The Cheapest Auto Insurance in South Carolina in 2023

The maze of companies, policies, and rates to consider when shopping for car insurance can make your head spin. Luckily, cheap car insurance in South Carolina isn’t hard to find. Drivers pay an average cost of $117 per month for car coverage, but you might pay more or less than average based on your unique profile.

Whether you’re a new driver or looking to switch insurance companies, this article will give you the information you need to find the best policy for your situation and budget.

Key Takeaways:

• South Carolina drivers pay an average of $117 per month for car insurance.
• American National and GEICO have the cheapest auto coverage in South Carolina.
• Teenage drivers in South Carolina pay nearly three times more than the statewide average for auto insurance.

South Carolina’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Even though South Carolina’s monthly car insurance rates hover around $117, you can save on coverage and find an even more affordable policy. We’ve done the research and have the inside scoop on the best insurance companies in South Carolina.

Tied for the cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina, American National and GEICO offer budget-friendly options for car owners. But keep in mind that your own unique situation will affect the final cost.

We’ll uncover the best insurers in South Carolina for teens, seniors, drivers with tickets, drivers with clean records, and even those with car accidents or DUIs.

The Average Cost for South Carolina Car Insurance

South Carolinians fork over $117 per month, on average, for car insurance, which is $12 below the national average cost of $129. Neighboring drivers in Georgia pay $48 more each month for courage, while North Carolinians pay $36 less. South Carolina’s challenging weather conditions, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, are one of many factors that can increase insurance costs.

Rates can swing high or low, depending on several factors. Coverage level, driver age, and driving history play a role in how much you pay. We’ll explore each later on.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State Minimum Insurance: GEICO

The coverage levels you choose are a major factor in determining your car insurance costs. Liability insurance covers an injured person’s medical bills or property damage if you cause an accident. However, prices can differ by up to 37% across insurers, even for minimal insurance coverage.

Consider GEICO if affordability is important to you — it offers the cheapest state-minimum coverage in South Carolina, with an average monthly rate of $40. Other budget-friendly options include American National ($44/month), Auto-Owners ($49/month), State Farm ($58/month), and Allstate ($63/month).

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: American National

“Full-coverage” car insurance typically includes liability, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. It’s usually more expensive, but it provides more financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage.

American National has the lowest rates for full coverage auto insurance in South Carolina, at $76 per month. Getting you the right coverage is the company’s goal, so you don’t pay for coverage you don’t need. GEICO, State Farm, Auto-Owners, and Farm Bureau Insurance also top the list of insurers offering the best rates.

Compare South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age is undeniably one of the most important rating factors when it comes to car insurance. It plays a significant role for insurers to assess risk and predict your likelihood of accidents or claims.

Teens and seniors tend to have the highest premiums. Let’s examine how rates vary by age bracket and the most affordable options for each.

Cheapest car insurance for South Carolina teens: GEICO

Young drivers are notorious for being the most expensive drivers to insure. Drivers age 16 to 19 have the most accidents and are nearly three times more likely to have a fatal crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rates tend to drop as drivers approach age 25. Still, finding cheap car insurance for teens is possible in South Carolina. The data in the table above — which is based on 18-year-old drivers — shows that GEICO has the lowest auto premiums for South Carolina teens. It also has discounts for being a good student, a good driver, and part of a college or student organization.

Cheapest car insurance for South Carolina seniors: GEICO

As you approach retirement age, you’ll often enjoy some of the cheapest car insurance rates possible. Premiums can drop even more after retirement, since retirees tend to drive less frequently.

Looking at the average rates for a typical 65-year-old driver in South Carolina, you’ll see the best premiums from GEICO. American National has a cheaper full-coverage cost, but it’s only $1 less. Plus, GEICO has a senior discount program for drivers older than 50 that can make coverage even more affordable.

Compare South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

“Insurance rates vary by driver, vehicle, location, coverage, and rating features,” says Nick Schrader, a licensed insurance agent and owner of Texas General Insurance. But your driving record might be the most important factor. It provides insight into your past driving behavior and helps insurers determine your risk level.

In the next few sections, we’ll cover how different driving records can impact your costs and compare the cheapest auto insurance companies for each category.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in South Carolina: GEICO

Being a good driver means having a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets. It also means scoring some of the best quotes on South Carolina car insurance. The cheapest rates — based on drivers without accidents or tickets — come from GEICO and American National. A mere $4 difference separates the average rates between the two companies.

You’ll get up to a 22% discount from GEICO for being a good driver, which can put a big dent in your car insurance bill. With American National, you can earn cash back if you go three years without filing a claim, but only if you insure both your home and car with the company.

Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina after a ticket: GEICO

Insurance companies often view traffic violations as an indication of increased risk. It’s why you can expect higher car insurance costs after a ticket. Still, some companies are cheaper than others. The table below shows the five cheapest insurers for South Carolina drivers with a recent ticket on their records.

The cheapest coverage for drivers with a ticket comes from GEICO. But it also charges 45% more if you get caught going more than 20 mph over the speed limit.

The best premiums ultimately depend on the type of coverage you want. American General’s premiums are slightly higher for liability, but you’ll pay a little less if you have a ticket and want full coverage.

Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina after an accident: American National

Insurance companies may consider you higher risk and increase your premiums after an accident. Practicing safe habits behind the wheel can help you stay safe. “Driving too fast for conditions” is the leading cause of accidents, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

“If an operator has an at-fault accident or moving violation, they can expect to pay more for insurance,” says Schrader. You could see car insurance costs jump around 30%. Let’s look at which companies offer the best rates for South Carolina drivers with an at-fault collision.

