13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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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Cheapest recent rates in South Carolina
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $81/mo for liability only and $123/mo for full coverage in South Carolina.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. 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 14, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Columbia is the second-largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 139,698. Drivers in the state's capitol city pay $277 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $179 for liability-only policies, compared to state averages of $269 for full coverage and $165 for liability only.
The city's population and location in Richland County, the county with the third-highest crash rate in the state, are likely factors in its higher-than-average auto insurance costs. Still, Columbia drivers can find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple insurers, driving safely, and choosing safe vehicles. Here’s what you need to know about finding cheap car insurance in Columbia.
Quick Facts
USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm are the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia.
Nearly 11% of drivers in South Carolina are on the road without insurance, according to data from the Insurance Research Council.
Richland County had the third-highest number of collisions in the state in 2021, and the fourth-number of fatalities, according to the latest data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia
When looking for cheap car insurance in Columbia, it’s important to remember that the right auto insurance company for you varies based on your unique needs as a driver and your financial situation. If you’re looking for affordable coverage, consider the following companies.
Cheapest insurance for drivers with an accident: USAA
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880
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.
$53/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.
$86/mo
USAA offers all the standard coverage options, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement. Unfortunately, USAA only offers coverage for current, former, and reserve military members and their families. Eligible policyholders can earn significant discounts.
Pros
Variety of discounts available, including good grade and multi-car discounts
You can file claims and make policy changes through the mobile app
Cons
Only available to military members, veterans, and their families
Low average Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer reviews
They have stopped thinking about how today's financial strain is impacting their customers.
Darcy - November 26, 2023
Verified
Not satisfied with price hike even after lowering coverage.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
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.
$58/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
State Farm provides the standard range of auto insurance options. It also offers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, rental insurance, rideshare coverage, and emergency roadside service. Savings specifically for teens include good student, driver training, and student-away-at-school discounts.
Pros
Significant savings possible when bundling auto with life or property insurance
Easy policy management with mobile app
Cons
Negative BBB reviews
No gap insurance coverage
I am happy with their coverage. I just bought a new car, and my insurance quadrupled. YIKES.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3
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).
NR
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.
$48/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.
$55/mo
Founded in 2021, Hugo sells usage-based insurance in 13 states, including South Carolina. You can purchase liability coverage for as few as three days at a time, but policy terms range up to six months.
Depending on the plan you choose, you can turn your coverage on and off so you only pay for coverage on the days you drive. Not for everyone, this pay-as-you-drive insurance works best for infrequent drivers like retirees, remote workers, and city dwellers.
Liability-only car insurance provides coverage for any damages or injuries you cause others in an accident. It doesn’t provide coverage for your car. Rather, liability insurance includes bodily injury liability to cover medical expenses and legal costs for injuries to others, as well as property damage liability to cover repairs or replacement of damaged property.[1]
The insurance companies that offer the cheapest liability-only car insurance policies for you in Columbia depend on your driving history and other factors. The following table shows minimum coverage quotes from top insurers in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA
53
Auto-Owners
57
State Farm
58
GEICO
64
Safeco
80
Nationwide
83
Allstate
92
State Auto
98
Travelers
99
Progressive
115
Midvale Home & Auto
117
Direct Auto
134
Liberty Mutual
142
Dairyland
181
The General
187
National General
201
AssuranceAmerica
212
Bristol West
214
GAINSCO
246
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Columbia
In addition to liability insurance, full-coverage insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage kicks in to cover repairs to your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage applies to damage from theft, vandalism, natural disaster, and other non-collision incidents.
