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.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in South Carolina and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- The average car insurance cost for a 65-year-old driver in South Carolina is $1,878 per year for a full coverage policy.
- A 70-year-old driver in South Carolina pays 5% more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver, based on CarInsurance.com research.
- In South Carolina, a 75-year-old driver pays for a full coverage policy 16% more a 65-year-old driver.
- Shopping around for car insurance in South Carolina – every six months or annually around renewal time can help you get the best rate.
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:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: 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
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
Full coverage 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.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
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
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in South Carolina?
Car insurance tends to become more expensive for older drivers due to several factors. Statistics show that seniors, on average, tend to be involved in more accidents than younger drivers (excluding teens).
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.
The CDC found that drivers older than 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-54 and NHTSA statistics show that senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents in 2020, which is up 26% from 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.
According to an analysis by CarInsurance.com, rates start to climb for most senior drivers in their mid-60s and continue to increase from then on.
In South Carolina, the average cost for a full coverage policy is $1,878 for a 65-year-old and $1,972 for a 70-year-old.
CarInsurance.com found that 70-year-old drivers pay 5% more for full coverage than 65-year-old drivers in South Carolina, and 75-year-old drivers pay 16% more for a full coverage policy.
The table below shows the annual average rate increase for senior drivers by age in South Carolina for different coverage levels:
| 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 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
You might also like
- What is SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?
- Best car insurance companies in South Carolina
- Non-owner car insurance in South Carolina: Find affordable rates
- Liability insurance for South Carolina drivers
- Minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina
- South Carolina car insurance calculator: Get quotes by ZIP code & vehicle
- How much is car insurance for a 25-year-old in South Carolina?
- Car insurance discounts in South Carolina; 15% potential savings
- What’s the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
- How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?
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.
The rate hike will differ between insurance companies, but South Carolina drivers can expect a 30% increase in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for driving 1-29 mph over the limit.
Seniors with a speeding ticket or minor moving violation should expect to pay more for coverage. According to our analysis, the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets are mentioned below.
| 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 |
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, the companies below 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 rates by state for senior drivers
Please enter the correct format
Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in South Carolina
Just like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will push up your insurance rates. The increase will vary by insurance company but according to our data, drivers should expect their premium to jump 52% with one 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. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| 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?
Our data show that Auto-Owners provides the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in South Carolina, at around $482 per year. Progressive and Geico also rank highly for affordable state minimum coverage for seniors in South Carolina.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in South Carolina?
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest liability car insurance for senior drivers in South Carolina, with an average annual premium of $675. According to a CarInsurance.com data analysis, Progressive and Southern Farm Bureau also provide cheap liability insurance for seniors in South Carolina.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in South Carolina?
State Farm does not offer a senior discount in South Carolina, but it provides many discounts that seniors can use to lower their premiums. It includes discounts for defensive driving courses, safe driving, long-term customer loyalty, bundling policies and advanced safety feature discounts.
Bottom line
A CarInsurance.com analysis found that Auto-Owners provides the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes for senior drivers in South Carolina.
Shopping around and comparing online rates from different insurers can help seniors find the best car insurance deals. Additionally, senior drivers might qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with another policy.
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 November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
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.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of South Carolina