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Car insurance pricing in South Carolina depends on more than your ZIP code. Your vehicle, coverage level and driving history all play a role – and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive policies can be significant. Enter a few details below to get a quick estimate of your potential costs.

How to use our car insurance calculator to estimate your rates in South Carolina

It only takes about a minute to get an estimate:

  • Select your car’s model year
  • Choose the make and model
  • Confirm South Carolina as your state
  • Click ‘Get My Rates’ to view your estimate
  • Add more vehicles or click ‘Get quotes’ to compare real-time pricing
Data last refreshed in 2026
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What affects your car insurance rate in South Carolina?

  • Your car’s make, model, year and trim
  • Your location within South Carolina
  • Your coverage level
  • Your driving history, credit score and vehicle storage

Does your vehicle model affect car insurance rates in South Carolina?

A vehicle’s make and model can significantly impact car insurance rates. Make is the brand, while model is the specific vehicle you drive. For example, Honda is the make and Accord is the model.

Insurers consider repair costs, claim frequency and theft rates when pricing coverage. Even similarly priced vehicles can have very different insurance costs.

For example, full coverage for a Honda Accord LX costs $3,350 per year in South Carolina, while a Honda CR-V averages $2,893 – a difference of $457.

A popular car doesn’t always mean cheaper insurance

High theft rates or expensive repairs can drive up premiums. Always check insurance costs before purchasing a vehicle.

Does your car’s model year affect insurance rates in South Carolina?

Newer cars generally cost more to insure because they are more expensive to repair or replace.

In South Carolina, insuring a 2024 Honda Accord LX costs $3,343, while the 2025 version costs $3,312.

However, older vehicles aren’t always cheaper – lack of safety features or costly parts can keep premiums high.

Check your state’s minimum coverage requirements

Each state sets minimum insurance requirements, including South Carolina. To drive legally, you’ll need liability coverage that typically includes:

According to III (Insurance Information Institute), state-required minimums are usually not able to cover the costs of a serious crash, so it’s important to consider higher levels of coverage for financial protection. Not carrying the required coverage can lead to fines, license suspension and even vehicle impoundment.

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.

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

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How does your car’s trim affect insurance rates in South Carolina?

Your car’s trim can affect how much you pay for insurance. Trim refers to a particular version of a model that includes different features, equipment, or engine options, such as LX, EX, or Sport.

For example, in South Carolina, full coverage for a 2024 Honda Accord LX costs $3,343 annually, while the Accord EX-L trim costs $3,333 – a difference of $10.

Features like premium audio systems or advanced tech can increase rates by raising the car’s value. Performance trims may also increase premiums due to higher risk.

Upgrading your trim can increase insurance costs

Higher trims often mean higher premiums because upgraded electronics, interiors, and components cost more to repair or replace. Before choosing a trim, it’s worth getting a quote on each option to see how the price difference carries over to your insurance.

How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $2,417 per year, or $201 per month. That figure is a useful starting point, but your actual rate can land well above or below it depending on your vehicle, coverage choices, and personal profile.

Coverage levelAverage annual rateAverage monthly rate
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll$2,417$201
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$874$73
State Minimum BI/PD$785$65
Non-Owners$448$37
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People also ask:

What is full coverage car insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is a policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It can also include additional protections like uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and other add-ons depending on your needs and state requirements.

How do car insurance rates vary by city in South Carolina?

Where you live within South Carolina can have just as much impact on your premium as the coverage you choose. Insurers look at local traffic density, accident statistics, weather risks and theft rates when setting prices – which is why two drivers with identical profiles can pay very different amounts depending on their zip code.

Full coverage costs $3,022 per year in Estill, compared to $2,004 in Newry.

Top 20 cities with cheapest car insurance rates in South Carolina

These cities have the lowest average premiums in the state, typically because of lower traffic volume, fewer claims and reduced risk overall.

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
Newry$2,004$167
Seneca$2,005$167
Walhalla$2,016$168
Central$2,023$169
Westminster$2,033$169
West Union$2,035$170
Fair Play$2,057$171
Mountain Rest$2,068$172
Long Creek$2,069$172
Clemson$2,075$173
Simpsonville$2,077$173
Six Mile$2,078$173
Tamassee$2,078$173
Fountain Inn$2,082$174
Townville$2,085$174
Norris$2,092$174
Mauldin$2,093$174
Pendleton$2,094$175
Sunset$2,100$175
Hilton Head Island$2,108$176
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Top 20 cities with most expensive car insurance in rates South Carolina

These cities carry the highest average premiums, driven by higher traffic density, accident rates and claim frequency.

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
Estill$3,022$252
Fairfax$3,009$251
Furman$2,995$250
Hampton$2,988$249
Brunson$2,974$248
Allendale$2,968$247
Luray$2,949$246
Crocketville$2,925$244
Miley$2,910$243
Gifford$2,902$242
Garnett$2,892$241
Early Branch$2,888$241
Pineland$2,876$240
Scotia$2,872$239
Lodge$2,861$238
Islandton$2,855$238
Jacksonboro$2,853$238
Varnville$2,844$237
Grover$2,843$237
Russellville$2,821$235
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If you’re moving within South Carolina, check insurance rates before you go

A move from a rural area to a major city can add hundreds of dollars to your annual premium – even if nothing else about your profile changes.

Frequently asked questions

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

The average full coverage cost in South Carolina is $2,417 per year, or $201 per month. Your actual rate will vary based on your profile and coverage.

How can I lower my car insurance premium in South Carolina?

To lower your premium, compare quotes, raise your deductible, bundle policies, maintain a clean driving record and choose a lower-risk vehicle. Discounts for safe driving and low mileage can also help.

Does my credit score affect car insurance rates in South Carolina?

Many insurers use credit-based scores to help set rates, with higher scores typically leading to lower premiums. Some states restrict this, so check the rules in South Carolina.

Sources:

Insurance Information Institute. Auto insurance basics: Understanding your coverage. Accessed May 2026.

Estimate your South Carolina car insurance cost with our calculator

Our South Carolina car insurance calculator gives you a quick estimate based on factors like your location, vehicle, and model year. Enter a few details to see a personalized estimate in seconds. Actual quotes can differ, so it’s smart to compare offers from multiple insurers to find your best rate.

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Alisha Ambre

 
  

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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