Best Car Insurance in South Carolina (2026)
Auto-Owners, State Farm, and GEICO are the best car insurance companies for South Carolina drivers.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written byJamie Johnson
)
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.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Edited byChris Schafer
)
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.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
)
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Table of contents
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. | $74/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. | $115/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 290 verified guest 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 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 For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Reviews (143)
Scott
Verified Review
Poor
Reviewed in Michigan on January 28, 2026
Prices are too high.
Gary
Verified Review
Tornado
Reviewed in Ohio on January 25, 2026
I asked for discounts, but they don't offer any due to tornado damage claims.
Larry
Verified Review
Good
Reviewed in Tennessee on January 22, 2026
Good coverage, just a little high.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
650NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46A.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. | $76/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. | $118/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 14,346 verified guest 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 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 For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (6,919)
June
Verified Review
Auto Claims Which Are Not Correct
Reviewed in California on January 28, 2026
The insurance claim agents never look at the accidents to see when the claimants overcharge State Farm. State Farm never investigates the claims fairly because they will never leave their computers to check out what is true or false. State Farm paid $18,000 for a fender bender I had in SF in 2021 because I ran into an older car in front of me. That was ridiculous.
June
Verified Review
My Experience with Auto Claims
Reviewed in California on January 28, 2026
I have had 3 accidents in the last 5 years, and I think State Farm just pays out to the claimant without looking into the reasons.
Nixon
Verified Review
I'm grateful for everything they've done for me, and the coverage is top-notch.
Reviewed in Louisiana on January 28, 2026
So far, it's the best insurance I've had for my cars, and I honestly recommend it.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
673NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.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 choiceBased on 14,686 verified guest 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 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 For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (7,215)
Donna
Verified Review
Good find.
Reviewed in California on January 28, 2026
They have been great. The best price I could find, since my first insurance went up to over $100.00. So I looked around until I found GEICO.
Ernesto
Verified Review
Less Expensive
Reviewed in Connecticut on January 28, 2026
Cheaper than what you offer.
Gerard
Verified Review
I just started with Geico about six months ago, no issues and better than some other insurance
Reviewed in New York on January 27, 2026
Geico is cheaper than some car insurance.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
651NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.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. | $69/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. | $107/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,814 verified guest 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 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 For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,426)
Richard
Verified Review
No Problem
Reviewed in North Dakota on January 28, 2026
No problem. I pay the bill and have not had to use the insurance.
Dale
Verified Review
USAA Experience
Reviewed in Colorado on January 28, 2026
Transparent, very good service, good value.
John
Verified Review
Shop around and don't be fooled
Reviewed in Florida on January 28, 2026
When you try to cancel, you get hassled, and they only think of money and how much they can get from you. It's the second most expensive car insurance I've ever had.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
759NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.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. | $112/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. | $174/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 921 verified guest 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 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 For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (506)
Margaret
Verified Review
Great company but rates keep increasing
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on January 28, 2026
I love my insurance, but it's too high and I can't afford it.
Mildred
Verified Review
Too Expensive
Reviewed in New York on January 20, 2026
I have no points against my license, yet my policy continues to increase. Their answer is always the cost of living. Am I paying for their cost increase? This is ridiculous. My insurance went up this year alone from $155 to $172. I don't understand, but I'm definitely looking to find something cheaper.
George
Verified Review
Good service but too expensive.
Reviewed in Oregon on January 15, 2026
I like their service, but they are too expensive.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
669NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7A.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:
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.
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.
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.
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 $69 per month
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 11,378 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
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 $174 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 $159 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
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in South Carolina
January 28, 2026
)
How to Get a South Carolina Driver’s License
September 26, 2025
)
Cheap SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
January 28, 2026
)
Car Insurance Requirements in South Carolina
January 28, 2026
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina
January 28, 2026
)
Car Insurance After a DUI in South Carolina
January 28, 2026
Average Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina
March 26, 2025
)
Can You Get an Anonymous Car Insurance Quote?
January 28, 2026
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in North Charleston, SC
January 28, 2026
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Summerville, SC
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Spartanburg, SC, From $66
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Rock Hill, SC, From $68
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Lancaster, SC, From $70
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance n Myrtle Beach, SC, From $66
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Lexington, SC, From $67
January 28, 2026
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Greer, SC, From $61
January 28, 2026
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Greenville, SC, From $67
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Fort Mill, SC, From $61
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Florence, SC, From $77
January 28, 2026
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Charleston, SC, From $78
January 28, 2026
)
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Columbia, SC, From $76
January 28, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Aiken, SC, Starting at $60
January 28, 2026
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Anderson, SC, Starting at $61
January 28, 2026
Sources
- 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."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
)
Jamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer whose work has been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance. For the past six years, she's dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Jamie has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
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.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.