Average car insurance cost in Columbia, South Carolina

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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

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 Columbia

Female drivers in Columbia pay about $2,373 per year for car insurance, while male drivers spend $2,444, which is $71 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 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

Drivers in Columbia 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.