South Carolina Auto Insurance (2024)
South Carolina auto insurance requirements include 25/50/25 in liability, costing around $50/mo. While liability car insurance in SC is cheaper, full coverage offers greater protection. Compare rates from the top SC auto insurance companies and shop for the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina below.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 5, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 5, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
South Carolina auto insurance laws require drivers to carry at least liability coverage. However, South Carolina state minimum auto insurance requirements are very low and may not provide enough protection for you.
Fortunately, you can find affordable car insurance in South Carolina with the right types of auto insurance to meet your needs. Whether you have a clean driving record or need SR-22 coverage, it’s easy to find cheap auto insurance in SC.
Keep reading to learn how to find cheap auto insurance in South Carolina and what affects your rates. Then, enter your ZIP code above to compare rates from the best car insurance companies in South Carolina today.
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6,435 reviewsCompany Facts
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19,116 reviewsCompany Facts
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Cheap South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates
South Carolina full coverage auto insurance rates average $122 monthly, slightly higher than the national average. However, many factors affect the cost of car insurance, such as your age, driving record, and credit score.
Another factor determining the cost of insurance in SC is the type of coverage. South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements only include a small amount of liability and uninsured motorist coverage. This table shows average minimum coverage rates by state:
Liability Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State
State Rates
Alabama $37
Alaska $47
Arizona $48
Arkansas $36
California $45
Colorado $49
Connecticut $59
Delaware $69
District of Columbia $58
Florida $76
Georgia $55
Hawaii $39
Idaho $32
Illinois $40
Indiana $34
Iowa $27
Kansas $32
Kentucky $47
Louisiana $73
Maine $30
Maryland $55
Massachusetts $52
Michigan $72
Minnesota $39
Mississippi $41
Missouri $38
Montana $34
Nebraska $33
Nevada $64
New Hampshire $35
New Jersey $76
New Mexico $44
New York $71
North Carolina $31
North Dakota $25
Ohio $35
Oklahoma $40
Oregon $53
Pennsylvania $43
Rhode Island $68
South Carolina $50
South Dakota $26
Tennessee $37
Texas $49
Utah $45
Vermont $30
Virginia $38
Washington $53
West Virginia $43
Wisconsin $33
Wyoming $29
U.S. Average $48
As you can see, the cost of car insurance varies decently between different locations. So, comparing rates to find the cheapest coverage in South Carolina is crucial.
How Age Affects South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates
Your age is one of the top factors that affect auto insurance rates in South Carolina. Young drivers lack experience, so they pay higher rates than drivers with more time behind the wheel.
Young drivers in South Carolina pay much higher than average rates for auto insurance. In fact, they can pay around three times the national average for coverage.
This table shows average rates for drivers in SC based on their ages.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age and Gender
Insurance Company 18-Year-Old Male 18-Year-Old Female 30-Year-Old Male 30-Year-Old Female 45-Year-Old Male 45-Year-Old Female 55-Year-Old Male 55-Year-Old Female 65-Year-Old Male 65-Year-Old Female
AAA $378 $328 $103 $99 $86 $88 $81 $83 $84 $86
Allstate $203 $180 $79 $74 $59 $59 $56 $56 $57 $58
American Family $414 $305 $137 $116 $117 $115 $111 $109 $114 $113
Farmers $629 $597 $167 $160 $139 $139 $131 $132 $136 $136
Geico $254 $220 $87 $90 $80 $80 $76 $76 $78 $78
Hartford $469 $407 $133 $126 $113 $115 $107 $109 $109 $112
Liberty Mutual $626 $626 $200 $174 $174 $171 $165 $162 $170 $96
Nationwide $387 $303 $136 $124 $115 $113 $109 $107 $114 $113
Progressive $662 $591 $136 $131 $105 $112 $100 $106 $103 $109
State Farm $284 $229 $103 $94 $86 $86 $82 $82 $84 $84
Travelers $740 $530 $108 $99 $99 $98 $94 $93 $97 $96
U.S. Average $501 $416 $139 $128 $119 $119 $113 $113 $117 $117
Although rates are higher for young drivers, many car insurance companies in South Carolina offer discounts to lower rates. For example, many young drivers qualify for discounts for driver’s ed, good grades, and going away for school. Compare average auto insurance rates by age to learn more.
