Car Insurance Discounts in South Carolina

South Carolina drivers can save up to 30% with telematics, multi-vehicle, and bundling discounts.

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Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-JohnsonInsurance Writer, CPA
  • 8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance

  • Certified public accountant

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

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Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • 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.

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MacKenzie Korris
Reviewed byMacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.

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South Carolina car insurance discounts at a glance

Discount Type
Maximum Advertised Savings
Multiple vehicles27%
Driver education/defensive driving course10%
Good student25%
Safety equipment40%
Anti-theft devices5%
Low mileage10%
Accident-free/safe driving25%
Multi-policy20%
Telematics30%
Paperless documents8%
Automatic payments8%
Affinity programs5%
Online purchase10%
Pay in full9%
Military15%
Student away from home10%

Best companies for discounts in South Carolina

Drivers in South Carolina face some distinct risks, from hurricane exposure along the coast to a high percentage of collisions involving teen drivers.[1] USAA, State Farm, and GEICO are among the best car insurance companies, offering discounts that address those risks and help keep car insurance affordable.

USAA

USAA
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.
$72/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 4,295 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 1,691 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 one of South Carolina’s cheapest insurers for full-coverage car insurance, but only military members, veterans, and their families are eligible. Its SafePilot telematics program can help you save up to 30% at renewal, while members deployed overseas can save up to 60% by putting their vehicle in storage.

Pros
  • Some of the lowest car insurance rates in South Carolina

  • Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast 

  • Customized discounts for military families

Cons
  • Limited to military-affiliated drivers only

  • No branch locations in South Carolina

  • Bundling discount is modest compared to some competitors

State Farm

State Farm
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.
$81/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.
$132/mo
Details
4.1
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 21,082 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 44 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 8,108 State Farm reviews
Jenny
Verified Review
Whenever I call, they always say to call back
They’re always too busy to answer the phone.
Annette
Verified Review
Not Great
Too expensive, and not great at covering claims.
Christiane
Verified Review
Unhappy Customer
Unhappy. Rates changed too much. Canned responses to my concerns. I believe I was given incorrect information.
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

Nearly 16% of collisions in South Carolina involve teen drivers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. State Farm’s discounts for teen and young adult drivers target responsible habits on and off the road.

Its good student discount can take up to 25% off your car insurance premiums, while its Drive Safe & Save telematics program offers savings up to 30%. State Farm also has a Steer Clear training program to teach young drivers to practice safe driving habits.

Pros
  • Wide network of local agents

  • Low average rates in South Carolina

  • Many discounts and customizable coverage options

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

  • No live chat customer service

  • Can’t purchase a policy online

GEICO

GEICO
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.
$110/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.
$167/mo
Details
4.0
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 20,688 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 31 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 8,179 GEICO reviews
Angel
Verified Purchase
Great Customer Service
Pleasant and easily handled any concerns I had with billing, and helped change my auto-pay date.
Linda
Verified Review
Left on the road
I’ve been left on the road twice. They said someone was coming, but I waited for hours and nobody came.
Michael
Verified Review
Good service once you get past all the mobile notifications
GEICO is good.
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 competitive rates in South Carolina and an extensive list of potential discounts. Some discounts include savings of up to 22% for having a clean driving record, up to 22% for deployed military members, and up to 25% for multi-vehicle policies. Its digital-first model may suit budget-focused drivers.

Pros
  • Extensive list of available discounts

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

  • Mobile app has excellent App Store ratings

Cons
  • Limited number of local agents in South Carolina

  • Gap insurance not available

  • Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking

Largest car insurance discounts available in South Carolina

Discounts and amounts vary by insurance company because each company weighs risk factors differently and uses its own underwriting formula. Some insurance companies emphasize telematics data, while others prioritize bundling car insurance with homeowners insurance.

State-specific rules matter as well. For example, USAA’s SafePilot enrollment discount isn’t available in South Carolina, although drivers can still earn renewal-based savings.

Discount Type
Potential Savings
Eligibility Criteria
South Carolina Insurer With Largest Discount
Stored vehicleUp to 60%Must be eligible for coverage with USAA; must not drive the vehicle and must store it in a secure placeUSAA
Safety equipmentUp to 40% (on MedPay only)Vehicle with factory-installed airbags or passive restraint systemState Farm
Telematics/safe drivingUp to 30%Install telematics device on car or use mobile appState Farm, USAA
Multi-vehicleUp to 27%Insure two or more vehicles with the same companyAAA
Accident-freeUp to 22%Remain accident-free for at least one yearGEICO
Multi-policyUp to 20%Purchase car insurance plus home, renters, or life insurance from the same companyNationwide
Good studentUp to 25%Full-time high school or college student with a GPA of 3.0 or betterState Farm
Defensive driving courseUp to 10%Complete an approved defensive driving/driver education courseGEICO

The three largest discounts available to South Carolina drivers are safety equipment, telematics, and stored-vehicle coverage discounts.

State Farm rewards drivers with vehicles that have factory-installed equipment, like airbags and passive-restraint systems. Discounts are also available for enrolling in its telematics program. Families with teen drivers can also benefit from its good student discount.

USAA also offers several discounts for South Carolina drivers who agree to telematics tracking, insure multiple vehicles, or buy multiple policies through USAA.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in South Carolina

Liability policies average $159/mo.

