How Much Is Car Insurance in South Carolina? (July 2024)

In South Carolina, the yearly cost for car insurance with full coverage averages $1,720. Minimum coverage averages $871 per year.

Your car insurance premium depends on multiple factors, including your age, the level of coverage you pick, where you live, your driving record and your credit history. Search for affordable options that suit your budget and coverage needs.

South Carolina's average full coverage car insurance cost is about $1,720 annually. Understanding the average cost of car insurance in your state can help determine if you're receiving an affordable or costly quote from insurers. Explore your options by comparing car insurance quotes to find the best rate.

Discover what you might pay for auto insurance in South Carolina. The average rates below serve as a guide to what you could spend monthly or yearly, from minimum coverage to full coverage policies.

Car insurance in South Carolina is generally more expensive than the national average cost of car insurance. The average annual premium for state minimum liability-only coverage in South Carolina is $871 ($73 per month), while the national average is $595 annually ($50 monthly). South Carolina's average annual cost for full coverage is $1,720 ($143 per month), while the national average is $1,296 per year ($108 per month).

Several factors contribute to higher insurance rates in South Carolina. These include the risk of natural disasters like hurricanes and the number of uninsured drivers on the road.

Car insurance premiums can vary widely between companies, even within the same state. For South Carolina drivers seeking the cheapest full coverage, American National P&C offers an annual premium of $536, while the most expensive average premium is from Dairyland at $4,591.

By comparing car insurance quotes from various providers, you can identify the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina and find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs.

The choice of coverage level also influences the cost of car insurance in South Carolina. For instance, the average monthly cost of minimum coverage is about $73, while full coverage with a $1,000 deductible costs around $143. Despite the higher cost, full coverage insurance is recommended for its broad protection for various incidents.

Although opting for comprehensive and collision coverage will elevate your premium, selecting higher deductibles can mitigate those increases. Note that the deductible applies separately to each comprehensive and collision claim filed.

In South Carolina, the minimum car insurance requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, $25,000 for property damage per accident and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matching the BI liability limits.

Your zip code can affect the cost of your car insurance premiums. Full coverage in Columbia costs around $1,465 per year, while it's up to $1,658 in North Charleston.

Car insurance rates in South Carolina can be influenced by factors like driving history, the type of car you drive and even your credit score. Traffic volume and weather conditions specific to the state can also determine your premiums.

In South Carolina, age significantly influences car insurance costs. Younger drivers, ages 22 to 29, face the highest premiums at around $2,078 annually. As motorists mature, rates tend to decrease. Those aged 60 and older enjoy the lowest premiums at approximately $1,623 per year. This trend reflects insurers' risk assessment based on age-related driving experience.

In South Carolina, age and gender affect car insurance rates. For instance, the average annual cost for adding a 16-year-old male to a family car insurance policy is $3,899. Generally, 16-year-olds face the highest premiums. Teens under 18 typically cannot purchase car insurance without a guardian. If they do secure their own policy, the annual premium can soar to $6,524.

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for a 2012 model is $1,651, while the same coverage for a 2022 model costs around $1,905. This price hike is due to newer models' higher actual cash value, more expensive repair costs and increased risk of theft.

Experts suggest that drivers with newer models, like those from 2022, should consider comprehensive and collision coverage. This offers protection against a wide range of incidents, including theft, vandalism and accidents.

The average cost of car insurance varies significantly depending on your driving record in South Carolina.

• With a ticket: $2,202 per year; $184 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $2,491 per year; $208 per month
• With a DUI: $2,381 per year; $198 per month

The severity of a driving violation can increase your insurance premiums. These extra costs will continue as long as the violation remains on your driving record, which varies by state. For example, in South Carolina, a DUI can stay on your driving record for a significant period, impacting insurance costs for years.

While a DUI often leads to the highest increase in insurance premiums, there are exceptions where other violations can be more costly, depending on car insurance company practices in various states.

To find the average cost of car insurance for different driving records in South Carolina, you can check the table by coverage and age group.

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina varies based on your credit score, with premiums ranging from $1,034 for those with excellent credit to $2,174 for drivers with poor credit.

Your credit score in South Carolina significantly influences your car insurance rates. Good credit, defined as a score between 670 and 739, can net you more affordable premiums, while scores below 580 may lead to much higher costs.

Understanding the various factors that can impact your car insurance rates in South Carolina is crucial in finding the most affordable plan for your needs.

• Driving Record: A clean driving record can lead to lower insurance costs. Conversely, tickets, accidents or DUIs can significantly increase premiums.
• Age: Young drivers in South Carolina often face higher premiums due to inexperience, which statistically leads to more accidents and claims.
• Credit Score: Insurers in South Carolina consider credit scores when setting rates. A higher credit score can lead to lower car insurance costs.
• Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your vehicle affect rates. Newer, more expensive cars generally cost more to insure due to higher repair costs.
• Location: Urban areas with higher crime and accident rates may have higher insurance costs than rural regions in South Carolina.
• Coverage Level: Opting for collision insurance or comprehensive insurance will increase premiums compared to state minimum coverage, but they offer better protection.
• Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but you'll pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
• Gender and Marital Status: Statistics show that gender and marital status can influence risk assessment, potentially impacting insurance rates.
• Annual Mileage: Less time on the road means a lower chance of accidents — drivers with lower annual mileage can enjoy cheaper insurance rates.

Each insurer weighs these factors differently, so it's important to shop around for the best rate for your circumstances in South Carolina.

To secure affordable car insurance in South Carolina, compare quotes, raise your deductible and use all possible discounts to lower premiums for minimum coverage or comprehensive policies.

Get answers about factors that impact the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina and how you can find affordable rates.