Average car insurance cost in Charleston, South Carolina

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Based on our data, Charleston drivers pay an average of $2,059 annually for car insurance. It’s $50 more than the South Carolina state average and $164 more than the national average.

Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for car insurance. Areas with high population density, theft and accident rates tend to have higher premiums.

Comparing car insurance rates in Charleston to state and national averages can help you determine if you’re getting a good deal or if it’s time to explore other options. Below, we outline local trends, rate differences and ways to save.

Cheap car insurance companies in Charleston

Auto-Owners offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance in Charleston, at $1,544 annually, with coverage limits of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 total per accident, and $100,000 for property damage.

Progressive offers the second-lowest rate in Charleston, with an average yearly premium of $1,922.

Car insurance rates vary by company because each insurer uses its own method to assess risk and determine premiums. That’s why it’s smart to compare quotes from different providers to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

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: $849 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: $1,006 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: $2,059 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: $411 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 $2,050 per year for car insurance, while male drivers spend $2,068, which is $18 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.

Average car insurance rates by age in Charleston

Teen drivers in Charleston experience the highest insurance rates, paying an average of $6,565 per year or $547 per month.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, teens aged 16 to 19 are considered high-risk due to their inexperience behind the wheel. On average, teen drivers pay $3,202 more than young adults for insurance.

With age and experience, young drivers often see a drop in car insurance premiums. On average, 20 to 24-year-olds pay $3,363 per year – a difference of $3,202 less than compared to teen drivers.

Drivers in Charleston aged 25 to 55 typically pay $2,078 a year for car insurance. For senior drivers aged between 60 and 75, the average annual premium is $2,105.

Read more on auto insurance for seniors.

The table below shows the 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 2022 and 2023. During this period, average premiums increase by 6% – a change of about $112.

The graph below tracks insurance costs from 2016 to 2023, 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 2023 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.