Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
Even though rates may rise, seniors can still find good car insurance deals. Our guide will help find the most affordable rates for senior drivers in South Carolina and suggest other ways to save on your auto insurance premiums.
- The average cost of car insurance for a 65-year-old driver in South Carolina is $1,878 per year for a full coverage policy.
- According to CarInsurance.com’s research, a 70-year-old driver in South Carolina pays 5% more for full coverage than more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver.
- Finding the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 70 becomes more important as rates increases significantly. For instance, a 75-year-old driver in South Carolina pays 16% more 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
Here are the most affordable full coverage car insurance rates in South Carolina for drivers of different ages:
- Overall cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60: 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
Below are the cheapest South Carolina rates the major car insurance companies offer for three different coverage levels: The state minimum, liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage car insurance with liability limits of 100/300/100.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
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
It 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.
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.
Although older drivers typically have many years of experience on the road, they often face age-related challenges such as hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, medication side effects and other health issues that can complicate driving.
According to the CDC, drivers aged over 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to those aged 35-54. NHTSA data also shows that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, marking a 26% increase 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.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In South Carolina, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,878 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $1,972.
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.
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $689 | $904 | $1,878 |
| 70 | $734 | $943 | $1,972 |
| 75 | $842 | $1,091 | $2,230 |
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 raise your insurance rates regardless of your age. Insurers love statistics, and data show that a driver with a ticket on their record is more likely to get in an accident that may result in a claim.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, South Carolina, drivers can expect their rates to go up 30% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| 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 offense and your insurance rates will skyrocket once it appears on your driving record. Typically, your insurance premium will double after a DUI. According to our data, in some states, the increase can be as high as 53% after your first DUI. If you get a second DUI, the insurance rates could increase by 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 typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance 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?
Auto insurance for seniors can be expensive, but there are ways to save. The following are easy ways to reduce your premiums:
- Shop around: Shopping regularly for car insurance – every six months or yearly around renewal time – can ensure you have the best price.
- Raise your deductible: Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you a bit of money every month – but make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts – bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed – are a great way to save on your car insurance. More on 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 reduce 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% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 11% |
| Marital status | 8% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 3% |
| Payment type | 11% |
| Primary use | 9% |
| Profession | 9% |
| Safety devices | 4% |
| Telematics | 8% |
| Years insured | 15% |
| Years licensed | 27% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in South Carolina
Senior drivers pay higher premiums than young adult drivers (excluding teens, of course). To find an affordable policy, assess your needs and determine the right amount of coverage.
When comparing insurance options, consider the cost, customer service and discounts offered. Search for the best auto insurance companies with affordable rates and user-friendly 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
Auto-Owners is the cheapest for senior drivers in South Carolina. To find the best car insurance rates, seniors should shop around and compare quotes online from various insurers. They can also qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of coverage.
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 July 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed July 2025.
Behind the rates: How we analyzed cheapest costs for seniors in South Carolina
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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