The average annual cost of auto insurance for drivers in South Carolina is $1,572, which is $43 higher than the national average.
Numerous elements influence your car insurance expenses, including age, location, and driving record.
Each insurance company assesses these factors differently when determining premium rates.
In our South Carolina car insurance guide, we examined the average rates to assist you in securing an affordable policy tailored to your requirements.
Keep reading to discover the cost of auto insurance in South Carolina and gain insight into what constitutes a reasonable rate.
The leading car insurance providers in South Carolina, as per independent evaluations by J.D. Power, are outlined below.
First Position: USAA
USAA attained a remarkable score of 890 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, and it also earned top ratings in The Zebra’s Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Second Position: State Farm
As one of the nation’s most widely recognized insurance companies, State Farm secured a score of 859 in J.D. Power’s 2021 auto study.
Third Position: Auto-Owners Auto-Owners claimed the third spot with a score of 849 in J.D. Power’s 2021 customer satisfaction survey, garnering above-average ratings.
Key Insights:
- The average car insurance expenditure in South Carolina is approximately 3% higher.
- Auto-Owners stands out as the most economical major car insurance company in South Carolina.
The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina
The most budget-friendly car insurance providers in South Carolina cater to specific situations, providing economical rates in the following circumstances.
For Full Coverage – Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners stands out as the most cost-effective option for full coverage, offering rates at $1,304 annually or $109 per month.
After an At-Fault Accident – Auto-Owners
Following an at-fault accident, Auto-Owners emerges as the most affordable insurance company in South Carolina.
For Teen Drivers – Travelers
Travelers takes the lead in affordability for teen drivers, with their average rate for young drivers being lower than the statewide average for individuals aged 16 to 19.
Below are the average annual premiums for various insurance companies:
- Travelers: $1,423
- USAA: $1,506
- State Farm: $1,638
- Allstate: $1,642
- Progressive: $2,067
- GEICO: $2,073
South Carolina’s Mandatory Insurance Requirements
South Carolina upholds the standard across most states by mandating that all drivers carry a minimum level of insurance coverage.
Proof of insurance is required to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Opting for Cost-Effective Minimum Coverage
Choosing the legally mandated minimum coverage proves to be a more economical option compared to comprehensive coverage.
In South Carolina, the annual cost for this minimal coverage is $591, a figure that stands 61% lower than the national average.
Minimum Liability Limits
To legally operate a vehicle in South Carolina, drivers must adhere to the minimum liability limits for bodily injury ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident) and property damage ($25,000 per accident).
Additionally, maintaining uninsured motorist coverage at these specified levels is compulsory.
Optional Coverage Choices
South Carolina offers optional coverage choices, which vary by carrier.
These include comprehensive, collision, gap coverage, medical payments, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement.
Full Coverage for Enhanced Protection
For those seeking heightened protection beyond the minimum requirements, a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision coverage is available.
This comprehensive policy provides safeguards against various incidents, such as car accidents, theft, vandalism, and weather-related events.
Considerations on Cost
While a comprehensive policy offers added protection, it comes at a higher cost.
A full coverage policy in South Carolina, with a $1,000 deductible, is priced at $1,418, representing a 140% increase compared to liability-only insurance.
Opting for a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible results in a 168% higher cost than basic coverage.
Car insurance premiums in South Carolina are influenced by various rating factors that assess risk and determine pricing.
These factors include:
- Age
- Coverage level
- Credit score
- Driving history
Insurance companies analyze statistical data to assess the risk posed by each client and adjust premiums accordingly.
Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina for Minimum Coverage
Opting for liability-only coverage at the state minimum level significantly reduces car insurance costs.
In South Carolina, the average cost for minimum coverage is $49 per month or $591 annually, resulting in a savings of $995 compared to full coverage.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $494 |
| Allstate | $517 |
| GEICO | $563 |
| State Farm | $641 |
| Travelers | $643 |
| Progressive | $843 |
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Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina with Bad Credit
Credit scores play a role in determining car insurance premiums, with drivers having poor credit often facing higher rates due to an increased likelihood of filing claims. In South Carolina, individuals with bad credit pay an additional $2,136 yearly compared to those with excellent credit.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,342 |
| Allstate | $2,398 |
| State Farm | $3,257 |
| GEICO | $3,407 |
| Progressive | $3,410 |
| USAA | $4,481 |
Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina with an At-Fault Accident
Having a recent at-fault accident on your record can lead to an increase in premiums. In South Carolina, such an incident may raise your rate by up to $647 annually.
Safe Driver Discounts
Some insurance companies offer safe driving discounts, ranging between 5% and 10% of the premium. The discount amount varies by company.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,805 |
| State Farm | $2,106 |
| USAA | $2,159 |
| GEICO | $2,681 |
| Allstate | $3,028 |
| Progressive | $3,290 |
Cheap Auto Insurance for Young Drivers in South Carolina
Young drivers, particularly teens and those in their 20s, face higher car insurance rates due to their relative inexperience. In South Carolina, teens pay $4,832 per year, which is $3,303 more than the national average and 207% more than a 30-year-old South Carolina driver.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $3,603 |
| GEICO | $4,689 |
| USAA | $4,809 |
| Allstate | $4,990 |
| State Farm | $5,490 |
| Progressive | $10,216 |
Getting a ticket or citation can lead to a considerable increase in your auto insurance premium, and the severity of the violation can sometimes make the cost unaffordable.
It’s challenging to pinpoint the exact amount your rate will rise because each insurance company follows different pricing standards.
Nevertheless, we can offer general estimates.
Below are the average auto insurance rates in South Carolina following various common violations:
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | % Rate Increase | $ Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $2,025 | 0% | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $2,025 | 0% | $1 |
| One comp claim | $2,122 | 5% | $98 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $2,148 | 6% | $123 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $2,155 | 6% | $130 |
| Two comp claims | $2,185 | 8% | $161 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $2,300 | 14% | $276 |
| Child safety restraint | $2,316 | 14% | $291 |
| Driving without lights | $2,318 | 14% | $293 |
| Failure to show documents | $2,342 | 16% | $318 |
| Driving with expired registration | $2,412 | 19% | $388 |
| Failure to yield | $2,456 | 21% | $431 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $2,465 | 22% | $440 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $2,471 | 22% | $447 |
| Driving too slowly | $2,474 | 22% | $449 |
| Speeding in a school zone | $2,474 | 22% | $449 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $2,480 | 22% | $455 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $2,483 | 23% | $459 |
| Cell phone violation | $2,487 | 23% | $463 |
| Texting while driving | $2,491 | 23% | $467 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $2,499 | 23% | $474 |
| Illegal turn | $2,500 | 23% | $475 |
| Following too closely | $2,500 | 24% | $476 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $2,508 | 24% | $483 |
| Improper passing | $2,512 | 24% | $488 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $2,524 | 25% | $499 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $2,529 | 25% | $505 |
| Passing school bus | $2,539 | 25% | $514 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $2,564 | 27% | $539 |
| Open container | $2,655 | 31% | $630 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $2,872 | 42% | $847 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $2,872 | 42% | $847 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $3,225 | 59% | $1,200 |
| DUI | $3,285 | 62% | $1,260 |
| Reckless driving | $3,312 | 64% | $1,288 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $3,322 | 64% | $1,298 |
| Racing | $3,357 | 66% | $1,333 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident/hit and run | $3,474 | 72% | $1,449 |
South Carolina DUI Legislation
Based on our data, being charged with a DUI in South Carolina can result in a substantial 62% increase in your car insurance rates.
Acquiring affordable coverage after a DUI can be challenging, often leading to higher insurance costs compared to many other violations.
Affordable Car Insurance Following a DUI in South Carolina
If convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in South Carolina, careful consideration of insurance options is crucial. Car insurance premiums post-DUI can vary significantly among insurance providers.
For instance, Travelers, the most cost-effective insurer in South Carolina for individuals with a DUI, offers annual rates that are 40% less than the statewide average insurance rate post-DUI.
State Farm is the second-most affordable option, while GEICO is the priciest, with rates exceeding the average by 2%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,964 |
| State Farm | $2,413 |
| Progressive | $2,611 |
| USAA | $2,799 |
| Allstate | $2,972 |
| GEICO | $3,346 |
No single company stands out as offering rates for drivers with a DUI comparable to those without a DUI on their record.
To save on insurance post-DUI, it’s advisable to extensively shop around with multiple insurance companies.
South Carolina SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is a mandatory legal requirement triggered by various violations, including a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating excessive points on your license.
It is not an insurance policy but rather a form issued by your insurance company to the state of South Carolina, ensuring that you maintain insurance coverage.
