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Auto insurance costs depend on multiple factors, including your age, credit score, driving record, coverage level and the insurance provider. For young adults, seniors and drivers in their 40s, American National P&C is the cheapest option, with annual premiums of $548, $482 and $463, respectively. Dairyland is the most expensive insurer, charging $4,797, $3,683 and $4,201 for the same age groups.

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2023

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Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina (2023)

The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $1,303 per year or $109 per month. The two primary factors that significantly impact insurance rates are coverage levels and driving histories. These are the average rates South Carolina drivers pay for full coverage based on their records:

  • Clean record: $1,303 per year
  • Speeding ticket: $1,907 per year
  • DUI: $2,066 per year
  • At-fault accident: $2,174 per year

If you're looking for more affordable options, you may consider buying a minimum coverage policy, which is typically cheaper but provides less coverage than full coverage plans.

Driving Record
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

Clean

$665

$55

Clean

$679

$57

Clean

$838

$70

Ticket

$1,019

$85

Ticket

$1,023

$85

DUI

$1,099

$92

DUI

$1,104

$92

Ticket

$1,145

$95

At-Fault Accident

$1,164

$97

At-Fault Accident

$1,188

$99

Clean

$1,223

$102

DUI

$1,277

$106

At-Fault Accident

$1,284

$107

Clean

$1,303

$109

Clean

$1,588

$132

Ticket

$1,863

$155

Ticket

$1,907

$159

DUI

$2,022

$169

DUI

$2,066

$172

At-Fault Accident

$2,155

$180

At-Fault Accident

$2,174

$181

Ticket

$2,182

$182

DUI

$2,425

$202

At-Fault Accident

$2,435

$203

Why Are Car Insurance Rates Expensive in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, car insurance costs are moderately expensive compared to the national average of $1,054 per year. Denser populations typically indicate higher accident and traffic violation rates and can also explain more expensive car insurance premiums. Insurance companies in South Carolina may also offer higher rates, but you can still find cheaper rates by comparing quotes from different insurers.

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Company

The average rates may not reflect the most affordable car insurance in South Carolina, as premiums vary between insurers. American National P&C offers the lowest rates for minimum coverage at $251 per year ($463 per year for full coverage). Dairyland is the most expensive insurer, charging an annual $2,235 for minimum coverage ($4,201 for full coverage).

While liability-only policies are cheap, you can still find inexpensive full coverage insurance policies by shopping around and comparing premium rates.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

American National P&C

$251

$21

American National P&C

$283

$24

American National P&C

$285

$24

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$396

$33

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$412

$34

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$413

$34

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$454

$38

American National P&C

$463

$39

American National P&C

$482

$40

State Farm

$493

$41

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$503

$42

American Family

$509

$42

American Family

$509

$42

GEICO

$513

$43

State Farm

$515

$43

GEICO

$533

$44

American National P&C

$548

$46

American Family

$561

$47

Allstate

$577

$48

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$593

$49

State Farm

$594

$50

Progressive

$673

$56

Allstate

$681

$57

Allstate

$692

$58

Travelers

$693

$58

Progressive

$728

$61

GEICO

$736

$61

Travelers

$762

$63

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$781

$65

Travelers

$793

$66

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$842

$70

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$842

$70

Progressive

$860

$72

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$875

$73

State Farm

$970

$81

GEICO

$1,016

$85

American Family

$1,028

$86

State Farm

$1,043

$87

GEICO

$1,046

$87

Auto-Owners Insurance Co

$1,086

$91

American Family

$1,106

$92

South Carolina Farm Bureau

$1,110

$92

Allstate

$1,141

$95

Travelers

$1,163

$97

Allstate

$1,220

$102

State Farm

$1,240

$103

Travelers

$1,241

$103

American Family

$1,253

$104

Allstate

$1,274

$106

Progressive

$1,374

$115

Travelers

$1,397

$116

GEICO

$1,413

$118

Bristol West

$1,418

$118

Bristol West

$1,486

$124

Progressive

$1,529

$127

Progressive

$1,849

$154

Bristol West

$1,980

$165

Dairyland

$2,095

$175

Dairyland

$2,235

$186

Bristol West

$2,631

$219

Dairyland

$2,682

$223

Bristol West

$2,817

$235

Bristol West

$3,639

$303

Dairyland

$3,683

$307

Dairyland

$4,201

$350

Dairyland

$4,797

$400

Insurance Rates

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MONEYGEEK’S SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE CALCULATOR

MoneyGeek’s South Carolina car insurance calculator is a valuable tool that can estimate your premium based on your age, driving record and selected coverage amount. Using this calculator, you can gain insight into how these factors can influence your insurance costs.

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Coverage Level

Your car insurance costs rise in South Carolina as you increase coverage levels. The cheapest minimum coverage policy starts at about $679 per year, while a policy with the highest coverage limits costs $1,477 per year. Comprehensive and collision coverage can substantially increase your premium, as they provide more protection for your vehicle. Choosing a higher deductible can also help you save on premiums.

Average annual car insurance rates by coverage tier

The least expensive insurance policy in the state only includes the mandatory minimum coverage limits in South Carolina. Insurers may offer a range of liability limits, referred to in shorthand as 50/100/50 or 300/500/300. For example, 50/100/50 implies coverage limits of:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident
  • $50,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident

Liability insurance takes care of the expenses associated with any damage or injury caused to third parties. Comprehensive and collision insurance, also known as full coverage policies, provide increased protection against vehicle damage.

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Age

Car insurance rates are significantly influenced by age, with the greatest impacts observed by inexperienced or young drivers. The average rates for every age group are:

  • 22-29: $1,588 per year
  • 30-59: $1,303 per year
  • 60+: $1,223 per year

Premiums tend to stabilize for drivers between the ages of 30 and 60, but they may decrease as you grow older. Car insurance for new drivers over 30 may also experience higher rates.

Age
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

22-29

$1,588

$132

22-29

$838

$70

30-59

$1,303

$109

30-59

$679

$57

60 +

$665

$55

60 +

$1,223

$102

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina for Teens

Car insurance for teenagers can be expensive, with average annual premiums of $6,524 for 16-year-old males with an individual policy and $3,899 for those under a family policy. Teens can find more affordable car insurance in South Carolina as they age, with annual rates for individual plans dropping to $3,620 for 19-year-olds and $2,389 for 22-year-olds.

Boys may generally face higher insurance rates than girls, with average annual premiums averaging $5,806 for 16-year-old females — a difference of $718.

Age
Annual Family Premium
Monthly Family Premium
Annual Individual Premium
Monthly Individual Premium

16

$3,551

$296

$5,806

$484

16

$3,899

$325

$6,524

$544

17

$3,409

$284

$4,792

$399

17

$3,747

$312

$5,394

$450

18

$3,032

$253

$4,226

$352

18

$3,333

$278

$4,769

$397

19

$2,758

$230

$3,196

$266

19

$3,017

$251

$3,620

$302

20

$2,833

$236

$2,853

$238

20

$3,097

$258

$3,228

$269

21

$2,271

$189

$2,287

$191

21

$2,489

$207

$2,596

$216

22

$1,988

$166

$2,135

$178

22

$2,347

$196

$2,389

$199

23

$2,032

$169

$2,016

$168

23

$2,433

$203

$2,206

$184

24

$1,950

$163

$1,931

$161

24

$2,274

$190

$2,064

$172

25

$1,823

$152

$1,803

$150

25

$2,042

$170

$1,853

$154

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina for New Cars vs. Older Cars

Insuring a new vehicle can be pricier than insuring an older one. The average cost to insure a new car is $1,905 per year, which is around 15% more expensive than coverage for an old vehicle ($1,651 per year).

Newer cars have higher actual cash values (ACV), which means they cost more to repair or replace in case of a covered loss. They are also more prone to theft, increasing the risk for the insurer. Consider purchasing a full coverage policy for a new car, which includes comprehensive insurance to cover the repair expenses. Shopping around can also help you find a more affordable policy.

Model Year
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

2022 Vehicle

$782

$65

2022 Vehicle

$793

$66

2012 Vehicle

$843

$70

2012 Vehicle

$850

$71

2022 Vehicle

$962

$80

2012 Vehicle

$1,043

$87

2012 Vehicle

$1,559

$130

2012 Vehicle

$1,651

$138

2022 Vehicle

$1,805

$150

2022 Vehicle

$1,905

$159

2012 Vehicle

$1,994

$166

2022 Vehicle

$2,365

$197

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Driving Record

Your driving record affects your car insurance rates. You can expect to pay the following rates depending on your driving record:

  • Clean record: $1,303 per year
  • Speeding ticket: $1,907 per year
  • DUI: $2,066 per year
  • At-fault accident: $2,174 per year

Car insurance rates tend to increase in correlation with the severity of the traffic violation committed. Receiving a DUI can lead to higher car insurance rates compared to getting cited with a speeding ticket. Consider shopping around for affordable car insurance for drivers with poor records in South Carolina because premiums can vary based on the insurance company.

