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Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina (Oct 2024)

Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in South Carolina.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

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.
Insurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Progressive
$320
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$130
Honda Civic EX
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$78
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
AAA
$109
Subaru Outback 2.5I Premium
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$148
Honda Pilot LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 7, 2024

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 companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
Assurance America
October 2, 2024
5
"I've had no problems with this insurance company "
-Martin
USA Underwriters Insurance
October 1, 2024
4
"Good insurance company through Allstate. Friendly customer service and hassel free. "
-Jesus
AAA
October 1, 2024
5
"Outstanding Company to be with. Very courteous and always pleased to help you when an accident takes place. They make...(read more)"
-Jayden
Dairyland
September 29, 2024
5
"I believe that Dairyland has done the best they could with my insurance with the company that they are at the level t...(read more)"
-Tony
Elephant Auto Insurance
September 28, 2024
4
"Their rates at the time I thought were pretty high for liability but now 9 months later rates have literally doubled ...(read more)"
-Bill
coverageLast Updated Oct 2, 2024
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How'd we get these scores?

Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
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.
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Carrie (28 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBranchville, SC
$106
per month
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Nicholas (47 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carHonda Accord Sport
$150
per month
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Danny (36 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Altima 2.5
$226
per month
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Chris (26 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carHonda Civic EX
$130
per month
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Earl (59 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Focus S
$268
per month
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Gainsco
Randall (30 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationLexington, SC
carHyundai Elantra SE
$262
per month

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.
Lower my car insurance too!

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 CoverageInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$150
Honda Accord Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$133
Hyundai Sonata SE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
AAA
$109
Subaru Outback 2.5I Premium
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clearcover
$75
Suzuki Aerio S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
National General
$138
Buick Enclave
coverageLast Updated Oct 6, 2024

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 $0 per month or $0 per year. The average cost of full coverage insurance in South Carolina is $0 per month or $0 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:
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.

How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): South Carolina currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in South Carolina:

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 TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Progressive
$249
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Safeco
$310
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 11-15
Nationwide
$150
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 16-20
Safeco
$176
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 4, 2024

Over 3,500,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Progressive
Know problem with them, Great Company.
Dorothy
Libertymutual
Good company
April
National General
Good
Shalyn
Allstate
They always are very responsive when I have any questions and are reasonably priced
Austin

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.
Following a DUI, Jerry has helped many drivers find affordable auto insurance rates with our handy car insurance rate comparison tool.
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Louisa (32 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$64
per month
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Francis (44 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
$68
per month

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.
Accident TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$364
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$243
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Allstate
$161
• State Minimum Liability
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$190
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With Injury
Gainsco
$137
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 6, 2024

FAQ

Yes, South Carolina is an at-fault state.
While drivers are legally required to purchase liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, other forms of coverage like medical payments coverage (MedPay) and collision coverage are not required. This is because the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for the not-at-fault party’s injuries and property damage.
Although MedPay and collision coverage are not mandatory, they’re still a good idea. MedPay can pay for things that liability insurance can’t, like personal medical expenses. Additionally, collision coverage will cover repairs even if you’re found at-fault.
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.
ViolationInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Careless Driving
Progressive
$137
GMC Yukon
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Defective Equipment
Safeco
$103
Honda Accord LX
• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License
Nationwide
$114
Dodge RAM 1500
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
DUI
Travelers
$141
Ford Fusion Titanium
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Eluding Police
National General
$436
Ford Mustang
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Infinity
$265
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
• 10,000/20,000 Liability
Illegal Turn
Allstate
$462
RAM 1500 Laramie
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Improper Passing
National General
$134
Chevrolet Colorado
• State Minimum Liability
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run
Progressive
$93
Toyota Corolla
• State Minimum Liability
Open Container
State Auto
$114
Mazda 3 i
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Passing School Bus
Assurance America
$260
Cadillac SRX Luxury Collection
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Reckless Driving
Bristol West
$376
Buick Rainier CXL
• State Minimum Liability
Seat Belt
Gainsco
$260
Dodge Durango SXT
• State Minimum Liability
Speeding 16-20
Nationwide
$150
Hyundai Sonata SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding Violation-Minor
Mercury
$150
GMC Yukon
• State Minimum Liability
Suspension
Travelers
$113
Hyundai Santa FE GLS
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle
AAA
$351
Lincoln MKS
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 6, 2024

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.
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Warren (28 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Colorado
$364
per month
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Shawn (31 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carHonda Civic Sport
$207
per month
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Lida (27 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carToyota Camry L
$117
per month
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Clifford (45 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationNorth Charleston, SC
carKIA Optima LX
$194
per month
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Terry (58 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
carBuick Regal LS
$155
per month
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Jorge (34 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carNissan Altima 2.5
$272
per month

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).
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$120
Ford F450 Super Duty
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Safeco
$170
Ford Edge Titanium
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
550 - 659
Allstate
$243
Chevrolet Malibu 1LT
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Safeco
$67
Ford Escape XLT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 7, 2024

