Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina (2023)

Lancaster, South Carolina, offers charm and a dash of history to its residents. Called the “Red Rose City,” its population is less than 10,000, which can affect car insurance rates.^[1]

USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster, but you have plenty of other good insurers to choose from, too. What you actually pay will vary, but the average cost of car insurance is $246 per month, according to Insurify data. In this guide, you’ll learn about all the options for car insurance in Lancaster.

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Best car insurance companies in Lancaster 

In Lancaster, you can choose from a wide range of insurance companies to meet your coverage requirements. Whether it’s state-mandated liability insurance, full coverage, or optional coverages, you’ll be able to find what you need.

Of course, cost differences can be notable between insurance companies. Plus, your driving history and insurance needs will affect your rates. Below are the top three most affordable options for car insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Best insurer for cheap rates: Auto-Owners

Best insurer for discounts: State Farm

Best insurer for military members: USAA

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Lancaster

Car insurance protections vary based on the type of coverage you purchase. The most basic form of auto insurance coverage most states require is liability coverage. It provides the minimum required to drive and has limited benefits.

Liability insurance covers just that — your liability in events like car accidents. Generally, you’ll have coverage for property damage and bodily injury. It’s important to note that this pays only for damages for the other driver.^[2] Below are some of the best insurers for liability-only coverage in Lancaster.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Lancaster

Liability insurance covers the basics but can leave you vulnerable and exposed if there’s an incident. That’s where full-coverage car insurance can fill the gaps and provide more thorough protection.

Full coverage is an umbrella term that typically includes the necessary liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It covers any repairs to your vehicle, whether it’s damaged in an accident or because of an errant rock hitting your windshield.^[2] It’s a great option for Lancaster drivers who want to protect their finances fully. Here are the cheapest full-coverage car insurance options in Lancaster.

Car insurance requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina law requires drivers to meet certain car insurance requirements mandated by the state. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage, with the minimum limits stated below. South Carolina has a “tort system,” which means drivers are considered at fault or not.^[3]

These are just the basic coverage types you need to drive in Lancaster. Additional coverage options offer more thorough benefits and services, including:

• 

  Collision

  If your vehicle is damaged due to a car accident or there’s a total loss, collision coverage will reimburse the costs to repair it after you pay your deductible.

• 

  Comprehensive

  If your car is damaged from other types of incidents — like weather, fire, vandalism, or theft — comprehensive coverage pays for repairs, minus your deductible.^[2]

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

As safely as you might drive, incidents can still happen. These incidents might include getting a speeding ticket, getting into an at-fault accident, or driving under the influence (DUI).

Incidents like these on your driving record typically lead to higher rates since your insurer will consider you a higher risk. But you can still find affordable coverage with an incident on your driving record through some insurers in Lancaster.

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

Getting a speeding ticket isn’t just inconvenient — it can lead to fines and higher premiums. Generally, how much extra you’ll pay is based on your speed and the difference in how fast you were going compared to the stated limit. Below are some affordable options for car insurance if you have a speeding ticket on your driving record.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

It takes just a second of distracted driving, speeding, or a lapse in judgment to cause an accident. And even after only one accident, your rates will likely increase, as insurers will consider you high risk.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Lancaster and want to shop around for rates, the following insurers offer the best coverage.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Getting a DUI conviction in South Carolina can lead to fines, potential jail time, a suspended license, and increased insurance rates. If it’s your first time driving under the influence, you could be charged $400 and spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail. On top of that, your license will be revoked for six months.^[4]

For additional offenses, the consequences are more severe. When you can drive again, you may want to find more affordable coverage, especially if there have been policy changes. Below are the cheapest car insurance options if you have a DUI in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Drivers tend to pay less for car insurance as they age, especially if they have clean records. However, other considerations may affect your driving. Medical conditions, vision problems, or coordination issues can put some seniors at higher risk of getting into an accident.

In general, insurers start increasing rates for seniors around age 75. To find the most competitive car insurance for seniors, review the insurance companies and rates below.

Cheapest car insurance for teens

Young drivers typically pay the most for car insurance policies, as they lack experience. They’re just starting to learn the ins and outs of driving and maneuvering a vehicle, so they pose a much higher risk than older drivers.

Teens can lower insurance rates by looking for companies that provide a good student discount or staying on their parents’ policy. Below are some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Lancaster for teen drivers.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster

Shopping around for coverage is one of the best ways to get cheap car insurance. Lancaster drivers have plenty of companies to choose from, all with varying coverage options and discounts.

Consider the following ways to find the best policy that meets your needs and helps your budget:

• Apply for discounts. While many insurance companies offer discounts, some may offer more than others or ones tailored to you, such as a home and auto insurance bundle. Compare how much you could reduce your costs and review eligibility requirements, ask questions, and take notes.

• Bundle. Some companies offer major savings when you bundle auto insurance with homeowners insurance or life insurance policies.

• Drive safely. Take extra care to drive safely, as a clean record is the best way to keep your rates low. Even one infraction can cause your rates to increase. Consider taking a defensive driving course, as your insurer may offer better rates to drivers who complete one.

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Lancaster car insurance quotes by credit tier

When an insurance company assesses risk, it considers many factors, including your credit score. Drivers with higher credit scores typically pay less and get the best rates. On the other hand, those with poor credit often pay more for coverage. Insurance companies tend to associate lower credit profiles with higher levels of risk, leading to increased rates.^[5]

While some states have banned using credit scores when determining insurance premiums, South Carolina law permits insurance companies to do so.

Is car insurance more expensive in Lancaster?

The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Lancaster is $295 per month, slightly higher than the national average of $253. However, you’ll pay slightly less in Lancaster than the state average of $309. Location-based factors, such as population density and crime, affect whether rates are more or less expensive.

More cities in South Carolina

Lancaster has more affordable full coverage than some other South Carolina cities. For example, Charleston drivers pay an average cost of $315 per month for full coverage, compared to $295 per month in Lancaster — a 7% increase. Some cities, like Rock Hill, have lower rates for full coverage, representing a 5% decrease. 

Lancaster car insurance FAQs