Average car insurance cost in Columbia, South Carolina

Why you can trust Insure.com

Quality Verified

At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry.

According to our data, the average annual cost of car insurance in Columbia is $2,409 – $42 more than the South Carolina average cost and $104 less than when compared to 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 Columbia 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 Columbia

Auto-Owners offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance in Columbia, at $1,727 annually, with coverage limits of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 total per accident, and $100,000 for property damage.

Nationwide offers the second-lowest rate in Columbia, with an average yearly premium of $2,257.

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.

Below is a breakdown of average yearly and monthly car insurance rates from different insurers in Columbia.

Read about the best car insurance companies.

Average car insurance cost in Columbia by coverage limits

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

• State minimum coverage: $762 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: $1,005 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: $2,409 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: $450 per year

Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle, but the specific coverage limits vary by state. Liability insurance is designed to cover injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident.

However, it’s important to understand that minimum coverage won’t pay for your own medical bills or repairs to your vehicle if you’re at fault. If you want protection for your own car, you’ll need to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy.

Average car insurance rates by gender in Columbia

In Columbia, the average annual car insurance cost for female drivers is $2,373. Male drivers, on the other hand, pay $2,444 per year – that’s $71 more than what female drivers pay. While most states allow insurers to use gender when setting rates, there are states, including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania that prohibit the use of gender as a rating factor.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, or Triple-I, women tend to drive more cautiously and are involved in fewer serious accidents than men. Insurers factor this into their premium calculations, which is why men often pay more for car insurance.

Read more on how gender affects car insurance rates.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

Call (844) 814-8854

Ethan Available Now

Jack Available Now

Robbie Available Now

Ellie Available Now

Average car insurance rates by age in Columbia

Teen drivers in Columbia experience the highest insurance rates, paying an average of $7,916 per year or $660 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 $3,997 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 $3,919 per year – a difference of $3,997 less than compared to teen drivers.

Drivers in Columbia aged 25 to 55 typically pay $2,425 a year for car insurance. For senior drivers aged between 60 and 75, the average annual premium is $2,386.

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 Columbia

Car insurance rates in Columbia saw an upward trend between 2023 to 2025. During this period, average premiums Increased by 22% – a change of about $436.

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

Car insurance rates in Columbia are higher than the South Carolina state average. To find affordable coverage, consider comparing quotes from at least three to five insurers. You can also save by taking advantage of discounts for safe driving, low annual mileage or bundling your policies.

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

 

|

 . .

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.