Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina (2026)

High-risk drivers in South Carolina typically pay more for car insurance, but it’s possible to find affordable coverage.

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Elizabeth Rivelli
Writer: Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

  • Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise


Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

Becky Helzer
Editor: Becky HelzerEditor

Qualifications:
  • 15+ years editing experience

  • 7+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing


Becky has been an editor at Insurify since 2024. She seeks to make insurance more understandable for everyone.

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Reviewer: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


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

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Car insurance is required for all South Carolina drivers. But if you’re a high-risk driver, you might have trouble finding affordable auto insurance because insurers see you as riskier to cover. High-risk drivers in South Carolina pay an average of $246 per month. In contrast, drivers in South Carolina with a clean record pay a monthly average of $207.

Data indicates that the Palmetto State has a significant number of high-risk drivers. In 2023, 39% of fatal collisions in South Carolina involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, compared to 30% nationwide.[1]

Quick Facts
  • High-risk drivers in South Carolina may be required to prove they have the state-minimum liability coverage.

  • In South Carolina, points from traffic violations remain on your driver’s license for two years.

  • Direct Auto is the best high-risk auto insurance company for discounts.

Who’s a high-risk driver in South Carolina?

A high-risk driver in South Carolina is typically someone who has at least one of the following violations on their driving record:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) conviction

  • Reckless driving

  • Multiple at-fault accidents

  • Driving without insurance

  • Driving with a suspended license

The South Carolina DMV uses a points system to track driving violations. Under this system, having too many points on your driver’s license may classify you as high risk. After 12 or more license points, the state can suspend your license.

Additionally, insurers usually consider you a high-risk driver if you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you meet the state’s insurance requirements.[2]

Find High-Risk Car Insurance in South Carolina

Monthly rates start at $92 for drivers with an incident

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Best South Carolina auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers

The cost of car insurance in South Carolina varies depending on the specific traffic violations on your record. To find the cheapest auto insurance for your situation, it pays to shop around and compare quotes from several insurers.

The following car insurance companies are some of the best choices for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.

USAA: Best for military families

User Reviews
4.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.1 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$73/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$119/mo
Details
4.9
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 4,316 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 1,724 USAA reviews
Leo
Verified Review
We had a lot of damage from Hurricane Helene, and we were declared a disaster area. It was impossible to work.
I have State Farm now, and they have been easy to work with. I’m very disappointed with my homeowners insurance with USAA.
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.
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

South Carolinians stationed at one of the state’s many military bases might find affordable car insurance through USAA. The company also offers below-average car insurance premiums for high-risk drivers, according to Insurify’s rate data.

USAA also offers various discounts, with savings for deployment, garaging your car on a military installation, insuring a new vehicle, and bundling your policies.

Pros
  • Cheaper-than-average rates for high-risk drivers

  • Good selection of car insurance discounts

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

Cons
  • Available only to military personnel and family members

  • Few optional coverages

  • No in-person agents

Direct Auto: Best for discounts

User Reviews
3.2
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.
8.3 /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.
$157/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.
$246/mo
Details
3.2
A solid option in South CarolinaBased on 1,882 verified driver reviews and ratings
Direct Auto's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.23.2
Customer service3.23.6
Discounts3.42.9
Policy transparency3.23.1
Value3.22.9
How drivers feel about Direct Auto

Drivers appreciate the insurer’s helpful customer service and easy-to-use website. But they dislike the frequent and significant rate increases, especially for those with clean driving records. Some also report difficulties with roadside assistance.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 552 Direct Auto reviews
Christopher
Verified Review
Not a Great Experience
The customer service was rude and not very transparent. I had to pay for another month at a higher price, even though I had already found a cheaper plan with a better rate elsewhere. It felt like I was pressured into paying because I needed insurance coverage.
Phillip
Verified Review
Direct Auto
Just basic insurance and a decent price for liability only. Nothing special, but not bad.
Angela
Verified Purchase
My Experience
Terrible experience. When I needed roadside service, I was misled and left on the side of the road, and I had to use other resources for help. I canceled and went with another insurance company I can rely on and trust.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
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

Direct Auto stands out for its auto insurance discounts, which could help high-risk South Carolina drivers save money on car insurance.

