Cheapest Car Insurance South Carolina

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Cheapest Auto Insurance South Carolina

Insurance coverage in South Carolina is slightly cheaper than the national average so you have a great chance of finding an affordable rate. 

Here, we’ll look at the cheapest car insurance companies and coverage options in the state, beginning with the most affordable providers and coverage options.

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance Companies

Nationwide, Progressive, USAA and Geico typically offer some of the most affordable rates in the state. The best way to find cheap car insurance in South Carolina is to compare car insurance quotes from a number of providers.

*Our research team considers nationwide factors when scoring providers. The ranking of providers in this table is specific to car insurance in South Carolina.

We recommend looking at multiple providers before making a decision on your car insurance.

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance Coverage

The coverage level you choose will have a big impact on how much you pay for auto insurance. Minimum liability insurance is all that’s required, but it may be better to get full coverage to make sure you have enough protection. 

Below are the cheapest car insurance options for both types of coverage.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance South Carolina

You can find great car insurance in South Carolina at an affordable price. According to our rate estimates, the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina can be found for as little as $783 per year, or $65 per month. Below is a list of providers with the best car insurance in the Palmetto State.

Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$65	$783
Geico	$121	$1,452
USAA	$124	$1,486
State Farm	$136	$1,632
Travelers	$137	$1,642
Auto-Owners Insurance	$142	$1,706
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company	$151	$1,811
Allstate	$181	$2,173
Progressive	$189	$2,270
Sentry Insurance	$291	$3,492

Cheapest Liability Coverage in South Carolina

Based on the driver profile of a 35-year-old with good credit and a clean driving history, the average estimate for a minimum coverage policy in South Carolina is $701 per year or $58 per month. That’s just around 12% more expensive than the national minimum coverage estimate of $627 per year. The table below shows which providers offer the cheapest minimum coverage policies for South Carolina drivers.

Cheapest Liability Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$19	$225
Geico	$39	$468
USAA	$40	$484
Auto-Owners Insurance	$43	$511
State Farm	$46	$548
Allstate	$54	$646
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company	$57	$688
Travelers	$68	$814
Progressive	$68	$816
Sentry Insurance	$151	$1,810

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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes South Carolina

Age, driving history and a person’s credit scores can impact the cost of car insurance in South Carolina. Below we compare cheap car insurance rates for South Carolina drivers in these categories.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for Young Drivers

Young drivers will pay more than adults for car insurance. The tables below go over price estimates for drivers at different ages.

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds

The cheapest rate we found for a 16-year-old South Carolinian driver was from American National Insurance for $3,928 per year, or $327 per month. The average rate estimate for a 16-year-old driver in South Carolina is $6,491 per year, or $541 per month.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$327	$3,928
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company	$360	$4,323
Geico	$379	$4,548
Travelers	$392	$4,705
Auto-Owners Insurance	$441	$5,289

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds

At $1,843 per year, or $154 per month, American National Insurance offers the cheapest estimate on car insurance for a 17-year-old driver in South Carolina. The average rate estimate for a 17-year-old driver in South Carolina is $5,662 per year, or $472 per month. That’s around 223% more than the average estimate for a 35-year-old driver in the Palmetto State ($1,751 per year).

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$154	$1,843
Auto-Owners Insurance	$259	$3,113
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company	$285	$3,418
State Farm	$305	$3,658
Travelers	$319	$3,830

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds

Our team found that American National Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance estimate for an 18-year-old South Carolina driver at $1,690 per year, or $141 per month. The average rate estimate for an 18-year-old South Carolina driver is $5,099 per year, or $425 per month. That’s around 191% more than the average estimate for a 35-year-old driver in the state.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$141	$1,690
Auto-Owners Insurance	$235	$2,819
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company	$259	$3,109
Travelers	$269	$3,232
State Farm	$270	$3,235

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds

For 21-year-old South Carolina drivers, American National Insurance offers the cheapest estimate on a car insurance policy at $1,108 per year, or $92 per month. The average rate estimate for a 21-year-old South Carolina driver is $2,742 per year, or $229 per month. This is around 57% higher than the state average estimate for a 35-year-old driver.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$92	$1,108
Geico	$151	$1,806
USAA	$163	$1,950
Auto-Owners Insurance	$163	$1,952
Travelers	$174	$2,092

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds

At $857 per year, or $71 per month, American National Insurance tends to offer the cheapest insurance estimate for a 25-year-old driver in South Carolina. The average rate estimate in South Carolina for a 25-year-old driver is $2,197 per year, or $183 per month. 

