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
Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer
  • 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.

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Becky Helzer
Edited byBecky Helzer
Becky Helzer
Becky HelzerEditor

Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.

A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.

Katie Powers
Reviewed 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

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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 $242 per month. In contrast, drivers in South Carolina with a clean record pay a monthly average of $208.

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.
$74/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.
$120/mo
4.9
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 3,671 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.83.6
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 12 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 1,581 USAA reviews
Duane
Verified Review
USAA - A Great Insurance!
They are great! I don't have a bad thing to say about them. I just wish that the price of insurance, whether with them or someone else, would be cheaper.
Napoleon
Verified Review
USAA Praise Review
I've been with USAA for many years. I have no complaints. They handle claims quickly and are very easy to work with. I highly recommend them to my friends and family. Thank you, USAA.
Paul
Verified Review
Great claims handling
Whether it was an accident or a window replacement, the claim was handled very quickly and with no delay.
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

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
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.
$170/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.
$251/mo
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 491 Direct Auto reviews
Rebecca
Verified Review
Really glad I used insuring. I got a REALLY great rate!!
Very helpful, polite, quick to assist.
Stephen
Verified Purchase
Stay away.
Terrible and horrible, they just do whatever they want to adjust your policy information. I normally use 6 months as a baseline for my policy so that I can have flexibility. They made it one year. I was paying $37 for liability, and they charged $57. I have a great driving record with no claims for or against me for 5+ years. The rest of the story is even worse.
Jimmie
Verified Review
New Insurance
It's a lot less expensive.
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
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
4.3
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.
$79/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
4.3
Best choice in South CarolinaBased on 338 verified driver reviews and ratings
Auto-Owners's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service3.53.6
Discounts3.62.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.52.9
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 3 reviews from South Carolina driversSee all 150 Auto-Owners reviews
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
I have been licensed since two weeks before my 14th birthday, in other words, 65+ years. I had 2 tickets and 1 accident (that was in July 2024). It cost me a $25 fine and no points, yet my rate increased by 60%. This was the only claim against me over the years. I don't drive much, about 10,000 miles a year if that much, and yet I'm being punished for years of no problems. BTW, the patrolman questioned the ability of the on-lookers of the accident.
Mike
Verified Review
Solid car insurance company
They're very easy to talk to and will walk you through anything you need.
Michael
Verified Review
Best Kept Secret!
Fast claim response. Very courteous and professional. For what I need, no other company comes close in price for the last 10+ years.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Auto-Owners is 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

  • 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: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$97$158
Auto-Owners$103$166
State Farm$105$172
GEICO$144$220
Nationwide$159$258
Allstate$166$271
Progressive$174$257
Travelers$180$292
Safeco$202$257
National General$219$325
State Auto$221$361
Root$226$334
Direct Auto$227$335
Dairyland$242$473
GAINSCO$245$450
Liberty Mutual$255$408
The General$262$550
AssuranceAmerica$263$367
First Acceptance$281$442
Bristol West$350$581
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: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$113$183
Auto-Owners$120$195
State Farm$124$201
GEICO$169$259
Nationwide$183$297
Allstate$192$314
Travelers$207$337
Progressive$221$327
Safeco$238$303
State Auto$242$394
National General$256$380
Direct Auto$259$383
Root$263$389
Dairyland$285$557
The General$287$601
GAINSCO$297$546
Liberty Mutual$299$477
AssuranceAmerica$308$430
First Acceptance$357$562
Bristol West$413$685
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: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$93$151
State Farm$100$163
Auto-Owners$100$162
GEICO$143$218
Nationwide$151$246
Allstate$159$261
Progressive$162$240
Travelers$172$279
Safeco$189$240
National General$204$302
Direct Auto$208$306
State Auto$213$348
Root$222$328
Dairyland$226$442
GAINSCO$227$416
Liberty Mutual$243$388
AssuranceAmerica$250$349
The General$253$531
First Acceptance$262$412
Bristol West$332$551
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 $242 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 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
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.

Elizabeth Rivelli
Written byElizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth RivelliFreelance Insurance Writer
  • 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.

Featured in

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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
Edited byBecky HelzerEditor
Becky Helzer
Becky HelzerEditor

Becky Helzer is an editor at Insurify. She loves helping writers express their ideas clearly and authentically. With a diverse background in editing everything from curriculum and books to magazine articles and blog posts, she’s worked on topics ranging from home finance, insurance, and cloud computing to the best tools for home improvement.

A proud graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in technical journalism, Becky lives in Fort Collins, CO, with her husband and their two spoiled rescue dogs.

Katie Powers
Reviewed 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.

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