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Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester, South Carolina (Mar 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Dorchester, 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 Dorchester

In Dorchester, the average
auto insurance
policy costs about $150 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $150 per month for full coverage insurance. Dorchester drivers pay 16% more than the
South Carolina
average.  
To find the best
car insurance
rate in Dorchester, South Carolina, the best thing to do is to
shop around
and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the cheapest rate for the coverage you need.
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
Nationwide
$127
Lucy, 57
Zip: 29437
Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Gainsco
$235
Edgar, 43
Zip: 29437
Pontiac Grand AM SE1
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 13, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Dorchester

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could window shop for car insurance? Luckily, you can! Because there’s no one-size-fits-all insurer for every driver, shopping around and finding the best insurance company can help you save on insurance. Aside from the cost, you also want an insurer with a good reputation for other factors, such as claims handling and customer service. 
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. 
While State Farm is one of the biggest insurers across the country, policyholders in South Carolina aren’t so impressed. They gave State Farm just 3.2/5 for price and gave an overall rating of 3.6/5. On the other hand, customers rated Auto Owners, State Auto, ROOT, and Travelers highly, giving them high marks for price, customer service, claims process, and overall satisfaction. 
Here’s how Dorchester drivers ranked different insurance providers on a scale of 0 to 5. 
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Progressive
4.4
4
4.2
4.3
Geico
4
3
4
4.3
State Farm
3.9
3.4
3.2
3.9
USAA
3.8
3.5
N/A
4
Liberty Mutual
3.5
2.7
N/A
3.3
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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.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Dorchester

If you’re planning to drive in Dorchester, South Carolina, you’ll need car insurance that meets the state-mandated limits. Opting for minimum coverage not only helps you comply with the law, but it also offers the cheapest monthly payments. 
Although drivers are only required to carry minimum liability coverage, it’s often insufficient. Purchasing a full coverage policy provides greater financial protection by helping to cover costs associated with an accident, whether at fault or not.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Dorchester

To legally drive in South Carolina, you must have a car insurance policy that complies with the state’s minimum liability and
uninsured motorist coverage
South Carolina insurance follows a 25/50/25 rule for minimum liability coverage. Drivers in South Carolina must have a minimum of:
Meeting the minimum liability insurance coverage in South Carolina can help keep your monthly payments low—but if you’re at fault in an accident that causes injury or property damage while driving, it might not be enough.
Jerry has helped lots of South Carolina drivers fulfill the state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
card cover
Fannie (43 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
carPontiac Grand AM SE1
$176
per month
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Allie (57 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$143
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Dorchester?

South Carolina’s 25/50/25 minimum car insurance requirements are reasonable. 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 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—and you’ll be on the hook for paying anything over your policy limits.
On top of that, liability coverage only covers others’ injuries and damages—not your own. Without additional coverage, you’ll have to pay for your own medical expenses and vehicle damage.
The bottom line: Upgrading your policy limits is the way to go. Look into full coverage or opt for 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Dorchester

When it comes to repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, full coverage car insurance is the only way to ensure financial protection.
Comprehensive
and
collision coverage
make up a full coverage car insurance policy. 
  • Collision coverage takes care of the repair or replacement expenses if your vehicle is damaged from an accident with another vehicle or stationary object
  • Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of repair or replacement if your vehicle is stolen or damaged due to non-collision incidents.
If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to have collision and/or comprehensive.
South Carolina driving laws also required uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum amount of liability coverage (25/50/25). 
Drivers in Dorchester have found affordable full-coverage insurance policies with Jerry.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
State Auto
$135
Leroy, 57
Zip: 29437
Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Bristol West
$222
Travis, 38
Zip: 29437
GMC NEW Sierra C1500
coverageLast Updated Mar 12, 2024
Finding affordable car insurance doesn’t have to be like finding a needle in a haystack. With a comparison app and licensed
insurance broker
like Jerry, you can find the coverage you need at the most affordable rates in minutes. And with over 100+ licensed insurance agents and 24/7 end-to-end customer service, no questions will go unanswered.
Lower my car insurance too!

Average cost of car insurance in Dorchester

After analyzing scores of insurance providers in Dorchester, we have discovered that the average price for minimum liability coverage amounts to be $150 per month or $1,798 per year. Additionally, residents of Dorchester can expect to pay an average of $150 per month or $1,798 per year for full coverage insurance.
While it's useful to understand average insurance rates to estimate your personal insurance costs, it's important to note that individual insurance premiums are influenced by numerous factors. These factors may include vehicle type, driving history, claims record, and other key demographics.

Car insurance quotes in Dorchester by rating factors 

Insurance companies in Dorchester use many rating factors when
deciding your auto insurance premium
:  
  • Your driving record and claims history: Drivers with a track record of accidents or violations generally face higher premiums than those with a clean record.
  • Your demographics: Your age, gender, and marital status can all influence the cost of your insurance rates.
  • Your location: City dwellers often encounter higher premiums compared to rural residents due to factors like increased crime rates and higher population density. 
  • Your mileage: High annual mileage can result in higher insurance costs.
  • The make/model of your car: Luxury, sport, and high-performance vehicles typically cost more to insure since replacement parts are more expensive.
  • Your credit score: Good credit scores are generally associated with lower insurance rates, even for identical coverage.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Dorchester?