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$71	$857
USAA	$142	$1,707
Travelers	$145	$1,736
Geico	$155	$1,860
Southern Farm Bureau	$187	$2,245

Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina for Adult Drivers

The cost of car insurance declines as you age on average. Good drivers in their 30s, 40s and 50s have the lowest rates. After that, rates can increase as drivers enter their 70s.

Cheap South Carolina Car Insurance for 35-year-olds

Our rate data shows American National Insurance is the cheapest option for 35-year-olds with average costs of $65 per month or $783 per year. Geico and USAA are two other affordable options.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$65	$783
Geico	$121	$1,452
USAA	$124	$1,486
State Farm	$136	$1,632
Travelers	$137	$1,642

Cheap South Carolina Car Insurance for 45-year-olds

American National Insurance wins a spot once again for the cheapest full coverage for 45-year-olds. Its rates average $61 per month or $727 per year for good drivers. USAA comes in second place for this age group.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$61	$727
USAA	$118	$1,417
Geico	$121	$1,452
Travelers	$126	$1,515
State Farm	$135	$1,616

Cheap South Carolina Car Insurance for 55-year-olds

American National Insurance comes out on top for cheap coverage for 55-year-olds. This age group pays $56 per month or $666 per year for full coverage from the company. Geico and USAA are two other affordable options in the state.

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$56	$666
Geico	$111	$1,333
USAA	$113	$1,360
Travelers	$117	$1,401
State Farm	$128	$1,535

Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina for High-Risk Drivers

Your age is one of the biggest factors in your insurance premiums, but it isn’t the only one. Other factors related to your driving and credit histories can also have a significant influence on your rates.

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket

A traffic violation such as a speeding ticket can cause your premiums to increase. On average, South Carolina motorists with a recent speeding ticket pay around $2,362 per year for a full coverage policy.

Car Insurance Company	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$84	$1,002
Geico	$121	$1,452
State Farm	$144	$1,728
USAA	$153	$1,834
Southern Farm Bureau	$163	$1,961

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a Recent Accident

If you’re found at fault for a car accident, you can expect to see your car insurance premiums go up. On average, South Carolina drivers with a recent accident on their record pay around $2,496 per year for full coverage auto insurance.

Car Insurance Company	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$86	$1,028
State Farm	$158	$1,906
Travelers	$178	$2,138
Geico	$180	$2,156
USAA	$182	$2,189

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI

A DUI on your driving record means you’ll face substantially higher rates for coverage. On average, drivers with a DUI pay around $2,747 per year for full coverage insurance in South Carolina.

Car Insurance Company	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
American National Insurance	$94	$1,126
State Farm	$144	$1,728
Southern Farm Bureau	$176	$2,110
Travelers	$187	$2,238
USAA	$230	$2,763

Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With Poor Credit

Having a poor credit score in South Carolina can increase the cost of your insurance substantially. Drivers in the Palmetto State with a poor credit score pay an average of $3,421 per year for full coverage car insurance.

Car Insurance Company	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
USAA	$189	$2,269
American National Insurance	$220	$2,635
Travelers	$222	$2,667
Geico	$266	$3,194
Southern Farm Bureau	$269	$3,224

Car Insurance Deals in South Carolina

Auto insurance companies in South Carolina offer a variety of different discount opportunities for motorists. Depending on your driving profile, you may be eligible for different savings. It can be a good idea whether you are shopping for insurance or have a policy to contact your agent to see which discounts you qualify for. The table below shows the discounts offered by the top providers in South Carolina.

