The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Columbia, South Carolina, in 2025

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Columbia. But your actual rates will most likely vary based on your age, driving record, and other factors.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
State farm LogoProgressive LogoAllstate LogoLiberty Mutual LogoFarmers LogoThe General Logo+120 more
Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

John Leach
Reviewed byJohn Leach
John Leach
John LeachLicensed Insurance Agent

John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).

He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.

Updated

Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.
Advertiser Disclosure

At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.

While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.

Columbia drivers pay an average of $240 per month for car insurance, according to our research. Columbia’s rates reflect the city’s moderate traffic density and crime rates, compared to other cities in South Carolina.[1]

Still, many companies offer rates well below the citywide average, including USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm. Liability-only coverage in Columbia starts as low as $68 per month.

In this article, we’ll tell you Columbia’s cheapest insurers for different drivers and how to pick the right company for your needs. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to save money on your car insurance.

Key Takeaways
  • USAA offers the cheapest rates in Columbia, at just $68 per month for liability coverage.

  • Columbia drivers pay a monthly average of $195 for liability insurance and $285 for full coverage.

  • South Carolina requires drivers to have 25/50/25 of liability coverage and 25/50 of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.[2]

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Columbia, South Carolina

Even with Columbia’s moderate average car insurance rates, several companies offer coverage well below the citywide average. The table below highlights Columbia’s most affordable insurers, based on Compare.com data.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 3 at 12:00 PM PDT
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
USAA$68
Auto-Owners$74
State Farm$76
Nationwide$112
Allstate$117
Progressive$118
Travelers$126
State Auto$154
GEICO$164
Safeco$169
National General$183
Direct Auto$185
Root$201
Dairyland$209
The General$215
Liberty Mutual$224
Bristol West$265
GAINSCO$272
AssuranceAmerica$288
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

USAA leads with the lowest monthly liability rate, at $68. The following sections break down the cheapest companies by different driver types and coverage levels.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia by Driver and Coverage Type

While these companies provide a solid starting point, your personal rates can vary dramatically based on factors like your age, driving record, ZIP code, and coverage choices. Comparing rates from companies with strong track records for drivers like you can help you find the best deal.

The table below shows Columbia’s cheapest options for different driver profiles and coverage types, according to Compare.com research.

Driver/Coverage Type
sort ascsort desc
Cheapest Insurer
sort ascsort desc
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
State-minimum coverageUSAA$68
Full coverageUSAA$111
TeensUSAA$130
SeniorsUSAA$55
Drivers with a speeding ticketUSAA$83
Drivers with an at-fault accidentUSAA$86
Drivers with a DUIUSAA$93
Drivers with excellent creditUSAA$59
Drivers with poor creditUSAA$79
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Let’s take a closer look at each category in the next sections.

Find the Best Company for You

Policies in Columbia start as low as $68 per month.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest state-minimum coverage: USAA

Columbia drivers pay an average of $195 monthly for minimum-coverage insurance, according to Compare.com data.

But most insurance experts recommend purchasing more coverage than South Carolina requires. That’s because state minimums often don’t cover the full cost of serious accidents, leaving you responsible for paying the difference out of your own pocket.[3]

But if you need liability-only coverage that meets South Carolina’s minimum requirements, the chart below highlights Columbia’s five most affordable companies.

Average Liability Rates by Company

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full coverage: USAA

Most drivers should consider full-coverage car insurance because it provides better financial protection after an accident. Full coverage typically includes comprehensive and collision insurance, in addition to South Carolina’s minimum liability and uninsured motorist requirements.

Lenders and leasing companies typically require full coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle, too.[4]

Columbia drivers pay an average of $285 monthly for full-coverage insurance. But several insurers offer full coverage for close to Columbia’s average liability-only rates.

The chart below shows Columbia’s five cheapest full-coverage options, according to Compare.com data.

Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest for teens: USAA

Teen drivers face some of the highest insurance rates of any age group. That’s because they lack driving experience and statistically cause more accidents than older drivers.[5] Teen drivers pay nearly double what drivers 20 and older pay, according to our data.

Teens in Columbia pay an average of $486 per month for auto insurance. But you can still find competitive rates if you’re a teen driver or have one on your insurance policy.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbia for teens, according to Compare.com data.

Average Rates for Teens

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest for seniors: USAA

Senior drivers typically enjoy the lowest rates of any age group. Older drivers usually have decades of experience and tend to drive more cautiously than younger motorists,[6] leading to substantially lower auto insurance premiums.

