The cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $123, saving you $44 compared to the average cost of insurance in the state, which is around $167 per month.
CarInsurance.com has done the homework for you. We analyzed rates from various auto insurance companies in South Carolina, such as Geico, Progressive, State Farm and more, so you can effortlessly compare their rates to find the most affordable option.
“Drivers looking to get the cheapest insurance premiums in South Carolina should maintain continuous coverage and avoid any lapse. When it comes to shopping for a new insurance company, discounts may be applied if the drivers have maintained continuous coverage, which will help lower the annual premium,” says Lauren Mckenzie, senior insurance agent, A Plus Insurance.
- According to recent data, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina at $123 per month.
- South Carolina drivers with a clean driving record pay 32% less for car insurance than drivers with a DUI.
- In South Carolina, the city of Salem has the most affordable car insurance rates at $1,708 annually.
- Comparing price quotes from multiple insurers can help you save up to 26% per year on your car insurance policy in South Carolina.
Car insurance companies with cheap car insurance in South Carolina
Auto-Owners has the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, at an average premium of $123 per month or around $1,475 per year, based on CarInsurance.com data.
A full-coverage auto insurance policy typically includes liability coverage, which is mandated by most states and optional coverages such as comprehensive and collision insurance, which have a deductible.
The table below provides the cheapest full coverage insurance quotes in South Carolina. We’ve gathered rates from different insurance companies to help you find the most affordable option.
Cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina per month
| Company | Full coverage monthly rates |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $123 |
| Progressive | $151 |
| Travelers | $162 |
| GEICO | $171 |
| State Farm | $176 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $183 |
| Allstate | $195 |
| Sentry Insurance | $307 |
| USAA* | $121 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Who pays the lowest auto insurance premiums in South Carolina?
The cost of car insurance can vary greatly depending on your age, location, driving record, credit score, driving habits and vehicle type. However, some insurers may offer you more affordable rates than others based on your situation.
- Married drivers pay 10% less than single drivers.
- South Carolina drivers with clean records pay 32% less than drivers who have a DUI on their record.
- South Carolina drivers in their 20s pay 55% lower rates for insurance than a 16-year-old in South Carolina.
- Adding a teen to your policy will cost you 68% less than having the teen purchase their own auto insurance policy.
- Drivers who are licensed for three or more years pay 27% less on their insurance premiums.
- Drivers insured for three or more years can save up to 16% on their insurance costs.
TipIf you no longer drive regularly or work remotely, you may want to re-evaluate your insurance policy. Drivers with a daily commute of less than 15 miles can save up to 5% for this state more on their premiums.
Cheapest insurers for different coverage levels in South Carolina
We all know that car insurance costs are different for everyone and can vary depending on your insurance company. Other than the insurer, your driving record and coverage levels also play a role in determining your premium.
Besides full coverage, there are liability-only and state-minimum car insurance policies. Liability only covers injuries and property damage to others in an accident.
Not all insurers offer the same coverage limits at the same price point. For instance:
- Auto-Owners is the cheapest for a state minimum policy.
- Auto-Owners has the cheapest rates for a liability-only policy (50/100/50).
- Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance for a full coverage policy (100/300/100) in South Carolina.
The numbers above (100/300/100) represent up to $100,000 bodily injury with $300,000 bodily injury per accident and up to $100,000 for property damage.
Cheapest state minimum coverage in South Carolina
State laws require all drivers to maintain a minimum level of car insurance coverage, also known as the state’s minimum coverage requirements. In South Carolina, you must have at least the following insurance coverage on your car.
| Minimum coverage | Minimum limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Minimum property damage liability | $25,000 |
Read more about the minimum liability car insurance requirements by state
Below, you’ll see average annual rates for major insurance providers in South Carolina, ranked from cheapest to most expensive for state minimum coverage.
| Company | State minimum annual rates |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $415 |
| GEICO | $512 |
| Progressive | $560 |
| Allstate | $619 |
| State Farm | $621 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $686 |
| Travelers | $712 |
| Sentry Insurance | $1,999 |
| USAA* | $444 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest South Carolina insurance companies for liability-only coverage
If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the medical bills and property damage of others involved, up to the policy limits.
In the table below, see the average annual rates from South Carolina’s top insurers for liability insurance, ranked from cheapest to most expensive. Coverage limits are $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident and $50,000 for property damage.
| Company | Liability only annual rates |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $566 |
| Progressive | $748 |
| GEICO | $779 |
| Allstate | $803 |
| State Farm | $863 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $915 |
| Travelers | $984 |
| Sentry Insurance | $2,516 |
| USAA* | $611 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest full coverage in South Carolina
Full coverage car insurance policies consist of comprehensive and collision insurance. Comprehensive and collision protect against accidents, theft, vandalism and natural disasters.
Ideally, full coverage means you have insurance that’s appropriate for your income, assets and risk profile. Lenders require full coverage from those who finance their cars.
The table below shows the average annual rates from major insurance providers in South Carolina, listed by cost, for a full coverage policy of $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage, with comprehensive and collision coverage and a $500 deductible.
| Company | Full coverage annual rates |
|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,475 |
| Progressive | $1,816 |
| Travelers | $1,949 |
| GEICO | $2,054 |
| State Farm | $2,106 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $2,202 |
| Allstate | $2,336 |
| Sentry Insurance | $3,681 |
| USAA* | $1,451 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Learn more about who has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance
Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina by driving history
In South Carolina, driving history significantly impacts car insurance costs. Insurance companies use this information to evaluate the risk of insuring a driver. Drivers with clean records pose less risk, leading to lower premiums.
Insurance companies consider traffic violations like speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents as indicators of risky driving behavior. So, they charge higher premiums to drivers with these violations on their record.
In South Carolina, drivers with a history of such violations typically pay $654 more annually than drivers with clean records.
Cheap car insurance rates in South Carolina after a speeding ticket
A speeding ticket can impact your South Carolina car insurance rates, but finding affordable options is still possible. Among the carriers analyzed, State Farm has the cheapest car insurance premiums for individuals with a speeding ticket at an average cost of $1,559 a year.
| Company | Rates before speeding | After speeding (1-29 mph over limit) | % difference | $ difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,451 | $1,559 | 7% | $108 |
| Nationwide | $1,152 | $1,659 | 44% | $507 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,293 | $1,691 | 31% | $398 |
| Travelers | $1,405 | $1,931 | 37% | $526 |
| Progressive | $1,651 | $2,078 | 26% | $427 |
| Allstate | $1,973 | $2,559 | 30% | $586 |
| American Family | $2,344 | $2,772 | 18% | $428 |
| Farmers | $4,271 | $5,583 | 31% | $1,312 |
| USAA* | $1,288 | $1,588 | 23% | $300 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheap car insurance rates after a DUI conviction in South Carolina
CarInsurance.com analyzed insurance rates for South Carolina drivers with DUI convictions and we found that State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance rates at an average annual premium of $1,559. Progressive is the second-cheapest insurer at an average of $1,969 per year.
A DUI can significantly impact your car insurance costs. On average, drivers with clean records pay 32% less than drivers with a DUI on their record.
| Company | Rates before DUI | Rates after a DUI | % difference | $ difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,451 | $1,559 | 7% | $108 |
| Progressive | $1,651 | $1,969 | 19% | $318 |
| Travelers | $1,405 | $2,011 | 43% | $605 |
| Nationwide | $1,152 | $2,201 | 91% | $1,048 |
| American Family | $2,344 | $2,662 | 14% | $318 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,293 | $2,676 | 107% | $1,383 |
| Allstate | $1,973 | $2,690 | 36% | $718 |
| GEICO | $1,285 | $3,125 | 143% | $1,840 |
| Farmers | $4,271 | $5,379 | 26% | $1,109 |
| USAA* | $1,288 | $2,388 | 85% | $1,099 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheap car insurance rates after an at-fault accident in South Carolina
State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a history of at-fault accidents with an annual premium of $1,721.
Nationwide is the second most affordable option, providing full-coverage car insurance with an average annual premium of $1,745.
