Best Car Insurance in South Carolina (2026)

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

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Miranda Marquit
Writer: Miranda Marquit Insurance Writer

Qualifications:
  • Co-hosts the Money Talks News podcast

  • MBA from Utah State University


Miranda is a financial writer and avid podcaster with nearly two decades of experience contributing to major outlets, including Forbes, The Hill, and NPR.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • 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

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.

Best car insurance companies in South Carolina

To identify the best auto insurers in South Carolina, Insurify analyzed 120+ car insurance companies, considering average rates, coverage options, customer satisfaction, financial strength, discounts, and more.

The best insurer depends on your circumstances. Auto-Owners stands out for its combination of price and coverage, while State Farm and GEICO have high Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores. USAA offers strong value for eligible military families, and Nationwide provides numerous ways to customize a policy.

Below, you can learn more about five of the top 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.
$78/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.
$128/mo
Details
4.3
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 370 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service3.73.6
Discounts3.52.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.52.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing 4 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 158 Auto-Owners reviews
Gregory
Verified Review
Excellent
An excellent company that responds!!
Mickey
Verified Review
Policy Evaluation
It’s expensive, but claims are handled quickly.
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
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.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
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 earns the best overall designation for South Carolina drivers because it combines relatively affordable rates with extensive coverage choices and strong financial stability. Its average rates in South Carolina are among the lowest available from major insurers.

Its agent-based model may also appeal to drivers who prefer personalized assistance rather than buying coverage entirely online.

Pros
  • Affordable rates in South Carolina

  • Wide range of coverage options

  • Strong AM Best financial strength rating

Cons
  • Doesn’t offer online quotes

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

  • Mixed online customer reviews

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.
$80/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.
$133/mo
Details
4.1
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 21,674 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.72.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing 45 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 8,231 State Farm reviews
Jonathan
Verified Review
No More State Farm
Make sure to go over your policy and what it covers. Don’t rush when selecting policy options or deciding how much you pay. Don’t let them take advantage of you when dealing with a claim, and keep all paperwork and emails related to your claims.
Linda
Verified Review
Excellent
Excellent.
Thomas
Verified Review
Excellent
I’ve been with them for more than 50 years. They’ve been great!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
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 can be a great choice for South Carolina families adding a young driver. The company offers several ways for South Carolina’s more than 200,000 teen drivers to save, including a good-student discount and its Steer Clear safe-driving program.

South Carolina drivers who prefer personal service can also get car insurance quotes from State Farm’s extensive network of local agents.

Pros
  • Multiple savings opportunities for young drivers

  • Extensive network of local agents

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

Cons
  • May cost more after driving violations

  • Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness

  • Some online customer reviews cite rate increases

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.
$108/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.
$166/mo
Details
4.0
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 21,170 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.92.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing 32 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 8,277 GEICO reviews
Peggy
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Friendly, knowledgeable, and competitive.
Charles
Verified Review
14 Years with GEICO
The insurance coverage was good. The issue is that the premium would increase $20–$40 a month every six months. We’ve been with them for at least 14 years—way too long. It feels like they’re taking advantage of us.
Jose
Verified Review
Beauty to Beast
Started out great. In my fourth year, I started getting hit with higher and higher costs. No violations or infractions in over 50 years, and I’m paying a lot of money. I’d say after 4–5 years, start searching for other companies. They may start you with great rates and then eventually push you to shop around again.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
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 offers more than a dozen car insurance discounts, making it worth considering for South Carolina drivers looking for ways to reduce their premiums. Policyholders can earn discounts related to vehicle safety equipment, bundling policies with home insurance, federal employment, and other qualifications. GEICO also provides online quotes and a robust mobile app for drivers who prefer managing their insurance digitally.

Pros
  • Numerous available discounts

  • Online quotes and policy management

  • Strong mobile app

Cons
  • Limited local agent network

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

  • Customer service experiences can vary

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.
$73/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.
$119/mo
Details
4.9
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 4,414 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.93.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 17 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 1,717 USAA reviews
Nessie
Verified Review
They broke their word and caused severe hardship in my case.
Horrible. I was late with a payment due to hardship, and they said I could make it later. Then they canceled my policy, which caused even more financial hardship. They did not live up to their word.
Paul
Verified Review
Good, but Expensive
It seems like the premiums go up quite a bit each year, whether you have an accident or not.
Gregory
Verified Review
All People Are Not Created Equal
If you have a spouse who is not in the military or a military dependent, they have to prove who they are. This requires sending in a driver’s license and scanning their face because they won’t have a profile.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
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

USAA is an especially strong insurer in South Carolina, which has a large military presence, including Fort Jackson, Shaw Air Force Base, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Eligible military members, veterans, and their families can access competitive rates, military-specific benefits, and the SafePilot telematics program.

Pros
  • Competitive South Carolina rates

  • Military-specific discounts and benefits

  • Strong customer satisfaction

Cons
  • Limited eligibility

  • Doesn’t have local agencies

  • Some customers report increasing premiums

How we chose the best car insurance companies in South Carolinaexpand/collapse

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.

Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $207 per month. This is much higher than the national average of $143. South Carolina drivers pay an average of $160 per month for liability coverage and $255 for full-coverage insurance.

Several factors can contribute to South Carolina’s relatively high premiums, including severe-weather exposure from hurricanes, flooding, and thunderstorms.[1] South Carolina has the third-highest vehicle fatal crash rate in the U.S., which also affects average insurance costs.[2] Lastly, South Carolina ranks No. 19 for vehicle theft by state, according to National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) data.

Insurify’s latest auto insurance report found that South Carolina’s average full-coverage premium declined slightly in 2025, and rates weren’t projected to increase in 2026 after steeper increases in previous years.

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How to get the best car insurance in South Carolina

If you’re looking for South Carolina car insurance, you can take the following steps to find the right policy for your situation.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/95fa30ac35/insurify-icons-auto-orange-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Meet South Carolina’s minimum car insurance requirements

    South Carolina requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 for property damage liability. Drivers must also carry uninsured motorist coverage with limits of 25/50/25.[3]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/bc1c474c28/weather-96x96-yellow_045-thunder.svg

    Consider protection from severe weather

    Hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and other severe weather can damage vehicles, particularly in South Carolina’s coastal cities. Comprehensive coverage can help pay for covered weather-related damage that liability insurance won’t cover.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/28fd0b0ea3/car-and-driving-96x96-blue_023-driving-test.svg

    Think beyond the state minimum

    South Carolina’s required uninsured motorist coverage provides important protection, but underinsured motorist coverage is optional. Consider whether higher liability limits, optional underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, and other added coverages make sense based on your finances and driving habits.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/75872bbafd/money-96x96-green_033-magnifying-glass.svg

    Ask about every available discount

    The South Carolina Department of Insurance encourages consumers to ask insurers about discounts.[4] Insurers may offer discounts for having multiple vehicles, completing driver education, earning good grades, installing safety equipment, logging low mileage, maintaining clean driving records, and bundling home and auto coverage.

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

    Compare several South Carolina quotes

    Insurers weigh rating factors differently, so two South Carolina drivers with similar profiles can receive different prices from the same company. Compare at least three quotes using the same coverage limits and deductibles for an apples-to-apples comparison.

Best car insurance in South Carolina FAQs

The right South Carolina insurer depends on your driver profile, budget, and coverage needs. These answers can help narrow your choices.

What is the most affordable car insurance in South Carolina?

USAA is the cheapest South Carolina car insurance company, with an average liability insurance rate of $73 per month. Auto-Owners and State Farm also offer competitive rates.

What is the best insurance company in South Carolina?

Auto-Owners is Insurify’s best overall choice for South Carolina because of its competitive rates, coverage choices, and financial strength. State Farm, GEICO, USAA, and Nationwide are also strong choices for many South Carolina drivers. You should always compare quotes and coverage selections from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your needs.

Does South Carolina have the highest car insurance rates?

No, but South Carolina is one of the most expensive states in the U.S. for car insurance. With average monthly rates of $160 for liability insurance and $255 for full coverage, South Carolina has higher premiums than the national average. Your individual rate depends on factors such as your location, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage.

What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers also need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist bodily injury and $25,000 per accident in uninsured motorist property damage coverage.

Sources

  1. South Carolina Emergency Management Division. "Hurricanes."
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities and Fatality Rate in 2025."
  3. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions About Automobile Insurance."
  4. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Tips on Saving Money."
Miranda Marquit
Writer: Miranda Marquit Insurance Writer

Qualifications:
  • Co-hosts the Money Talks News podcast

  • MBA from Utah State University


Miranda is a financial writer and avid podcaster with nearly two decades of experience contributing to major outlets, including Forbes, The Hill, and NPR.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • 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.