Obtaining an SR-22 in South Carolina
- For Currently Insured Drivers: If you already have auto insurance, acquiring an SR-22 certificate is a straightforward process. Contact your insurance company and request them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. If your current insurer is unwilling, you may need to seek coverage from a new insurance provider.
- For Uninsured Drivers: Obtaining a new policy may incur an additional fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request and cover your higher-risk profile. Some carriers may refuse coverage, while others may be willing to insure you.
- For Drivers Without a Vehicle: Lack of vehicle ownership complicates obtaining an SR-22, requiring proof of insurance before obtaining the certificate. If you don’t own a vehicle, consider applying for a non-owners car insurance policy, typically more affordable as it excludes coverage for physical damage to your vehicle.
City-specific elements significantly influence the determination of your car insurance rate, with various factors taken into account by insurance companies.
One crucial aspect is the geographical location of the vehicle
. Salem stands out as the locale with the most affordable car insurance, while Crocketville holds the distinction of having the highest insurance costs.
Refer to the table provided for a breakdown of average car insurance expenditures in several of South Carolina’s prominent cities.
No specific company offers rates for drivers with a DUI that align with those without a DUI on their record. The most effective strategy for savings post-DUI is to explore options extensively and obtain quotes from numerous insurance providers.
South Carolina SR-22 Insurance
An SR-22 is a standard legal requirement activated by violations such as a DUI conviction, driving without insurance, at-fault collisions, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating excessive points on your license.
It is not an insurance policy but a document issued by your insurance company to the state of South Carolina, ensuring your continuous coverage.
Finding affordable auto insurance with an SR-22 in South Carolina may necessitate some research, but the effort can prove beneficial.
Also read: Cheap Dump Truck Insurance
How to Obtain an SR-22 in South Carolina
For Currently Insured Driver
If you already have auto insurance, obtaining an SR-22 certificate is a straightforward process. Contact your insurance company and request them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. If your current insurer is unwilling, you may need to seek coverage from a new car insurance company.
For Uninsured Drivers:
Acquiring a new policy may entail an additional fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form and cover your higher-risk driving profile. Some carriers may decline coverage, while others may be willing to insure you.
For Drivers Without a Vehicle
:Lack of vehicle ownership complicates obtaining an SR-22, as you must provide proof of insurance to receive the certificate.
If you don’t own a vehicle, consider applying for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22.
Non-owners auto coverage is typically more economical than standard coverage, as it excludes coverage for physical damage to your vehicle.
Factors unique to each city
City-specific factors play a pivotal role in determining your car insurance rate, with car insurance companies considering various aspects, notably the geographic location of your vehicle.
Salem stands out as the locale offering the most budget-friendly car insurance rates, while Crocketville holds the distinction of having the highest insurance costs.
Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the average annual car insurance expenses in some of the major cities in South Carolina.
Car Insurance Price Trends in South Carolina
In the past year, average annual auto insurance costs in South Carolina have increased by $106. On average, a typical South Carolina driver now pays $1,572 annually or $131 per month for auto insurance.
Year Over Year Trends in South Carolina
The pricing trends in South Carolina exhibit greater volatility compared to national averages. The most significant decrease occurred from 2012 to 2013, while the most substantial increase took place from 2016 to 2017. Since 2019, the average rate has shown a consistent upward trend.
SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — South Carolina | Yearly Change — South Carolina | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,572 | $106 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,466 | $54 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $1,412 | -$2 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,414 | $3 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,411 | $135 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,276 | $52 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,224 | $109 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,115 | $71 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,044 | -$129 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,173 | $5 | $1,276 | $82 |
Frequently Asked Questions about South Carolina Auto Insurance
Explore answers to some of the commonly asked questions related to auto insurance in South Carolina.
Which insurance company offers the most affordable car insurance in South Carolina?
Based on our data, Auto-Owners ($652 per six-month policy) and Travelers ($712) stand out as the most budget-friendly providers in South Carolina.
What is the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina?
Car insurance in South Carolina is slightly higher than the national average. A liability-only policy comes at an annual cost of $591, while a full coverage policy is priced at $1,572.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in South Carolina?
Yes, driving without insurance is against the law in South Carolina. If you’re facing challenges affording auto insurance, utilize our comparison tool to explore potential savings for both full and liability coverage.