Look at American National if you want to save after a recent accident. It has the lowest premiums for both liability-only and full-coverage policies after an accident, reducing the effect the incident can have on your wallet.

Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina after a DUI: American National

South Carolina car insurance companies will likely raise your rates after a DUI. You might see a monthly increase of $100 or more.

In addition to higher rates, you may face several driving and insurance-related consequences in South Carolina. The state can suspend your license or require you to file an SR-22 form, and your insurer could cancel your policy.

The table below showcases five companies with the cheapest rates for South Carolina drivers recently convicted of a DUI.

American National has the lowest rates, which average $15 more each month after a DUI. The company’s site lacks coverage information, but you can earn a portion of your premiums back if you go three years without filing a claim.

The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in South Carolina

Where you live in the Pelican State influences your rates, too. Population density, crime rates, and the number of accidents in a particular area change the risk level, causing local rates to go up or down.

Let’s take a look at which South Carolina cities have the cheapest average auto insurance rates.

Car insurance costs in South Carolina are generally lower in cities located in the northwest portion of the state, such as Pickens, Union, and Laurens. As you move closer to the coast, insurance premiums typically start to increase. This is likely due to the higher risk of hurricanes, flooding, and storm surge in those areas.

Prices go up as the population increases as well. Columbia has the largest population in South Carolina, followed by Charleston, and rates for both are around 40% higher than the more affordable city of Pickens.

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina

The amount you can save on car insurance depends on factors like driving history, age, and location. But a few strategies can increase your chances of getting lower car insurance quotes. Here are five tips on how to maximize savings from the experts at Compare.com:

• Maintain a good driving record: One of the most effective ways to get cheaper car insurance in South Carolina is by having a clean driving record. Avoiding accidents, traffic violations, and DUI convictions can help you qualify for lower premiums.
• Opt for higher deductibles: A higher deductible can help lower your car insurance premiums. By taking on more financial responsibility in the event of an accident, insurance companies often reward policyholders with lower rates.
• Bundle your policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with other insurance policies from the same company, such as homeowners or renters insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling, which can lead to significant savings.
• Take advantage of discounts: Be sure to ask about any available discounts when shopping for car insurance in South Carolina. Common discounts include safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and discounts for installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
• Shop regularly and compare quotes: Car insurance rates can vary quite a bit between insurance companies. When you shop around and compare quotes, you can make sure you’re getting the best possible rate for your unique situation.

It also helps to have the right amount of coverage. Let’s take a look at South Carolina’s specific auto insurance requirements.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

​​To legally drive in the Palmetto State, it’s important to understand South Carolina’s specific auto insurance requirements. The South Carolina Department of Insurance outlines the minimum-coverage limits drivers must carry. South Carolina drivers are required to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. You’re also required to carry at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.

All drivers must obtain the same coverage limits for uninsured motorist (UI) coverage, but underinsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in South Carolina

South Carolina takes its insurance requirements seriously. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will ask you to provide proof of insurance within 20 business days after canceling your coverage — and you’ll lose your driver’s license, vehicle plate, and registration if you don’t follow through. You may also pay up to $400 in fines.

If you get a ticket for not having insurance, the penalties depend on who owns the car. The state will suspend your license for 30 days and fine you $100 if you’re driving someone else’s car without insurance. And if it’s your car, the DMV will suspend your license and registration until you pay a $600 fee. You’ll also be required to file an SR-22 certificate for three years.

SR-22 auto insurance in South Carolina

An SR-22 is a form, not a type of auto insurance. You may need to file it if you’re found guilty of driving without insurance or driving under the influence.

If you need an SR-22 in South Carolina, shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rates. You can also look into defensive driving courses for potential discounts and avoid any further violations to qualify for lower premiums over time.

South Carolina Auto Insurance FAQs

Still want to learn more? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about auto insurance in South Carolina.

What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in South Carolina?

American National and GEICO tie for the lowest car insurance rates in South Carolina, with an average cost of $60 per month. However, several factors affect premiums, and the cheapest company for you depends on your situation.

How much is car insurance in South Carolina?

The average cost for car insurance in South Carolina is $117 per month. Keep in mind that this is just the average, and your actual premium may be higher or lower, depending on several important factors.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?

Pickens and Union have the lowest car insurance quotes. Drivers in these cities pay 35% less than the state average. Costs are higher in larger cities — such as Charleston and Columbia — and areas closer to the coast.

How much car insurance is required in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires a minimum amount of BI/PD and UI coverage. Policies must have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 in property damage liability insurance, and the same amount for uninsured motorist coverage.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolinians caught driving without insurance can face penalties such as fines, license and vehicle registration suspensions, and may be required to get SR-22 insurance.

Methodology:

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information. All of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources:

1. South Carolina State Climatology Office, “1991-2020 South Carolina Climate Normals* Contour Maps,” accessed July 7, 2023
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts,” Accessed July 7, 2023
3. South Carolina Department of Public Safety, “South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book 2021 Edition,” Accessed July 7, 2023
4. Municipal Association of South Carolina, “Quick Facts about SC Hometowns,” Accessed July 7, 2023
5. South Carolina Department of Insurance, “Automobile Insurance,” Accessed July 7, 2023
6. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, “Facts About Driving Uninsured,” Accessed July 7, 2023