Best Car Insurance in South Carolina (2025)

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

Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
Jamie 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

media logomedia logomedia logo
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.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Updated

Save up to $1,025 by comparing quotes from the top 120+ insurance companies

Excellent
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate
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.

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.

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
3.9
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.
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.
$63/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.
$104/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 199 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 (119)

Roy

June 5, 2025

Verified Review

I don't have anything to add

Good company, but I didn't care for their premiums going up this year just for liability and roadside service.

Ann

June 1, 2025

Verified Review

Satisfaction

I like paying all at one time.

Jason

May 8, 2025

Verified Review

Stay away from them if you have children. My policy jumped $540 a month, and they will not exclude my daughter from the policy even though she doesn't drive my truck.

Stay away from them if you have children. My policy jumped $540 a month, and they will not exclude my daughter from the policy even though she doesn't drive my truck.
See all Auto-Owners reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
871
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

  • Quotes not available online

  • Negative customer reviews on Trustpilot

State Farm: Best for teen drivers

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.
$65/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
4.1
Best choiceBased on 11,208 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 (6,023)

Connie

June 15, 2025

Verified Review

Lack of Communication and Unexplained Premium Increases

It seems like my monthly premium goes up every few months without any explanation. I have only had one minor accident with them almost three years ago. They did process the claim right away and let me take it to the place I requested, which was nice because they did a great job fixing it.

Mark

June 14, 2025

Verified Review

State Farm: Reliable and Fair

Auto premium spiked but it may be related to owning a Tesla, and it appears to be in line with other insurers.

Conrad

June 13, 2025

Verified Review

Good and Bad with State Farm

Long-term customer, great rates. Local agents are terrible with poor office management and poorly trained/motivated employees.
See all State Farm reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
855
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

  • Savings opportunities for teens

  • Many local agents

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

  • Gap insurance not available

  • 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.
$145/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.
$180/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 11,947 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 (6,421)

William

June 10, 2025

Verified Review

There was no problem. If I had a problem or a question, it was rectified. Howard, who was our service representative, was helpful. My son is the reason I don't have it now.

There was no problem. If I had a problem or a question, it was rectified. Howard, who was our service representative, was helpful. My son is the reason I don't have it now.

Peter

June 8, 2025

Verified Review

Average Insurance. Constant Price Hikes.

Beware of the constant price hikes despite having no accidents or tickets for 40 years.

Philip

June 5, 2025

Verified Review

High Price for Full Coverage

They are good but offer no rate deductions.
See all GEICO reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
843
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.

Pros
  • Many discounts available

  • Quotes available online

  • Robust mobile app

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

  • 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.
$59/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.
$96/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,093 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 (1,191)

Marlon

June 15, 2025

Verified Review

Don't let them hook you

Don't renew with USAA the first year. Go to another company for the first 6 months after your USAA policy expires. Then, when that one expires, check back with USAA for the following 6-month period. USAA will give a better rate when you come back than they would have if you had stayed with them all along.

Timothy

June 10, 2025

Verified Review

The Old Bait and Switch

There's no flexibility, and if you miss your first payment by a day, they will cancel your policy. Then, they make you get a new quote and double the price for half the coverage. It's unbelievable that they treat veterans and their families like that.

Norman

June 7, 2025

Verified Review

USAA Value

Expensive for coverage.
See all USAA reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
886
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

  • Savings possible with SafePilot telematics program

Cons
  • Only available to military members

  • No local branches

  • Low Trustpilot rating

Nationwide: Best for policy add-ons

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.
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.
$96/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
4.3
Best choiceBased on 864 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 (484)

Bettye

June 10, 2025

Verified Review

BG's Lament

They will not give you a bundle price, and are higher than other companies. You wonder if you are being given all the reductions allowed for a good driving record, living in Florida.

Nicholas

May 14, 2025

Verified Review

Poor

Nationwide is very overpriced for what they offer.

Ronald

May 11, 2025

Verified Review

Nationwide opinion

Nothing bad about Nationwide, but it needed to be more affordable.
See all Nationwide reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
850
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 policy add-ons, 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

  • Many add-on coverages available

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)

Cons
  • Higher average rates than many other insurers

  • Fewer discounts than 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 an 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 the Better Business Bureau, 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 industry ratings for each insurance company you’re considering. For example, J.D. Power rates insurance companies on customer satisfaction; AM Best looks at a company’s financial strength; and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) looks at 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 $59 per month

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina 

The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina is $255, compared to the national average of $195 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 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 $255 per month, and the average rate for liability-only coverage is $174 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
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.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferDeputy Managing Editor, News and Marketing Content
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.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate