Cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina: USAA
Cheapest car insurance rate in South Carolina: $72 per month
Average monthly liability-only car insurance cost in South Carolina: $159
Average monthly full-coverage car insurance cost in South Carolina: $256
Cheapest car insurance quotes in South Carolina
The cheapest auto insurance companies in South Carolina include USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm. You can compare car insurance quotes in South Carolina from these and more of the cheapest insurers in the table below.
These quotes reflect premiums for drivers with a clean driving record, good credit history, and no recent claims. But the quotes you’ll ultimately receive will vary, depending on factors like your ZIP code, age, vehicle type, driving record, deductible, and coverage limits.
Here are average liability and full-coverage rates from several of the cheapest insurers across the Palmetto State.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $72 | $119 |
| Auto-Owners | $78 | $128 |
| State Farm | $81 | $132 |
| GEICO | $110 | $167 |
| Progressive | $124 | $196 |
| Travelers | $134 | $221 |
| Safeco | $144 | $185 |
| Allstate | $149 | $239 |
| Direct Auto | $158 | $249 |
| State Auto | $163 | $268 |
| National General | $164 | $250 |
| Root | $172 | $262 |
| GAINSCO | $173 | $319 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $187 | $267 |
| The General | $187 | $400 |
| Liberty Mutual | $189 | $310 |
| Dairyland | $190 | $378 |
| First Acceptance | $210 | $339 |
| Bristol West | $255 | $434 |
Best-rated insurance companies in South Carolina
Here are a few of the best insurers in South Carolina, based on real reviews from Insurify customers, financial strength ratings, and ratings from third-party sources such as J.D. Power.
We’ve identified the best car insurance company in South Carolina for four different categories: full coverage, minimum coverage, savings, and customer service.
Best for full coverage: GEICO
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $110/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $167/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO has some of the most affordable full-coverage premiums in South Carolina. It’s a good choice for drivers seeking additional coverage for their vehicles to protect against the state’s severe weather risks, such as coastal and inland flooding.
GEICO advertises a long list of discounts, including good student, homeowner, and good driver discounts, for many types of drivers in the state.
Competitive full-coverage rates in South Carolina
Highly rated mobile app to manage policy and claims
Offers a mechanical breakdown insurance add-on
Limited local agents in the state
Low Trustpilot rating
Much higher average premiums for drivers with poor credit
Best for minimum coverage: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $81/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $132/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm offers some of the lowest rates for liability-only insurance in South Carolina. Plus, local agents operate in more than 100 cities throughout the state.
Large agent network across South Carolina
May earn cheaper coverage through its Drive Safe & Save program
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Poor Trustpilot rating
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Drivers with violations may find lower premiums elsewhere
Best for savings: Progressive
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $124/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $196/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive is an affordable car insurance option for South Carolina drivers. Its auto insurance discounts and loyalty rewards program can also help you save on your coverage. Progressive has more than a dozen discount opportunities, including safe driver discounts for three and five years of remaining accident-free.
Wide range of advertised discounts
Accident forgiveness available
Name Your Price tool can help you find a budget-friendly policy
Discount availability may vary by state
Snapshot program can lead to higher premiums for risky driving
Full-coverage rates increase significantly after an accident
Best for customer service: Allstate
| User Reviews | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.9 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $149/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $239/mo |
Allstate's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.7 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.3 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
You can find Allstate’s car insurance agents in more than 60 South Carolina cities, including Columbia, Fort Mill, and Myrtle Beach. You can work with a local agent or get a car insurance quote online.
24/7 customer service available
Potential savings through its Drivewise telematics program
Offers coverage for rideshare drivers and people with classic and electric cars
Doesn’t offer the cheapest rates in the state
Fewer discounts than competitors
Low Trustpilot rating
To help South Carolina drivers find affordable coverage that works for them, we compiled thousands of insurance company reviews from verified customers. We’ve also spent hundreds of hours analyzing industry rating organizations like AM Best and J.D. Power to create our proprietary Insurify Quality Score.
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
Annual average car insurance costs in South Carolina are roughly $1,913 for minimum-coverage car insurance and $3,072 for full coverage. Both figures are higher than the national annual averages of $1,181 and $2,241, respectively.
South Carolina’s higher premiums are likely due to heavy traffic congestion in places like Charleston and Columbia, as well as its higher-than-average rate of traffic fatalities. South Carolina ranks 4th in the U.S. for motor vehicle crash deaths by state, at nearly 19 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to nearly 12 nationwide.[1]
Find Cheap South Carolina Car Insurance
Liability policies average $159/mo.
Average car insurance quotes in South Carolina cities
The table below shows how car insurance premiums in South Carolina vary by city.
City | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island | $131 | $214 |
| Fort Mill | $134 | $230 |
| Aiken | $136 | $218 |
| Anderson | $140 | $234 |
| Greer | $142 | $221 |
| Bluffton | $148 | $235 |
| Lexington | $150 | $247 |
| Rock Hill | $152 | $254 |
| Spartanburg | $152 | $243 |
| Greenville | $155 | $241 |
| Myrtle Beach | $158 | $242 |
| Sumter | $165 | $276 |
| Lancaster | $169 | $293 |
| Conway | $172 | $255 |
| Columbia | $176 | $288 |
| Florence | $178 | $296 |
| Charleston | $183 | $297 |
| Summerville | $186 | $292 |
| North Charleston | $202 | $292 |
Due to the higher risk of car accidents and theft, densely populated areas like North Charleston, Summerville, Charleston, Florence, and Columbia tend to have higher car insurance costs. The chart below highlights South Carolina’s five most expensive cities for car insurance.