Driving Record
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

Clean

$665

$55

Clean

$679

$57

Clean

$838

$70

Ticket

$1,019

$85

Ticket

$1,023

$85

DUI

$1,099

$92

DUI

$1,104

$92

Ticket

$1,145

$95

At-Fault Accident

$1,164

$97

At-Fault Accident

$1,188

$99

Clean

$1,223

$102

DUI

$1,277

$106

At-Fault Accident

$1,284

$107

Clean

$1,303

$109

Clean

$1,588

$132

Ticket

$1,863

$155

Ticket

$1,907

$159

DUI

$2,022

$169

DUI

$2,066

$172

At-Fault Accident

$2,155

$180

At-Fault Accident

$2,174

$181

Ticket

$2,182

$182

DUI

$2,425

$202

At-Fault Accident

$2,435

$203

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Credit Score

Car insurance rates can vary based on your credit score. Drivers with poor credit pay around $2,174 annually, and those with excellent credit only pay $1,034 per year. Below are the average car insurance premiums based on credit scores:

  • Excellent: $1,034 per year
  • Good: $1,264 per year
  • Fair: $1,525 per year
  • Below fair: $1,819 per year
  • Poor: $2,174 per year

Some insurance providers may charge varying premiums depending on your credit score, making it important to explore multiple options to find an affordable policy that suits your needs. We advise comparing rates to find the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for drivers with bad credit.

Credit Score
Average Annual Premium
Average Monthly Premium

Excellent

$530

$44

Excellent

$531

$44

Excellent

$644

$54

Good

$647

$54

Good

$647

$54

Fair

$781

$65

Fair

$783

$65

Good

$788

$66

Excellent

$860

$72

Excellent

$901

$75

Below Fair

$934

$78

Below Fair

$937

$78

Fair

$949

$79

Excellent

$1,000

$83

Excellent

$1,034

$86

Good

$1,052

$88

Poor

$1,088

$91

Poor

$1,090

$91

Good

$1,103

$92

Excellent

$1,105

$92

Below Fair

$1,135

$95

Excellent

$1,165

$97

Excellent

$1,196

$100

Good

$1,221

$102

Excellent

$1,256

$105

Good

$1,264

$105

Fair

$1,271

$106

Poor

$1,324

$110

Fair

$1,331

$111

Good

$1,358

$113

Good

$1,419

$118

Excellent

$1,441

$120

Good

$1,459

$122

Fair

$1,476

$123

Below Fair

$1,514

$126

Fair

$1,525

$127

Good

$1,540

$128

Below Fair

$1,584

$132

Fair

$1,639

$137

Fair

$1,714

$143

Fair

$1,759

$147

Below Fair

$1,763

$147

Good

$1,763

$147

Poor

$1,806

$151

Below Fair

$1,819

$152

Fair

$1,856

$155

Poor

$1,890

$158

Below Fair

$1,952

$163

Below Fair

$2,050

$171

Below Fair

$2,098

$175

Poor

$2,106

$175

Fair

$2,122

$177

Poor

$2,174

$181

Below Fair

$2,213

$184

Poor

$2,342

$195

Poor

$2,454

$204

Poor

$2,512

$209

Below Fair

$2,531

$211

Poor

$2,653

$221

Poor

$3,036

$253

Average Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina by City

Where you live in South Carolina can impact your auto insurance rates. Coverage costs may differ depending on your location, with Columbia having the lowest rates at $1,465 per year and North Charleston having the highest at $1,658 per year. Elevated rates of car thefts or higher population densities generally lead to increased car insurance costs. To find the best rates, consider looking at multiple insurers in your city.

City
Full Coverage Annual Premium
Minimum Coverage Annual Premium

Charleston

$1,922

$1,071

Charleston

$1,552

$861

Charleston

$1,460

$828

Columbia

$1,812

$994

Columbia

$1,465

$801

Columbia

$1,378

$772

North Charleston

$2,043

$1,109

North Charleston

$1,658

$894

North Charleston

$1,553

$856

Insurance Rates

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Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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FAQ About Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina

MoneyGeek addressed some frequently asked questions about the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina. Keep in mind that your premiums may vary based on specific factors and state-related differences.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.