Average car insurance cost in Charleston, South Carolina

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Based on our data, Charleston drivers pay an average of $2,508 annually for car insurance. It’s $141 more than the South Carolina state average and $5 less than the national average.

Insurance rates can vary significantly depending on where you live. Factors such as population density and accident and theft rates influence premium costs, making some areas more expensive or affordable than others.

Understanding how rates in Charleston compare to state and national averages can help you spot a good deal, or know when it’s time to shop around. Below, we’ll break down local trends, show how rates vary, and explain how to save.

Cheap car insurance companies in Charleston

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Charleston at $1,846 per year with coverage limits of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 total per accident and $100,000 for property damage.

The second most affordable option in Charleston is Nationwide, with an average annual premium of $1,966.

Car insurance rates differ from one company to another because each insurer has its own underwriting process to determine premiums. That’s why shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies is key to finding affordable coverage that meets your needs.

The table below shows the average annual and monthly car insurance rates for various car insurance companies in Charleston.

Read about the best car insurance companies.

Average car insurance cost in Charleston by coverage limits

Here’s a breakdown of average car insurance rates in Charleston by coverage type.

• State minimum coverage: $783 per year (limits are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 total bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 property damage liability per accident).
• Liability only coverage: $1,039 per year (limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 total bodily injury liability per accident and $50,000 property damage liability per accident).
• Full coverage: $2,508 per year (limits are $100,000 bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 total bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 property damage liability per accident).
• Non-owners coverage: $488 per year

While liability insurance is required in nearly every state to drive legally, the minimum coverage limits differ by state. This coverage protects you financially if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property in a crash.

Minimum liability insurance only covers damage or injuries you cause to others – it won’t help with your own medical bills or car repairs. You should consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage for adequate protection.

Average car insurance rates by gender in Charleston

Female drivers in Charleston pay about $2,476 per year for car insurance, while male drivers spend $2,540, which is $64 more than what females pay.

Gender is commonly used to calculate premiums in most states, but some states, including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, don’t allow insurers to use gender to calculate premiums.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, or Triple-I, women generally demonstrate safer driving habits and are less likely to be involved in severe accidents. Insurers account for this elevated risk, resulting in increased insurance premiums for male drivers.

Read more on how gender affects car insurance rates.

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Average car insurance rates by age in Charleston

Teen drivers in Charleston face the highest car insurance rates, at $8,108 per year or $676 per month. According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance costs are higher for teens aged 16 to 19 due to their increased risk of accidents and limited driving experience. On average, teen drivers pay $4,058 more for car insurance than young adults.

Car insurance premiums typically drop as teens age and gain more experience behind the wheel. On average, young adults (ages 20 to 24) pay $4,050 annually for coverage – that’s $4,058 less than what teens usually pay.

Adults between 25 and 55 and senior drivers between 60 and 75 in Charleston pay an average of $2,518 and $2,477 per year for car insurance, respectively.

Read more on auto insurance for seniors.

Below you’ll find average annual full coverage car insurance rates for drivers of different age groups.

Car insurance rate trends in Charleston

Car insurance rates in Charleston saw an upward trend between 2023 to 2025. During this period, average premiums Increased by 22% – a change of about $449.

The graph below tracks insurance costs from 2022 to 2025, highlighting long-term trends that help explain today’s rate changes.

How drivers can save on insurance even with higher rates

Drivers in Charleston pay higher than the state average for car insurance. The good news? You can often cut costs by comparing quotes from several insurers and using discounts – like bundling policies, safe driver rewards, or low-mileage savings.

Methodology

Insure.com commissioned car insurance rates in 2025 from Quadrant Information Services. To determine the average premiums, our team of data analysts and expert editors analyzed 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 170 insurance companies across 34,588 ZIP codes.

The insurance rates are based on a sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record and a good insurance score. Quotes premiums are for a full coverage policy with limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury per person
• $300,000 bodily injury per accident
• $100,000 property damage per accident
• $500 comprehensive and collision deductible

The quoted insurance rates are for comparison purposes, and your rates may vary.

Shivani Gite

Contributing Writer

 

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Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.