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.

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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
3.8
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.2 /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.
$127/mo
3.8
A solid optionBased on 331 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.63.2
Customer service3.53.6
Discounts3.22.9
Policy transparency3.63.1
Value3.12.9
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 For
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing 3 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 150 Auto-Owners reviews
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.
Mike
Verified Review
Solid car insurance company
They're very easy to talk to and will walk you through anything you need.
Michael
Verified Review
Best Kept Secret!
Fast claim response. Very courteous and professional. For what I need, no other company comes close in price for the last 10+ years.
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 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.
$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.
$130/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 17,424 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.93.2
Customer service4.03.6
Discounts3.62.9
Policy transparency3.83.1
Value3.62.9
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 For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing 42 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 7,446 State Farm reviews
Charles
Verified Review
It's terrible. I was told one rate when I signed up for the policy, and now they're charging me almost $200 more a month since the second month I've had them for my auto insurance.
It's terrible. I was told one rate when I signed up for the policy, and now they're charging me almost $200 more a month since the second month I've had them for my auto insurance.
Candice
Verified Review
Bad Communication, No Real Care for the Customer
Horrible experience with claims. Every step was delayed by 2 to 3 days. They allowed my vehicle to stay at a tow yard until the very last day that storage fees would be covered, and the only reason I was able to catch it was because I called them myself. My claims representative told me it would only take two to three days for her to get back to me, but it actually took her a little over a week, and I had to call her myself to hear anything. My claims representative also didn’t send me everything I needed to receive my settlement and never tried to follow up with me. I had to call her, and then she tried to make it seem like I never sent it on my end when it was actually her fault. I’m very frustrated and disappointed with this whole experience. I understand there can be delays in the process, but please don’t tell me something’s going to be done by a certain time if you already know there’s going to be a delay. As soon as this claim is processed, I will be getting new car insurance.
Sam
Verified Review
In past years, it was good. Now the rate has jumped up 35% and coverage is up 5%. This is ridiculous. I have a 1999 Jeep with $5,000 coverage that was charging $108 per year, and this year it went up to $140 for the same coverage. Not good!
In past years, it was good. Now the rate has jumped up 35% and coverage is up 5%. This is ridiculous. I have a 1999 Jeep with $5,000 coverage that was charging $108 per year, and this year it went up to $140 for the same coverage. Not good!
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 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
4.1
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.
9.2 /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.
$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.
$170/mo
4.1
Best choiceBased on 17,632 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.82.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.82.9
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 For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing 24 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 7,653 GEICO reviews
Paula
Verified Review
Insurance Cost Increases
Their insurance is getting too expensive.
Larry
Verified Review
I don’t feel like I’m being treated fairly as a customer.
The price is getting out of sight. I have no claims against it, but the monthly rates have gotten to an unreachable point.
Paul
Verified Review
Most Economic
It is the best for the money if you purchase online and not through a dealer.
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 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
4.2
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.
9.1 /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
4.2
Best choiceBased on 3,476 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency4.13.1
Value3.82.9
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 For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 14 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 1,544 USAA reviews
Napoleon
Verified Review
USAA Praise Review
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
Whether it was an accident or a window replacement, the claim was handled very quickly and with no delay.
James
Verified Review
USAA OK!
USAA treats members fairly and respectfully.
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

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
4.3
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.
$119/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.
$192/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 971 verified driver reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts3.82.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value4.02.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 516 Nationwide reviews
William
Verified Review
Excellent
Too expensive and they farm you out to other insurance companies.
Brian
Verified Review
Not happy anymore with this company
The rates are not that good; they go up every other month with no notification. When you call about it, they say, "It is what it is." With auto-pay, we set the date, but they may take it a week early or a week later, but it's normally earlier than the date we set. This really sucks since I have had insurance through them since I was 17 years old, and I am now 61. Their rates keep going up with no notification.
Cassidy
Verified Review
Don't use this company
My car is 6 years old. I have no claims and no tickets, and my insurance has increased 200% in the past 6 years.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
641
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 $73 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 $254, compared to the national average of $186 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 $254 per month, and the average rate for liability-only coverage is $161 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]

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.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logo

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.

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

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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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