Cheapest Car Insurance, South Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide breaks down the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina by age, city, coverage level, credit, and driving history. Learn how rates work and how to get the best deal.
Finding affordable car insurance in South Carolina is easy with the right knowledge and strategy. Drivers, even those who are more likely to pay more, can find the cheapest auto insurance that provides necessary coverage without breaking the bank.
This blog post will explore everything you need to know about cheap car insurance in South Carolina, including rates, factors that affect pricing, tips for saving, and more.
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Average Rate of Car Insurance in South Carolina
The average car insurance rate in South Carolina is higher than the national average due to several factors, including high traffic density and the state's susceptibility to weather-related incidents.
The average annual cost of car insurance in South Carolina ranges from $3,189 to $3,255 annually, though the exact rate can vary depending on personal and situational factors. We compare car insurance quotes to help you get the best rates.
Factors Affecting South Carolina Auto Insurance
Several factors determine how much you will pay for car insurance in South Carolina. These include:
- Driving History: If you are a good driver with a clean record, no accidents or violations, your premiums will be lower. On the other hand, a history of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations will increase your rates.
- Age and Experience: Younger drivers, particularly teens, often face higher rates because they are more likely to be involved in accidents. As you age and gain more driving experience, your rates may decrease.
- Vehicle Type: The make and model of your car also affect your premiums. For example, luxury and new cars tend to be more expensive to insure because they attract higher repair costs.
- Location: Your specific location in South Carolina can affect your rates. Urban areas with higher traffic volumes or higher accident rates, such as Charleston and Greenville, tend to have higher rates.
- Credit Score: Insurance companies often use your credit score to assess risk. In South Carolina, drivers with lower credit scores may face higher insurance premiums.
- Coverage Level: The level of coverage you choose will affect the cost. Basic liability coverage will be cheaper than full coverage, which often includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance by Age
Age can also affect car insurance rates in the state, with younger drivers paying more. However, all drivers can find affordable coverage from different providers as follows:
Teen Drivers
Teen drivers around the age of 17 often face the highest car insurance rates. This is because they have little driving experience, making them more likely to be involved in accidents.
However, teenagers can get cheap auto insurance from American National. They offer the lowest rates: $2,535 per year for female teenage drivers and $2,846 for male teenage drivers.
Parents can reduce premiums by adding their teen to their own policy. Additionally, teens should ask about discounts that apply to them, such as good student discounts.
| Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $2,535 | $2,846 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,303 | $4,189 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $3,759 | $3,778 |
| Travelers | $4,850 | $5,986 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Young Adults
Insurance rates for young adults aged 25 are lower than those for teens. Therefore, these drivers can get affordable South Carolina auto insurance from multiple companies, with the cheapest being American National. They offer average annual rates of $1,007 and $1,033 for male and female drivers, respectively.
| Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $1,007 | $1,033 |
| Travelers | $1,929 | $2,015 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,119 | $2,064 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $2,179 | $2,217 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Adults
As drivers move into their 40s, their insurance premiums decrease because they are less likely to file claims and are more financially stable. These drivers have multiple options for cheap car insurance in South Carolina. However, the most affordable rates are from American National at $807 annually for females and $814 for males.
| Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $807 | $814 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,480 | $1,602 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,567 | $1,567 |
| Geico | $1,626 | $1,626 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Senior Drivers
60-year-old drivers in South Carolina may pay the lowest premiums because they drive fewer miles and have extensive driving experience. The cheapest company is American National, which offers $774 and $725 per year for female and male seniors, respectively.
| Company | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $774 | $725 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,360 | $1,503 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,460 | $1,460 |
| Travelers | $1,539 | $1,620 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Cheapest Auto Insurance in South Carolina by Coverage Level
The type of coverage you choose will affect your auto insurance premiums. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but many opt for more coverage and higher premiums for extra protection.
The cheapest minimum auto insurance in South Carolina is American National, with an average annual rate of $408. Similarly, the cheapest full-coverage company is American National at $988.
| Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $408 | $988 |
| USAA | $456 | $1,742 |
| Progressive | $731 | $2,279 |
| Geico | $746 | $2,151 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina for High-Risk Drivers
Good drivers often get the best insurance rates. High-risk drivers, on the other hand, face higher car insurance premiums. These are people with violations on their record, such as at-fault accidents, DUIs, and speeding tickets. Below is an overview of how different traffic violations affect car insurance rates in South Carolina.
