Best Car Insurance in South Carolina

The #1 car insurance company is State Farm because it is the largest auto insurer in the U.S., with a market share of 16%. State Farm insures over 80 million people and offers coverage in all 50 states.

Largest Auto Insurance Companies in America

Together, these 10 companies own more than 70% of the auto insurance market share in the U.S. As a result, it shouldn't come as a surprise that these companies tend to be the best options for most types of drivers.

Best Car Insurance Companies by Category

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guides to the best car insurance and the largest auto insurers.

Drivers in South Carolina need $25,000 of bodily injury liability insurance per person (up to $50,000 per accident) and $25,000 of property damage liability insurance. South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist protection. UM replaces the liability coverage an at-fault driver should've had and pays for your costs up to your policy limits.

Here's How Much Car Insurance Drivers Need in South Carolina:

If you lease or finance your car, you may be required to carry coverage types that are not mandatory under South Carolina law. Lenders usually require comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance covers repairs to your car when you hit another car or object. If the damage to your vehicle was caused by something other than a collision—like a natural disaster, vandalism, falling objects, or animals—it is most likely covered by comprehensive insurance. Lenders may also require gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and what the vehicle was worth if it gets stolen or totaled.

Even if you're not required to carry these optional coverage types, you may still need them. You can learn more about when to drop optional coverage and the penalties for driving without insurance in South Carolina to make sure you're paying for the coverage you need.

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

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

The minimum liability car insurance requirements in South Carolina are $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person ($50,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage liability insurance. These requirements can also be written as 25/50/25.

Liability insurance pays for others' medical expenses and property damage after an accident you were responsible for. In addition, drivers in South Carolina will need to purchase $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage uninsured motorist coverage to satisfy the state's minimum car insurance requirements.

Types of Car Insurance Required in South Carolina

• Bodily injury liability (BI)
• Property damage liability (PD)
• Uninsured motorist (UM)
• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)

If South Carolina drivers do not purchase at least the minimum amounts of car insurance coverage required by South Carolina law, they can face penalties for driving without insurance.

Drivers should also consider purchasing other types of car insurance in order to better protect themselves, given that liability insurance does not provide any coverage for the policyholder's own injuries or property. For instance, both collision insurance and comprehensive insurance cover damage to the policyholder's car. You will likely need these types of insurance if your vehicle is financed.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guides on how much car insurance you need and cheap car insurance in South Carolina.

Full coverage insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $380 per month. A full coverage policy usually includes collision and comprehensive insurance, plus the types of coverage required by South Carolina law. In South Carolina, liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage are mandatory for all drivers.

Average Cost of Full Coverage Insurance in South Carolina

Note: Premiums are average rates for a good driver in South Carolina; individual premiums will vary.

How to Get Cheaper Full Coverage Insurance in South Carolina

1. Compare quotes from several companies to make sure you're getting the best deal.
2. Increase your deductible. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums, but remember to only pick a deductible you'd be able to afford in an emergency.
3. Don't forget to make sure you're getting all the discounts you can.

To learn more, check out WalletHub's guide to full coverage car insurance.