- The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,417 a year or $201 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in South Carolina costs around $832 annually for limits of 25/50/25, while liability-only coverage costs $915 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- Auto-Owners provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, costing $1,731 per year.
- In South Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 37%, a DUI raising rates by 52%, and an at-fault accident by up to 56%.
Car insurance costs in South Carolina vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of coverage you choose, coverage limits, your address and personal factors. Auto-Owners offers the cheapest annual rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina at $1,731 annually.
This comprehensive guide to buying car insurance for South Carolina drivers is based on data research and expert advice from CarInsurance.com’s team of insurance analysts and editors. We spent countless hours doing the homework for you and analyzed rates for various driver demographics to show you what you can expect to pay.
Keep reading to learn how auto insurance in South Carolina works and how much insurance you need.
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, drivers pay an average of $201 monthly for full coverage car insurance, based on a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Understanding the average insurance cost can give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.
See how rates change in South Carolina based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in South Carolina pay the most – about $713 a month or $8,562 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $335 monthly or $4,022 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $206 monthly or $2,474 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $276 monthly or $3,316 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $313 a month or $3,759 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $400 monthly or $4,797 annually.
Average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina by coverage level
In South Carolina, the cost of car insurance can vary depending on how much coverage you purchase. South Carolina drivers need at least the minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/25 to legally drive.
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.
In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in South Carolina for three different coverages.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates | Annual rates |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $69 | $832 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $76 | $915 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $201 | $2,417 |
State minimum car insurance in South Carolina
In South Carolina, minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 of property damage liability.
The state minimum coverage in South Carolina costs $832 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. South Carolina drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.
Drivers in South Carolina must be aware of the minimum car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in South Carolina
Liability-only car insurance costs $915 in South Carolina for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
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
The average annual premium in South Carolina is $2,417 for a full coverage policy with 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.
When it comes to car insurance, experts recommend opting for full coverage with the highest liability limits you can afford. It includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible. Full coverage car insurance protects you from unexpected events on the road. with a deductible.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in South Carolina
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of South Carolina have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
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.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in South Carolina
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Full - 100/300/100)
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
Estimate car insurance in South Carolina by car model
In South Carolina, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
For example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.
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
Younger drivers and teenagers typically pay more for insurance than older, more experienced drivers. This is because teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents. In fact, teenagers are four times more likely to crash than drivers who are 20 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Insurers know that teenage drivers are less experienced and pose a higher risk, resulting in higher insurance premiums. South Carolina drivers between the ages of 30 to 60 typically enjoy the lowest average auto insurance rates, at about $2,363 annually.
Car insurance for drivers aged 16-19 costs $6,199 more annually than South Carolina drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $8,562 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,839 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,363 per year in South Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $2,474 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
Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In South Carolina, a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 52% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.
If you get caught speeding in South Carolina, your car insurance rates will increase by 37% when you renew your policy. Typically, you’ll pay the increased premiums for three years. But how much your rates go up can vary depending on the laws in your state, the insurance company you’re with, and your driving history.
Here’s a breakdown of how much your car insurance rate goes up in South Carolina following driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 37% increase
- DUI conviction: 52% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 56% 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.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
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.
Compare the best car insurance options in South Carolina by getting quotes from different insurance companies.
Below are the details of South Carolina car insurance companies and their annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $657 | $729 | $1,731 |
| Travelers | $848 | $952 | $2,193 |
| GEICO | $659 | $754 | $2,440 |
| Progressive | $757 | $868 | $2,632 |
| Allstate | $804 | $924 | $2,701 |
| State Farm | $1,325 | $1,463 | $3,278 |
| Dairyland | $3,179 | $3,974 | $4,790 |
| USAA | $510 | $587 | $1,949 |
Car insurance rates by city in South Carolina
North Charleston is the priciest city in South Carolina for car insurance, costing an average of $2,679 annually. On the other hand, Greenville is the most affordable city, where drivers pay an average of $2,189 per year for car insurance.
Car insurance premiums differ across cities in South Carolina and are influenced by traffic conditions. Cities with heavier traffic often experience more frequent accidents and insurance claims, which results in higher insurance costs.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
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.
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina per month?
In South Carolina, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $201 per month.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $69 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $76 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $201 |
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 April 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed April 2026.
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.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs
