How Much Is Car Insurance in South Carolina? (2023)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.