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Best Car Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO are the best car insurance companies for South Carolina drivers.

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Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
Jamie JohnsonInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
  • 6 years experience in personal finance writing

  • Featured on Credit Karma and Insider

Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Updated

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Shopping for car insurance can be difficult, and everyone has different priorities regarding auto insurance. To help you make sense of your options, Insurify analyzed 50 car insurance companies in South Carolina.

Here’s a look at the best insurers in South Carolina and the various factors to consider when evaluating your options.

Best car insurance companies in South Carolina

The best car insurance company for you will vary depending on your budget, coverage needs, and driving history. Whether you’re a military family or you’re looking for ways to save on insurance for a teen driver, here are the five best car insurance companies in South Carolina.

Auto-Owners: Best overall

User Reviews
4.3
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.
8.2 /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.
$75/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.
$116/mo
4.3
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 313 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing 4 reviews from South Carolina drivers - See all 146 Auto-Owners reviews
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 1, 2026
I have been licensed since two weeks before my 14th birthday, in other words, 65+ years. I had 2 tickets and 1 accident (that was in July 2024). It cost me a $25 fine and no points, yet my rate increased by 60%. This was the only claim against me over the years. I don't drive much, about 10,000 miles a year if that much, and yet I'm being punished for years of no problems. BTW, the patrolman questioned the ability of the on-lookers of the accident.
Mike
Verified Review
Solid car insurance company
Reviewed in South Carolina on December 22, 2025
They're very easy to talk to and will walk you through anything you need.
Michael
Verified Review
Best Kept Secret!
Reviewed in South Carolina on September 22, 2025
Fast claim response. Very courteous and professional. For what I need, no other company comes close in price for the last 10+ years.
Wilmer
Verified Review
Excellent company, but I saved a considerable amount of money by switching to another company. I like Auto-Owners!
Reviewed in South Carolina on April 12, 2025
Excellent company, but I saved a considerable amount of money by switching to another company. I like Auto-Owners!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
650
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Auto-Owners is the best overall insurer for South Carolina drivers, thanks to its low average rates and comprehensive coverage. The company also has a superior financial strength rating from AM Best, which means it’s financially sound and able to pay out its claims.[1]

Pros
  • Affordable rates

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)

  • Wide variety of coverages available

Cons
  • Below-average rating J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast region