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4.7 out of 5 based on 17,176 reviews
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ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Easiest South Carolina car insurance discounts to qualify for

Several car insurance discounts in South Carolina require little to no effort on your part. For example, you might qualify for a paperless billing discount with just a few clicks, regardless of your driving record or the type of vehicle you drive. 

Setting up automatic payments works the same way. And if you insure more than one car in your household, you likely qualify for a multi-car discount

Another easy savings opportunity to consider is a defensive driving course discount. The Southeastern Chapter of the National Safety Council offers a four-hour online course that may qualify you for a discount. Just make sure your insurance company accepts it before enrolling.[2]

Discount
Potential Savings
How to Qualify
Paperless billing8%Enroll in electronic statements and documents
Auto pay/EFT8%Set up automatic payments from a bank account
Anti-theft device5%Many cars come with factory-installed systems that automatically qualify
Multi-vehicle27%Insure two or more vehicles on one policy
Defensive driving course10%Complete an approved course
Multi-policy20%Bundle auto with a home or renters policy from the same company

How to maximize your South Carolina car insurance discounts

Many South Carolina drivers leave money on the table by settling for one or two discounts instead of stacking several. Use these tips to maximize your discounts:

  • Take an approved defensive driving course. The Southeastern Chapter of the National Safety Council offers an interactive, online course that might qualify you for a discount, but check with your insurance company first.

  • Ask about affinity discounts. Several discount programs are available through South Carolina employers, alumni groups, and professional associations. For example, Nationwide offers discounts to members of the South Carolina Bar and the South Carolina State Firefighters Association. It also has discounts for members of alumni associations for the University of South Carolina, Clemson, and Winthrop University.

  • Maintain continuous coverage. A lapse in coverage triggers South Carolina’s electronic insurance verification system and can result in suspension of your license and registration and raise your rates at renewal.[3]

How to apply car insurance discounts to your policy in South Carolina

Your insurance company might apply some types of discounts to your policy automatically, while other discounts can require you to submit proof before they can be added. Here’s how to use discounts to find cheap car insurance in South Carolina:

  1. Get a quote. Your insurance company automatically applies discounts such as multi-vehicle, bundling, or clean driving history based on the information you provide.

  2. Submit verification for eligibility-based discounts. Good student, defensive driving course, and military affiliation discounts typically require a transcript, certification, or other documentation.

  3. Enroll in optional programs. Telematics programs require app or device sign-up before savings apply.

  4. Confirm at renewal. Some discounts, like low-mileage discount programs, need periodic reverification.

The exact steps vary from company to company, so check with your agent or online account to confirm which discounts need extra paperwork.

Compare South Carolina Car Insurance Quotes

Find discounts to help you save

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4.7 out of 5 based on 17,176 reviews
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ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest car insurance for South Carolina drivers

South Carolina drivers pay well above the national average for car insurance, with full-coverage premiums running around $3,072 per year compared to the national average of $2,241.

After a stretch of steep increases tied partly to staged-accident fraud, rates fell in 2025, and Insurify projects only a slight decrease for 2026, according to Insurify data.

Nearby North Carolina is far cheaper, with an average full-coverage premium of $1,359, while Georgia’s annual average of $3,105 is closer to South Carolina’s average.

Here’s how liability-only and full-coverage rates compare across companies in South Carolina.

The below rates in South Carolina are estimated rates current as of: Monday, August 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Liability Only
Average Quote: Full Coverage
USAA$72$119
Auto-Owners$78$128
State Farm$81$132
GEICO$110$167
Progressive$124$196
Travelers$134$221
Safeco$144$185
Allstate$149$239
Direct Auto$158$249
State Auto$163$268
National General$164$250
Root$172$262
GAINSCO$173$319
AssuranceAmerica$187$267
The General$187$400
Liberty Mutual$189$310
Dairyland$190$378
First Acceptance$210$339
Bristol West$255$434
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time South Carolina car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in South Carolina may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Car insurance discounts in South Carolina FAQs

South Carolina’s above-average car insurance rates and unique risk factors raise plenty of questions about coverage costs and discounts. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

How much is car insurance in South Carolina?

South Carolina drivers pay an average of $159 per month for liability coverage and $256 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data. Rates run above the national average, partly due to mandatory uninsured motorist coverage with the same limits as the policy’s bodily injury liability limits.

How do you lower car insurance costs in South Carolina?

Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, raise your deductible on comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, and ask about discounts for bundling, safe driving, and insuring multiple vehicles. Maintaining a clean driving record and a good credit history also helps lower your rate.

What car insurance discounts are available in South Carolina?

South Carolina drivers can access discounts for bundling, insuring multiple vehicles, having a high school or college-aged driver with good grades, enrolling in a telematics program, and taking a defensive driving course. Savings can range from 10% to nearly 30%, depending on the insurance company and discount type.

Sources

  1. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. "Hurricanes & Tropical Storms."
  2. National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter. "4-Hour Defensive Driving."
  3. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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
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.

Janet Berry-Johnson
Written byJanet Berry-JohnsonInsurance Writer, CPA
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-JohnsonInsurance Writer, CPA
  • 8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance

  • Certified public accountant

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • 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.

Featured in

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MacKenzie Korris
Reviewed byMacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
MacKenzie Korris
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 21630969

MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.