Car Insurance in South Carolina
- Auto-Owners offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in SC
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in SC from Progressive, Allstate and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
Car insurance in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers pay on average $1,147 every six months for auto insurance — compared to the national average rate, it's slightly less expensive.[1] Around 41% of South Carolina drivers say they are paying too much for car insurance.[2]
In our guide to South Carolina car insurance, we've analyzed average rates to help you find an affordable policy that meets your needs. Keep reading to discover more or enter your ZIP code above to get personalized insurance quotes from top companies.
- Auto-Owners' average monthly cost of $128 is cheaper than South Carolina's average of $202 a month.
- See the other cheapest full coverage insurance companies and best discounts in South Carolina ↓
- The Zebra recommends Auto-Owners for its mix of great customer satisfaction, affordable prices and great coverage options.
- Read more about why we consider State Farm a good choice for most South Carolinians ↓
- In J.D. Powers' annual study customer satisfaction survey, State Farm scored best for available carriers in South Carolina, coming in with a score of 673 (out of 1,000).[3]
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in South Carolina ↓
- USAAÂ offers the lowest full coverage insurance at $46 per month.
- Read about the rest of the cheapest liability companies in South Carolina ↓
We at The Zebra recommend starting, not finishing, your search for cheap car insurance coverage in South Carolina with these companies. Remember to get customized quotes to see if our recommendations are the right fit for your needs.
Cheap full coverage in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the average cost for a 6-month policy with $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles is approximately $1,147.[1] About 47% of drivers in South Carolina get quotes for full coverage.[2]
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $767 | $128 |
| USAA | $832 | $139 |
| Travelers | $897 | $150 |
| Allstate | $940 | $157 |
| Progressive | $1,005 | $167 |
| State Farm | $1,353 | $225 |
| GEICO | $1,457 | $243 |
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.
Though this is notably higher than liability-only insurance in the state, The Zebra generally advises adding comprehensive and collision coverage (together known as full coverage) if your vehicle's value exceeds $4,000. This recommendation stems from the fact that liability-only insurance doesn't sufficiently cover expenses from car accidents, thefts, vandalism, or weather incidents.
Zebra tip: Look for these car insurance discounts
While full coverage is more expensive than liability-only, you can reduce costs with these discounts:
- Driver incentives: Good driver, good student, bundling (multi-policy), multi-car, homeowner, military
- Payment options: Pay-in-full, electronic bill pay, advance purchase
- Vehicle-related discounts: Anti-theft devices, telematics (safety devices), new vehicle discounts, low annual mileage
- Other savings: Paperless billing, automatic payments, defensive driving courses
What are the best car insurance companies in South Carolina?
We don't select the best companies based solely on whether they are cheap. Instead, our choices are guided by a combination of good value, comprehensive coverage, and a solid reputation. We prioritize affordable companies that have stellar track records for customer service, ensuring that you not only get a good deal but also reliable support when you need it most. Auto-Owners Insurance is a prime example, offering excellent coverage and outstanding service at competitive rates, making it a top choice on our list.
Auto-Owners was near the top of the list for The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey and scores well on many other third-party ratings including J.D. Power.[3]Â Along with that, Auto-Owners provides great coverage options at affordable prices. For those reasons, we feel that Auto-Owners car insurance is a top option for most South Carolina drivers.
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Affordable rates
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Generally good customer satisfaction scores
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Robust coverage options
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Variety of discounts
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Limited availability
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Lackluster digital experience (mobile and online options)
Best car insurance in South Carolina — honorable mentions
While Auto-Owners is our overall recommendation, other companies are worth considering, too. For this list, we used ratings from the J.D. Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, which collected responses from 2,722 drivers to help us determine which companies were making customers happiest.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $767 | $128 |
| Allstate | $940 | $157 |
| Progressive | $1,005 | $167 |
| State Farm | $1,353 | $225 |
Source: The Zebra
How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in South Carolina?
Our recommendation for "best value" is based on:
- The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power's 2024 Auto Insurance Study
- Each company's average cost of car insurance in South Carolina
- Available coverage options
- The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience
Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.
For more information, see our editorial standards page.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in South Carolina.
Cheap liability insurance in South Carolina
Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper, but at the risk of leaving you far less protected. In South Carolina, the average cost for minimum coverage is $444 per six-month policy, quite a bit cheaper when compared to full coverage.
According to our data, 53% of shoppers with The Zebra have minimum coverage.[2] The cheapest companies for liability coverage are USAA and Auto-Owners.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $275 | $46 |
| Auto-Owners | $327 | $54 |
| Allstate | $367 | $61 |
| Travelers | $381 | $64 |
| Progressive | $398 | $66 |
| GEICO | $410 | $68 |
| State Farm | $549 | $91 |
Source: The Zebra
To drive legally in the state of South Carolina, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits. These include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage is required at the same levels: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of South Carolina with our helpful guide.
For South Carolina drivers, it's wise to upgrade to 50/100/50 coverage if the cost increase is minimal. Additionally, choose "added on" uninsured motorist (UM) coverage instead of "reduced." With "added on" UM, you benefit from the full amount of UM coverage you purchase, along with the at-fault third party’s coverage. In contrast, "reduced" UM only covers the difference between the third party’s liability limits and your own. This approach ensures you have comprehensive protection when dealing with uninsured drivers.
Ross Martin, insurance writer and content manager at The Zebra
Cost comparison: liability only vs full coverage in South Carolina
Without question, liability-only coverage is far cheaper than full coverage. This is because liability coverage typically only covers accidents or damages that you cause to others and provides no coverage to you or your vehicle. See how the prices stack up below.
