The best and cheapest car insurance in South Carolina

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Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in South Carolina, earning 4.67 out of 5 stars in our analysis of pricing, customer satisfaction and financial strength. It offers average annual rates of $1,731, which is $686 less than the state average.

Drivers in South Carolina pay an average of $2,417 a year or $201 a month for car insurance coverage.

The table below shows the best car insurance companies in South Carolina.

How we picked the top auto insurance companies

When selecting the top car insurance companies in South Carolina, we didn’t focus solely on price. We also reviewed customer satisfaction results from J.D. Power, financial strength ratings from AM Best and complaint records from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). When state-specific data wasn’t available, we used national averages to ensure readers could make fair comparisons.

For each of the four metrics, we gave companies in each state from 1 to 5 (5 being the best) based on how they performed in each category. Those components were then given the following weights, to arrive at an overall star rating.

• Premiums: 25%
• JD Power: 30%
• AM Best: 25%
• NAIC: 20%

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Which insurers offer the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?

Auto-Owners has the cheapest average car insurance rate in South Carolina at $1,731 a year.

Other low-cost insurers in South Carolina include:

• Travelers, with average rates of $2,193 a year, or $183 a month
• GEICO, with average premiums of $2,440 a year, which comes out to $203 per month

On the higher end, Dairyland has the highest average premium at $4,790 a year.

Keep in mind that your actual rate may be different. Insurers consider factors like your driving record, credit score, age, vehicle and ZIP code when calculating premiums, so the cheapest company for the average driver may not be the cheapest for you.

Below are the cheapest car insurance rates by company, based on a profile of a 40-year-old driver with a Honda Accord LX to ensure fair, apples-to-apples comparisons. Rates are for full coverage car insurance.

What is full coverage car insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is a combination of coverages that provide broader financial protection. It typically includes liability insurance (required in most states) plus collision and comprehensive coverage, which pay for damage to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, weather, vandalism and other non-collision events. While it offers more protection than minimum coverage, it also costs more and may be especially valuable if you have a newer, financed or higher-value car.

Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from city to city, so drivers need to be sure they’re getting the best deal. Insure.com has done the research for you. Get more information on auto insurance rates by city below.

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How to find the best car insurance in South Carolina

Shopping around for coverage is a great way to make sure you are getting the best rates on your auto insurance.

“It is extremely important to make sure you start off with an apples-to-apples comparison,” says Tim Bottini, a Country Financial insurance agent based in St. Louis. That means checking:

• The same liability limits
• The same deductibles
• The same coverage types

For instance, if one quote lists 25/50/25 in liability coverage and another lists 50/100/100, the lower premium may simply reflect less coverage rather than a better value. Many insurance agents suggest carrying at least 50/100/100, and higher limits may be appropriate depending on your income, assets and overall financial situation.

You can also lower your premium by:

• Maintaining a strong credit score
• Avoiding tickets and accidents
• Bundling home and auto insurance with the same carrier

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for seniors in South Carolina?

Senior drivers in South Carolina typically pay higher car insurance premiums than most other age groups, although teens generally remain the most expensive to insure.

The cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in South Carolina include:

• Auto-Owners: $1,926 a year ($161 a month)
• Travelers: $2,271 a year
• Progressive: $2,273 a year

Insurance companies often charge seniors more because premiums are based on broader risk trends, including claim frequency and age-related driving changes such as slower reaction times or vision shifts. Even so, many seniors can lower their costs by maintaining a clean driving record, limiting mileage and taking advantage of mature driver or safe driver discounts.

The chart below shows the average car insurance premiums for senior drivers in South Carolina.

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for young adults in South Carolina?

While young adults pay less than teen drivers, they still pay more than older more experienced drivers. The best choice for young adults (early 20s) in South Carolina is Auto-Owners with an annual rate of $2,761 or $230 a month.

Travelers had the second cheapest premium at $3,239 a year followed by GEICO was third at $4,075.

If young drivers keep their driving record clean, their rates will drop down as they move out of their 20s.

The table below shows the best insurers for young drivers in South Carolina:

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, Auto-Owners offers the most affordable coverage for teen drivers, with average premiums starting at $4,207 annually or $351 per month.

Because teens have less driving experience, insurers classify them as higher-risk policyholders.

“Teenagers and seniors are riskier drivers, so they often pay more for auto insurance than other policyholders in different age groups,” says Chong Gao, director of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance. “For teenagers, the lack of driving experience is a significant factor that impacts their rates; younger drivers with little experience behind the wheel tend to pay higher insurance premiums.”

GEICO follows at $6,833 per year or $569 per month, while Travelers rounds out the top three at $7,441 annually.

The table below shows average teen car insurance premiums in South Carolina:

Why the cheapest company may vary by driver

The lowest average rate doesn’t always mean the lowest quote for you. Car insurance is highly personalized, and insurers price policies differently based on risk.

