If you have bad credit, getting affordable car insurance in South Carolina can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Many insurers view low credit scores as a sign of higher risk, which can lead to higher premiums, even for safe drivers.
“Bad credit can significantly impact your car insurance costs. Most insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score to help predict risks, in which statistically, drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims,” says Ted Kaplun, principal attorney and founding partner of KaplunMarx, a personal injury law firm in Pennsylvania. “This means insurers often charge higher premiums to those with poor credit, despite a clean driving record.”
This guide highlights the most affordable insurance companies for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina and explains how to lower your costs with discounts, smart shopping, and safe driving habits.
- The average annual car insurance rate for full coverage for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina is $4,023.
- The cheapest insurance company in South Carolina for drivers with poor credit is Progressive.
- Shopping around can help drivers with any credit score find more affordable rates for their situation.
What are the average car insurance rates for people with bad credit in South Carolina?
Bad credit can significantly raise car insurance costs in South Carolina. On average, full coverage for a driver with bad credit costs $335 per month. For liability-only coverage at 50/100/50 limits, rates average $154 monthly, and the state’s minimum liability coverage costs about $120 per month.
See the table below for a comparison of how average car insurance rates in South Carolina change based on credit score.
| Company | Average rates | Rates after bad credit | $ increase | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,816 | $3,021 | $1,205 | 66% |
| Travelers | $1,949 | $3,290 | $1,342 | 69% |
| Allstate | $2,336 | $3,833 | $1,497 | 64% |
| Auto-Owners | $1,475 | $4,306 | $2,830 | 192% |
| Geico | $2,054 | $4,520 | $2,466 | 120% |
| State Farm | $2,106 | $7,991 | $5,885 | 279% |
| USAA* | $1,451 | $2,245 | $794 | 55% |
Find out how bad credit can impact your car insurance rates
Top car insurance companies in South Carolina for drivers with bad credit
Since each insurer assesses risk differently, car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit can vary in South Carolina. Some companies consistently offer lower premiums to high-risk drivers.
If you have bad credit, the cheapest car insurance providers in South Carolina are Progressive, Travelers, and Allstate.
The table below compares average car insurance costs by company for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina.
| Company | Annual rates after bad credit | Six-month rates after bad credit | Monthly rates after bad credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $3,021 | $1,511 | $252 |
| Travelers | $3,290 | $1,645 | $274 |
| Allstate | $3,833 | $1,916 | $319 |
| Auto-Owners | $4,306 | $2,153 | $359 |
| Geico | $4,520 | $2,260 | $377 |
| State Farm | $7,991 | $3,995 | $666 |
| USAA* | $2,245 | $1,122 | $187 |
Check out our detailed guide on the cheapest car insurance companies
How age and gender affect car insurance rates for folks with bad credit in South Carolina
Car insurance companies consider age and gender when setting premiums, particularly for drivers with bad credit. Younger drivers usually face higher costs because they’re less experienced behind the wheel. Women, on average, pay less than men for car insurance, as they tend to have lower accident rates.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of average car insurance rates by age and gender for bad credit drivers in South Carolina.
| Age | Six-month cost for male drivers | Six-month cost for female drivers | Monthly cost for male drivers | Monthly cost for female drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | $7,204 | $6,265 | $1,201 | $1,044 |
| 25 | $2,452 | $2,359 | $409 | $393 |
| 40 | $2,030 | $1,995 | $338 | $332 |
| 65 | $1,895 | $1,886 | $316 | $314 |
How driving record and location influence rates with bad credit in South Carolina
In addition to your credit score, your driving record and location significantly impact how much you pay for car insurance, especially if you have bad credit. Drivers with violations like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents are considered higher risk by insurers and often face higher premiums.
Where you live also affects your car insurance rates. Premiums vary by state and ZIP code, with drivers in rural areas typically paying less than those in urban regions with higher traffic congestion and crime rates.
For drivers with bad credit, factors like driving history and geographic location can sometimes influence rates even more than credit alone. That’s why comparing car insurance options and understanding all the factors affecting your premium is important.
Check out 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
What are the discounts for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina?
While drivers with bad credit might experience higher rates, seeking out discounts can help to offset their costs. Some of the discounts drivers with bad credit can pursue include:
Safe driving discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts to safe drivers. If you are comfortable signing up for a telematics program that tracks your driving behavior, you could score significant savings if you practice safe driving habits.
Bundling discounts: If you need other types of coverage, like renters insurance or homeowners insurance, buying multiple policies through the same insurer can often lead to a discount.
Affinity discounts: Being part of a group, like an alumni association or a veteran organization, can sometimes result in a discount.
Pay-in-full discount: Some insurers offer a discount when you pay for coverage upfront instead of monthly.
Paperless discount: Many insurers offer a discount if you opt to go paperless.
See what drivers with bad credit pay on average in nearby states
Tips to find cheap car insurance with bad credit in South Carolina
As you look for cheap car insurance with bad credit in South Carolina, use these strategies to seek out lower rates:
- Shop around: Comparing rates across multiple insurance companies can help you find the most affordable rate for your unique situation.
- Raise your deductible: Generally, opting for a higher deductible leads to a lower insurance premium. Locking in the premium savings can make sense if you have the money to cover a higher deductible during an emergency.
- Maintain safe driving habits: Safe drivers tend to pay less for coverage. Sticking to safe driving habits can lead to savings.
How to shop for car insurance with bad credit in South Carolina
When shopping for car insurance with bad credit in South Carolina, use the following steps as a guide:
Gather your information: To get accurate quotes, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your vehicle. For example, you’ll likely need to provide the VIN, make, model, and year.
Consider your policy needs: While a state minimum coverage policy often offers the cheapest rates, it might not fit your unique situation. For example, you might need comprehensive coverage while paying off an auto loan.
Compare quotes: Collect quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the most affordable option.
Frequently ask questions
Does a bad credit score affect car insurance rates in South Carolina?
Your credit score can impact your car insurance rate in South Carolina. Drivers with bad credit generally pay more than those with strong credit histories.
Can you improve your rates with bad credit in South Carolina over time?
Improving your credit over time can help lower your car insurance rates in South Carolina . Paying bills on time and reducing debt are effective ways to boost your score.
Car insurance rates for good vs. bad credit in South Carolina
In South Carolina , drivers with bad credit pay around $4,023 per year for full coverage car insurance, while those with good credit pay about $2,009 per year for the same policy.
Car insurance requirements in South Carolina if you have bad credit
Car insurance requirements in South Carolina don’t change based on credit score. Drivers with bad credit must still meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Find out whether it’s legal for insurers to raise your premium because of a bad credit score
Resources and Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates for drivers with poor credit scores. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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