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.
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Edwin (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationEffingham, SC
carDodge Dart SE
$200
per month
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Ricardo (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Sentra S
$248
per month
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Jose (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carHonda Civic EXL
$210
per month
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Eva (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$275
per month
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Alan (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carChevrolet Impala Limited LT
$733
per month
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Effie (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carHonda Civic LX
$151
per month

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.
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Ronnie (65 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carChevrolet Equinox LT
$77
per month
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Theodore (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord Explorer Platinum
$132
per month
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Isabelle (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
250,000 per person
500,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carLexus RX 350
$149
per month
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Travis (75 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationLexington, SC
carChevrolet HHR LT
$123
per month
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Ida (65 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
carLincoln Town CAR Signature
$307
per month
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Clearcover
Viola (77 years old)
coverageCoverage
15,000 per person
30,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationCharleston, SC
carChevrolet Malibu
$118
per month

Over 3,500,000 customers and counting

We’ve earned an App Store rating of 4.7 stars for all we do to make car ownership easier.
Progressive
I had an excellent experience with my agent Stephanie Saverance.
Shanika
Progressive
So far everything is good
George
Progressive
Amazing
Natasha
Safeco
The cheapest I have found
Amy

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.
CityCustomerInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CarInsurance coverage
Rock Hill, SC
Amy, 54
Allstate
$148
Honda Pilot LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Fort Mill, SC
Eva, 48
Travelers
$84
Toyota Highlander SE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Summerville, SC
Beulah, 32
Safeco
$129
Nissan Sentra S
• No Coverage Liability
Beaufort, SC
Nannie, 39
Nationwide
$77
Honda CR-V EXL
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Taylors, SC
Frank, 62
National General
$176
Nissan Altima 2.5
• State Minimum Liability
Columbia, SC
Earl, 59
National General
$268
Ford Focus S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Sumter, SC
Aaron, 28
Bristol West
$198
Toyota Camry LE
• State Minimum Liability
Greer, SC
Melvin, 38
Gainsco
$125
Jaguar XJ8 L
• State Minimum Liability
West Columbia, SC
Jackson, 37
Dairyland
$413
Hyundai Santa FE Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Longs, SC
Walter, 27
The General
$317
Ford Mustang
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 7, 2024

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:
  1. Research different providers and compare quotes. 
  2. Bundle different insurance products (i.e. car insurance, homeowners insurance, rental insurance) for a multi-policy discount. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Increase your deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage. 
  5. Improve your credit score. 
  6. Take a defensive driving course (discounts may apply).
  7. 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.

FAQs

Car insurance rates vary from person to person and company to company in South Carolina. Each company uses a specific formula to calculate rates for each driver, so your quote from one company may be drastically different from other companies. To find the best car insurance rate, you should shop around and compare quotes from different providers.
The average car insurance cost for minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage in South Carolina is $ per month and $ per year. The average cost for full coverage insurance in South Carolina is $ per month and $ per year.
Car insurance rates in South Carolina are typically higher than other states since uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory on top of regular liability coverage.
After surveying 15,000 car insurance policyholders, Jerry found that there isn’t a specific company that offers the best insurance rates to every driver.
To find cheap car insurance in South Carolina, use a car insurance comparison app or website to compare car insurance quotes from different insurance providers.
South Carolina has a 25/50/25 rule for minimum liability coverage with equal rates mandated for uninsured motorist coverage. South Carolina’s minimum requirements include $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability per accident.
Yes, you need car insurance in South Carolina. South Carolina drivers are legally required to carry car insurance including the state’s minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
Yes, you must provide proof of insurance the first time you register a vehicle in South Carolina and every time you renew. If you do not have insurance, your registration and license may be suspended.
Your vehicle likely won’t get towed, but if you’re caught without insurance in South Carolina, your license plates and vehicle registration will be confiscated.
In South Carolina, liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage follow the car. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage also follow the vehicle, but medical payments coverage follows the individual.
If you allow someone to borrow your vehicle in South Carolina, the vehicle will be covered by your liability and uninsured motorist coverage. The borrower will not be covered by your medical payments coverage if you have it.
In South Carolina, full coverage car insurance includes the state’s minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage, which offers 25/50/25 coverage for both, and comprehensive coverage and collision coverage.
In general, your car insurance policy will cover you when you drive in all 50 states and Canada.
If you are a resident of South Carolina, your car insurance must be administered through an insurance company registered to South Carolina. You will not be able to register your vehicle, renew registration, receive a driver’s license, or renew your driver’s license in South Carolina with out of state insurance.
PIP is not required in South Carolina. Residents of South Carolina have the option to add medical payments coverage to their car insurance policy, although this coverage does not pay for lost wages or essential expenses.
Insurance companies do not offer PIP in South Carolina. Instead, they offer medical payments coverage or MedPay. Unlike PIP, MedPay does not cover lost wages or essential expenses. Instead, MedPay exclusively pays for medical expenses directly resulting from an accident.
South Carolina law mandates minimum car insurance limits to protect you and other drivers on the road in case of an accident.
South Carolina drivers are typically granted a two to 30 day grace period before they must get car insurance for a new vehicle. To be sure of your grace period, contact your insurance provider.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our Experts

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R.E. Fulton
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Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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.
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Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just 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.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.