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3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
Featured in
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Lequita Westbrooks is a Senior Editor at Insurify. With extensive experience in writing and editing across industries like insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more, she’s passionate about helping readers understand complex topics so they can make informed financial decisions and save money.
Outside of work, Lequita enjoys reading and spending time with her family (and two pups: Bella and Simba).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida.
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated
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
- Cheap car insurance quotes in SC
- SC cheap liability-only car insurance
- SC cheap full coverage car insurance
- Car insurance for one week in SC
- Best cheap SC car insurance
- Car insurance rates in SC over time
- South Carolina car insurance requirements
- South Carolina car insurance rates by city
- Quotes for drivers with a clean record
- Cheap car insurance with an incident in SC
- Affordable SC insurance with an at-fault accident
- Cheap car insurance for SC drivers with a DUI
- Cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- Affordable car insurance in SC for teen drivers
- Car insurance quotes for senior drivers in SC
- Cheap car insurance with bad credit in SC
- South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Table of contents
- Cheap car insurance quotes in SC
- SC cheap liability-only car insurance
- SC cheap full coverage car insurance
- Car insurance for one week in SC
- Best cheap SC car insurance
- Car insurance rates in SC over time
- South Carolina car insurance requirements
- South Carolina car insurance rates by city
- Quotes for drivers with a clean record
- Cheap car insurance with an incident in SC
- Affordable SC insurance with an at-fault accident
- Cheap car insurance for SC drivers with a DUI
- Cheapest SR-22 insurance in South Carolina
- Affordable car insurance in SC for teen drivers
- Car insurance quotes for senior drivers in SC
- Cheap car insurance with bad credit in SC
- South Carolina car insurance FAQs
Cheapest car insurance quotes in South Carolina
Drivers in South Carolina pay an average of $192 per month for car insurance coverage, which is higher than the national average of $136 per month.
Liability insurance in the Palmetto State is $157 per month. Full coverage costs more, with average rates at $227 per month.
South Carolina ranks among the states with the highest motor vehicle crash death rates per capita and per vehicle miles driven, which can contribute to higher rates.[1] But how much you pay for coverage in South Carolina often comes down to rating factors like your driving history, age, credit, and coverage limits.
We gathered premiums from 120+ different insurers operating in South Carolina to show how prices shift across different driver profiles, as shown in the table below.
Driver Category | Cheapest Insurance Company in South Carolina | Cheapest Monthly Quote in SC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | USAA | $70 |
| State-minimum coverage | USAA | $70 |
| Full coverage | USAA | $108 |
| Drivers with a clean record | USAA | $70 |
| After a speeding ticket | USAA | $88 |
| After an at-fault accident | USAA | $92 |
| After a DUI | USAA | $108 |
| Teen/new drivers | USAA | $131 |
| Seniors | USAA | $57 |
| Bad credit | USAA | $85 |
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in South Carolina: USAA
Liability coverage, along with uninsured motorist protection, satisfies South Carolina’s car insurance minimums, but it won’t help replace or repair your vehicle after a crash.[2] It’s cheaper than full coverage, with average monthly costs of $157.
If keeping your costs low is your priority, USAA offers the lowest liability insurance in South Carolina.
The table below shows the cheapest liability-only rates in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $70 |
| Auto-Owners | $75 |
| State Farm | $77 |
| GEICO | $111 |
| Nationwide | $114 |
| Allstate | $120 |
| Travelers | $129 |
| Progressive | $131 |
| Safeco | $138 |
| Root | $155 |
| National General | $155 |
| State Auto | $157 |
| Dairyland | $171 |
| Direct Auto | $175 |
| GAINSCO | $186 |
| The General | $189 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $198 |
| Hugo | $199 |
| Liberty Mutual | $207 |
| First Acceptance | $219 |
| Bristol West | $246 |
Agent Tip: Is liability-only coverage enough protection?