SC Cities With the Highest Rates
City | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $176 | $288 |
| Florence | $178 | $296 |
| Charleston | $183 | $297 |
| Summerville | $186 | $292 |
| North Charleston | $202 | $292 |
On-the-spot guidance from licensed insurance experts
Mallory MooneyLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Director of Sales and Client Services
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years of insurance experience
Mallory has 10+ years of experience in property and casualty insurance. She serves as the director of sales and client services at Insurify, where customer service is central to her leadership style.
Austin MoyersLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Sales Manager
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
13+ years of insurance experience
Austin has 13+ years of personal lines experience. As a sales manager at Insurify, he mentors agents and partners with leadership to refine sales strategies and improve the customer experience.
Anuj DesaiLicensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
25+ years of insurance experience
Anuj has 25+ years of experience in auto, home, and renters insurance. As a digital insurance agent at Insurify, he takes pride in helping customers understand their coverage and in offering risk-management strategies tailored to each customer’s needs.
Why you should compare car insurance quotes in South Carolina
Car insurance quotes can vary significantly among car insurance companies in South Carolina, even for drivers with similar driving histories and coverage limits. Your ZIP code, age, gender, and claims history all play a role in your insurance rate in South Carolina.[2]
Comparing quotes from several auto insurance companies can help you find the ideal balance between the cost and quality of your coverage.
These tips can help you get the most accurate quotes:
Standardize. Use the same coverage limits and deductible across every quote.
Include all drivers. Include all licensed South Carolina drivers in your household.
Bundle coverage. Bundle policies if you also need home insurance or renters insurance.
Shop around. Compare both liability and full coverage, as South Carolina’s minimum requirements might not fully protect you after an accident.
Carefully decide on coverage. Consider optional coverages, like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance.
Compare quotes regularly. Recheck premiums before and after major life changes, like moving or adding a teen to your policy.
South Carolina car insurance requirements
South Carolina law requires all drivers to have liability insurance that covers injuries and property damage they cause to others. Here are South Carolina’s minimum coverage requirements:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
South Carolina follows an at-fault system. If you cause an accident, your liability insurance pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage up to insurance policy limits.
Agent Tip: Do you need more than the state minimum coverage?
“Drivers in South Carolina really should consider buying coverage beyond the state’s required amounts, especially those with new vehicles. Adding higher liability insurance limits, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage financially shields you in the event of a car accident or severe weather that seriously damages your car.”
How to find the cheapest South Carolina car insurance
South Carolina residents (who have an average FICO score of 699) can typically save on car insurance by improving their credit.[3] Car insurance companies in the state can currently consider your credit-based insurance score when determining rates. Improving your credit can help your insurer view you as a lower risk to insure.
You can also lower your rates by following these tips:
Set a higher deductible. Increase your deductible if you can afford higher out-of-pocket costs after a claim.
Ask about discounts. Ask your insurer about available discounts to be sure you receive any you’re eligible for.
Complete a defensive driving course. Taking a defensive driving course approved by the South Carolina Department of Insurance can help you reduce your driver’s license points and earn lower premiums in some cases.[4]
Bundle your coverage. Bundling your auto policy with homeowners or renters coverage.
Consider driver programs. Sign up for pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance if you work remotely, stay at home, or don’t drive often.
Shop for South Carolina Car Insurance
Average liability quotes start at $72/mo.
Find quotes for your driver profile
Different drivers face very different car insurance premiums in South Carolina. For example, teens and young drivers, seniors, and high-risk drivers often pay substantially different rates.
Car insurance for drivers with violations in South Carolina
How car insurance costs have changed in South Carolina
In the first half of 2026, average auto insurance rates in South Carolina fell by 0%, according to Insurify’s 2026 American Driver Report. Insurify data predicts a 0% increase in South Carolina premiums in the second half of 2026.
Nationwide, auto insurance costs have been decreasing due to rising competition among insurance companies. In South Carolina specifically, the state saw an 11% decline in fatal crashes through the first nine months of 2025, which likely also resulted in fewer large payouts and pressure to increase rates.[5]
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in South Carolina, the additional information below can help as you research policies and coverage options.
What’s the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
USAA has the cheapest average car insurance in South Carolina, with an average monthly premium of $72, according to Insurify data.
How do you lower car insurance in South Carolina?
You can lower your South Carolina car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple insurers at your renewal and bundling your auto and home insurance policies. Increasing your deductible, keeping a clean driving record, and asking about discounts are also good ways to reduce your costs.
Why is car insurance so expensive in South Carolina?
Car insurance rates in South Carolina tend to be more expensive for several reasons, including elevated traffic fatality rates — 1.72 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, compared to the national average of 1.26.[6]
That state also experiences frequent severe storms and tropical cyclones, including hurricane-related flooding.[7] Risks like these can increase insurer losses, which may contribute to higher auto insurance premiums for South Carolina drivers.
Can you negotiate a lower car insurance rate?
No. Insurers don’t negotiate car insurance rates. But you can lower your rates by asking about discounts, adjusting your coverage, and buying a car that’s cheaper to insure. Shopping around and comparing quotes is often the most effective way to reduce your premiums.
What’s the average premium in South Carolina for full-coverage car insurance?
South Carolina drivers pay an average monthly premium of $256 for full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data. Your premium may be higher or lower depending on personal factors like your location, age, and driving history.
Does auto insurance cover rental cars in South Carolina?
Yes. Car insurance extends to your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to rental cars in South Carolina when you rent them for personal reasons. Your same limits and deductibles apply, but coverage varies. Always review your auto policy before declining rental coverage.
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2024: State by State."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
- Experian. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?."
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. "Points System."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities for The First 9 Months (January–September) of 2025."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Fatalities and Fatality Rates by State."
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). "U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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