Best Car Insurance in South Carolina

The top-rated auto insurance companies in South Carolina for 2026 are Auto-Owners, American National and Farm Bureau.

Discover if you're overpaying for South Carolina car insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 29, 2025

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Top Rated Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina

The top-rated car insurance companies in South Carolina are:

Best Overall and Best for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation: Auto-Owners
Best Cheap for Those With Driving Violations: American National
Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit: Farm Bureau

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

MoneyGeek's proprietary methodology identified South Carolina's best car insurance by researching over 70 companies and analyzing actual quotes, verified customer reviews from trusted sources like J.D. Power, and coverage details. Our ratings prioritize what matters most: affordability (60%), customer experience (30%), and coverage options (10%).

Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina

Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in South Carolina, with a 4.7 out of 5 MoneyGeek score. It excels in affordability and customer service with a perfect 5.0 customer experience score.

Auto-Owners offers competitive rates with full coverage at $95 monthly. Drivers with clean records pay rates that run 34% below state averages. The company ranks first overall in South Carolina for both affordability and customer experience.

American National ranks fifth overall and offers the most affordable rates for drivers with violations. Farm Bureau ranks third overall and excels for drivers with bad credit, combining strong affordability with local agent service.

Our recommendations provide a starting point, but your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which provider offers the best value. Compare these top companies to find the insurer that best fits your profile.

Data filtered by:


Auto Owners	4.70	$95	4.70	5.00	3.40
Travelers	4.50	$122	4.50	4.60	3.90
Farm Bureau	4.40	$82	4.90	4.00	2.50
Progressive	4.30	$135	4.40	4.10	4.80
American National	4.30	$64	5.00	3.30	3.00

*The rates above are based on a male driver insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with good credit.

How much does car insurance in South Carolina cost?

How much car insurance do I need in South Carolina?

Best Overall Insurer in South Carolina: Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners

Best Overall and Best for Young Drivers or Those With a Violation

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

3.4/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$96
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$54
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
True Blue Auto Coverage

pros
- Ranks first overall among South Carolina car insurance providers
- Ranks first in customer experience with excellent service ratings
- Best overall choice for comprehensive value and reliability
- Strong financial stability with established market presence
cons
- Limited coverage options compared to some major competitors
- Not the most affordable option for budget-conscious drivers
Auto-Owners earns MoneyGeek's highest score (4.7 out of 5) among South Carolina insurers. The company ranks first overall with strong affordability scores and a perfect 5.0 customer experience rating.

Auto-Owners offers competitive rates for both clean-record drivers and those with violations. South Carolina drivers get comprehensive coverage at rates 34% below state averages, saving about $630 annually.
Auto-Owners' monthly premiums range from $54 for minimum coverage to rates varying by driver profile for full coverage. Most drivers with clean records pay $85 to $105 monthly for full coverage. Young drivers pay $195 to $375 monthly.

These rates run 34% below South Carolina averages, saving drivers about $630 annually.

The True Blue Auto Coverage program rewards claim-free drivers with additional discounts. Multi-policy bundling saves 10% to 25% on combined coverages. Additional discounts include safe driver rewards, good student discounts and vehicle safety feature discounts.
Customer experience scores a perfect 5.0, first among South Carolina insurers. The local agent network provides personalized service throughout the state. Claims processing runs seven to 10 business days on average.

Local adjusters throughout South Carolina respond quickly to weather-related claims, particularly during hurricane season. The company's strong local presence ensures efficient claims handling. Independent agents provide face-to-face service for policy questions and complex claims situations.
Coverage options score 3.4 out of 5. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from South Carolina minimums (25/50/25) to 250/500/100. Deductibles flex from $250 to $2,000.

Auto-Owners' features:
- True Blue Auto Coverage: Rewards claim-free driving with lower deductibles over time
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage when your car's in the shop
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 towing, battery jumps and lockout services
- Equipment breakdown coverage: Extended protection for vehicle systems
- Gap insurance: Pays difference between car's value and loan balance

Best Cheap Company with Violation in South Carolina: American National

American National

Best Cheap for Those With Driving Violations

0/5Affordability

0/5Customer Experience

0/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$62
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$34
Agent Service Score
3.7/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Equipment Breakdown

pros
- Ranks first in affordability among South Carolina insurers
- Best cheap coverage option for drivers with violations
- Competitive rates for both minimum and full coverage
- Strong financial backing for reliable claim payments
cons
- Poor customer service experience compared to competitors
- Limited coverage options versus other major insurers
American National earns a 4.3 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and ties for fifth overall among South Carolina insurers. The company excels for drivers with violations, offering the most affordable rates with a perfect 5.0 affordability score.

