UPDATED: JANUARY 17, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
South Carolina auto insurance is affordable. On average, car insurance in South Carolina costs $1,361 yearly, which is 4.6% less than the US average. Your insurance rates are impacted by many factors, such as your location, car, and driving record. We’re here to walk you through acquiring auto insurance in South Carolina.
Best South Carolina Car Insurance Companies
Finding excellent car insurance in South Carolina doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether your priority is to find excellent customer service or find a company that offers great discounts, we have fantastic options.
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance Company
GEICO has the cheapest rates for minimum coverage auto insurance in South Carolina. GEIOC’s yearly rate is 39% cheaper than the state average of $460 yearly.
Company With the Best Customer Service
Customer service should be a huge priority when acquiring car insurance in South Carolina because you’ll likely need to use it. State Farm is one of the most popular insurance companies in South Carolina. They scored 859 out of 1,000 in J.D. Powers’ 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Company With the Best Premium-Reducing Programs
Auto-Owners have a yearly auto insurance rate of $540 yearly or $45 monthly. They have many premium-reducing programs, such as early payment discounts and safety discounts.
Company With the Best Discounts
Country Financial is a great company that offers customers many discounts. It costs $467 yearly for minimum coverage and $1,214 for full coverage. They offer plenty of discounts that lower your premium. The discounts they offer include Anti-theft, good driver, advanced quote, multi-policy, good student, engaged couple, and defensive driver.
Local and Regional Auto Insurance Companies in South Carolina
American National Insurance
America National Insurance provides coverages that protect cars throughout South Carolina.
Liability, comprehensive, and collision auto insurance means you have the security you need even for the most severe car accidents.
Varying deductible options and multiple policy discounts help America National Insurance stand out among other South Carolina insurers.
Allstate Auto Insurance
National provider Allstate Auto Insurance offers every coverage South Carolina drivers need for state requirements.
Their coverages include the required bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist, plus optional medical expenses, collision, and comprehensive.
Roadside, ride for hire, and rental reimbursement may also be available. You can reduce your rate too with one or more of Allstate’s ample discounts, such as a bundle discount, responsible payer discount, and smart student.
South Carolina Insurance Demographics
South Carolina insurers consider demographics when putting together a quote for you. The following are some of the demographics they consider:
- Crime Rates: Violent crimes increased over the past year by over 5%. However, property crime decreases from 29.5 crimes per 1,000 to 27.2.
- Average Household Income: The average household income is $76,390. The median household income is $54,864.
- Median Age Range: The median age range is 39.7 years of age.
- Education: South Carolina ranked among the least educated states. At number 44, it’s listed as having low income and low education level.
Common Risk Factors In South Carolina
The common risk factors that occur in South Carolina that increase car insurance rates are:
- DUI
- Racing
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- At-fault accidents
- Speeding
- Property damage
Auto Insurance Laws In South Carolina
You must have car insurance in South Carolina to drive a motor vehicle. The minimum car insurance requirement in South Carolina is 25/50/25. Without insurance, you face penalties, fines, and even jail time.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you must have the minimum amount of car insurance. That includes 25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage protects other drivers if you’re at fault in an accident.
Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage?
In South Carolina, you’re required to have uninsured motorist insurance. The limits are the same as the minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25.
South Carolina SR-22 policies
If you’ve had a major conviction, such as a DUI in South Carolina, you’re legally required to obtain an SR-22. It’s a form issued by your insurance company to ensure you have car insurance in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina a no-fault state?
South Carolina isn’t a no-fault state. There are only 12 states that are no-fault states. Your insurer won’t compensate you if you’re in an accident where you’re at fault.
What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured?
The first time you’re caught without a license, you face a $550 uninsured motorist fee, $200 fines, 30 days imprisonment if the fee is not paid, and a $200 reinstatement fee and SR-22. You face between 45 days to six months of jail time for subsequent offenses.
Does South Carolina accept digital insurance cards?
South Carolina became the 31st state that offers digital proof of auto insurance.
How Much Does Car Insurance In South Carolina Cost?
The price of car insurance in South Carolina differs depending on many things. Some of the factors that determine your car insurance rate is gender, age, driving record, where you live, the company that insurers you, and your credit score.
Average Cost of Car Insurance By City
The cost of your car insurance in South Carolina is dependent on where you live. Some areas are cheaper than others.
| City | Average South Carolina Car Insurance Cost | Difference From South Carolina Average |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $1,550 | 3% |
| Charleston | $1,630 | 9% |
| Greenville | $1,410 | -8% |
| North Charleston | $1,620 | 8% |
| Summerville | $1,555 | 4% |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Company
Some insurers are more expensive than others due to the policies they offer and the discounts they give.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $400 |
| Allstate | $435 |
| Nationwide | $585 |
| Progressive | $600 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Age
Age is a huge determining factor in how much you pay for auto insurance in South Carolina. New drivers, that are teens, always pay more than more experienced drivers. Elderly individuals tend to pay the least in South Carolina.
| Age | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Age 16 | $2,145 |
| Age 18 | $5,335 |
| Age 20 | $3,730 |
| Age 25 | $1,925 |
| Age 30 | $1,630 |
| Age 40 | $1,545 |
| Age 50 | $1,380 |
| Age 60 | $1,355 |
| Age 70 | $1,480 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender
Gender does play a role in how much you pay for car insurance in the state. There isn’t a big difference, but males typically pay more.
| Gender | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Male | $1,370 |
| Female | $1,325 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score
Credit score does have an impact on your car insurance rates. Historically, it shows that people that have poor credit are less dependable drivers.
| Credit Score | Average Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Very Poor | $2,765 |
| Fair | $2,170 |
| Good | $1,710 |
| Very Good | $1,425 |
| Great | $1,225 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record
Your driving record does impact your auto insurance in South Carolina. People with good driving records always pay less than people with poor driving records.
| Driving Incident | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) | % Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket | $1,810 | 20% |
| Accident | $2,160 | 43% |
| DUI | $2,570 | 71% |
What Optional Insurance Coverages Should You Consider?
South Carolina car insurance has the following optional coverages available:
- Rideshare
- Collision
- Liability
- Comprehensive
- Rental car reimbursement
- Roadside assistance
- Limited collision
- Optional bodily injury
- Limited collision
- Medical expenses
- Uninsured motorist bodily harm
Auto Insurance Discounts
There are many different auto insurance discounts available for auto insurance in South Carolina. The discounts they offer include Anti-theft, good driver, advanced quote, multi-policy, good student, engaged couple, and defensive driver.
FAQs
How much is car insurance per month in SC?
South Carolina auto insurance is affordable. On average, car insurance in South Carolina costs $1,361 yearly.
What are the car insurance requirements in South Carolina?
The minimum car insurance requirement in South Carolina is 25/50/25.
Is car insurance cheaper in NC or SC?
Car insurance in North Carolina is cheaper than in South Carolina. On average, it’s $340 cheaper yearly in North Carolina.
Do you need insurance if you have a license but no car in SC?
If you have a license but no car, you’re not required to have insurance.
Does car insurance follow the car or the driver in SC?
The insurance may apply to the car’s driver, depending on the insurer and type of coverage. The coverage that follows the vehicle includes personal injury liability, uninsured motorist coverage, and bodily injury liability.
How To Find the Best Car Insurance In South Carolina
Purchasing car insurance in South Carolina is easy and affordable. Our online quote tool gives you quotes from several companies and helps guide you through the buying process.