)
Austin Moyers
Sales Manager, Insurify
Choosing liability-only coverage really comes down to your financial situation. If replacing your car or covering a large claim out of pocket would be difficult, it may be worth considering higher limits or full coverage.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina: USAA
In South Carolina, full-coverage car insurance includes liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It also adds collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle from damage caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, and weather events.
Average premiums are $227 per month in South Carolina, making full coverage more expensive than liability-only coverage. But lenders typically require this level of protection if you finance or lease your car.
Below is a table listing the cheapest full-coverage rates in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $108 |
| Auto-Owners | $116 |
| State Farm | $120 |
| GEICO | $157 |
| Nationwide | $176 |
| Safeco | $177 |
| Allstate | $186 |
| Progressive | $189 |
| Travelers | $201 |
| Root | $229 |
| Direct Auto | $230 |
| National General | $231 |
| State Auto | $244 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $282 |
| Liberty Mutual | $296 |
| First Acceptance | $328 |
| The General | $346 |
| GAINSCO | $348 |
| Dairyland | $358 |
| Bristol West | $413 |
Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in South Carolina
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $79/mo for liability only and $120/mo for full coverage in South Carolina.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 12, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 12, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Insurify Car: One-week car insurance for South Carolina drivers
South Carolina drivers can get seven-day car insurance from Insurify Car. It offers short-term protection without the standard commitment of a six-month or full-year policy. You purchase protection in weekly blocks and can continue week to week or stop auto coverage when you no longer need it.
Quotes take just minutes, and coverage starts right away. Policies satisfy South Carolina’s minimum insurance requirements and can be a practical option for seasonal vehicle use or if you want flexible coverage.
Best cheap car insurance companies in South Carolina
South Carolina ranks among the top 10 most expensive U.S. states for full-coverage auto insurance, according to the latest Insurify auto insurance report. That makes comparing quotes especially important.
The best car insurance in South Carolina combines competitive rates with strong claims support and valuable discounts. Here’s a look at our top picks.
Auto-Owners: Best for teen drivers in South Carolina
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $75/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $116/mo |
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Auto-Owners offers local agent support across South Carolina, which can be especially helpful for families adding a teen driver. The company’s good student discounts and teen-monitoring programs can help offset the higher premiums young drivers typically face.
Auto-Owners also performed well in the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, which is an important factor to consider for households insuring inexperienced drivers.
Accident forgiveness protects rates after first crash
Gap insurance available
Teen-specific car insurance discounts
Must contact agent for a quote
Limited add-on coverage options
Digital tools and online experience lags behind some competitors
USAA: Best for military families in South Carolina
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $70/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $108/mo |
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.
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.
USAA is a strong option for South Carolina’s active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible family members. With large military communities near Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, and Shaw Air Force Base, many drivers in the state qualify.
Deployment-related coverage, bundling discounts, and flexible payment plans are a few of the perks that may appeal to eligible service members.
Deployment discounts and military-specific benefits
Strong claims ratings from J.D. Power
Highly rated usage-based insurance coverage
Available only to military members and their families
No local insurance agents in South Carolina
Few options to customize coverage
Allstate: Best for senior drivers in South Carolina
| 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. | 8.9 /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. | $120/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. | $186/mo |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
Allstate can be a solid option for South Carolina’s senior population, where nearly 20% of residents are age 65 or older.[3] The company offers mature driver discounts and competitive rates for drivers in their 60s and older.
Its broad South Carolina agent network provides accessible local service, and its optional DriveWise program rewards safe driving habits. Allstate also offers features like accident forgiveness and a vanishing deductible, which benefit long-term policyholders.
Bundling discount of up to 25%
Strong usage-based insurance for seniors who drive less
Offers gap insurance
Few available add-ons
Lower claims satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
DriveWise data goes to a third-party vendor
How car insurance costs in South Carolina have changed
After climbing sharply in 2024, South Carolina car insurance rates declined 11% in 2025 to an average of $247 per month, according to Insurify’s 2026 Auto Insurance Rates Report.
Even with that drop, South Carolina’s average rates remain higher than they were prior to the 2024 spike.
For 2026, Insurify data shows rates stabilizing with only a slight decrease of 0.2%. This means most South Carolina drivers won’t feel a noticeable price difference unless they shop around for free quotes or change vehicles, coverage levels, or insurers.
Average car insurance costs in South Carolina over time
The table below shows how South Carolina’s car insurance rates have changed over the last five years, highlighting the 2024 peak and the downward trend through 2025.
Average South Carolina Car Insurance Rates Over the Past Five Years
Find Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina
Compare quotes starting at $70 per month
South Carolina car insurance requirements
South Carolina law requires all drivers to have liability insurance that covers injuries and property damage they cause to others. Here are South Carolina’s minimum coverage requirements:[4]
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and 50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
South Carolina follows an at-fault system. If you cause an accident, your liability insurance pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage up to insurance policy limits.
Car insurance rates across South Carolina cities
What you pay for car insurance in South Carolina depends on where you live. For example, drivers in North Charleston pay some of the highest rates in the state, while those in Hilton Head Island have some of the lowest. Factors like local accident rates, vehicle theft, and repair costs all influence what insurers charge.
The table below shows average monthly car insurance rates across major South Carolina cities.
City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aiken | $171 |
| Anderson | $172 |
| Charleston | $220 |
| Columbia | $215 |
| Florence | $218 |
| Fort Mill | $173 |
| Greenville | $189 |
| Greer | $173 |
| Lancaster | $198 |
| Lexington | $190 |
| Myrtle Beach | $186 |
| North Charleston | $223 |
| Rock Hill | $193 |
| Spartanburg | $188 |
| Summerville | $219 |
Car insurance quotes in South Carolina for drivers with a clean record: USAA
South Carolina’s best rates go to good drivers with clean driving records and strong credit. USAA has the best rates for safe drivers with no car accidents or moving violations.
The table below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with good credit and a clean record in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $68 |
| Auto-Owners | $73 |
| State Farm | $75 |
| Nationwide | $108 |
| GEICO | $111 |
| Allstate | $119 |
| Travelers | $125 |
| Progressive | $134 |
| National General | $144 |
| State Auto | $148 |
| Safeco | $149 |
| Root | $156 |
| Dairyland | $163 |
| Direct Auto | $169 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $177 |
| GAINSCO | $179 |
| The General | $181 |
| Hugo | $203 |
| Liberty Mutual | $218 |
| First Acceptance | $223 |
| Bristol West | $240 |
Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Getting a speeding ticket in South Carolina can add two to six points to your driving record under the state’s points system — and increase your insurance premiums.[5]
South Carolina drivers pay an average of $187 per month for a liability policy, but some insurers raise premiums after a violation more than others. Insurers like USAA typically offer lower rates for drivers with a recent speeding ticket.
Consider the table below, which highlights the cheapest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $88 |
| State Farm | $95 |
| Auto-Owners | $95 |
| GEICO | $142 |
| Nationwide | $144 |
| Allstate | $153 |
| Progressive | $156 |
| Travelers | $163 |
| Safeco | $177 |
| National General | $188 |
| Root | $202 |
| State Auto | $204 |
| Dairyland | $208 |
| Direct Auto | $213 |
| GAINSCO | $216 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $246 |
| The General | $247 |
| Hugo | $248 |
| Liberty Mutual | $257 |
| First Acceptance | $260 |
| Bristol West | $302 |
Affordable car insurance in South Carolina with an at-fault accident: USAA
South Carolina’s at-fault system means you’re financially responsible for the other driver’s damages if you cause a crash. In South Carolina, an at-fault accident also adds points to your driving record.
Insurers typically factor in accidents when calculating premiums, which means your rates could go up for several years, depending on your insurance company. USAA and Auto-Owners offer some of the cheapest rates for drivers with at-fault accidents in South Carolina.