American National's pricing advantage makes it attractive for drivers rebuilding after violations. The company offers competitive rates while maintaining solid coverage options for budget-conscious drivers with challenged driving records.
American National offers the most affordable rates for South Carolina drivers with violations. Adult drivers pay $64 monthly for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs $34 monthly.

Drivers with violations pay competitive rates that remain well below most insurers. Clean-record adults pay $55 to $75 monthly for full coverage.

Multi-policy bundles save 10% to 20%. Good student discounts and vehicle safety features provide additional savings. The company's equipment breakdown coverage offers extended protection for newer vehicles.
Customer experience scores 3.3 out of 5. American National operates through independent agents with phone support available at 800-899-6403. Claims processing runs 10 to 14 business days on average.

Service options include phone support and local agents for policy questions. Digital tools provide basic features but lag behind larger competitors. The company focuses on competitive pricing rather than extensive digital capabilities.
Coverage options score 3.0 out of 5, reflecting American National's focus on essential protections. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from South Carolina minimums (25/50/25) to 250/500/100. Deductibles range from $250 to $2,000.

Coverage options:
- Equipment breakdown coverage: Extended protection for vehicle systems
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage while your car's repaired
- Roadside assistance: Towing and emergency services
- Custom equipment coverage: Protection for aftermarket modifications

Best Insurer for Drivers with Bad Credit: Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau

Best Cheap for Drivers With Bad Credit

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

4/5Customer Experience

2.5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Full Coverage Cost
$88
Average Monthly Minimum Coverage Cost
$45
Agent Service Score
Provider not found/5
Most Unique Coverage Add-On
Provider not found

pros
- Ranks second in South Carolina for affordability
- Best cheap option for drivers with bad credit
- Mutual company structure prioritizes member interests
- Local agents provide personalized South Carolina service
cons
- Membership requirements may limit eligibility for coverage
- Limited digital tools compared to major national carriers
- Fewer coverage options available than larger competitors
Farm Bureau earns a 4.4 out of 5 MoneyGeek score and ranks third overall among South Carolina insurers. The company excels for drivers with bad credit, combining strong affordability with solid customer service through its local agent network.

Farm Bureau's mutual company structure allows it to focus on member benefits rather than shareholder profits. The company offers competitive rates for drivers with challenging credit histories while maintaining quality coverage options.
Farm Bureau offers competitive rates for South Carolina drivers with bad credit. Adult drivers pay $82 monthly for full coverage. State minimum coverage costs $45 monthly.

Drivers with bad credit pay $88 monthly for full coverage, competitive compared to other major insurers. Clean-record adults pay $75 to $95 monthly for full coverage.

Multi-policy bundles save 10% to 25%. Good student discounts, safe driver programs and loyalty discounts reduce premiums further, with total savings reaching up to 30% off standard rates.
Customer experience scores 4.0 out of 5, fourth among South Carolina insurers. Farm Bureau's local agent network provides personalized service throughout the state. Claims processing runs seven to 10 business days on average.

The company's strong presence in rural areas ensures faster response times for members outside major cities. Agents understand local risks like hurricane damage and agricultural coverage needs specific to South Carolina.
Coverage options score 2.5 out of 5, reflecting Farm Bureau's focus on essential protections. Core options include comprehensive, collision, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Policy limits run from South Carolina minimums (25/50/25) to 250/500/100.

Coverage options:
- Agricultural vehicle coverage: Protection for farm equipment and vehicles
- Rental reimbursement: Daily coverage when your car's in the shop
- Roadside assistance: Standard towing and emergency services
- Equipment protection: Coverage for agricultural tools and machinery

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in South Carolina

Finding the best car insurance in South Carolina requires more than just clicking the first online quote you see. Your ideal coverage balances cost, protection and service quality, and that mix varies for every driver based on driving history, vehicle and budget.

1
Understand South Carolina's insurance requirements
Before comparing car insurance quotes in South Carolina, know what the state requires: $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage coverage. South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage at matching 25/50 levels.

With 9.4% of drivers operating without insurance (roughly 340,000 uninsured motorists), this mandatory uninsured motorist protection proves essential.

Most drivers need more than these minimums. If you own substantial assets or finance your vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Think about what you're protecting. A 12-year-old sedan with high mileage probably doesn't need collision coverage. Skipping comprehensive on a $30,000 vehicle could cost you thousands in one incident, especially with South Carolina's hurricane threats and heavy rainfall.
2
Research average costs
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina costs $1,200 to $1,800 per year. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving history, credit score, location and vehicle.