How Driving Record Affects South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates
Your driving record is one of the most important factors affecting car insurance rates. Insurance companies know your driving record indicates if you’re a safe driver or are likely to cost them money.
This table shows average SC auto insurance rates based on driving records:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Average Rates by Company and Driving Record
Insurance Company Monthly Rates with a DUI Monthly Rates with an Accident Monthly Rates with a Ticket Monthly Rates with a Clean Record
Allstate $270 $225 $188 $160
American Family $194 $176 $136 $116
Farmers $193 $198 $173 $139
Geico $216 $133 $106 $80
Liberty Mutual $313 $234 $212 $174
Nationwide $237 $161 $137 $115
Progressive $140 $186 $140 $105
State Farm $112 $102 $96 $86
Travelers $206 $139 $134 $99
USAA $108 $78 $67 $59
U.S. Average $146 $173 $147 $119
Drivers with accidents and tickets see much higher rates than drivers with clean driving records. Fortunately, accidents and tickets only increase your rates for three years in SC. Meanwhile, you can shop around for the best auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record to keep low rates.
How a DUI Affects South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates
DUIs cost drivers thousands of dollars between fines, court costs, and higher car insurance rates. Unlike an accident or traffic ticket, a DUI stays on your driving record and affects your SC car insurance rates for 10 years.
Keep in mind that drivers with more than one DUI see significantly higher rates. Learn more about auto insurance for drivers with a DUI. This table shows how one DUI can raise your auto insurance rates:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record
Insurance Company One Accident One DUI One Ticket Clean Record
AAA $220 $240 $220 $180
Allstate $225 $225 $195 $166
American Family $176 $176 $131 $116
Farmers $198 $198 $176 $140
Geico $132 $132 $125 $95
Hartford $230 $250 $215 $175
Liberty Mutual $234 $234 $217 $177
Nationwide $161 $161 $175 $140
Progressive $186 $186 $160 $120
State Farm $150 $102 $138 $105
Travelers $200 $139 $205 $160
U.S. Average $172 $173 $152 $123
As you can see, each car insurance company weighs DUIs differently. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest DUI rates in South Carolina.
If you have a DUI on your driving record, do everything you can to lower rates. Attend a defensive driving course and ask if any discounts are available to get the lowest rates possible.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Credit Score
You may wonder how credit scores affect auto insurance rates in South Carolina. Studies show that drivers with a higher credit score are more likely to pay for damages themselves and avoid filing an insurance claim. Therefore, they get lower South Carolina auto insurance rates.
This table shows how much your credit score affects car insurance rates in SC:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score
Insurance Company Poor Credit Fair Credit Good Credit
AAA $245 $165 $135
Allstate $296 $197 $166
American Family $203 $136 $116
Farmers $269 $161 $140
Geico $148 $100 $82
Hartford $230 $155 $120
Liberty Mutual $355 $226 $177
Nationwide $166 $133 $120
Progressive $206 $138 $109
State Farm $200 $118 $91
Travelers $194 $128 $107
U.S. Average $226 $148 $123
If your credit history is poor, improve your score by paying bills on time and being conscientious about using your credit. As a result, not only will you get lower car insurance rates, but you’ll also receive better loan rates for cars and mortgages.
Discover the best auto insurance companies that use credit scores.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Location
Before you buy South Carolina car insurance, compare auto insurance rates by ZIP code to find the most affordable company.
Drivers who live in areas with high crime rates and a large traffic volume see much higher rates since they are more likely to have their car stolen or be in an accident. However, those who live in rural areas have much lower rates since vehicle theft and traffic are typically lower.
It’s no surprise that auto insurance rates in Charleston are higher than in smaller cities in South Carolina. So while you probably won’t move to get cheaper car insurance rates, you might want to consider how your ZIP code affects your average quotes and if another company can offer you a better price.
South Carolina SR-22 Auto Insurance
SR-22 insurance is available to high-risk drivers in South Carolina with infractions such as a DUI, driving without insurance, and multiple accidents. However, SR-22 isn’t actually insurance coverage. Instead, it’s a form filed with the state showing you have at least the minimum amount of required coverage.
