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 $1,475 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 learn how car insurance works in South Carolina and how much you need.
- The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $2,009 a year or $167 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in South Carolina costs around $720 annually for limits of 25/50/25, while liability-only coverage costs $925 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 $1,475 per year.
- In South Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 25%, a DUI raising rates by 47%, and an at-fault accident by up to 43%.
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in South Carolina pay $167 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.
See how rates change in South Carolina based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in South Carolina pay the most — about $502 a month or $6,021 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $265 monthly or $3,175 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $169 monthly or $2,027 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $218 monthly or $2,613 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $241 a month or $2,890 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $335 monthly or $4,023 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.
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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 $720 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
Liability-only car insurance costs $925 in South Carolina for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people’s property or for injuries to others in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your passengers’ medical expenses. It’s cheaper than full coverage insurance, but it won’t help if your own car is damaged or stolen.
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina
On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in South Carolina cost $2,009 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, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in South Carolina pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
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 ( Liability - Minimum)
Estimate car insurance in South Carolina by car model
In South Carolina, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
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
Younger drivers and teenagers typically pay more for insurance than older, more experienced drivers. This is because teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents. In fact, teenagers are four times more likely to crash than drivers who are 20 or 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 $1,959 annually.
Car insurance for drivers aged 16-19 costs $4,062 more annually than South Carolina drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $6,021 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,046 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,959 per year in South Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $2,027 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 47% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in South Carolina, you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 25% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
Here’s a breakdown of how much your car insurance rate goes up in South Carolina following driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 25% increase
- DUI conviction: 47% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 43% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, comparing quotes can still help you save money.
Car insurance cost in South Carolina for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.
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 compare prices from different companies and find out which is cheaper for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions or at-fault accidents.
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
Drivers in South Carolina can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in South Carolina by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in South Carolina, along with their average annual premiums.
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Car insurance rates by city in South Carolina
Miley is the most expensive city in South Carolina, with an average car insurance rate of $2,389 a year. Salem is the cheapest city for South Carolina drivers at an average rate of $1,708 annually.
Car insurance rates vary by city in South Carolina for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is traffic congestion. Areas with more traffic typically have higher rates of accidents and claims, which leads to higher premiums.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
Below, you’ll see the average annual car insurance cost of major cities in South Carolina.
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?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in South Carolina costs $167 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
On the other hand, paying for car insurance in full at renewal time can often result in a discount. Ultimately, your best option will depend on your needs and circumstances.
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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 September 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2025.
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.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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