Use this range as a baseline. Quotes over $2,700 annually for basic coverage with a clean record indicate you're probably overpaying.

Your location affects your rate; Charleston, Columbia and Greenville cost more than rural areas. So do your vehicle's safety ratings, annual mileage and even your education level with some insurers.
3
Find discounts you qualify for
South Carolina drivers can tap into several car insurance discounts. Bundling multiple policies often saves up to 25%. Good student discounts reward young drivers who maintain B averages.

Auto-Owners' True Blue Auto Coverage program rewards claim-free driving with lower deductibles over time. Ask about vehicle safety discounts if your car has anti-theft systems, airbags or electronic stability control.
4
Compare insurance companies, not just prices
Affordable car insurance means more than finding the lowest premium. A $54 monthly policy with minimal coverage and poor claims handling isn't cheaper than an $85 policy from an insurer known for fast, fair settlements.

Read customer reviews about claims experiences, especially for weather-related damage during hurricane season. Check financial stability ratings from AM Best. Look at coverage options. Auto-Owners leads South Carolina insurers with a perfect 5.0 customer experience score. Farm Bureau provides strong local agent networks for rural areas.
5
Compare quotes through multiple means
Get car insurance quotes from at least three to five companies. Use direct insurer websites, independent agents and online comparison tools.

Independent agents often access regional insurers not available through comparison sites. Auto-Owners, American National and Farm Bureau work through local agent networks throughout South Carolina.

Provide the same information to every insurer. Otherwise, you're comparing different products instead of finding the best price for identical coverage.
6
Review your policy every year
Car insurance prices change constantly. Companies update rates and underwriting standards throughout the year. Set a calendar reminder to review your coverage and get new quotes annually. Last year's best deal might not be competitive today.

Life changes impact your rates, too. Buying a home, paying off your car loan, adding a young driver or moving all affect what you pay. Many drivers overpay by keeping coverage they no longer need or by failing to switch car insurance companies.

Best Car Insurance Coverage in South Carolina

State minimums won't cover the true costs when accidents happen. South Carolina consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers, with roughly 20 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 11.

Emergency room visits for serious trauma at Charleston, Columbia or Greenville hospitals cost $35,000 to $50,000. Even minor vehicle repairs typically exceed $15,000 after collisions.

Minimum coverage won't protect your assets if you cause a multi-vehicle accident on I-95, I-26 or I-85. Lawsuits will drain your savings and garnish your wages. Medical bills from injuring multiple people far exceed basic liability limits.

With 9.4% of drivers operating without insurance in the Palmetto State (roughly 340,000 uninsured drivers), uninsured motorist protection becomes critical. Combined with South Carolina's elevated crash risks, robust liability coverage and comprehensive uninsured motorist protection prove essential.

MoneyGeek recommends these coverage levels for South Carolina drivers:

Liability: 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage) costs $15 to $25 more monthly than South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums and covers most South Carolina drivers adequately.

Drivers with substantial assets (homeowners, business owners or high earners) should choose 250/500/100 limits. This costs $30 to $45 more monthly than minimums but protects your assets if you cause a serious accident. South Carolina's traffic fatality rate makes higher liability limits crucial for protecting your financial future.

Comprehensive and Collision: Add full coverage if your vehicle is worth more than $4,000 or carries a loan. Choose $500 or $1,000 deductibles based on your emergency savings—a $500 deductible costs $25 to $35 more monthly than $1,000 but lowers your out-of-pocket costs after incidents.

Comprehensive coverage matters in South Carolina due to hurricane threats and heavy rainfall that damage thousands of vehicles annually. Collision protection becomes essential in heavy traffic areas like Charleston and Columbia, where accident rates spike during tourist season in coastal regions like Myrtle Beach.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage, but you should match these limits to your liability coverage. With roughly 340,000 uninsured drivers on South Carolina roads (9.4% of all drivers), this protection becomes essential when at-fault drivers can't pay for your damages. Underinsured coverage fills gaps when responsible parties carry only minimum limits insufficient for your medical bills and repairs.

Medical Payments: $5,000 to $10,000 covers immediate accident expenses regardless of fault. This coverage pays quickly without waiting for liability determinations in South Carolina's at-fault system.

Medical payments coverage costs $8 to $18 monthly for $5,000 protection. Given South Carolina's traffic risks, this affordable coverage provides worthwhile security.

Additional Coverage to Consider: Rental reimbursement ($30 to $50 daily) covers transportation costs while your car is in the shop. Roadside assistance provides towing, battery service and lockout help for $20 to $30 annually.