Full coverage costs more than liability-only insurance, but may be worth it if you drive an expensive vehicle. If you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will require you to buy full coverage. In Columbia, full coverage car insurance averages $277 per month. Here are monthly quotes from some top insurers in Columbia, South Carolina.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA
86
Auto-Owners
93
State Farm
96
GEICO
102
Nationwide
131
Safeco
138
Allstate
149
Travelers
149
State Auto
170
Progressive
180
Midvale Home & Auto
185
Direct Auto
204
AssuranceAmerica
250
Liberty Mutual
256
National General
290
Dairyland
306
The General
310
Bristol West
359
GAINSCO
423
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury; $25,000 per accident in property damage
Optional coverages in South Carolina include:
Collision
Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car resulting from colliding with an object, such as a tree or another vehicle. If the cost of repairing the car exceeds 75% of its actual cash value (ACV), the car likely qualifies as a total loss.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from various causes, including fire, vandalism, flooding, theft, and animals. It also includes coverage for broken glass and doesn’t typically require a deductible for safety glass repairs or replacements.[3]
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Uninsured motorist insurance covers your injuries or property damage if the at-fault driver’s coverage limits are too low to cover your damages or medical bills.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Most driving incidents go on your driving record and can affect your auto insurance rates. These include speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) charges, at-fault accidents, and other moving violations. The presence of these incidents on your record can indicate a greater likelihood of filing an insurance claim.[4]
For example, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance for Columbia drivers with clean records is $277 per month. But drivers with infractions on their records pay, on average, $386 for the same coverage.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia, SC
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
Though less significant than an accident or DUI, speeding tickets can cause your car insurance costs to increase. Insurance companies view speeding as a risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents, so they adjust premiums accordingly.
In Columbia, the average cost of car insurance with a speeding ticket is $415 per month for full coverage and $268 for liability only policies. The following table shows the cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Full Coverage
Liability Only
114
70
125
76
126
77
135
85
175
111
196
121
199
116
200
133
247
158
279
183
354
301
363
201
385
267
417
247
423
255
482
288
546
317
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
At-fault accidents can lead to substantial increases in your car insurance costs. Insurance companies consider these accidents as an indication of higher risk, which results in elevated premiums.
If you have an at-fault accident in Columbia, you can expect to see average car insurance costs of $418 per month for full coverage and $270 for liability only. Here are quotes from top insurers for Columbia drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
USAA
118
73
Auto-Owners
129
79
State Farm
130
78
GEICO
140
88
Nationwide
181
115
Allstate
204
126
Safeco
207
120
Travelers
207
137
State Auto
255
147
Progressive
257
164
Direct Auto
290
190
AssuranceAmerica
360
305
Liberty Mutual
376
209
National General
404
280
Dairyland
428
253
The General
438
264
Bristol West
491
293
GAINSCO
570
331
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI
Due to the severity of the offense, a DUI greatly affects car insurance costs. Insurance companies view DUIs as a significant red flag for bad driving behavior that can lead to filing future claims. If you have a DUI on your record, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase substantially.
In Columbia, car insurance for drivers with DUIs averages $474 per month for full coverage and $306 for liability only. Many companies in Columbia still provide affordable insurance for drivers with a DUI. Here are monthly quotes from some top insurance companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
USAA
140
86
Auto-Owners
152
93
State Farm
156
95
GEICO
166
104
Nationwide
214
135
Safeco
225
130
Allstate
243
150
Travelers
243
161
State Auto
277
160
Progressive
293
187
Direct Auto
332
218
AssuranceAmerica
407
346
Liberty Mutual
417
231
National General
473
328
Dairyland
499
295
The General
505
305
Bristol West
585
349
GAINSCO
689
401
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors
Car insurance rates typically decrease once drivers reach 25, thanks to more experience driving and reduced risky behavior. However, insurance premiums tend to increase again slightly when drivers reach around age 70, partially due to potentially declining physical abilities and a heightened vulnerability to accidents.
Senior drivers in Columbia can still find affordable coverage. The average rate for full coverage for Columbia seniors is $217 per month, and $140 for liability-only policies, according to Insurify data. Here are average monthly quotes for senior drivers from some top insurance companies in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
USAA
67
41
Auto-Owners
72
44
State Farm
72
44
GEICO
79
49
Nationwide
96
61
Safeco
114
66
Travelers
115
76
Allstate
117
72
Progressive
127
81
Direct Auto
154
101
AssuranceAmerica
187
159
Liberty Mutual
204
113
National General
234
162
Dairyland
242
143
The General
250
151
Bristol West
281
168
GAINSCO
338
197
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens
Car insurance rates for teenage drivers are typically much higher than premiums for adults due to the increased risk associated with inexperienced drivers. To obtain the cheapest car insurance as a teen, consider staying on your parents’ insurance policy, as it often offers more favorable rates.