Below, you’ll find the cheapest rates for drivers with a recent at-fault accident in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $92 |
| Auto-Owners | $97 |
| State Farm | $100 |
| GEICO | $142 |
| Nationwide | $150 |
| Allstate | $158 |
| Progressive | $166 |
| Travelers | $170 |
| Safeco | $189 |
| National General | $202 |
| Root | $203 |
| State Auto | $210 |
| Dairyland | $222 |
| GAINSCO | $233 |
| Direct Auto | $234 |
| Hugo | $248 |
| The General | $255 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $258 |
| Liberty Mutual | $270 |
| First Acceptance | $278 |
| Bristol West | $317 |
Cheap car insurance quotes for South Carolina drivers with a DUI: USAA
A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in South Carolina carries serious consequences, including driver’s license suspension and having to install an ignition interlock device.[6] It can also lead to significantly higher insurance premiums.
South Carolina drivers with a DUI conviction pay a monthly average of $253 for liability insurance. USAA has the cheapest car insurance rates in the state after a DUI.
The table below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with a DUI in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $108 |
| Auto-Owners | $116 |
| State Farm | $119 |
| GEICO | $170 |
| Nationwide | $177 |
| Allstate | $186 |
| Travelers | $200 |
| Progressive | $211 |
| Safeco | $226 |
| State Auto | $229 |
| National General | $240 |
| Root | $241 |
| Dairyland | $265 |
| Direct Auto | $271 |
| GAINSCO | $288 |
| The General | $293 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $307 |
| Hugo | $308 |
| Liberty Mutual | $320 |
| First Acceptance | $353 |
| Bristol West | $381 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an SR-22 in South Carolina: USAA
If you need an SR-22 in South Carolina, the state typically requires you to keep it for up to three years. An SR-22 is a Certificate of Insurance that proves you have the state’s minimum insurance, and your insurer files it directly with the DMV.
Insurers typically classify people who need an SR-22 as high-risk drivers in South Carolina, which often results in higher premiums. But affordable options are still available. USAA is the most affordable insurer in South Carolina for SR-22 insurance.
Below, we highlight the cheapest insurers for drivers with an SR-22 in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $79 |
| Auto-Owners | $84 |
| State Farm | $86 |
| GEICO | $124 |
| Nationwide | $128 |
| Allstate | $135 |
| Travelers | $145 |
| Progressive | $147 |
| Safeco | $155 |
| Root | $174 |
| National General | $174 |
| State Auto | $176 |
| Dairyland | $192 |
| Direct Auto | $196 |
| GAINSCO | $209 |
| The General | $212 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $222 |
| Hugo | $223 |
| Liberty Mutual | $232 |
| First Acceptance | $246 |
| Bristol West | $276 |
Find High-Risk Car Insurance in South Carolina
Compare rates for drivers with accidents, tickets, or other incidents
Cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in South Carolina: USAA
If you’re adding a teen to your policy in South Carolina, it’s worth understanding how the state’s graduated driver licensing process works. Drivers ages 15–17 have restrictions on nighttime and unsupervised driving.[7]
Experience level and restrictions under South Carolina’s graduated system can affect insurance costs.
Young drivers may pay high rates across the board, but some insurers charge less than others. For example, USAA offers the cheapest rates for teens in South Carolina.
The table below lists the cheapest insurance rates for teen drivers in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $131 |
| State Farm | $151 |
| Auto-Owners | $152 |
| GEICO | $201 |
| Nationwide | $225 |
| Allstate | $240 |
| Progressive | $243 |
| Root | $271 |
| Travelers | $271 |
| Safeco | $281 |
| Dairyland | $296 |
| National General | $317 |
| Hugo | $330 |
| The General | $335 |
| Direct Auto | $340 |
| GAINSCO | $343 |
| Liberty Mutual | $369 |
| State Auto | $385 |
| First Acceptance | $406 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $415 |
| Bristol West | $444 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in South Carolina for senior drivers: USAA
In South Carolina, nearly 20% of residents are 65 or older. Seniors in South Carolina pay a monthly average of $57 for liability coverage, which is lower than younger age groups.
