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Car insurance costs in South Carolina depend on more than just your zip code. Your vehicle, coverage level, and driving history all play a role – and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive options can be hundreds of dollars a year. Enter a few details below to get a quick estimate and see what you might actually pay.

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

Getting your estimate takes less than a minute. Here’s how:

  1. Choose the model year of your car
  2. Choose the make and model
  3. Select South Carolina as your state
  4. Click ‘Get My Rates’ to see your estimate
  5. Add more vehicles to expand your options, or click ‘Get quotes’ to compare live policies and prices

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?

Your car’s make and model can play a major role in determining insurance rates. The make is the brand, and the model is the specific vehicle. For instance, Honda is the make and Accord is the model.

Insurers base pricing on repair and replacement costs, how often the model is involved in claims, and theft frequency. Two vehicles with similar prices can still have very different premiums.

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

Popular cars aren’t always cheaper to insure

High theft rates or costly repairs can raise premiums on common models. Check insurance costs before buying a vehicle.

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

In general, newer vehicles cost more to insure because they are more expensive to repair or replace. In South Carolina, the annual premium for a 2024 Honda Accord LX is $3,343, while the 2025 model costs $3,312.

That said, older cars aren’t always cheaper – vehicles without modern safety features or with costly parts may still carry higher premiums.

Check your state’s minimum coverage rules

Every state sets its own minimum car insurance requirements, and South Carolina is no exception. To drive legally, you’ll need at least the minimum liability coverage, which typically includes:

According to the III (Insurance Information Institute), state-required minimums often aren’t enough to cover the costs of a serious crash, so it’s worth considering higher coverage levels for stronger financial protection. Driving without the required coverage can result in fines, license suspension, or 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?

Insurance rates often vary based on your car’s trim. Trim is a version of a vehicle model with 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.

Premium features like advanced infotainment or high-end audio systems can increase rates by raising the vehicle’s value. Performance trims may also cost more due to higher accident risk.

That upgrade can cost more than you expect

Moving to a higher trim can increase your insurance premium due to higher repair and replacement costs – not just the purchase price. 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. While this is a helpful benchmark, your actual premium may differ depending on your car, coverage 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 includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It can also include protections like uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and other add-ons based on your needs and state requirements.

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

Your location within South Carolina can impact your premium just as much as your coverage level. Insurers consider traffic density, accident data, weather risks and theft rates when determining prices – which is why two drivers with similar profiles may 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 typically have the lowest premiums due to lighter traffic, fewer claims and lower overall risk.

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 rates in South Carolina

These cities tend to have the highest premiums, driven by heavy traffic, higher accident rates and more frequent claims.

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

Relocating from a rural area to a larger city can increase your annual premium by hundreds of dollars – even if everything else stays the same.

Frequently asked questions

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

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $2,417 per year, or $201 per month. Your actual rate will depend on your vehicle, coverage level, driving history and location within the state.

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

The most effective ways to lower your premium are comparing quotes from multiple carriers, increasing your deductible, bundling your auto policy with home or renters insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, and choosing a vehicle that costs less to insure. Discounts for safe driving, good grades or low annual mileage can also add up.

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

In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score as one factor in setting your premium – a higher score typically means lower rates. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit insurers from using credit when determining rates. Check whether South Carolina has any restrictions on this practice.

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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