How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in South Carolina
To find the best car insurance rate for your unique driving profile and vehicle, it’s best to shop around and compare quotes from multiple different carriers.
Jerry Insurance Agency takes pride in providing thousands of South Carolina drivers with a fast and seamless insurance shopping experience—including cross-company quote comparisons.
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Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The General | $337 | Marguerite, 40, Summerville, SC | Kia Cadenza Limited | State Minimum | No |
| National General | $692 | Calvin, 39, Charleston, SC | Porsche Macan | State Minimum | Yes |
| National General | $1,005 | Stephen, 31, Columbia, SC | Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $183 | Irene, 35, West Columbia, SC | Dodge Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | Yes |
| Dairyland | $479 | Harold, 52, North Charleston, SC | Chevrolet Impala Ltz | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
Looking for the most affordable car insurance rates in South Carolina? To uncover the truth about insurance shopping in the Palmetto State—and the nation—Jerry administered the largest insurance shopping survey in the United States.
Our survey shows that there isn’t a single car insurance provider that consistently offers the most affordable rates to every driver. Each policyholder gains a different experience with unique rates from each carrier.
_ is commonly considered to be the cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina—but customers in our survey rated it _ out of 5 for prices. Some customers found their rates affordable and fair, while others claimed their premiums were expensive and constantly on the rise.
State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, and Liberty Mutual have the largest market shares in South Carolina. Take a look at what drivers had to say about these insurance providers.
| Insurance Company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Underwriters Insurance | November 1, 2024 | 4 | “Their rates at the time I thought were pretty high for liability but now 9 months later rates have literally doubled.” -Jeremiah |
| Allstate | October 30, 2024 | 5 | “I am so thankful for Allstate for the coverage and the price I’m paying less than 50 more a month for full coverage.” -Gilbert |
| AAA | October 30, 2024 | 5 | “Outstanding Company to be with. Very courteous and always pleased to help you when an accident takes place.” -Jayden |
| Bristol West | October 20, 2024 | 4 | “They gave me an affordable rate, and it saved me $60/ month vs what I was paying before!” -Winifred |
| Sun Coast General | October 20, 2024 | 4 | “Good insurance company through Allstate. Friendly customer service and hassel free. “ -Hannah |
While you could call each company or fill out lengthy online forms, the simplest way to compare car insurance quotes is through a comparison app or website.
As a top insurance agency backed by hundreds of licensed insurance agents, Jerry offers a free app that compares car insurance quotes for you and provides real-time interactive service to customers.
Minimum liability and full coverage
Under South Carolina’s car insurance laws, drivers are required to carry the state’s minimum car insurance requirements. These requirements include liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage—but drivers should consider full coverage for protection against damage to their vehicles.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in South Carolina
To legally drive in South Carolina, drivers must have a car insurance policy with the state’s minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
South Carolina has a 25/50/25 rule for minimum liability coverage. Drivers in South Carolina must have the state-required minimum of:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage at equal rates.
Here are some examples where Jerry recently assisted South Carolina drivers with fulfilling the state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
Do you need more than minimum coverage in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s 25/50/25 minimum car insurance requirements are fairly low. Whether you opt for higher liability limits or purchase full coverage insurance, most drivers require extra protection.
South Carolina is an at-fault state, so in the event of an at-fault accident, you could be responsible for vehicle repairs and medical expenses well beyond your minimum coverage. Serious injuries to another person or extreme vehicle damage can incur costs of $50,000 or more.
The bottom line: Better financial protection is the way to go. Look into full coverage or opt for 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in South Carolina
When it comes to repairing or replacing your vehicle post-accident, full coverage car insurance is the only way to ensure financial protection.
Comprehensive and collision coverage are the main markers of full coverage. Collision coverage takes care of the repair or replacement expenses if your vehicle is damaged from an accident, while comprehensive coverage provides coverage if your car is stolen or damaged due to non-collision incidents.
Leased and financed vehicles are typically required to have collision or comprehensive by the lender’s request. Displayed in the table below are recent instances of the most affordable full coverage policies obtained by customers with the assistance of Jerry’s agents.
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | No | The General | $337 | Marguerite, 40, Summerville, SC | Kia Cadenza Limited |
| State Minimum | Yes | National General | $692 | Calvin, 39, Charleston, SC | Porsche Macan |
| State Minimum | Yes | National General | $1,005 | Stephen, 31, Columbia, SC | Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $183 | Irene, 35, West Columbia, SC | Dodge Caravan Sxt |
| State Minimum | No | Dairyland | $479 | Harold, 52, North Charleston, SC | Chevrolet Impala Ltz |
Average rates for state minimum liability coverage and full coverage
Our insights show us that the average cost of minimum liability coverage in South Carolina is $169 per month or $2,027 per year. The average cost of full coverage insurance in South Carolina is $231 per month or $2,772 per year.
Average car insurance costs can give you an idea of how high or low your rates might be, but keep in mind that insurance premiums vary from driver to driver. Insurance providers calculate rates for each policyholder using multiple factors, including the type of car you drive, your driving record and insurance history, and your demographics.
South Carolina car insurance: Additional coverages
Collision and comprehensive coverage can offer added protection, but other important types of car insurance in South Carolina include:
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Towing and labor
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Gap insurance
- Roadside assistance
If you recently leased a car: Look into gap insurance. Gap insurance will cover the remainder of your lease if you owe more than the car’s value following a total loss or if you’re a victim of theft.
If you don’t own a car but rent or borrow one instead: Consider non-owner car insurance in South Carolina. Non-owner insurance offers liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. If you’re found liable in an accident, it’ll cover the liability expenses for the other party. Keep in mind it won’t cover damage to the vehicle you’re driving or personal medical bills.
Car insurance premium by rating factors
In South Carolina, auto insurance companies consider numerous factors when determining your car insurance rate:
- Your driving record and claims history: Tickets, accidents, and claims on your insurance history can impact your rates.
- Where you keep your car: Rates are typically higher for people who live and drive in populous cities. Within the same city, rates can vary based on ZIP codes.
- The kind of car you have: On average, collision and comprehensive coverage are more expensive for luxury vehicles, sports cars, and high-performance vehicles.
- How you use your car: If you drive your car to and from work or use it for work activities, your rates will likely be higher than someone who uses their vehicle leisurely.
- Your credit score: Drivers with higher credit scores usually pay less for both minimum coverage and full coverage.
Cheapest South Carolina car Insurance after a driving violation
Your driving history plays a huge part in your insurance rate. Insurance providers use your history of violations and accidents to depict your level of riskiness. High-risk drivers with greater infractions typically face the highest rates.
Cheapest car insurance for South Carolina drivers with a speeding ticket
There are different levels to speeding. You’ll find that most law enforcers classify speeding by the following degrees:
- 1-5 MPH over limit
- 6-10 MPH over limit
- 11-15 MPH over limit
- 16-20 MPH over limit
- 21+ MPH over limit.
A speeding ticket will typically impact your car insurance rate, and the higher your speed was over the limit, the worse it appears on your driving history. Jerry has assisted drivers with finding savings on car insurance even after they’ve received a citation for speeding.
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding Violation-Minor | The General | $675 | Katharine, 34, Mount Pleasant, SC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $106 | Sylvia, 39, Anderson, SC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 6-10 | National General | $400 | Luke, 32, Santee, SC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Assurance America | $182 | Ralph, 41, Aiken, SC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 1-5 | Assurance America | $269 | Della, 56, Gaffney, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina after a DUI
DUIs are one of the most serious moving violations in South Carolina. If your driving record includes a DUI violation, you’ll surely face higher than average car insurance premiums from most companies. To find the most affordable rates after a DUI, you’ll need to compare quotes from several providers.
South Carolina SR-22 insurance
High risk drivers with DUIs and other serious violations are typically required to fulfill a legal requirement known as an SR-22 filing. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, confirming that you’ve purchased the appropriate coverage levels required by South Carolina law.
If you’ve had numerous at-fault accidents, were caught driving without insurance, or if you have a history of reckless driving, you may be required to file an SR-22 in South Carolina.
Cheapest South Carolina auto Insurance after an at-fault accident
Your car accident or claims history can impact your car insurance rates, and it typically takes a while for your premiums to return to normal after a violation.
Insurance providers assess your history of accident with special focus on your at-fault collisions to determine your level of risk. High risk drivers with more than one at-fault accident will generally see the sharpest increase in their rates.
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Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not At Fault | National General | $692 | Calvin, 39, Charleston, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Not At Fault | National General | $1,005 | Stephen, 31, Columbia, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Not At Fault | Dairyland | $479 | Harold, 52, North Charleston, SC | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $305 | Bobby, 26, Easley, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Not At Fault | Gainsco | $533 | Winifred, 62, Taylors, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
FAQ
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Is South Carolina an at-fault state?
The bottom line: Opt for MedPay and collision coverage for added protection—they’ll come in handy if you’re ever found at fault for an accident.
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in South Carolina
Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and driving without insurance can all lead to higher insurance rates in South Carolina.
Here’s a list of various driving violations and how we’ve helped drivers save on their car insurance, even with these infractions on their driver profiles.
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Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Major | National General | $1,005 | Stephen, 31, Columbia, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Careless Driving | Assurance America | $526 | Mark, 23, Cowpens, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Other Minor | Progressive | $65 | Mina, 39, Myrtle Beach, SC | State Minimum | No |
| Careless Driving | Gainsco | $1,311 | Edward, 25, Summerville, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Suspension | Gainsco | $234 | Elsie, 43, Pawleys Island, SC | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest South Carolina auto insurance based on insurance history
Your insurance history refers to whether you’ve maintained insurance coverage over time. If providers notice a period in which you were not insured, your risk level increases. For this reason, any lapse in your insurance coverage can lead to higher car insurance rates.
Jerry sends helpful payment reminders to eligible customers to help them avoid late payments and coverage lapses. With the help of Jerry, you can be sure that your insurance provider views you as a low-risk policyholder.
Jerry has also helped uninsured customers or drivers with coverage lapses find savings on their new policies.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit
Most auto insurance companies use credit scores as an indicator of riskiness. Drivers with poor credit scores are typically quoted higher than those with good credit scores. This is because drivers with low credit scores are more likely to file claims.
Jerry’s data shows that average car insurance rates are 20% lower for individuals with a high credit score (over 750) than for drivers with lower credit scores (under 550).
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Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550-659 | The General | $337 | Marguerite, 40, Summerville, SC | Kia Cadenza Limited | State Minimum | No |
| 550-659 | National General | $692 | Calvin, 39, Charleston, SC | Porsche Macan | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | National General | $1,005 | Stephen, 31, Columbia, SC | Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $183 | Irene, 35, West Columbia, SC | Dodge Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | Dairyland | $479 | Harold, 52, North Charleston, SC | Chevrolet Impala Ltz | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest South Carolina car insurance by age
Your driving experience impacts the level of risk you pose to your insurance provider. Typically, young people or new drivers with limited driving experience pay more for insurance until they’re approximately 25. Car insurance rates remain steady for experienced drivers over 25 with clean records, but premiums can begin to rise again for seniors in their mid-70s.
Cheapest South Carolina car insurance for young drivers
Young drivers between the ages of 16 to 24 can expect the highest insurance rates out of all age groups in South Carolina. Teen drivers are considered especially risky and typically pay the highest for minimum liability coverage.
Since they are more likely to get into accidents, teen drivers should opt for full coverage insurance, especially if they drive a newer vehicle. The added financial protection will offer peace of mind.
Cheapest South Carolina car insurance for senior drivers
Senior drivers are at a higher risk of accidents that result in serious injuries with hefty medical bills. Due to the added risk of financial liability, drivers tend to face higher insurance rates once they reach their mid-70s.
Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
Your car insurance premiums are based on the type of car you drive as well as your personal demographics. There are different expenses associated with each vehicle, and the cost of repairs or replacement, the chances of theft, and your vehicle’s safety features will all play a part in your car insurance rate.
Popular car models for South Carolinians include:
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford F-Series
- Ram 1500/2500/3500
- Chevrolet Silverado
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | Gainsco | $533 | Winifred, 62, Taylors, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | Bristol West | $375 | Agnes, 22, North Charleston, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | Progressive | $333 | Lillian, 23, Charleston, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | Assurance America | $211 | Gary, 55, Sumter, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Nissan Altima 2.5 | National General | $287 | Terry, 36, Walterboro, SC | State Minimum | Yes |
Car insurance cost for new vs. old car
No matter where you live, newer vehicles generally cost more to insure than older vehicles. On average, vehicles older than 10 years cost around $2,042 per year to insure in South Carolina.
South Carolina cheapest car insurance by location
Amongst the other important factors that influence your car insurance rate, insurance providers also consider where you keep your car.
If you live in a high-population city, your rates will likely be higher than someone who lives in a rural neighborhood. The traffic frequency, accident rates, crime rates, and weather patterns of your city or town can all affect your insurance costs. Even different ZIP codes within the same city can have an impact.
Browse the table below to see how Jerry has helped drivers in different South Carolina cities with their insurance rates.
|
City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerville, SC | Marguerite | The General | $337 | Kia Cadenza Limited | State Minimum | No |
| Charleston, SC | Calvin | National General | $692 | Porsche Macan | State Minimum | Yes |
| Columbia, SC | Stephen | National General | $1,005 | Mercedes-Benz C 300 4Matic | State Minimum | Yes |
| West Columbia, SC | Irene | Progressive | $183 | Dodge Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | Yes |
| North Charleston, SC | Harold | Dairyland | $479 | Chevrolet Impala Ltz | State Minimum | No |
How to lower car insurance costs in South Carolina
There are a few common ways to lower your car insurance costs. Here are the top recommendations from Jerry’s team of licensed insurance agents:
- Research different providers and compare quotes.
- Bundle different insurance products (i.e. car insurance, homeowners insurance, rental insurance) for a multi-policy discount.
- Ask your provider about your eligibility for insurance discounts, such as good student discounts, good driver discounts, loyalty discounts, defensive driving discounts, low mileage discounts, and discounts for vehicle anti theft devices and safety technology.
- Increase your deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Improve your credit score.
- Take a defensive driving course (discounts may apply).
- Think about removing collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars.
Why car insurance is so expensive in South Carolina
Car insurance in South Carolina may be expensive due to:
- Populous cities, more drivers: South Carolina is made up of over 5 million residents, not to mention hundreds of daily tourists who keep the roads busy.
- Uninsured drivers: South Carolina is ranked #28 for uninsured drivers in the country.
- High cost of auto parts and repairs: Vehicle repairs, auto parts, and general new car prices are on the rise.
- Expensive healthcare: The national costs and state average for health care in South Carolina are steadily increasing.
- Highway density: Major highways and state roads remain packed as population increases.
FAQ
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How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
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What is the average cost of car insurance In South Carolina?
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Why is car insurance so expensive in South Carolina?
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Who has the best cheap car insurance in South Carolina?
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What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
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Do you need car insurance in South Carolina?
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Do you need insurance to register a car in South Carolina?
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Can your car get towed for no insurance in South Carolina?
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Does insurance follow the car or the driver in South Carolina?
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What does full coverage car insurance consist of in South Carolina?
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Can you have out of state car insurance in South Carolina?
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Is PIP required in South Carolina?
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Can you have both PIP and MedPay in South Carolina?
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Why does every driver in South Carolina have to have insurance to drive?
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How long can you drive without insurance after buying a car in SC?
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Licensed Insurance Agent
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.
Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