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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 Dorchester:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Dorchester after driving violations

Your
South Carolina driving record
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 more serious infractions typically face the highest rates.
 Some common violations that could increase your insurance rates include:
  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accident 
  • Reckless driving 
  • Driving on a suspended license
  • Driving without insurance

Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester after speeding ticket

Your rates may not always go up for a minor
speeding ticket
, but if you were going well above the speed limit or you receive multiple speeding tickets in a short time, you can expect to see a premium hike.
Fortunately, Jerry has helped drivers find cheap auto insurance in Columbia, SC even after they’ve gotten a speeding ticket.
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Travelers
$62
Ralph, 42
Zip: 29437
Nissan Pathfinder
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
Speeding 6-10
Nationwide
$81
Augusta, 36
Zip: 29437
Acura TLX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 12, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester after DUI

DUIs are a serious infraction—not only will you face steep legal penalties, but you’ll also see a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. 
Fortunately, if you have received a
DUI in South Carolina
, you may still be able to find affordable car insurance by shopping for rates with companies that specialize in providing coverage to high-risk drivers. 
Use Jerry to compare auto insurance quotes in Columbia, SC to find affordable coverage after a DUI.
card cover
Steve (34 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$56
per month
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Lura (42 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$68
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester 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 accidents with a 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 rate increase—though having
accident forgiveness
on your policy can help prevent a surcharge after your first at-fault collision.
Jerry has helped Dorchester drivers with an accident on their record find affordable insurance.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With No Injury
Progressive
$89
Lydia, 46
Zip: 29437
GMC Sierra K1500 SLT
• State Minimum Liability
At Fault With No Injury
National General
$82
Rachel, 46
Zip: 29437
GMC Sierra K1500 SLT
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 18, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester after other driving violations

Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and
driving without insurance
can all lead to higher insurance rates in Dorchester, South Carolina.
Jerry is there to help drivers find good insurance rates—even with a not-so-good driving record.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Driving on Sus. License
Progressive
$272
Jean, 43
Zip: 29437
Pontiac Grand AM SE1
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 18, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Dorchester by age

Your driving experience impacts the level of risk you pose to your insurance provider. Young or
new drivers
with limited driving experience typically pay more for insurance until 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 car insurance in Dorchester for young drivers

Young drivers between 16 and 19 pay the highest insurance rates out of all age groups in Dorchester, but rates can still be high up until age 25. 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.
card cover
Brian (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$72
per month
card cover
Cynthia (19 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$68
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Dorchester for senior drivers

Senior drivers
are at a higher risk of accidents due to slower reflexes that increase the risk of a collision and a higher susceptibility to injury and mortality resulting from an accident. Due to the added risk of financial liability, senior drivers face higher rates into their 70s.
Fortunately, Jerry can still help you find affordable auto insurance well into your 70s and beyond.
card cover
Hester (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$80
per month
card cover
Mabel (71 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$64
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Dorchester based on insurance history

Like your driving record and claims history, your insurance history is a significant rating factor in the eyes of insurance companies. Specifically, insurers will consider how long you have been insured and whether you’ve experienced any
lapses in coverage
Drivers who have had recent or past lapses in coverage may face higher auto insurance rates. The good news is, Jerry can help customers find savings on car insurance coverage regardless of their insured status:
card cover
Leonard (43 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
carPontiac Grand AM SE1
$272
per month
card cover
Delia (57 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$126
per month
card cover
Gainsco
Mina (43 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
carPontiac Grand AM SE1
$235
per month
card cover
Scott (57 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
$127
per month
card cover
Leon (43 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationDorchester, SC
(Zip Code: 29437)
carPontiac Grand AM SE1
$151
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in for drivers with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit scores often face higher insurance costs compared to those with healthier credit ratings. Even though
credit scores
don’t directly affect how well you drive, insurance companies have observed a relationship between low credit and an increased frequency to file claims.
Generally, drivers with great credit scores (over 750) will pay approximately 20% less on car insurance compared to individuals with poorer scores (below 550).
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
660 - 750
Progressive
$106
Alberta, 46
Zip: 29437
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT
• State Minimum Liability
660 - 750
National General
$102
Willie, 46
Zip: 29437
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT
• State Minimum Liability
550 - 659
Bristol West
$222
Luis, 38
Zip: 29437
GMC NEW Sierra C1500
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Progressive
$272
Alma, 43
Zip: 29437
Pontiac Grand AM SE1
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 17, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Dorchester

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Different insurance companies use different rules to set your premium, and those rules are constantly changing! To make sure you always have the most affordable car insurance, experts recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies and shopping for new rates every six months. 
Jerry makes this tedious process simple! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can collect quotes from a pool of 55+ top insurance providers to help you identify the best auto insurance coverage at the best price. Better yet—Jerry provides this service for free! 

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

Every insurance company offers
a set of discounts
, but the exact discount offered varies by company. Some common discounts include: 
  • Good driver discounts. California state law mandates 20% insurance discounts for drivers with one or fewer points on their license who have continuously held a license for three years with no at-fault accidents responsible for injury or death.
  • Telematics discounts. Many companies offer easy-to-win discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
  • Good student discounts. Are you a full-time student in either high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

If you’ve got full coverage car insurance, increasing your deductible is an easy way to keep your monthly expenses low without sacrificing coverage.

FAQ

People living in Dorchester pay on average $150 per month – or $1,798 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Dorchester costs on average $150 per month or $1,798 per year.
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free.
Based on thousands of Dorchester drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in Dorchester costs an average of $74 per month for state-minimum coverage and $166 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!
Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too.
AAA
,
Progressive
, and
Nationwide
receive good ratings from Dorchester drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies, and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.
The state-minimum car insurance in Dorchester, South Carolina is $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for damage to property. These coverages are commonly referred to as 25/50/25 coverage.

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

avatar
R.E. Fulton
badge icon
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.
avatar
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.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
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.