The company offers discounts for military personnel (25%), good students (10%), and senior drivers (up to 5%). You can also save money by taking a driver education course (10%) or enrolling in automatic payments (9%).

Direct Auto specializes in non-standard car insurance for high-risk drivers. That means purchasing a policy might be easier regardless of your driving history.

Pros
  • Non-standard car insurer specializing in high-risk drivers

  • Generous car insurance discounts

  • Offers SR-22 insurance

Cons
  • Not many add-ons available

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

  • Mobile app has low ratings

Auto-Owners: Best for customizable coverage

User Reviews
4.4
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$78/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$128/mo
Details
4.4
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 311 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service4.03.6
Discounts3.72.9
Policy transparency4.13.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners

Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in South Carolina for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing 4 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 169 Auto-Owners reviews
Gregory
Verified Review
Excellent
An excellent company that responds!!
Mickey
Verified Review
Policy Evaluation
It’s expensive, but claims are handled quickly.
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
I have been licensed since two weeks before my 14th birthday, in other words, 65+ years. I had 2 tickets and 1 accident (that was in July 2024). It cost me a $25 fine and no points, yet my rate increased by 60%. This was the only claim against me over the years. I don't drive much, about 10,000 miles a year if that much, and yet I'm being punished for years of no problems. BTW, the patrolman questioned the ability of the on-lookers of the accident.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Auto-Owners is a good option for high-risk drivers in South Carolina who want to customize their car insurance policy. You can get gap insurance, additional expense coverage, diminished value coverage, rental car coverage, and a common loss deductible for an extra premium.

The company sells insurance through a network of independent agents, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports receiving fewer complaints than expected.

Pros
  • Many optional car insurance endorsements

  • Good variety of car insurance discounts

  • In-person agents

Cons
  • Quotes not available online

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

  • No usage-based insurance (UBI) program for adult drivers

How we chose the best car insurance companies for high-risk driversexpand/collapse

When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability.

The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.

Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina with an at-fault accident

An at-fault accident on your driving record can raise your auto insurance premium in South Carolina. Insurers see at-fault crashes as a sign that you’re more likely to cause a second crash.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina for drivers with an at-fault accident.

The below rates in South Carolina are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Liability Only
Average Quote: Full Coverage
USAA$98$159
Auto-Owners$103$169
State Farm$106$176
GEICO$142$218
Progressive$159$257
Travelers$180$297
Allstate$194$303
Safeco$199$256
Direct Auto$212$333
Root$213$326
GAINSCO$216$397
National General$216$329
State Auto$223$365
AssuranceAmerica$246$352
Liberty Mutual$248$403
Dairyland$248$500
The General$253$543
First Acceptance$269$437
Bristol West$331$564
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.

Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina with a DUI

A DUI is a serious violation. If you’re convicted of driving under the influence, your car insurance premium will likely increase significantly. After a DUI, you may need to shop around for a new insurer with lower rates.

The cheapest car insurers for drivers in South Carolina with a DUI appear in the following table.

The below rates in South Carolina are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Liability Only
Average Quote: Full Coverage
USAA$98$159
Auto-Owners$100$164
State Farm$107$178
GEICO$146$225
Progressive$154$248
Travelers$179$296
Allstate$188$293
Direct Auto$210$329
State Auto$212$346
Safeco$215$277
National General$220$335
GAINSCO$228$419
Root$229$351
The General$242$519
AssuranceAmerica$250$358
Liberty Mutual$252$410
Dairyland$254$513
First Acceptance$260$422
Bristol West$337$575
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.

Cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina with a speeding ticket

If you’re pulled over for speeding, your premium may increase when your policy renews. Speeding is a risky driving behavior that can lead to accidents. As a result, your insurer may charge higher rates.

The table below shows the car insurance companies with the cheapest rates for South Carolina drivers with a speeding ticket.