Gap insurance matters if you owe more on your vehicle loan than the car's current value. It protects you from paying thousands out of pocket if your financed vehicle gets totaled.

Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina

South Carolina's competitive insurance market keeps car insurance rates affordable for drivers throughout the Palmetto State. State minimum coverage costs just $53 monthly, ranking South Carolina first nationally for affordable basic coverage.

Full coverage runs $46 more monthly than state minimum requirements. Average premiums reach $99 monthly for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible, 1% below the national average.

Compare your quotes with these benchmarks using the table above or our South Carolina car insurance calculator.

Data filtered by:


Clean	$53	$99	1
Not At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$58	$110	2
Speeding 11-15 MPH over limit	$67	$128	4
Texting While Driving	$69	$109	3
DUI - BAC >= .08	$70	$150	10
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)	$76	$128	7

HOW VIOLATIONS AFFECT YOUR RATES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DUI violations impact South Carolina car insurance rates most severely, increasing premiums 51% plus requiring SR-22 filing. Texting while driving and at-fault accidents both raise rates 29%, each adding $10 monthly to full coverage policies. These violations create lasting financial consequences for Palmetto State drivers.

Best South Carolina Auto Insurance: Bottom Line

Auto-Owners ranks first for most South Carolina drivers with a 4.7 overall score, balancing competitive rates ($95 monthly full coverage), perfect customer service scores and solid coverage options. Your priorities determine the best choice: American National offers the most affordable rates for drivers with violations through a perfect affordability score, and Farm Bureau excels for drivers with bad credit through strong affordability combined with local agent service.

Compare quotes from at least three insurers. Your age, driving record and coverage needs determine which company offers the best value, as rates vary widely by driver profile.

Best Car Insurance in South Carolina Chart

Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina: FAQ

Finding suitable car insurance depends on your unique circumstances. Common questions and their answers guide you toward appropriate coverage.

What do I need to get car insurance in South Carolina as a new resident?

New South Carolina residents need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and VIN for each vehicle. Most insurers require your Social Security number to check your credit score, which affects your rate.

You must get coverage within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll also need to provide your five-year driving history, including any accidents and violations.

Transferring from another state? Update your existing policy to meet South Carolina's minimum requirements of 25/50/25 with uninsured motorist coverage.

Can I drive in South Carolina with out-of-state insurance?

You can drive temporarily with valid out-of-state insurance. If you establish residency (get a job, register to vote or stay more than six months), you must get South Carolina insurance within 30 days.

Your out-of-state policy must meet South Carolina's minimum requirements of 25/50/25 with uninsured motorist coverage. Military members stationed in South Carolina can keep their home-state insurance if they maintain legal residency elsewhere.

What happens if I get caught driving without insurance in South Carolina?

Driving without insurance results in immediate license and registration suspension plus a $550 reinstatement fee for first-time offenders. You'll also face $100 to $200 fines or 30 days imprisonment. Repeat violations within three years bring steeper penalties. South Carolina requires SR-22 certification for three years, significantly increasing insurance costs. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you're personally liable for all medical bills and property damage with no insurance protection.

How do I switch car insurance companies in South Carolina?

Purchase your new policy before canceling coverage to avoid gaps. Start your new policy the same day or immediately after your current policy expires. Request cancellation in writing from your current insurer with your policy number and desired end date. Most South Carolina insurers waive cancellation fees for policies over six months old. You'll receive prorated refunds for any unused coverage paid in advance.

Does South Carolina offer car insurance discounts for military members?

Most South Carolina insurers offer military discounts ranging from 4% to 15% for active-duty members, veterans and military spouses. USAA, GEICO, Armed Forces Insurance and Navy Federal specialize in military coverage. Ask about storage discounts during deployment, emergency payment extensions, military defensive driving course discounts and waived deductibles for vehicles damaged during deployment.

How We Rated the Best Car Insurance in South Carolina

We researched more than 70 companies, from national to small local providers across all U.S. residential ZIP codes in South Carolina. We also checked the internet for customer reviews, discounts and coverage details to give you a complete picture of each provider's services. All companies had enough customer reviews and coverage information to make our list.

Here's how we score each company:

Affordability (60%): We looked at quotes for different driver profiles and compared rates within South Carolina. Our main rating is based on a 40-year-old male with good credit, no driving violations, no claims history and a valid license. We also checked other combinations to ensure you find the right fit.
Customer experience (30%): We used sources like Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best and Reddit to see what customers think about each company. We focused on South Carolina-specific feedback to get an accurate score.
Coverage options (10%): This score considers the number of coverage options a company offers, what makes it unique and what benefits it includes.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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