South Carolina Car Insurance Discounts	Progressive	USAA	Geico	State Farm
Multi-policy	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Multi-vehicle	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Safe driver	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Student	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Defensive driving		✔️	✔️	✔️
Driver training		✔️	✔️	✔️
New vehicle		✔️	✔️	✔️
Car safety equipment		✔️	✔️	✔️
Loyalty	✔️	✔️	✔️
Military		✔️	✔️

Car Insurance Discounts in South Carolina

South Carolina may not be on the expensive side compared to some other states for car insurance, but it’s still a good idea to look into which discounts are available to you. While each provider is unique in the exact discounts that they offer, here is a breakdown of the most common types of car insurance discounts:

• Multi-policy: Bundling two or more insurance policies with the same company
• Multi-vehicle: Combining auto insurance policies or insuring multiple cars under the same policy
• Military: Applies whether you’re an active military member or veteran
• Senior: Senior motorists who are over 55 tend to be eligible
• Homeowners: If you own a home, you may qualify for this discount
• Good student: Usually for students in college or high school who maintain a B average in their courses
• Good driver: Applies to drivers with a clean driving record, meaning no at-fault accidents, DUIs, or speeding tickets in the last three years
• Defensive driving: Take a defensive driving course to qualify for this discount
• Driver training: Get a discount by taking a driver education course
• New car: Drivers who purchase a new car — typically three model years or newer — will qualify
• Safe car: For cars that have safety features such as anti-theft technology
• Paperless: Go paperless for billing and paperwork to earn this discount
• Pay-in-full: Pay your full insurance policy up front to qualify

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Best Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina

For those who would like to know about the cheapest auto insurance in the Palmetto State, the sections below contain more detailed information:

In South Carolina, these factors include:

• Age
• Marital status
• Driving record
• Gender listed on your license
• Credit score
• Location

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South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements

South Carolina is an at-fault state. That means that the responsibility for damages falls on the driver who is ruled at fault for an accident and their insurer. Fault-based states typically have lower rates for auto insurance than no-fault states, which is part of the reason why rates in South Carolina are below the national average.

Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina law mandates that all drivers carry minimum amounts of coverage, including:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $25,000 per accident ($200 deductible)

When you shop for car insurance in South Carolina, you’ll see companies add underinsured motorist coverage to your quote. The state requires companies to offer this coverage, but you can decline it.

Additional Coverage for Car Insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina car insurance coverage requirements are standard fare in comparison to what other states require. However, state minimum liability car insurance only covers vehicle damage and medical bills for other people in accidents you cause. You may want to add the following options to cover your vehicle damage and medical bills after at-fault accidents or non-collision damage:

• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive insurance
• Medical payments (MedPay)

Is It Illegal To Not Have Car Insurance in South Carolina?

It is illegal to drive a car without proper insurance in South Carolina. If you’re found guilty of driving a vehicle without insurance, the South Carolina DMV (SCDMV) will suspend your license and registration until you pay a $600 uninsured motorist fee. In addition, you will also have to get your insurer to file a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) for three years after your license is suspended.

How To Get Car Insurance in South Carolina

Rates and plans vary by provider, so what’s right for you might not be right for others. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes when you shop. We recommend getting quotes from Geico, USAA, Progressive and Nationwide in your search for car insurance in South Carolina.

Car Insurance South Carolina: The Bottom Line

In this article, we reviewed the cheapest auto insurance companies, coverage and rates in the state of South Carolina. We also looked at average cost of car insurance and coverage requirements in the Palmetto State.

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Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina: FAQ

Below are some common frequently asked questions about cheap car insurance in South Carolina:

How much is car insurance in South Carolina?

Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $1,845 per year, though policies can be found for as little as $65 per month. South Carolina’s average is slightly lower than the national average of $2,008 per year.

Why is South Carolina car insurance so high?

South Carolina car insurance is expensive because about 12% of drivers are uninsured in the state, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Car insurance prices can also fluctuate based on extreme weather, such as hail and high winds.

What is nonstandard auto insurance?

Nonstandard auto coverage is insurance offered to drivers who are considered to be the highest risk. Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents, traffic violations or other blemishes on their driving record may need to seek out nonstandard auto insurance.