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.

In South Carolina, drivers 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 requires uninsured motorist protection, which replaces the liability coverage an at-fault driver should've had and pays for your costs up to your policy limits. Coverage like MedPay or personal injury protection pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, and both are optional in South Carolina.

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. You might also have to get gap insurance, which covers the difference between what you owe on your loan and what the vehicle is worth at the time of a total loss.

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 $68 monthly ($817 per year) for minimum coverage, on average, and around $183 per month ($2,192 annually) for a full-coverage policy. The cheapest insurance companies in South Carolina are American National, Geico, and USAA, but insurers calculate premiums differently, so it's a good idea to get quotes from more companies to find the best deal.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina by Category 

• Clean driving record: $72 per month
• After an at-fault accident: $102 per month
• Driver with poor credit: $119 per month
• Teen driver: $256 per month
• After a DUI: $122 per month

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is 13% higher than the national average auto insurance premium, and South Carolina ranks 37 out of 50 for the most affordable car insurance rates in the U.S.. There are several factors that affect how much you'll pay for car insurance in South Carolina, including your driving record, age, location, the amount of coverage that you purchase, and the insurance company you buy it from.

Finally, it's worth noting that car insurance premiums in South Carolina are average, compared to the cost of coverage in neighboring states like North Carolina and Georgia. You can find more details in the table below. 

Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina vs. Neighboring States

You need $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person ($50,000 per accident) plus $25,000 in property damage liability insurance to drive legally in South Carolina. The South Carolina liability insurance requirements can also be written as 25/50/25. 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.

Even though South Carolina only requires 25/50/25 in liability insurance, drivers should consider buying more coverage if they can afford it. If you cause an accident that results in damage beyond your policy limits, you will be personally responsible for paying the difference. And no matter what, you should be sure to fulfill the minimum South Carolina car insurance requirements to avoid facing consequences for driving without insurance.

Finally, 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, collision insurance covers damage to the policyholder's car regardless of fault. And comprehensive insurance pays if the policyholder's vehicle is damaged by something besides an accident, like a natural disaster or vandalism.

Full coverage insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $183 per month ($2,192 annually). 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.

Monthly Cost of Full Coverage Insurance in South Carolina

Note: Premiums are for a 45-year-old 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.