Drivers who already have coverage can ask their current insurer to file SR-22 auto insurance. However, not all insurance companies offer SR-22 or may charge much higher rates if they do offer it.
If you don’t have car insurance and need coverage and SR-22, shop around to find an insurance company willing to provide coverage. Expect significantly higher rates since you’ll most likely have an insurance lapse and the SR-22 form.
If you don’t have a vehicle but need SR-22 coverage, it may be tricky to find insurance. Instead, consider getting non-owner auto insurance with the SR-22 form. You may find cheaper coverage since a non-owner policy doesn’t include coverage for your vehicle.
While finding cheap SR-22 insurance in South Carolina may be difficult, each car insurance company offers different rates, so shop around for the best deal.
South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
Like most states, car insurance in South Carolina is a requirement. However, each state makes its own car insurance laws, and requirements vary by state.
Around 10% of drivers in SC don’t have car insurance. Drivers who don’t carry at least the minimum amount of required coverage face fines, a driver’s license suspension, and higher rates when they get coverage again.
South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements are very low and only include liability and uninsured motorist coverages. Required liability and uninsured motorists coverages include:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage: $25,000 per accident
We recommend drivers add coverage for more protection. Although liability coverage pays for damages to others, it doesn’t offer coverage for you or your vehicle — that’s where full coverage comes in.
Full coverage typically includes collision and comprehensive auto insurance. Collision auto insurance pays for damages to your vehicle from an accident, and comprehensive pays for damages unrelated to an accident, such as fire, theft, and vandalism.
Optional coverages available in SC include:
- Medical payment coverage on auto insurance
- Gap insurance
- Personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance
- Roadside assistance coverage
- Rental car reimbursement coverage
While adding coverages raises rates, more protection means fewer out-of-pocket repair expenses. For example, comprehensive auto insurance pays for repairs if your car has hail damage. However, you’ll pay for repairs yourself if you only have liability coverage.
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Finding Affordable South Carolina Auto Insurance
South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. However, experts recommend full coverage for more protection. Although full coverage costs more, you and your vehicle are also covered.
Many other factors affect your ability to find affordable car insurance in South Carolina, such as your age, driving record, credit history, and ZIP code. In addition, the cheapest South Carolina auto insurance companies vary by the driver since each insurance company looks at your factors differently.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) August 4, 2023
While car insurance rates in the state are slightly higher than the national average, drivers can find the best car insurance in SC by shopping around. The best auto insurance companies in South Carolina offer reasonable rates and additional coverages, such as SR-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina car insurance rates are just above the national average. However, drivers can still get cheap car insurance in SC. Liability-only coverage is about $50 a month, and full coverage averages $122 a month.
What is the cheapest car insurance compayn in SC?
Geico auto insurance offers the cheapest rates for car insurance in SC, averaging $79 monthly. However, rates vary by ZIP code, driving profile, and demographics.
Depending on your factors and insurance needs, another company may be cheaper for you. Shop around and compare South Carolina car insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable coverage available.
What are the requirements for auto insurance in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires you to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability and uninsured motorist auto insurance to drive legally. However, liability car insurance minimums in SC are extremely low and probably won’t offer enough coverage. Consider adding full coverage car insurance for better protection.
Is South Carolina a no-fault state for auto insurance?
No, South Carolina isn’t a no-fault auto insurance state — it’s an at-fault state.
Can I suspend my auto insurance in South Carolina if I’m not using my vehicle?
No, you generally can’t suspend your South Carolina auto insurance policy. You may switch to a comprehensive-only policy if storing your vehicle long term. You should also read more about how to get a garaging & storing auto insurance discount.
How can I find the best auto insurance rates in South Carolina?
Shop around, compare quotes from different SC insurance companies, and consider factors such as age, driving record, and credit score to find the best car insurance rates in South Carolina.
Can I choose higher coverage limits than the state minimum in South Carolina?
Yes, we recommend South Carolina drivers to consider higher auto insurance coverage limits than the minimum for complete protection.
Do you need insurance to register a car in South Carolina?
You must provide proof of auto insurance to register your car in South Carolina. Learn more about how to get instant auto insurance proof.
Is insurance cheaper in SC or NC?
Auto insurance in South Carolina costs around $31 more monthly than NC auto insurance. Read more about North Carolina auto insurance.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.