DUI
After a DUI conviction, drivers in South Carolina may see their premiums rise by 50% or more. According to US News, the average rate for a South Carolina driver with a DUI is $3,240 per year. However, drivers can get cheap auto insurance with American National at $1,283. Other affordable companies include Progressive ($2,304) and Southern Farm Bureau ($1,997).
Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket can also lead to higher car insurance premiums. Drivers can find the cheapest auto insurance with American National, which offers an average annual rate of $1,130. USAA and Geico are also affordable options for drivers who qualify.
At-Fault Accident
When you're the at-fault driver in a car accident, insurance companies view you as a higher risk and raise your premiums. The cheapest coverage is $1,130 per year by American National. Other affordable companies include USAA ($2,029) and Southern Farm Bureau ($2,160).
| Company | DUI | Speeding Violation | At-Fault Accident |
|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $1,283 | $1,130 | $1,130 |
| USAA | $2,543 | $1,679 | $2,029 |
| Geico | $4,058 | $1,712 | $2,465 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $1,997 | $1,866 | $2,160 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina by Credit History
In South Carolina, providers can use your credit history to create a credit-based insurance score, which affects your premiums. Usually, people with poor credit pay more than those with good credit.
USAA has the lowest average annual rate for drivers with bad credit at $2,121. However, note that USAA only serves the military community. The second cheapest rate for drivers in this category is $2,896 per year with American National. Similarly, American National has the lowest average rates for drivers with good credit at $860 per year.
| Company | Poor Credit | Good Credit |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,121 | $1,369 |
| American National | $2,896 | $860 |
| Travelers | $2,966 | $1,758 |
| Progressive | $2,967 | $1,815 |
Source: Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (US News)
Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina by City
Car insurance rates can vary by location in South Carolina. Factors such as traffic congestion, accident rates, severe weather, and the number of uninsured drivers can affect premiums. The following are the cheapest cities for auto insurance in the state:
| City | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Newry | $1,745 |
| Central | $1,753 |
| Clemson | $1,762 |
| Walhalla | $1,764 |
| Richland | $1,777 |
Source: Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina for 2025 (Bankrate)
How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in South Carolina?
South Carolina's minimum car insurance requirements are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. It pays for injuries to other people in an at-fault accident. In South Carolina, it also covers your legal expenses.
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident. It covers damage you cause to someone else’s property in an accident.
These minimum amounts may not always provide enough protection, especially in serious accidents. It's why many drivers get higher limits.
Also, drivers can get additional coverage for better financial security. These are not required by law, but they offer more coverage in comparison. Some additional coverage to consider in South Carolina includes:
- Comprehensive Coverage: It covers vehicle repairs and replacement for non-collision events such as theft and natural disasters. if you finance or lease your car, lenders or lessors may require you to have comprehensive.
- Collision Coverage: It covers damages to your own vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. Lenders and lessors in the state may require this coverage.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Offers protection if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
- Medpay: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance coverage. Providers must offer you this insurance, but you don't have to purchase it.
Tips for Getting Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Some tips for getting the cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina include:
- Compare Quotes: Shop and compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your rates low.
- Increase Your Deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your premium. However, make sure you can afford the higher costs in case of a claim.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with other types of insurance, such as home or renters insurance, to get discounts.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving and vehicles with safety features. Check what is available to you.
FAQs
What Are the Penalties for Driving Uninsured in South Carolina?
Driving without insurance in South Carolina is illegal and can lead to penalties such as fines, driver's license suspension. Authorities may also suspend your vehicle registration.
Is South Carolina a No-fault State for Car Insurance?
No, South Carolina is not a no-fault state. In an accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages.
How Do I Show Proof of Car Insurance in South Carolina?
You can show proof of car insurance in South Carolina with your insurance card, issued by your provider. It can be a physical card or a digital copy.
Can I Switch Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina?
Yes, you can switch car insurance companies at any time. Just make sure that there is no lapse in coverage.
Is Car Insurance Expensive in South Carolina?
Car insurance in South Carolina is slightly more expensive than the national average due to factors like traffic congestion and higher accident rates.
What Is the Cheapest Car Insurance Company in South Carolina?
The cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina often depends on the driver's profile and driving history. However, American National is often the most affordable for many people, including high-risk drivers and teens.
How Much Is Car Insurance in South Carolina?
The average annual cost of car insurance in South Carolina ranges from $3,189 to $3,255 annually. It can vary depending on factors such as age and driving history. We compare car insurance quotes to help you find the cheapest coverage.
