- The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,417 a year or $201 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in South Carolina costs around $832 annually for limits of 25/50/25, while liability-only coverage costs $915 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- Auto-Owners provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, costing $1,731 per year.
- In South Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 37%, a DUI raising rates by 52%, and an at-fault accident by up to 56%.
The cost of car insurance in South Carolina varies significantly depending on the type and amount of insurance coverage you buy, your location, age and driving history. Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates at $1,731 a year for full coverage.
This guide makes buying car insurance in South Carolina easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in South Carolina works and how much coverage you need.
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in South Carolina pay about $201 per month for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you budget effectively for your coverage. Remember that insurance premiums can differ significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving history.
See how rates change in South Carolina based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in South Carolina pay the most — about $713 a month or $8,562 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $335 monthly or $4,022 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $206 monthly or $2,474 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $276 monthly or $3,316 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $313 a month or $3,759 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $400 monthly or $4,797 annually.
Average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina by coverage level
Car insurance costs in South Carolina can differ based on the coverage limit. To legally drive, South Carolina residents must adhere to the minimum liability limits of 25/50/25.
Liability-only policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
Full coverage car insurance policies are the most expensive but provide much more protection. They cover your own vehicles from accidents, theft, natural disasters and animal strikes. With a full-coverage insurance policy, drivers can be confident that they’re protected in the event of an accident up to the limits of their policies.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below are the South Carolina car insurance costs for three different coverage levels.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates | Annual rates |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $69 | $832 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $76 | $915 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $201 | $2,417 |
State minimum car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
In South Carolina, you can get state minimum car insurance for $832 per year. However, this minimum coverage doesn’t offer enough protection. Drivers can add other types of insurance, such as comprehensive and collision, increase their liability limits and buy personal injury coverage for added protection.
Drivers in South Carolina must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in South Carolina
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $915 in South Carolina for limits 50/100/50.
This policy covers the cost of damages caused to others but not damages to the policyholder’s vehicle or passengers. While it is less expensive than a full coverage plan, liability-only insurance does not protect against an accident or theft of the insured vehicle.
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina cost $2,417 per year for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in South Carolina
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of South Carolina have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in South Carolina
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Full - 100/300/100)
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Estimate car insurance in South Carolina by car model
Car insurers in South Carolina use the make and model of your car to determine your insurance rates. Cars deemed more expensive to repair, such as luxury cars and EVs, may raise your rates more than those that may cost less to fix.
For instance, Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi are some of the most expensive cars to insure. Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are among the cheapest cars to insure.
See how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your specific make and model in South Carolina.
Insurance rates by car model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in South Carolina
As drivers age, their auto insurance premiums change – with younger and teen drivers paying higher rates than experienced drivers. The crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than that of drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Car insurance companies know teen drivers are less experienced and riskier to insure. South Carolina drivers aged 30 to 60 have the lowest average auto insurance rates at $2,363 annually.
Drivers aged 16-19 pay $6,199 more for car insurance than South Carolina drivers aged 30-60 per year.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $8,562 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,839 yearly for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged adult drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,363 annually in South Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older can expect to pay $2,474 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in South Carolina
A history of DUI, speeding, or at-fault accidents often results in significant hikes in insurance premiums. In South Carolina, a DUI conviction lead to increased rates and you may see a rate hike of up to 52% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in South Carolina, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 37% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 37% increase
- DUI conviction: 52% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 56% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in South Carolina for high-risk drivers
In South Carolina, drivers deemed high-risk face higher car insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Factors such as past accidents, traffic infractions and low credit scores significantly affect premium costs.
High-risk drivers can lower their insurance premiums by comparing price quotes from different insurance companies. Each company offers different prices, so shopping around and finding the best deal that fits your needs is a good idea.
Use this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its average annual full coverage rates.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Compare the best car insurance options in South Carolina by getting quotes from different insurance companies.
Below are the details of South Carolina car insurance companies and their annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $657 | $729 | $1,731 |
| Travelers | $848 | $952 | $2,193 |
| GEICO | $659 | $754 | $2,440 |
| Progressive | $757 | $868 | $2,632 |
| Allstate | $804 | $924 | $2,701 |
| State Farm | $1,325 | $1,463 | $3,278 |
| Dairyland | $3,179 | $3,974 | $4,790 |
| USAA | $510 | $587 | $1,949 |
Car insurance rates by city in South Carolina
North Charleston is South Carolina’s most expensive city for car insurance at an average cost of $2,679 annually. Greenville is the state’s least expensive city, with an average car insurance rate of $2,189 annually.
Car insurance costs differ from city to city in South Carolina, mainly because of traffic congestion. Cities with more traffic usually see more accidents and insurance claims, which makes insurance more expensive.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
Find below the average annual car insurance cost for drivers in some of South Carolina’s major cities.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina per month?
In South Carolina, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $201 per month.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $69 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $76 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $201 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in South Carolina
There’s no one best car insurance for everyone. Some drivers are willing to pay a bit more for outstanding customer service, some want the lowest rates, others prefer carriers who can handle claims and payments through mobile apps and some prefer agents.
Ultimately, understanding your needs to find the best policy at the most competitive price is critical. Shop around for a good deal that provides peace of mind when hitting the open road in South Carolina.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed March 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed March 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in South Carolina. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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