You can also opt for a car with good safety features to lower insurance costs.[5] Lastly, you can qualify for a good student discount by maintaining good grades. In Columbia, car insurance rates for teen drivers average $506 for full coverage and $327 for liability only.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
USAA
144
89
Auto-Owners
157
96
GEICO
163
102
State Farm
166
100
Nationwide
227
144
Safeco
250
145
Allstate
265
163
Travelers
272
181
State Auto
308
178
Progressive
325
208
Direct Auto
377
248
Liberty Mutual
439
244
AssuranceAmerica
483
409
The General
502
303
Dairyland
504
298
National General
560
388
Bristol West
605
361
GAINSCO
771
448
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Columbia
When calculating car insurance rates, insurance companies consider elements such as your driving record, vehicle type, age, and credit score.
To help you find affordable car insurance coverage in Columbia, you should consider the following tactics for saving money:
Bundle your policies. You can qualify for multi-policy discounts by bundling your car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Drive a safe vehicle. Many insurers offer discounts for vehicles with safety features.
Ask about discounts. Inquire about discounts for safety features in your car, such as anti-theft devices and airbags.
Compare insurers. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia, SC
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Columbia car insurance quotes by credit tier
In the state of South Carolina, car insurance companies can consider credit history when determining premiums. Having excellent or good credit scores can lead to lower rates, and poor credit scores generally result in higher rates.[6] On average, South Carolina drivers with excellent credit pay $271 per month for coverage.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in Columbia?
Car insurance rates vary by location, and Columbia, South Carolina, drivers have higher car insurance rates than the state's average costs. The average cost of minimum coverage in Columbia is $179, while full coverage averages $277 per month. By comparison, the state averages are $165 and $269, respectively.
More cities in South Carolina
“In pricing insurance, insurance companies rate coverage by state, city, and even down to the ZIP code level in larger municipalities,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. “Specific location rating factors typically include weather hazards, accident frequency and severity, theft and vandalism rates, and the costs of repairs.”
The following table shows average monthly car insurance rates in other South Carolina cities.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Columbia car insurance FAQs
Finding affordable coverage doesn’t have to feel difficult. The information below should help you navigate the process of finding car insurance in Columbia, South Carolina.
How much is car insurance in Columbia?
On average, drivers in Columbia spend $277 per month for full-coverage insurance, while liability coverage comes in at $179 per month. Your actual rate will vary depending on multiple factors, including your ZIP code, gender, age, driving record, and more.
What company has the cheapest car insurance in Columbia?
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina, with liability rates starting as low as $53 per month. But USAA may not be an option for all drivers.
Columbia motorists can also find affordable coverage through Auto-Owners and State Farm, which have liability-only rates as low as $57 and $58 per month.
What are the best car insurance companies in Columbia?
With an A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best, a 4.3 IQ Score, and cheap average rates, USAA is one of the best car insurance companies in Columbia. USAA drivers pay $110 per month for full-coverage insurance. State Farm also earned an A++ rating from A.M. Best and has an even higher IQ Score of 4.4. State Farm policyholders in Columbia pay $122 per month for full-coverage insurance.
How much car insurance do you need in South Carolina?
The state’s minimum requirements include $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage equal to the bodily injury and property damage requirements. You need to at least carry the minimum required insurance to legally drive in the state.
Is South Carolina a no-fault state?
No. South Carolina is an at-fault, or tort, state, which means the driver responsible for an accident — typically through their insurer — must cover the costs of any property damage or injury they caused the other driver and their passengers.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 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 50+ 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
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.
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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.