Seniors in Columbia pay an average of $205 per month for car insurance. But you can likely find even better rates from one of the companies below.

This chart shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbia for seniors, according to Compare.com data.

Average Rates for Seniors

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest after a ticket: USAA

Getting a speeding ticket typically causes your car insurance rates to go up when your policy renews[7] because insurers view traffic violations as indicators of future claim risk. Our research shows that even a single speeding ticket causes average rates to jump 28% nationwide.

Drivers with recent tickets in Columbia pay an average of $293 monthly for auto insurance. But several insurers offer lower rates.

The chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers in Columbia for drivers with recent tickets, according to Compare.com data.

Average Rates With a Ticket

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest after an accident: USAA

Causing an accident can substantially increase your auto insurance rates — much more than a speeding ticket will. At-fault accidents signal to insurers that you’re more likely to file future claims. Our research shows that a single at-fault accident increases average rates by 33% nationwide.

Columbia drivers with a recent accident pay an average of $304 per month for car insurance. But you can often find better deals with one of the five insurers in the chart below.

Average Rates With an Accident

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest after a DUI: USAA

A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction causes the steepest car insurance rate increases of any traffic violation. Our research shows average rates climb by a monumental 59% nationwide after a DUI conviction.

Getting a DUI can make finding coverage challenging because many insurers won’t offer policies to high-risk drivers.[8] But some insurers specialize in covering high-risk drivers, including people with DUIs.

Drivers with DUI convictions in Columbia pay an average of $304 per month for car insurance. But you may not have to pay these sky-high rates.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbia for people with DUIs, according to Compare.com data.

Average Rates With a DUI

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest for bad credit: USAA

Some insurance companies consider your credit history when determining rates. Insurers calculate a credit-based insurance score to predict your likelihood of missing payments or filing claims.[9] Our research shows drivers with poor credit pay 40% more for insurance than people with excellent credit.

Columbia drivers with poor credit pay a monthly average of $281 for car insurance. But not all companies use your credit history, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit.

The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbia for drivers with bad credit, according to Compare.com data.

Average Rates With Bad Credit

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Get Cheaper Rates in Minutes

Compare personalized quotes from Columbia’s top insurers.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

Historic building with neoclassical architecture, large columns, central dome, and a grand staircase, set against a cloudy sky.

South Carolina, like nearly every state, requires all drivers to have car insurance. To legally drive in the Palmetto State, you need to have at least:

  • $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage

  • $25,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage

  • $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage

  • $25,000 per accident of uninsured motorist property damage coverage

Is minimum coverage enough in Columbia?

Most experts recommend buying coverage above your state’s minimum requirements. Liability-only insurance may not give you enough coverage if you cause an accident, and you’ll need to cover any extra costs out of pocket if you don’t increase your limits. Plus, lenders usually require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your car.

Consider this scenario: If you cause an accident that results in $75,000 in medical bills for another driver, South Carolina’s $25,000 minimum would leave you personally responsible for paying the remaining $50,000 out of pocket.

Columbia Auto Insurance FAQs

Buying auto insurance can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Below, we answered some common questions from drivers about car insurance in Columbia.

  • How much is car insurance in Columbia?

    Columbia drivers pay a monthly average of $195 for liability coverage and $285 for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.

  • Is car insurance in Columbia expensive?

    Yes. Columbia drivers pay an overall average of $240 per month for car insurance — more than the national average of $149. But how much you pay for car insurance depends on several factors, including your address, driving history, age, and coverage choices.[10]

  • What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Columbia?

    USAA offers the cheapest average liability rates in Columbia, just $68 per month, according to Compare.com data.

Disclaimer

Our editorial team created this article with the help of highly trained generative AI tools. Additionally, multiple insurance experts — including at least one licensed agent — have rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and edited every word and data point you see here.

We write, edit, and review all the content on Compare.com according to our strict editorial standards, regardless of how we created it. Learn more aboutour editorial process.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates 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 the rates listed in this article have been collected 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 readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Related Articles

Sources

  1. South Carolina Department of Transportation. "Traffic Counts in South Carolina."
  2. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
  4. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "What You Should Know About Auto Insurance Coverage."
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  6. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers."
  7. Insurance Information Institute. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
  8. Insurance Information Institute. "What if I can't find auto coverage?."
  9. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores Aren’t the Same as a Credit Score. Understand How Credit and Other Factors Determine Your Premiums."
  10. Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance."
About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate