 16 |
| USAA | 4.5 | $34 | $185 | 13 |
| American National | 4.1 | $18 | $135 | Varies |
| State Farm | 4.6 | $62 | $88 | 12 |
| Travelers | 4.6 | $76 | $227 | 16 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
Minimum-liability coverage will almost positively be the cheapest option for car insurance in South Carolina. That should cover the state’s car insurance requirements but won’t keep your own vehicle safe or take care of personal bodily injuries.
On the other hand, full-coverage auto insurance will protect your own car and cover personal medical bills as well as those of others. It will be much pricier than minimum coverage but could lead to lower costs after an at-fault accident.
Cheapest Minimum-Liability Car Insurance in South Carolina
The average rate estimate for a minimum-coverage policy in South Carolina is $68 per month or $816 per year. American National usually offers the cheapest minimum-liability policies with estimates of $18 per month or $216 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Minimum Coverage | Average Yearly Rate for Minimum Coverage |
| American National | $18 | $216 |
| USAA | $34 | $410 |
| GEICO | $50 | $599 |
| Auto-Owners | $51 | $612 |
| State Farm | $62 | $747 |
| Allstate | $87 | $1,042 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $90 | $1,079 |
| Travelers | $76 | $910 |
| Progressive | $45 | $542 |
| Sentry Insurance | $167 | $2,003 |
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in South Carolina
The average price for full-coverage auto insurance in South Carolina is $148 per month or $1,775 per year. State Farm offers the cheapest average estimates for full-coverage insurance at $88 per month or $1,050 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage | Average Yearly Rate for Full Coverage |
| American National | $135 | $1,614 |
| USAA | $185 | $2,224 |
| GEICO | $99 | $1,190 |
| Auto-Owners | $186 | $2,230 |
| Travelers | $227 | $2,726 |
| State Farm | $88 | $1,050 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $129 | $1,550 |
| Progressive | $152 | $1,829 |
| Allstate | $318 | $3,816 |
| Sentry Insurance | $132 | $1,580 |
South Carolina Car Insurance Quotes by Driver Profile
The numbers listed above aren’t likely to be the rates you’ll receive for car insurance in South Carolina. That’s mainly because auto insurers set individual premiums on a wide range of variables including your age, driving record, and location in the state.
Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina: Age
Young drivers and teen drivers in particular pay far higher prices for auto coverage than others in the Palmetto State. In the following table, you’ll see the average rate estimates for a few different age groups.
| Driver Age | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage |
| 16 | $506 |
| 20 | $260 |
| 30 | $157 |
| 40 | $148 |
| 50 | $140 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina: High-Risk Drivers
Your driving history plays a major role in South Carolina auto insurance prices, which is why they’re cheaper for those with clean driving records. At-fault accidents and traffic violations like speeding tickets will typically lead to drivers getting higher premiums.
The amount that your driving record impacts monthly costs varies by the auto insurer. Below is a list of the top car insurance providers in South Carolina and their minimum-coverage rates for good drivers versus those labeled as high-risk drivers.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Clean Driving Records | Average Monthly Rate for High-Risk Drivers |
| American National | $16 | $23 |
| State Farm | $46 | $53 |
| USAA | $37 | $55 |
| GEICO | $38 | $64 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $56 | $70 |
| Auto-Owners | $40 | $73 |
| Travelers | $61 | $74 |
| Allstate | $53 | $85 |
| Progressive | $61 | $95 |
| Dairyland | $151 | $204 |
Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina: Speeding Ticket
Your premiums will most likely go higher after you’ve received even a single speeding ticket. American National is once again the cheapest car insurance provider in this case, with average rate estimates of $65 per month or $780 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After a Speeding Ticket | Average Yearly Rate After a Speeding Ticket |
| American National | $65 | $780 |
| GEICO | $135 | $1,614 |
| USAA | $107 | $1,285 |
| State Farm | $162 | $1,940 |
| Auto-Owners | $188 | $2,254 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $204 | $2,445 |
| Travelers | $166 | $1,997 |
| Allstate | $248 | $2,981 |
| Progressive | $142 | $1,701 |
| Sentry Insurance | $506 | $6,067 |
Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina: At-Fault Accident
Being found at fault for a car accident could lead to higher rates for car insurance in South Carolina. The best prices for coverage still come from American National, with average rate estimates of $67 per month or $800 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After an At-Fault Accident | Average Yearly Rate After an At-Fault Accident |
| American National | $67 | $800 |
| USAA | $130 | $1,556 |
| GEICO | $196 | $2,350 |
| State Farm | $179 | $2,144 |
| Auto-Owners | $179 | $2,147 |
| Travelers | $178 | $2,134 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $236 | $2,834 |
| Allstate | $320 | $3,838 |
| Progressive | $193 | $2,319 |
| Sentry Insurance | $318 | $3,816 |
Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina: DUI
A quick way to decrease the accessibility of cheap auto insurance is by getting a violation for driving under the influence (DUI). Those in the Palmetto State can turn to American National for their cheapest rates due to its average estimates of $73 per month or $874 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After a DUI | Average Yearly Rate After a DUI |
| American National | $73 | $874 |
| State Farm | $162 | $1,940 |
| USAA | $156 | $1,875 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $219 | $2,624 |
| Travelers | $187 | $2,246 |
| Allstate | $264 | $3,171 |
| Progressive | $135 | $1,621 |
| Auto-Owners | $272 | $3,266 |
| GEICO | $326 | $3,907 |
| Sentry Insurance | $439 | $5,264 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina comes out to $816 per year for minimum-liability insurance and $1,775 annually for full coverage. These rates are almost 7% higher than the national average for minimum coverage but 10% lower than the national rate for full coverage.
Average Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina by City
Expect your location to have a major impact on the auto insurance premiums you’ll end up paying. Population density, crime rates, and weather patterns vary between ZIP codes and lead to differing rates for car insurance in South Carolina. The following table reveals the average prices across many of the Palmetto State’s largest cities.
| Cities in South Carolina | Average Monthly Rate for Minimum Coverage | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage |
| Columbia | $61 | $165 |
| Charleston | $64 | $169 |
| Greenville | $56 | $151 |
| Rock Hill | $59 | $158 |
| North Charleston | $68 | $179 |
| Spartanburg | $53 | $151 |
| Summerville | $68 | $175 |
| Mount Pleasant | $56 | $150 |
| Florence | $64 | $171 |
| Myrtle Beach | $57 | $150 |
| Anderson | $50 | $143 |
| Lexington | $55 | $151 |
| Aiken | $49 | $141 |
| Fort Mill | $50 | $144 |
| Goose Creek | $63 | $165 |
| Greenwood | $49 | $141 |
| Simpsonville | $49 | $136 |
| Sumter | $60 | $168 |
| Conway | $65 | $171 |
| Hilton Head Island | $49 | $136 |
South Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Coverage
According to South Carolina law, all drivers must either meet or exceed the following minimum coverage requirements:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident
Liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage are important, but they don’t protect against all issues. Both insurance agents and experts recommend moving beyond state minimum-coverage car insurance policies set by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). After all, higher coverage limits could protect you from large out-of-pocket expenses after an at-fault accident.
With collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, you’ll be safe from repair costs to your own vehicle after instances of theft or vandalism, car accidents, and severe weather. Other types of coverage such as medical payments coverage (MedPay) and underinsured motorist coverage could add peace of mind while on the road as well.
Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina: Conclusion
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina is typically provided by American National, which has average rates of $18 per month. It’s important that you compare auto insurance quotes from various providers, however, to see if you could receive more affordable coverage elsewhere.
It’s also a good idea to consider the protection of a full-coverage policy. The best rates we could find for full coverage came in as low as $88 per month from State Farm, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for stronger financial protection.
Best Car Insurance in South Carolina: Recommended Providers
Certain companies are known for reasonable premiums in South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid getting multiple car insurance quotes. We recommend checking out American National and GEICO as you begin your search for the state’s best auto insurer.
American National: 4.1 out of 5.0*
If costs are the most important factor in your choice of car insurance in South Carolina, make sure to strongly consider American National. The company has average rates that are considerably lower than those from nearly any other auto insurer in the Palmetto State. While it’s smaller than other nationwide providers, American National still holds an A financial strength rating from AM Best.
*American National Insurance rating taken from 2022.
GEICO: 4.4 out of 5.0
GEICO’s price estimates were also relatively strong for South Carolina drivers, making it another standout option. The company offers a wide range of coverage add-ons and has an impressive 16 discount opportunities. There’s no need to worry about the company’s ability to pay out claims, as AM Best gives GEICO a stellar A++ financial strength score.
Read more: GEICO insurance review
Cheapest Auto Insurance in South Carolina: FAQ
Which company gives the cheapest car insurance?
State Farm generally offers the cheapest car insurance when it comes to national averages. Drivers in South Carolina tend to receive their lowest premiums from American National and USAA instead.
How much is car insurance per month in South Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance per month in South Carolina is $68 for a minimum-coverage policy and $148 for full coverage. Our review team found rates in South Carolina as reasonable as $18 per month for minimum coverage and $88 for a full-coverage policy.
How to reduce car insurance in South Carolina?
The best ways to reduce the cost of car insurance in South Carolina are by lowering your amounts and types of coverage, increasing your deductible, and seeking out driver discounts like for safe driving habits. Improving your credit score and bundling homeowners and renters insurance products with auto coverage are other ways to get lower rates over the long term.
How much is car insurance on average in South Carolina?
Car insurance in South Carolina averages out to $816 per year for minimum coverage and $1,775 annually for full-coverage policies.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in South Carolina?
Yes, it’s completely illegal to drive without auto insurance in South Carolina. Expect to receive a misdemeanor if you’re caught as an uninsured driver without current registration and proof of insurance. In many states, it’s possible that you could be fined, lose permission to drive, or even face a short time in prison.
Is it cheaper to pay car insurance every six months or monthly?
You’ll probably get charged considerably less if you pay off your auto insurance policy every six months rather than on a per-month basis. Many auto insurers give discounts for paying policies upfront, though this savings opportunity isn’t offered by all providers.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
- Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