Key factors that affect your premium include:

• Driving record
• Credit score (in most states)
• Age and marital status
• Vehicle make and model
• ZIP code and local risk levels

Age is one of the biggest pricing factors. For example, adding a teen to a policy can significantly increase premiums because teens are the least experienced drivers and are more likely to be involved in accidents and file claims.

“Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents due to their lack of driving experience and tendency to engage in risky behaviors like speeding,” says Eliezer Zupnick, founder of East Leads Group LLC. “Teens are involved in three times as many auto accidents per mile compared to drivers aged 20 and up, making them a high-risk category for insurers.”

Parents can help offset higher costs by asking about good student discounts, insuring a less expensive vehicle or adjusting coverage if the car’s value is low.

What is the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, drivers pay an average of $2,417 per year for car insurance.

Rates can vary significantly from one state to another because insurers set premiums based on overall risk patterns, including claim frequency, repair expenses, state laws and local accident trends. Even within South Carolina, drivers may receive different quotes depending on factors such as driving history, age, vehicle type and ZIP code.

The chart below displays the average rate in South Carolina for a 40-year-old driver with 100/300/100 coverage and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible driving a Honda Accord LX.

Which South Carolina cities and ZIP codes are most expensive for car insurance?

Estill has the highest car insurance rates in South Carolina, with average annual premiums of $3,022 across its most expensive ZIP codes.

Insurance premiums vary by location because where your vehicle is parked overnight affects overall risk. Cities and ZIP codes with frequent severe weather, heavier traffic congestion or higher crime levels typically experience more accident and theft claims, which drives up costs for drivers in those areas.

Below are the most expensive cities and ZIP codes in South Carolina for car insurance:

Which South Carolina cities and ZIP codes are the cheapest for car insurance?

The cheapest ZIP codes for car insurance in South Carolina tend to be in rural areas where there are fewer people and cars which leads to lower accident and claim rates. Clemson has the most affordable ZIP code in South Carolina with an annual premium of $1,993.

How your location in South Carolina affects car insurance rates

Where you live in South Carolina can have a major impact on your car insurance premium. Insurers evaluate local risk factors such as accident frequency, traffic congestion, repair expenses and weather-related claims when calculating rates.

“States that have a higher rate of severe weather that damages cars or helps cause accidents will typically have higher rates,” says Gao.

Because each insurer weighs these location-based risks differently within its pricing model, premiums can vary significantly even for drivers with similar profiles living in different areas of the state.

Which companies have the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina?

Traffic violations and accidents can significantly increase your car insurance rates because insurers may classify you as a higher-risk driver.

For example, a speeding ticket can raise the average premium to $3,316 and typically affects your rates for up to three years. An at-fault accident tends to have a larger impact, pushing the average cost of coverage to around $3,759.

A DUI is considered a major violation and usually leads to the steepest increase, with average premiums rising to $3,669.

The table below shows how much car insurance rates increase on average after common driving incidents.

Minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina

To legally drive in South Carolina, drivers must carry at least 25/50/25 in liability car insurance. This required coverage includes bodily injury and property damage protection.

While meeting the state minimum keeps you legal on the road, those limits may not be enough in a serious accident. If damages exceed your liability coverage, you’re responsible for paying the remaining costs out of pocket.

For stronger financial protection, many experts recommend carrying at least 100/300/50 in liability coverage to better safeguard your assets and future earnings.

The table below shows the minimum liability limits drivers must carry to legally drive in South Carolina.

Final thoughts on the best and cheapest car insurance in South Carolina

The right car insurance company in South Carolina ultimately depends on your budget, driving history and coverage preferences. Auto-Owners stands out for its overall value, combining competitive pricing with strong customer satisfaction and financial stability.

Still, the cheapest company for the average driver may not offer you the lowest rate. Your age, driving record, vehicle type and ZIP code all affect your premium, which makes comparing multiple insurers essential.

To find the best deal in South Carolina, get quotes from at least three companies, review coverage limits carefully – not just the price – and look for discounts such as bundling, safe driver programs, telematics or good student savings. Taking time to compare options can help you lower costs without cutting important protection.

What our experts say

Q: How does a state’s population affect car insurance rates?

Chong GaoDirector of product management R&D at Mercury Insurance.

Teenagers and seniors are riskier drivers, so they often pay more for auto insurance than other policyholders in different age groups

Methodology

Our car insurance analysis is based on 2026 rate data across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., covering 29,159 cities and 34,595 ZIP codes.

For standard rate comparisons, we analyzed 65,756,440 quotes from 195 companies across 73 insurer groups. Rates reflect a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with 100/300/100 liability limits, $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles, a good insurance score, no violations, a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual miles. The national average premium for this profile is $2,578 per year.

To measure the impact of risk factors, we reviewed an additional 95,071,152 quotes modeling at-fault accidents, DUI/DWI, speeding violations and poor credit, using the same base profile for consistency.

Company rankings are weighted as follows:

• J.D. Power (30%) – customer satisfaction
• Annual premium (25%) – average cost
• AM Best (25%) – financial strength
• NAIC (20%) – complaint index

Alisha Ambre

 

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Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

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