Car Insurance in South Carolina
- Encompass offers the cheapest liability at $58/mo.
- Travelers has the cheapest full coverage at $154/mo.
Enter your ZIP code to start your search for South Carolina car insurance:
The Zebra works with 100+ insurance partners to connect you with the best coverage in South Carolina at the right price.
About The Zebra's recommendations
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…
Credentials
- 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
Drew joined The Zebra as a Senior Content Specialist in 2026, bringing more than a decade of content writing and research experience to help develop …
Credentials
- SEO Copywriting Certification — SEO Content Institute
Car insurance quotes in South Carolina
The average car insurance rate in South Carolina is $1,287 for a six-month policy — 11% more expensive than the U.S. average.[1] For a minimum (liability-only) policy, the average cost is $502 or $84 per month.
According to our data, 41% of South Carolinians believe they’re overpaying for car insurance.[2] Yet, many are still open to paying a premium for exceptional customer service and more extensive coverage options.
Cheapest full coverage in SC
- Travelers offered the cheapest full coverage in South Carolina at $154/mo.
Best customer service in SC
- Nationwide scored 685 in JD Power's latest study — the highest in South Carolina.
Cheapest liability coverage in SC
- Encompass offered the cheapest liability coverage in South Carolina at $58/mo.
Cheap full coverage insurance in South Carolina
In 2026, the average cost of full coverage insurance in South Carolina is $1,287 for a six-month policy. Full coverage is a popular choice here, with 47% of The Zebra’s South Carolina customers opting for quotes that offer this more comprehensive protection.[2]
While full coverage may cost more than basic liability insurance, it’s worth the investment for peace of mind. If you’re looking to get the best deal on full coverage, start by checking out quotes from Travelers — as our latest data shows they have the cheapest rates in South Carolina.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $924 | $154 |
| Allstate | $1,007 | $168 |
| USAA | $1,028 | $171 |
| Encompass | $1,041 | $173 |
| Progressive | $1,081 | $180 |
| State Farm | $1,279 | $213 |
| GEICO | $1,418 | $236 |
| Safe Auto | $2,051 | $342 |
| Bristol West | $3,171 | $528 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
What are the best car insurance companies in South Carolina?
We’ve named Nationwide as South Carolina's top car insurance provider. Our decision is based on a combination of consumer feedback, expert evaluations from sources like JD Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best, as well as a thorough review of their discounts and coverage options.
Add insurance companies to the tool below to see how each stacks up against our pick on a national level.
You've done your research. Let us take it from here
Way to go — this part isn’t easy! We’ll make the next step as simple as we can. Tell us a little more about yourself to start a quote.
Cheap liability insurance in South Carolina
The average cost for liability insurance in South Carolina is $502 for a 6-month policy.[1] For our user profile, Encompass offers the most affordable liability insurance options in the state at $58/mo.
According to our data, 53% of South Carolina drivers carry only the state-required liability coverage.[2] In South Carolina, the law mandates minimum liability limits of 25/50/25. Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of South Carolina with our helpful guide.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $333 | $55 |
| Encompass | $348 | $58 |
| GEICO | $400 | $67 |
| Travelers | $407 | $68 |
| Progressive | $411 | $69 |
| Allstate | $420 | $70 |
| Auto-Owners | $433 | $72 |
| State Farm | $606 | $101 |
| Safe Auto | $959 | $160 |
| Bristol West | $1,282 | $214 |
Source: The Zebra
If another driver causes an accident in South Carolina, you may be able to recover compensation not only for the cost of repairing your vehicle, but also for its diminished value—the reduction in your vehicle's market value after the accident, even if it has been fully repaired.[4] Because a vehicle with an accident history is often worth less than one that has never been damaged, South Carolina law allows eligible drivers to pursue compensation for that loss from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
Renata Balasco, licensed agent and insurance writer at The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Liability Coverage - 6mo | Full Coverage - 6mo |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $333 | $1,028 |
| Travelers | $407 | $924 |
| State Farm | $606 | $1,279 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $433 | $914 |
| Sentry | $1,324 | $3,085 |
| Progressive | $411 | $1,081 |
| GEICO | $400 | $1,418 |
| Encompass | $348 | $1,041 |
| Bristol West | $1,282 | $3,171 |
| Auto-Owners | $433 | $881 |
| American National | $192 | $501 |
| Allstate | $420 | $1,007 |
Source: The Zebra
Local insights
Drivers near you in South Carolina weigh in
"AAA was the cheapest for us"
-Reddit user on r/South Carolina
"GEICO has been the cheapest my wife and i have found in a while. Nationwide was a close second."
-Reddit user on r/South Carolina
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in South Carolina.
Car insurance in popular South Carolina cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and the most expensive in Summerville, South Carolina.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of South Carolina's biggest cities.
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
Source: The Zebra
Expert knowledge, trusted guidance
With over 6 years of industry experience spanning commercial and personal insurance lines, Nicholas is a dedicated insurance professional lending his…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Amber Vigil has three years of experience in the insurance industry and joined The Zebra in 2024. As manager, she leads a group of sales agents, ensu…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Erick began his insurance career at The Zebra in 2020, starting in an unlicensed role assisting customers before earning his Property & Casualty lice…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
South Carolina auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
In any state, companies see at-fault accidents as a sign of risk. On average, an at-fault accident will raise your rate by $590. This will vary considerably by company so we stress shopping around — especially if you've had an accident. Below are the top companies in South Carolina with and without an at-fault accident.
Source: The Zebra
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra's guide to South Carolina car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
For high-risk drivers in South Carolina with serious infractions like a DUI or reckless driving, the consequences extend far beyond fines — they can significantly impact your car insurance. These violations often lead to higher premiums, potential policy cancellations, and challenges in finding coverage.
Understanding South Carolina's insurance requirements is crucial for staying on the road legally. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the essentials, from mandatory coverage to the penalties for non-compliance, helping you navigate the complexities of high-risk auto insurance in the state.
South Carolina DUI laws
In South Carolina, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium substantially. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in South Carolina
If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in South Carolina, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. Check out the table below to see average rates by top insurers in South Carolina.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,277 | $213 |
| Progressive | $1,410 | $235 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,787 | $298 |
| Allstate | $1,804 | $301 |
| State Farm | $1,840 | $307 |
| USAA | $1,920 | $320 |
| GEICO | $2,197 | $366 |
| Safe Auto | $2,831 | $472 |
| Encompass | $3,793 | $632 |
| Bristol West | $3,912 | $652 |
Source: The Zebra
There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
South Carolina SR-22 laws
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of South Carolina to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in South Carolina might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
How to acquire an SR-22 in South Carolina
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.
Find an affordable policy in South Carolina in minutes!
How have car insurance costs in South Carolina changed?
South Carolina, like many East Coast states, has seen car insurance premiums climb in recent years as severe weather has become more frequent and costly. Hurricanes, flooding, wind damage, and falling trees are all typically covered under comprehensive insurance. When insurers pay more of these weather-related claims, the overall cost of doing business rises. A cost they will pass on to their customers.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — South Carolina |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $2,293 |
| 2025 | $2,528 |
| 2024 | $2,148 |
| 2023 | $1,735 |
| 2022 | $2,025 |
| 2021 | $1,572 |
| 2020 | $1,466 |
| 2019 | $1,412 |
| 2018 | $1,414 |
| 2017 | $1,411 |
| 2016 | $1,276 |
| 2015 | $1,224 |
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding South Carolina auto insurance.
-
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
-
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
-
U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
-
Diminished Value Claims. Value Claims statute
Diminished Value Claims. Value Claims statute
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN SC
What do I do if a person hit me from the back and now is claiming to their insurance that I hit them?
Will The Hartford lower my rate if I'm not driving very much?
How can I get cheaper insurance after a reckless driving charge?
Can I suspend insurance on a vehicle I am financing?
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