If you’re found at fault in an accident, it can significantly raise your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view at-fault incidents as a sign of higher risk, leading to higher costs for coverage.
| Company | Rates before accident | Rates after accident | % difference | $ difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,451 | $1,721 | 19% | $269 |
| Nationwide | $1,152 | $1,745 | 51% | $593 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,293 | $1,808 | 40% | $515 |
| Travelers | $1,405 | $1,869 | 33% | $464 |
| GEICO | $1,285 | $1,875 | 46% | $591 |
| Progressive | $1,651 | $2,657 | 61% | $1,006 |
| American Family | $2,344 | $3,147 | 34% | $803 |
| Allstate | $1,973 | $3,234 | 64% | $1,262 |
| Farmers | $4,271 | $5,960 | 40% | $1,689 |
| USAA* | $1,288 | $1,914 | 49% | $625 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Check out the most affordable insurance options in your neighboring state
Which cities in South Carolina have the lowest auto insurance rates?
Your car insurance company sets your rates based on many factors. One of the most important is where you live. Companies look at the number and cost of car insurance claims in your area to determine how risky it is to insure you.
The city with the lowest auto insurance rates in South Carolina is Salem, at $1,708 per year.
Insurance companies use data about thefts, collisions and vandalism to decide how likely it is for one of these things to happen in your city. Insurers also consider your driving record, the type of car you drive and your car’s age to determine your premiums.
Below is a list of cities in South Carolina with the lowest auto insurance rates.
| City | Full coverage annual rates |
|---|---|
| Salem | $1,708 |
| Newry | $1,721 |
| Walhalla | $1,728 |
| Westminster | $1,739 |
| West Union | $1,743 |
| Seneca | $1,744 |
| Tamassee | $1,746 |
| Sunset | $1,753 |
| Mount Carmel | $1,755 |
| Long Creek | $1,758 |
A detailed guide on the 10 most important factors that influence car insurance rates
Average savings on car insurance in South Carolina
If you compare car insurance quotes, you could enjoy an annual saving of around 26% on a full coverage policy in South Carolina.
While the actual savings may differ for each person, comparing price quotes before buying a policy can help you find affordable insurance.
Car insurance discounts in South Carolina: Save on premiums
Car insurance discounts in South Carolina can help you save on car insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer discounts to drivers for safe driving, vehicle safety features and policy bundling. Here are some common car insurance discounts available in South Carolina.
Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage and discounts for your specific needs.
| Discount type | % difference | $ difference |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 1% | $13 |
| Anti-theft device | 1% | $24 |
| Daily commute | 7% | $111 |
| Days advanced purchase | 7% | $194 |
| Days per week driven | 5% | $85 |
| Education | 3% | $65 |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% | $72 |
| Homeowner | 5% | $146 |
| Lower annual mileage | 6% | $114 |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 11% | $240 |
| Marital status | 10% | $288 |
| Multi policy | 9% | $185 |
| Paperless/electornic documents | 3% | $65 |
| Payment type | 11% | $315 |
| Primary use | 9% | $159 |
| Profession | 9% | $208 |
| Safety devices | 4% | $89 |
| Telematics | 8% | $151 |
| Years insured | 15% | $413 |
| Years licensed | 26% | $802 |
The bottom line on cheap car insurance in South Carolina
Based on our research, if you are a good driver, Auto-Owners is the cheapest in South Carolina for a full coverage policy.
We know that finding the best and cheapest auto insurance coverage is essential, but so is getting the right amount of protection.
The best way to find affordable car insurance in South Carolina is to know and understand the coverage you need, compare quotes, apply for discounts and maintain a clean driving record. Even if you have tickets or accidents, it’s still possible that the company will offer you a policy at affordable rates.
Resources &Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to field rates in 2023 from all the major insurers in nearly every ZIP code of South Carolina for three different coverage levels:
- Full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100, including comprehensive and collision coverage and a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only with limits 50/100/50.
- State-minimum car insurance limits of 25/50/25.
The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a clean driving record and a good credit score. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP Codes.
Violations:
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100, including comprehensive and collision coverage, and a $500 deductible, with the following incidents applied: clean record, at-fault accident, DUI conviction and speeding ticket.
Discounts:
Car insurance discount rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/50 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male driver. To gather the data, our data experts compared 2,677,890 insurance quotes across various ZIP Codes.
The rates are for comparison purposes only and your exact rates may vary.
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