  • Quotes not available online

  • Mixed customer reviews on Trustpilot

State Farm: Best for teen drivers

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.
9.3 /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.
$77/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.
$120/mo
4.0
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 15,982 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing 47 reviews from South Carolina drivers - See all 7,209 State Farm reviews
Gary
Verified Review
They misinformed us about the homeowners insurance, saying we would have to renew the policy every year. I called and asked if our insurance was okay, and the guy I spoke with said it was fine. Our heat pump caught on fire due to a power surge, and when we filed a claim a few days later, the adjuster called and said we no longer had insurance. Apparently, it was canceled on February 14th. We tried to go in person to fix it, but our agent was out, so another guy was working on it and said he was trying to get ahold of Dover Insurance. We never heard from him. We called the next day, but the agent was busy. The receptionist said she would have him call in a few minutes, and he finally called back at 3:40. By this point, we found car and homeowners insurance elsewhere, and it was significantly cheaper. They were totally useless when we were trying to get the insurance reinstated. Oh, and because it was canceled, it was going to be a huge price to get it back. State Farm totally and completely dropped the ball. Very disappointed with that agency.
Reviewed in South Carolina on March 5, 2026
They misinformed us about the homeowners insurance, saying we would have to renew the policy every year. I called and asked if our insurance was okay, and the guy I spoke with said it was fine. Our heat pump caught on fire due to a power surge, and when we filed a claim a few days later, the adjuster called and said we no longer had insurance. Apparently, it was canceled on February 14th. We tried to go in person to fix it, but our agent was out, so another guy was working on it and said he was trying to get ahold of Dover Insurance. We never heard from him. We called the next day, but the agent was busy. The receptionist said she would have him call in a few minutes, and he finally called back at 3:40. By this point, we found car and homeowners insurance elsewhere, and it was significantly cheaper. They were totally useless when we were trying to get the insurance reinstated. Oh, and because it was canceled, it was going to be a huge price to get it back. State Farm totally and completely dropped the ball. Very disappointed with that agency.
Robert
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 28, 2026
They consistently increase rates.
Sheila
Verified Review
State Farm Insurance Not Worth the Cost
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 26, 2026
Very expensive and keeps going up in price, not worth it. Roadside assistance is also very expensive. You can't use the tow service because it only covers 10 miles, and then it's $200 for a tow after that. Overall, very much not worth it. I'm not happy with this company at all.
Barbara
Verified Review
Totally Disappointed
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 21, 2026
Just be aware that if you have claims beyond your control, they will non-renew your policy.
Shirley
Verified Review
I had a very good experience with them until my niece joined. She had too many accidents, so they discontinued my insurance. Same household, same insurance.
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 16, 2026
I had a very good experience with them until my niece joined. She had too many accidents, so they discontinued my insurance. Same household, same insurance.
Rocky
Verified Review
No Notice
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 12, 2026
After 40 years without a glitch, no contact was made to us when we were late on one item out of three in our bundle. This happened a few months after State Farm made their first claim payout in decades. The amount was well under the repair cost. For being late, our coverage was increased by $132 every 6 months. Now they told us they never call anymore if a payment is late. Not the insurance company to retire with.
Barbara
Verified Review
Totally disappointed in State Farm
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 11, 2026
State Farm was doing okay until we had two claims in two months. Someone ran into our truck, and then one of those concrete stop things in the parking space at Golden Corral proceeded to rip the protective barrier from underneath my car. Now State Farm has decided they’re going to non-renew us, and we’re having trouble finding insurance that we can afford. These were circumstances beyond our control. We totally regret ever insuring with State Farm and will never do it again.
Michael
Verified Review
Switch to Geico and Save
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 9, 2026
I canceled my policy and switched to Geico, getting a rate that was one-third of the cost compared to State Farm's higher prices.
Dan
Verified Review
State Farm Disappointment
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 5, 2026
If you file a claim, your rates will go up, regardless of how good your past record is.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
673
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

State Farm is the best company for teen drivers because it offers cheap car insurance rates and many different discounts for young drivers. 

Your teen can save up to 25% for maintaining good grades and qualify for a discount by taking an approved driving course. State Farm also offers a discount if your student goes away to college and only uses their vehicle on vacations and holidays.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast region

  • Savings opportunities for teens, including the Steer Clear program

  • Expansive statewide network of local, exclusive agents

Cons
  • May not be the cheapest option for drivers with violations

  • Payoff Protector (gap) coverage restricted to customers who originate an auto loan through State Farm Bank

  • Accident forgiveness not available

GEICO: Best for discounts

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.
$111/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.
$157/mo
4.0
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 16,212 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing 23 reviews from South Carolina drivers - See all 7,454 GEICO reviews
Mary Jane
Verified Review
YES! Try them!
Reviewed in South Carolina on March 11, 2026
I have GEICO. Very pleased with them.
Robin
Verified Review
Geico, not your best bet!
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 11, 2026
I believe I am overcharged. I have paid my premium regularly and on time for over six years, with no claims! When I called to see if I could get my rates reduced and add my son to my policy, they offered no help. I'm not a fan of Geico and would not recommend them!
Dannyj
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 10, 2026
I've been with them for over 10 years. I wish it was cheaper, but it is what it is.
Bruce
Verified Review
Overcharge
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 7, 2026
They charge more than I should pay, and I’m looking around.
Charlie
Verified Review
The Truth About GEICO
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 27, 2026
There is nothing I would recommend GEICO change as my experience every time has been professional and pleasant.
Steven
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 14, 2026
Very good experience! Very happy with Geico!
Johnny
Verified Review
I have been okay until I found out how much Geico was overcharging me for insurance. I am checking out other insurance options at the moment.
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 9, 2026
I have been okay until I found out how much Geico was overcharging me for insurance. I am checking out other insurance options at the moment.
Diane
Verified Review
I have been satisfied with Geico insurance and have looked into saving money by changing for 2026. I have not found a better company that offers the same value for any less cost, and several I have looked into have been quite a bit more costly for what I currently have. I would recommend Geico to friends.
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 9, 2026
I have been satisfied with Geico insurance and have looked into saving money by changing for 2026. I have not found a better company that offers the same value for any less cost, and several I have looked into have been quite a bit more costly for what I currently have. I would recommend Geico to friends.
John
Verified Review
Seamless and easy
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 6, 2026
We have 2 cars, a truck, 2 motorcycles, and an RV, and the rates on all are great.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
651
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO also offers cheap car insurance, which may be partly due to the wide variety of discounts the company offers. The company offers the standard discounts you’d expect to see, like bundling your auto and home insurance. But you can also earn a discount for being a federal employee, having certain safety features in your vehicle, and applying for an online quote. And it’s easy to apply for an online quote and manage your insurance policy via a mobile app.