The below rates in South Carolina are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Liability Only
Average Quote: Full Coverage
USAA$92$151
Auto-Owners$99$163
State Farm$100$166
GEICO$139$214
Progressive$150$241
Travelers$171$282
Allstate$183$285
Safeco$187$241
Direct Auto$195$305
Root$200$307
GAINSCO$201$370
National General$201$307
State Auto$213$349
Dairyland$232$467
AssuranceAmerica$235$335
Liberty Mutual$236$384
The General$246$527
First Acceptance$253$410
Bristol West$314$534
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.

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How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina

High-risk drivers in South Carolina usually pay higher premiums than drivers with clean records. But high-risk drivers can still find affordable coverage.

The tips below can help you get cheaper auto insurance in South Carolina:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/09cb4fd1b0/education-96x96-green_009-loupe.svg

    Look for discounts

    Many car insurance companies in South Carolina offer discounts that can reduce your premium. Look for insurers that offer multiple discounts you can take advantage of to maximize your savings.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/f618f02551/jobs-and-professions-96x96-blue_022-real-estate-agent.svg

    Work with an independent agent

    An independent insurance agent can provide quotes from all the insurers they represent. This means you can get the best car insurance policy at the best price for your situation.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/f93e5c7ccc/banking-96x96-orange_017-coins.svg

    Raise your deductibles

    If you have a full-coverage car insurance policy, raising your comprehensive and collision deductibles can reduce your monthly premium. Choose an amount you can afford if you need to file a claim.

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

    Compare quotes

    Car insurance pricing can vary by company, so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from a few insurers. This helps you find the best rate for the coverage type and amount you want.

How to improve your driving record in South Carolina

Your driving record directly affects your car insurance premium in South Carolina. Improving your driving record can help you get a more affordable rate.

Consider these strategies to help improve your record:

  • Take a driver education course. South Carolina drivers can remove four points from their driver’s license by completing the National Safety Council’s 8-Hour Defensive Driving Course or a similar program. You can qualify for a points reduction only once within three years.

  • Get legal help for driving record errors. If your driving record has errors, like a speeding ticket that should’ve dropped, consider working with a lawyer to remove them.

  • Maintain or improve your credit history. While your credit history doesn’t directly affect your driving record, it can affect your insurance premium. Prioritize paying your bills on time to boost your score and potentially lower your rate.[3]

South Carolina high-risk drivers insurance FAQs

If you still have questions about high-risk car insurance in South Carolina, answers to the following frequently asked questions can provide additional information about insurance coverage.

How do you know if you’re a high-risk driver in South Carolina?

You might be a high-risk driver in South Carolina if you have a DUI, reckless driving conviction, or multiple at-fault accidents on your record. You might also be high risk if you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance or have too many points on your license.

How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in South Carolina?

South Carolina auto insurance companies calculate risk based on factors like your driving history, age, and credit-based insurance score. If an insurer determines that you pose a higher risk, you might pay a higher premium.

What is the cheapest insurance company for South Carolina high-risk drivers?

The cheapest auto insurance company for South Carolina high-risk drivers is USAA, according to Insurify’s rate data. USAA’s average monthly liability-only premium is $63 for high-risk car insurance in South Carolina, but coverage is available only to military members and their families.

Auto Owners is close behind, with an average monthly liability-only premium of $69 for South Carolina high-risk drivers.

How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in South Carolina?

The average cost of high-risk car insurance in South Carolina is $246 per month. But keep in mind that rates depend on many factors, including your ZIP code, age, vehicle type, driving record, and coverage choices.[4]

How long does reckless driving affect insurance in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, points from a reckless driving charge remain on your driver’s license for two years.

Is South Carolina an at-fault state for car accidents?

Yes. South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents. That means the driver who caused a collision must compensate the other person for their injuries and property damage using their liability insurance.[5]

Sources

  1. South Carolina Department of Public Safety. "South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book."
  2. American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. "SR22/26."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
  4. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  5. South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."

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
Elizabeth Rivelli
Writer: Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

  • Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise


Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

Becky Helzer
Editor: Becky HelzerEditor

Qualifications:
  • 15+ years editing experience

  • 7+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing


Becky has been an editor at Insurify since 2024. She seeks to make insurance more understandable for everyone.

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

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


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