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.
- Among the companies analyzed by CarInsurance.com, Auto-Owners stands out as the cheapest option for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, with an insurance premium of $123 per month.
- Drivers in South Carolina with a clean record pay 32% less for premiums compared to those with a DUI.
- The city with the lowest car insurance rates in South Carolina is Salem, with an annual premium of $1,708 .
- South Carolina drivers can save up to 26% annually on their auto insurance policy by comparing price quotes from multiple carriers.
Which company offers the cheapest 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.
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South Carolina drivers who pay lower insurance premiums
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
It’s no secret that car insurance quotes vary drastically from person to person and from company to company. Your car insurance premiums will also vary depending on the coverage level you choose, your driving history and other factors.
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 companies for state minimum coverage in South Carolina
In South Carolina, all drivers must have a certain amount of car insurance, also called the state’s minimum coverage requirements. You must purchase the minimum coverage limits listed below. Keep in mind that minimums are merely that – the minimum. Most drivers need more insurance to be protected in case of a costly accident.
| 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
The following table lists South Carolina’s major insurance providers, ranked by their average annual state minimum coverage rates, from cheapest to most expensive.
| 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.
Here are the average annual rates for liability insurance coverage from major carriers in South Carolina, ranked in the order of the cheapest to the most expensive. The coverage limits for these rates 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 car insurance 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 lists major insurance providers in South Carolina based on the average annual cost for a full coverage policy with limits of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury, $100,000 property damage and $500 comprehensive/collision deductibles.
| 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 auto insurance in South Carolina by driving history
Your driving history impacts insurance premiums in South Carolina, as insurance companies use this factor to assess the risks associated with providing coverage for a driver.
Traffic violations such as speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents demonstrate risky behavior on the road. Insurance companies view these violations as indicators of higher risk and may charge you higher premiums.
A driver with a history of traffic violations pays $654 more annually in South Carolina than an individual with a clean driving record.
Cheap car insurance rates in South Carolina after a speeding ticket
If you have a speeding ticket on your South Carolina driving record and you are looking for cheap car insurance, State Farm offers the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket, with an average rate of $1,559 per 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.
Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina after a DUI conviction
South Carolina drivers with a DUI on their record can get the cheapest car insurance from State Farm at an average of $1,559 a year, followed by Progressive with an annual premium of $1,969 annually, based on recent data.
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.
Cheapest car insurance rates by state
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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 Cities with the lowest auto insurance rates in South Carolina
Your location plays a key role in determining your car insurance premium. Insurance companies analyze claim data in your area to assess the risk of insuring you. Areas with higher accident rates or theft statistics have higher premiums.
Salem is the city with the lowest premiums in South Carolina at an annual auto insurance rate of $1,708 .
Insurers base these rates on various factors such as theft statistics, collision rates and incidents of vandalism to assess risk in different areas. Additionally, your individual driving history, vehicle make and age play a role in calculating the premiums you pay.
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
Shopping around for car insurance quotes in South Carolina can help drivers save 26% annually on full coverage policies.
While savings will depend upon individual circumstances, there are still significant benefits associated with comparison shopping and getting exactly what you need at an affordable price.
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 |
Final thoughts on cheap car insurance in South Carolina
Based on our findings, Auto-Owners provides the cheapest rates for a full coverage policy in South Carolina if you have a good driving record.
We understand that finding affordable car insurance is important, but it’s also crucial to ensure you have enough coverage for adequate financial protection.
To get cheap car insurance in South Carolina, first, figure out what coverage you need. Then, compare prices from different companies. Look for discounts and try to keep your driving record clean. Even if you’ve had tickets or accidents, you might still find a company that offers you a good deal.
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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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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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.
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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.
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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