Candace Baker, Car Insurance Writer
@candacebaker
Car insurance in South Carolina costs $67 per month or $802 per year for minimum coverage , on average. The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina are USAA, GEICO, and Auto-Owners, and getting quotes from several companies can help you find the best deal.
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is 19% higher than the national average auto insurance premium. There are several factors that affect how much you'll pay for car insurance in South Carolina, including your driving record, age and location, the amount of coverage you purchase, and the insurance company you buy it from.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Category
- After an at-fault accident: $228 per month
- Driver with poor credit: $112 per month
- Teen driver: $323 per month
- After a DUI: $113 per month
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Company
Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
$685 per year | $2,489 per year | |
$507 per year | $1,822 per year | |
$1,645 per year | $2,451 per year | |
$412 per year | $1,313 per year | |
$706 per year | $2,452 per year | |
$787 per year | $2,010 per year | |
$529 per year | $1,504 per year | |
$699 per year | $1,514 per year | |
$354 per year | $1,177 per year |
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a 45-year-old man in South Carolina with a clean driving record. Actual rates will vary.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Age
Age | Average Premium |
$3,871 per year | |
$3,242 per year | |
$2,884 per year | |
$2,339 per year | |
$1,933 per year | |
$1,513 per year | |
$1,350 per year | |
$1,252 per year | |
$1,169 per year | |
$996 per year | |
$818 per year | |
$802 per year | |
$799 per year | |
$852 per year |
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a driver in South Carolina with minimum coverage and a clean driving record. Actual rates will vary.
How to Lower the Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina
- Shop around and compare quotes. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three different insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best rate.
- Choose a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums but means you will have to pay more out-of-pocket when you file a claim.
- Consider lowering your coverage. Consider purchasing only the minimum amount of coverage required by your state, rather than purchasing higher limits or a full coverage policy.
- Look for discounts you may be eligible for. For instance, most insurance companies offer a good-driver discount for customers with a clean driving record, a good-student discount, or a discount for paying your premiums in full up front.
To learn more, check out our guide to how much car insurance you need in South Carolina as well as our picks for the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina.
People also ask
How much car insurance do I need in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires you to have $25,000 in coverage for one person’s bodily injury or death, up to $50,000 total per accident, and $25,000 in coverage for other people’s property damage when you are at fault. South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist insurance. UM replaces the liability coverage an at-fault driver should’ve had.
How Much Car Insurance Drivers Need in South Carolina
| Coverage Type | Minimum Coverage Limit ... |
Why is South Carolina car insurance so expensive?
Car insurance in South Carolina is expensive because drivers are required to have personal injury protection and some drivers can legally drive uninsured if they pay a fee to the state. In South Carolina, you can expect to pay approximately $4,557 per year for full coverage car insurance or $1,701 per year for minimum coverage. Car insurance in South Carolina is more expensive than the national average, which is around $4,211 per year for full coverage and about $1,407 per year for minimum coverage.
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read full answer by Anamarie Waite, Car Insurance WriterWhat is the penalty for driving without insurance in South Carolina?
If you are caught driving without insurance in South Carolina, you may face fines, suspension of license and registration, and high-risk insurance requirements after the first offense. Penalties for repeat offenses include jail time.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
| Type of Offense | License Suspended? | Registration Suspended? | Maximum Fines & Fees |
| First Offense ... | Yes | Yes | $100 - $200 + $5 for every day without insurance; $550 uninsured motorist fee |
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