Table of contents
How much is car insurance in Columbia?
| Area | Average Monthly Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Columbia | $109 |
| SC | $99 |
| United States | $80 |
Looking at the chart above, you can see that it is around $10 a month more expensive to insure your vehicle in Columbia than it is in the rest of South Carolina.
If you're considering relocating to Columbia from out of state, you may want to budget a little extra for your insurance. The cost of insuring a vehicle in Columbia is about $29 more expensive than the average rate for the rest of the U.S.
Bear in mind that while these rates represent the expected monthly payments for COLUMBIA residents, it doesn't mean that's what you'll pay. There are a number of factors that determine how much insurance companies might charge you to insure your vehicle. Things like gender, vehicle make and model, driving record, age and, in some areas, credit score can all affect your monthly premium.
But don't worry, we've broken down the average rate for Columbia residents based on several different factors so that you can get a more accurate idea of your policy's monthly premium. And if you're not sure if you're getting the cheapest rate, simply enter your ZIP below and find out in just minutes!
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age
| Age Range | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | Not Enough Data |
| 18-24 | $173 |
| 25-34 | $109 |
| 35-44 | $95 |
| 45-54 | $79 |
| 55-64 | $79 |
| 65+ | $84 |
Generally speaking, the older you are, the more experience you have driving, right? That experience pays off when it comes to auto insurance. According to the table above, you can see that 18-24-year-olds pay two times as much as drivers 65 and older.
For every 10 years, you can expect to see a decrease in your monthly premium. Having said that, once you approach retirement your rates may climb back up in Columbia.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Gender
| Gender | Average |
|---|---|
| Male | $106 |
| Female | $110 |
Despite the national trend of women paying less than men for car insurance, in Columbia men actually pay $106 per month for coverage while women pay $110.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Infractions | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 1 Accident | $165 |
| Multiple Accidents | $195 |
| 1 Ticket | $136 |
| Multiple Tickets | $195 |
Your rates can vary wildly depending on your driving record. A clean driving record will get you a lower rate than one with even just a single accident or infraction. Drivers in Columbia with a single accident will pay around $136 a month. Likewise, drivers with one ticket on their record will be looking at an average rate of around $165.
Wherever you live, accidents, tickets, and other driving infractions will almost certainly drive up your monthly bill. That's why it's important to drive safely and keep your record clean so you can get keep your rates as low as possible.
Average Insurance Rates by Vehicle
| Vehicle Age | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | $117 |
| 2-3 Years | $113 |
| 4-5 Years | $113 |
| 6-7 Years | $124 |
| 8-10 Years | $110 |
| 11-14 Years | $111 |
| 15 Years or Older | $101 |
The cheapest vehicles to insure in Columbia are typically trucks and vans, with each type typically costing about $95 per month.
Car owners, on the other hand, usually pay around $110 a month, while SUV drivers can expect to pay about $107 per month for auto insurance coverage.
Your vehicle's age has an impact on the cost of your policy as well. Generally, newer vehicles are going to be the most expensive to insure. However, if your car is around 5 years old, you can expect to see your rates start dropping back down. In Columbia, vehicles six-to-seven years old are the most expensive to insure.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Relationship Status
| Relationship | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Single (never married) | $115 |
| Married | $85 |
| Divorced | $81 |
| Widowed | $85 |
More often than not, car insurance is slightly cheaper for married policyholders. This oftentimes is a result of owning multiple vehicles that are on the same policy, something that will often get you a discount.
According to the table above, the difference in rates based on relationship status in Columbia can be as much as $30 a month, so it's worth taking into consideration.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Housing Situation
| Housing Status | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Own | $94 |
| Rent | $113 |
| Live with parents | $137 |
Your housing status is another component of how insurance companies calculate your monthly rate. If you rent your home or apartment, expect to pay around $19 a month more than if you own your own home in Columbia. But if you live with your parents, your rates will be significantly higher.
That being said, many companies will offer you a discount if you bundle your homeowners or rental insurance policy with your auto insurance.
Car Insurance Companies in Columbia, SC
Recent trends in car insurance for Columbia drivers
Since average rates are constantly changing, it's a smart move to research the local trends in your area before picking an insurance policy.
The cost of car insurance in Columbia had been decreasing from 2016-2017, but began to increase in 2020. This trend has continued and car insurance rates reached a high of $138 a month in 2021.
How does Columbia compare to neighboring areas?
Why are car insurance rates in Columbia different from other areas?
When considering how much to charge for a monthly rate, car insurance companies will consider a variety of factors. The specifics of where you live and drive will have an impact on your personal policy. This might include things like:
- Total number of drivers in the region
- Off-street parking accessibility
- Laws
- General road safety (how many accidents each locality has)
- Crime
You can't change these factors yourself, but they're something to take into consideration when shopping for a new policy or looking to move into an area. Different cities and towns will each have different rates, so guides like these are a handy way to learn more.
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Columbia?
Equipping yourself with information about the average costs for drivers in your area will better prepare you for the real deal. The only way to know for sure what your rate will be is by asking for a quote from car insurance companies.
But hold on! Compare.com will handle the heavy lifting for you. Just type in your ZIP Code below, respond to a few questions, and you'll be comparing the cheapest quotes from several of the car insurance companies providing policies in Columbia.
Columbia Insurance FAQs
What factors affect car insurance quotes in Columbia?
Car insurance companies calculate quotes based on a wide array of factors. These include things you can't control like your age and gender but also factors like your vehicle's year, make and model, plus your marital status, address, credit score, and driving record.
Why is the cost of car insurance in Columbia different from other neighboring cities?
Local laws, crime rates, and parking situations -- all of which can change from city to city -- play a large role in the rates that car insurance companies may charge for coverage.
Which car insurance company will offer me the cheapest rate in Columbia?
There isn't one company that can guarantee the cheapest rate to everybody, since the rates they charge for coverage are calculated based off of factors that can vary from person to person, such as vehicle make and model, driving record, and number of drivers on the policy. By using sites like Compare.com to compare multiple quotes simultaneously, you can rest assured that you're getting the best price available.
Do I need to change my insurance if I move to Columbia?
Any major life event, whether it be moving to a new area, finding a new job, getting married, or any other notable event always presents a good opportunity to re-evaluate your current insurance policy. Regardless of your previous rate, there may be cheaper options in your new location, so it's a good idea to use services like Compare.com to compare quotes from dozens of companies side-by-side.
Do I need to wait for my policy to expire to switch to a different car insurance company?
No. Regardless of how much time is left on your current policy, you can switch companies at any time. So, whether you're considering moving to Columbia or just curious if you're getting the best rates, why not take 10 minutes and see if Compare.com can save you some extra cash?