Updating data...
| Company | Liability Coverage | Full Coverage | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $327 | $767 | $441 |
| USAA | $275 | $832 | $557 |
| Travelers | $381 | $897 | $516 |
| Allstate | $367 | $940 | $573 |
| Progressive | $398 | $1,005 | $607 |
| State Farm | $549 | $1,353 | $804 |
| GEICO | $410 | $1,457 | $1,047 |
Source: The Zebra
South Carolina insurance costs after an accident or ticket
If you’ve recently had an at-fault accident, finding the cheapest premiums will be tough. Just like bad credit, a spotty driving record signals risk to insurance companies. In South Carolina, an at-fault accident could increase your rate by up to $1,055 annually.
Some companies offer safe driving discounts, which can range from 5% to 10%, in addition to offering cheaper premiums for those with a clean record.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $998 | $166 |
| Travelers | $1,134 | $189 |
| USAA | $1,200 | $200 |
| Progressive | $1,549 | $258 |
| Allstate | $1,700 | $283 |
| State Farm | $1,756 | $293 |
| GEICO | $1,857 | $310 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra tip: Think about claim satisfaction
While you never aim to actually use your insurance coverage, it's crucial that the experience be a good one if you need to make a claim. According to our survey, Auto-Owners and USAA are good choices.Â
Receiving a ticket or citation will make your premium go up — sometimes, to unaffordable levels depending on the seriousness of the violation. It's difficult to say how much exactly you can expect your rate to increase because every company's pricing standards are different. However, we can provide general estimates.
See below for average auto insurance rates in South Carolina after a few common citations.
Source: The Zebra
Driving in South Carolina as a high-risk driver
If you have a DUI, driving without insurance or other serious infraction on your driving record, you're not just looking at higher rates — you might also face more complex insurance issues.
Explore our guide to navigating car insurance as a high-risk driver in South Carolina and find more details for DUIs and SR-22s below.
South Carolina DUI laws
According to our data, getting a DUI in South Carolina can increase your car insurance rate by 62%. Finding affordable coverage with a DUI on your record can pose a challenge as it often causes your insurance cost to surge higher than many other violations.
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 important to compare your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in South Carolina, Travelers, advertises annual rates 40% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in South Carolina is State Farm, while the most expensive is GEICO, with prices 2% above average.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,964 |
| State Farm | $2,413 |
| Progressive | $2,611 |
| USAA | $2,799 |
| Allstate | $2,972 |
| GEICO | $3,346 |
Source: The Zebra
There is no company in particular that offers a rate for drivers with a DUI that's comparable to a rate without a DUI on your record. The best way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.
South Carolina SR-22 insurance
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.
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How to acquire an SR-22 in South Carolina
For currently insured drivers
If you currently have auto insurance, obtaining an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your insurer isn’t willing to request a certificate, you'll need to look for a new car insurance company.
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For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might face an additional fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form on your behalf and cover your more riskier driving profile. Needing an SR-22 could keep you from being insured by some carriers, while others would be happy to cover you.
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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. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.
Insider knowledge, trusted guidance
Our licensed agents are just a phone call away.
Find the best coverage and price in South Carolina with The Zebra.
Car insurance price trends in South Carolina
In recent years, South Carolina has seen significant fluctuations in car insurance premiums. In 2024, the average annual premium rose to $2,148, up by $413 from the previous year. This follows 2023, where premiums were more affordable at $1,735, having actually decreased from the year before.
Overall, the past few years have shown a mix of increases and decreases, highlighting the dynamic nature of car insurance costs nationwide. Overall, staying informed by shopping around can help you find the most affordable rates.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — South Carolina | Yearly Change — South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,148 | $413 |
| 2023 | $1,735 | -$290 |
| 2022 | $2,025 | $453 |
| 2021 | $1,572 | $106 |
| 2020 | $1,466 | $54 |
| 2019 | $1,412 | -$2 |
| 2018 | $1,414 | $3 |
| 2017 | $1,411 | $135 |
| 2016 | $1,276 | $52 |
| 2015 | $1,224 | $109 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Find an affordable policy in South Carolina in minutes!
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in South Carolina
Nationally, teens and drivers in their 20s pay the highest rates for car insurance. This is because young drivers are relatively inexperienced compared to older drivers, so insurers consider younger drivers a higher risk.
In South Carolina, teens pay $4,832 per year, which is significantly more than the national average and 207% more than a 30-year-old South Carolina driver.
The best companies for young drivers in South Carolina are Travelers and Auto-Owners.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,198 | $366 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,434 | $406 |
| Allstate | $2,732 | $455 |
| USAA | $2,791 | $465 |
| GEICO | $3,315 | $553 |
| Progressive | $4,446 | $741 |
| State Farm | $4,609 | $768 |
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,946 | $491 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,840 | $473 |
| GEICO | $3,868 | $645 |
| Progressive | $6,184 | $1,031 |
| State Farm | $6,342 | $1,057 |
| Travelers | $2,809 | $468 |
| USAA | $3,588 | $598 |
Source: The Zebra
Car insurance quotes in South Carolina cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance is found in Salem and the most expensive in Crocketville.
Have a look at the table below to see which of South Carolina's biggest cities have the cheapest auto insurance quotes.
Updating data...
| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant | $1,162 | $194 |
| Rock Hill | $1,194 | $199 |
| Columbia | $1,247 | $208 |
| Charleston | $1,301 | $217 |
| North Charleston | $1,347 | $225 |
Source: The Zebra
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding South Carolina auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
J.D. Power. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN SC
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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.