Cheap South Carolina Car Insurance

Across the Palmetto State, there are 139,690 miles of road just waiting to be driven. Learn about average insurance rates in SC for a variety of driving profiles and check out insurance quotes from inexpensive, quality companies in your state.

Affordable insurance companies in South Carolina

Compare quotes from dozens of companies that provide coverage throughout South Carolina. Enter your ZIP code below to get started.

Cheap auto insurance for good drivers in South Carolina

Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. South Carolina drivers without a recent at-fault accident typically save 31% on their car insurance premiums — nearly matching the 32% US average. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in South Carolina

Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In South Carolina, the typical teen driver pays $4,742 annually, which aligns with the national average for teens. Teen drivers in South Carolina pay approximately three times as much as do older drivers.

Cheap auto insurance for bad drivers in South Carolina

If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 33% after a DUI, 31% after an at-fault accident, and 16% after a speeding ticket in South Carolina. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in South Carolina are near nationwide averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.

Top rated car insurance companies in South Carolina

Every car insurer boasts about its low rates. But just like with any service, the least expensive option isn't always the best. Considering the stakes, it's worth doing the due diligence to obtain an auto policy that covers your car completely after an accident. It's worth contrasting options to discover a great value, rather than settling for the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina.

Review top insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the level of service they will provide. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and running from "Poor" to "Superior" — evaluates an insurer's financial strength and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.

South Carolina auto insurance laws

In South Carolina, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:

Liability:

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Uninsured Motorist:

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Optional coverage in South Carolina (varies by carrier):

• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Loan/Lease Payoff
• Medical Payments
• Rental Car Reimbursement
• Roadside Assistance
• Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
• Underinsured Motorist Property Damage

For the legal minimum coverage level in South Carolina, prepare to pay an average of $693 per year. This is pricier than the U.S. average by 5%. If you opt for more comprehensive coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by vehicle collisions, theft, or weather conditions. However, better insurance coverage comes at a price: in South Carolina, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,240, 79% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 97% more than you might for basic coverage.

Learn more about car insurance laws in South Carolina.

How tickets change insurance rates in South Carolina

If you get a ticket, your auto insurance rates will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurance company's pricing strategy, and differences in local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

Below is a snapshot of average auto insurance rates in South Carolina after a few common violations.

South Carolina car insurance FAQs

Who has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?

The Hartford ($380 per six-month policy) and USAA ($658) are the cheapest providers in South Carolina. If you do not qualify for these companies, consider GEICO, Progressive and State Farm.

How much is car insurance in SC?

Car insurance in South Carolina is slightly less costly than the national average. A liability-only policy will set you back $346 per six-month policy, and a full coverage policy costs $684.

Is it illegal to drive without insurance in SC?

Yes, it is illegal to drive without insurance in South Carolina. If you're struggling to pay for auto insurance, let us help. Use our comparison tool to see how much you could be saving for full or liability coverage.