Pros
  • Many discounts available

  • Quotes available online

  • Robust mobile app

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast region

  • Limited network of local agents

  • Customer service can be inconsistent

USAA: Best for military families

User Reviews
4.9
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.
9.1 /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.
$70/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.
$108/mo
4.9
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 3,167 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 18 reviews from South Carolina drivers - See all 1,487 USAA reviews
Napoleon
Verified Review
USAA Praise Review
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 28, 2026
I've been with USAA for many years. I have no complaints. They handle claims quickly and are very easy to work with. I highly recommend them to my friends and family. Thank you, USAA.
Paul
Verified Review
Great claims handling
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 20, 2026
Whether it was an accident or a window replacement, the claim was handled very quickly and with no delay.
James
Verified Review
USAA OK!
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 14, 2026
USAA treats members fairly and respectfully.
Lewis
Verified Review
Watch your rates, they will double them for no reason.
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 13, 2026
Keep a close eye on them; they will steadily increase your prices. They doubled mine in 6 months, with no accidents or tickets.
Kelly
Verified Review
USAA has dropped off
Reviewed in South Carolina on January 13, 2026
USAA offers any coverage you could ask for. However, don’t expect them to handle claims efficiently. I'm sitting on one claim that’s just gotten to arbitration after 2 years.
Chris
Verified Review
USS-No way
Reviewed in South Carolina on December 14, 2025
Paying almost twice as much as other companies. I think they're punishing me for an accident where I was hit by a drunk driver and could have died. The car was totaled.
Fred
Verified Review
USAA lied about coverage
Reviewed in South Carolina on November 1, 2025
I've had USAA for 6 months. I was told an accident I had 3 years ago would be off my record by the time it renewed. I called back when I found out it did not and would not be for 2 more years. I was also told that the mileage tracker was just like a game and they knew nothing about my total mileage. Now I just don't trust anything they say!
Edward
Verified Review
USAA
Reviewed in South Carolina on October 27, 2025
It's too high.
Sandra
Verified Review
Not happy with Policy costs, Auto, Renters, Umbrella
Reviewed in South Carolina on October 25, 2025
I have been with USAA for years and the cost is very high compared to others. I am seriously thinking of changing.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
759
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

With major military bases located across the state, South Carolina is home to thousands of active-duty service members and their families. USAA is a great choice for military families, thanks to its competitive rates and personal coverage options for active-duty service members and veterans.

Deployed members can also earn a discount for garaging their cars on a military installation. And if your parents were also USAA members, you could earn a 10% legacy discount.

Pros
  • Military-specific discounts

  • Highly rated by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction in the Southeast region

  • Savings possible with SafePilot telematics program

Cons
  • Coverage restricted to members of the military community

  • Limited number of brick-and-mortar office locations in South Carolina

  • Low Trustpilot rating from customers

Nationwide: Best for policy add-ons

User Reviews
4.2
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 /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.
$114/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.
$176/mo
4.2
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 952 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide

Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in South Carolina for
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Showing recent national reviews - See all 512 Nationwide reviews
Edward
Verified Review
Loyalty means nothing
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on March 3, 2026
I have been with this insurance company for 50 years, and I feel like I've been overpaying the entire time. They never tried to save me money. It's a good idea to shop around and save money.
Thomas
Verified Review
Angry Loyal Customer
Reviewed in New York on February 28, 2026
Too expensive for a great and safe driver who drives 7,000 miles per year in a 15-year-old car!
Walter Mike
Verified Review
Fed up with high rates just because they can
Reviewed in North Carolina on February 24, 2026
I thought it was good until they started raising my rates for no good reason other than what they said: everyone is getting a rate increase. Which didn’t sit well. I’m a senior citizen with a perfect driving record; all other things they check are really good, and I've been with this same company and agent for over 20 years. Undoubtedly, that doesn’t mean much. So much for loyalty and being a long-time customer. So I’m doing something different.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
669
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Nationwide offers the best variety of policy add-ons for the carriers we reviewed, allowing South Carolina drivers to customize their insurance coverage. In addition to standard coverage options, you can purchase gap insurance, towing and labor coverage, and rental car coverage.

If you choose its vanishing deductible option, you’ll earn $100 off your deductible for each year of safe driving, for up to $500. You may also qualify for accident forgiveness or a total loss deductible waiver.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast region

  • Many add-on coverages available

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)

Cons
  • Higher average rates than many other insurers than some competitors

  • Fewer discounts than some competitors

  • Poor customer reviews on Trustpilot

  • Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in South Carolina to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.

How to get the best car insurance in South Carolina

Finding cheap car insurance is important, but price is only one aspect of finding the best car insurance for you. Here are four tips for getting the best car insurance in South Carolina:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/73ee7a876e/repair.svg

    Pick the right coverage amount

    South Carolina has minimum coverage requirements all drivers must meet, but you’ll probably need more coverage than this. It’s a good idea to talk to an insurance agent to determine your coverage needs based on your vehicle, driving history, and location. For instance, you may want comprehensive coverage if you live in a costal area affected by hurricanes.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/0a6ece6bd6/insurify-icons-auto-green-96x96_013-family.svg

    Read reviews

    Reading reviews helps you understand the experiences other customers have had with a given company. You’ll also learn how that company deals with customer complaints. You can read customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/243feaaa23/contact-us-96x96-orange_033-rating.svg

    Consider industry ratings

    It’s also a good idea to look at third-party industry ratings for each insurance company you’re considering. For example, J.D. Power rates insurance companies on customer satisfaction; AM Best rates a company’s financial strength; and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) tracks customer complaints.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/fa11c1fe75/comparison-website.svg

    Compare quotes

    Car insurance rates can vary quite a bit between companies, which is why shopping around is so important. Get quotes from at least three insurers. Online comparison tools make it easier to apply for and compare different quotes in one place.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina

Liability rates start at $70 per month

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Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina 

The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $227, compared to the national average of $173 per month. Auto insurance premiums have been rising across the board in recent years, and many South Carolina drivers have felt the effects.

In 2024, the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina was $3,393, which is a 29% increase from the previous year, according to Insurify data. Unfortunately, these average costs are projected to rise to $3,603 in 2025 — a 6% increase.

Best car insurance in South Carolina FAQs

Here’s a look at some additional information about finding the best car insurance in South Carolina.

  • How much is car insurance in South Carolina?

    The average rate for full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $227 per month, and the average rate for liability-only coverage is $157 per month.

  • What are the best car insurance companies in South Carolina?

    Auto-Owners, State Farm, GEICO, USAA, and Nationwide are the best car insurance companies for South Carolina drivers. But just because these companies are the best on average doesn’t mean they’ll be the best for you. Make sure to shop around and compare your options.

  • What is the required auto insurance coverage amount in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, the minimum requirements for car insurance are 25/50/25. You need at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person and $50,000 per accident. You also need at least $25,000 in property damage liability. South Carolina law also requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in uninsured motorist coverage.[2]

Related articles

Sources

  1. AM Best. "AM Best Downgrades Credit Ratings of Members of Auto-Owners Insurance Group; Upgrades Issuer Credit Ratings of Members of Capital Insurance Group; Affirms Credit Ratings of Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company and Certain Affiliates and Subsidiaries."
  2. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie JohnsonInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
Jamie Johnson
Jamie JohnsonInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
  • 6 years experience in personal finance writing

  • Featured on Credit Karma and Insider

Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.

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Jamie is a meticulous researcher who has published 2,000+ personal finance articles. Her expertise is trusted by major brands like Bankrate and Rocket Mortgage.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
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Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

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