You can find even lower rates with USAA. Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest insurers for senior drivers in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $57 |
| Auto-Owners | $60 |
| State Farm | $61 |
| Nationwide | $88 |
| GEICO | $89 |
| Allstate | $98 |
| Travelers | $104 |
| Progressive | $115 |
| State Auto | $120 |
| Safeco | $122 |
| National General | $123 |
| Root | $131 |
| Direct Auto | $143 |
| Dairyland | $146 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $156 |
| GAINSCO | $160 |
| The General | $161 |
| Hugo | $173 |
| Liberty Mutual | $175 |
| First Acceptance | $193 |
| Bristol West | $207 |
South Carolina car insurance quotes with bad credit: USAA
South Carolina allows insurers to use credit information when setting car insurance rates. That means drivers with poor credit can end up with higher premiums. If your credit is less than perfect, USAA typically offers the lowest rates in South Carolina.
The table below shows the companies with the cheapest rates for drivers with bad credit in South Carolina.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $85 |
| State Farm | $111 |
| Auto-Owners | $112 |
| GEICO | $137 |
| Nationwide | $140 |
| Allstate | $148 |
| Travelers | $159 |
| Progressive | $164 |
| Safeco | $170 |
| Root | $191 |
| National General | $191 |
| State Auto | $194 |
| Dairyland | $211 |
| Direct Auto | $215 |
| GAINSCO | $229 |
| The General | $233 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $244 |
| Hugo | $245 |
| Liberty Mutual | $248 |
| First Acceptance | $274 |
| Bristol West | $303 |
Save Money on Car Insurance in South Carolina
Find liability coverage for as low as $70 per month
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in South Carolina, the additional information below can help as you research policies and coverage options.
What’s the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
USAA has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina, with an average monthly premium of $70, according to Insurify data.
How do you lower car insurance in South Carolina?
You can lower your South Carolina car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple insurers at your renewal and bundling your auto and home insurance policies. Increasing your deductible, keeping a clean driving record, and asking about discounts are also good ways to reduce your costs.
Why is car insurance so expensive in South Carolina?
Car insurance rates in South Carolina tend to be more expensive for several reasons, including elevated traffic fatality rates — 1.72 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, compared to the national average.[8]
That state also experiences frequent severe storms and tropical cyclones, including hurricane-related flooding. [9] Risks like these can increase insurer losses, which may contribute to higher auto insurance premiums for South Carolina drivers.
Can you negotiate a lower car insurance rate?
No. Insurers don’t negotiate car insurance rates. But you can lower your rates by asking about discounts, adjusting your coverage, and buying a car that’s cheaper to insure. Shopping around and comparing quotes is often the most effective way to reduce your premiums.
What’s the average premium in South Carolina for full-coverage car insurance?
South Carolina drivers pay an average monthly premium of $227 for full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data. Your premium may be higher or lower depending on personal factors like your location, age, and driving history.
Does auto insurance cover rental cars in South Carolina?
Yes. Car insurance extends to your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to rental cars in South Carolina when you rent them for personal reasons. Your same limits and deductibles apply, but coverage varies. Always review your auto policy before declining rental coverage.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Iihs.org. "State by state."
- Department of Insurance, SC - Official Website. "Automobile Insurance."
- United States Census Bureau. "Quick Facts: South Carolina."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Frequently Asked Questions About Automobile Insurance."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI). "Automobile Insurance."
- South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. "Ignition Interlock."
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. "Teenage Drivers."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) – Fatalities and Fatality Rates by State."
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). "U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters."
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3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
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Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
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Lequita Westbrooks is a Senior Editor at Insurify. With extensive experience in writing and editing across industries like insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more, she’s passionate about helping readers understand complex topics so they can make informed financial decisions and save money.
Outside of work, Lequita enjoys reading and spending time with her family (and two pups: Bella and Simba).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida.
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.