American National provides Charleston's most affordable car insurance with annual rates of $454 for minimum coverage and $829 for full coverage. Other budget-friendly insurers in the city include American Family, Farm Bureau and GEICO.
Car Insurance in Charleston
Updated: August 14, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The cheapest car insurance companies in Charleston are American National, Farm Bureau, and Auto-Owners, with savings up to 53% compared to the city average.
On average, Charleston car insurance costs $144 per month for full coverage and $75 for minimum coverage.
To get the best cheap auto insurance in Charleston, we recommend deciding on coverage beforehand, doing plenty of research and comparing quotes from multiple sources.
Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston?
| American National | $38 | $69 | -53% |
| Farm Bureau | $55 | $101 | -31% |
| Auto-Owners | $61 | $106 | -27% |
| GEICO | $59 | $112 | -25% |
| American Family | $54 | $122 | -23% |
Compare the Cheapest Charleston Car Insurance for You
Your car insurance rate depends on personal factors like your driving record, age and credit score. Check the table below to find the most affordable insurer for your specific driver profile.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Male
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| American National | $88 | $1,057 | -59% |
| Farm Bureau | $125 | $1,506 | -41% |
| Auto-Owners | $149 | $1,792 | -30% |
| GEICO | $163 | $1,954 | -24% |
| American Family | $168 | $2,012 | -22% |
Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group in Charleston
Car insurance prices depend heavily on age, so we've split drivers into three categories: 16 to 25 (young), 26 to 64 (adults), and 65+ (seniors). Based on our data in Charleston, here's who offers the lowest rate in each group:
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers: American National (from $98 per month)
- Cheapest car insurance for adults: American National (from $38 per month)
- Cheapest car insurance for seniors: American National (from $58 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Charleston
American National and Farm Bureau offer the lowest car insurance rates for young drivers in Charleston, with monthly premiums starting at $98 and $103, respectively.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| American National | $98 | $1,177 | -47% |
| Farm Bureau | $103 | $1,237 | -45% |
| American Family | $128 | $1,541 | -31% |
| Auto-Owners | $130 | $1,555 | -30% |
| GEICO | $141 | $1,690 | -24% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in Charleston
In Charleston, American National provides the lowest rates for adult drivers (26 to 64), saving drivers around 52% on average. GEICO and Allstate are also among the top affordable providers for this age group.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| American National | $38 | $454 | -52% |
| American Family | $54 | $652 | -31% |
| Farm Bureau | $55 | $664 | -29% |
| GEICO | $59 | $703 | -25% |
| Auto-Owners | $61 | $727 | -23% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in Charleston
For seniors in Charleston, American National provides the lowest rates for both minimum and full coverage car insurance. The company's minimum coverage costs $58 monthly or $693 annually, while full coverage runs $94 per month or $1,130 per year.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| American National | $58 | $693 | -49% |
| Farm Bureau | $69 | $825 | -39% |
| GEICO | $75 | $905 | -34% |
| American Family | $87 | $1,040 | -24% |
| Auto-Owners | $99 | $1,191 | -13% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Charleston
These insurance companies offer the lowest rates for high-risk drivers in Charleston:
- Cheapest for Bad Credit: GEICO (from $98 per month)
- Cheapest With a DUI: American National (from $55 per month)
- Cheapest With an Accident: American National (from $49 per month)
- Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: American National (from $49 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Bad Credit in Charleston
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for bad credit drivers in Charleston, with monthly rates starting at $98 for minimum coverage and $224 for full coverage.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Driving Record:Clean
| GEICO | $98 | $1,177 | -41% |
| American National | $106 | $1,273 | -36% |
| Farm Bureau | $108 | $1,296 | -35% |
| Nationwide | $130 | $1,561 | -22% |
| Travelers | $137 | $1,643 | -17% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in Charleston
American National offers the most affordable car insurance in Charleston for drivers with a DUI. Its rates are 53% below average for minimum coverage and 55% cheaper for full coverage policies.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| American National | $55 | $664 | -53% |
| American Family | $63 | $755 | -46% |
| Farm Bureau | $66 | $796 | -43% |
| State Farm | $98 | $1,176 | -16% |
| Progressive | $109 | $1,303 | -7% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in Charleston
Drivers in Charleston with an accident can find the lowest rates with American National, starting at $49 per month, 57% less than the city's average premium.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| American National | $49 | $589 | -57% |
| Farm Bureau | $70 | $839 | -38% |
| American Family | $76 | $917 | -32% |
| GEICO | $85 | $1,014 | -25% |
| Auto-Owners | $88 | $1,052 | -22% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket in Charleston
For Charleston drivers with speeding tickets, American National offers the most affordable car insurance options. Its minimum liability coverage costs $49 monthly, while full coverage with higher limits runs $88 per month.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| American National | $49 | $589 | -49% |
| GEICO | $59 | $703 | -40% |
| Farm Bureau | $63 | $753 | -35% |
| Auto-Owners | $67 | $809 | -31% |
| American Family | $75 | $901 | -23% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Charleston
The top car insurance companies in Charleston are Auto-Owners, Travelers, Farm Bureau, American National and Progressive. These providers stand out for offering competitive rates, reliable customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
| Auto-Owners | 93 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Travelers | 88 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Farm Bureau | 86 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| American National | 86 | 1 | 11 | 6 |
| Progressive | 85 | 9 | 3 | 2 |
Auto-Owners: Best Cheap Overall
pros
3rd most affordable overall
Best customer experience in Charleston
Good add-on coverage selection
cons
More expensive rates on average compared to some providers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Auto-Owners earned our top spot for car insurance in Charleston. The company can save most drivers an average 27% on coverage and they offer an add-on that allows you to be reimbursed for any of your car's lost value in the case of a claim. Auto-owners also has the best customer experience in the city, tying for the best agent service rating and 2nd highest multi-platform forum ratings among national and regional insurers.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Charleston?
In Charleston, minimum coverage costs about $75 per month or $894 per year, ranking 338th out of all South Carolina cities for affordability. Full coverage averages $144 monthly or $1,723 annually, ranking 347th among South Carolina cities.
| Full Coverage | $144 | $1,723 |
| Minimum Coverage | $75 | $894 |
Compare Personalized Charleston Car Insurance Costs
Find Charleston car insurance rates that match your exact profile by filtering the table below for your age group, driving record and other personal factors.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| $205 | $2,460 | 12% |
Charleston Car Insurance Costs by Zip Code
In Charleston, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $66 to $171 per month. ZIP code 29414 is the most expensive, while 29401 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code below.
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Zip Code:29414
| 29414 | $95 | $171 |
How to Get the Best Cheap Charleston Car Insurance
Finding affordable car insurance in Charleston can feel overwhelming, with local rates higher than many other cities and numerous coverage options to sort through. Our step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to lower your costs while getting the right protection for your needs.
- 1
Know your coverage needs
Start by determining how much coverage you need as a Charleston driver. Consider local risks like flooding and hurricanes when choosing your coverage levels. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to understand what protection best suits you.
- 2
Explore different coverage types
Learn about types of car insurance that could save you money. If you drive infrequently, consider pay-per-mile coverage. Don't own a car? Look into non-owner insurance for occasional driving.
- 3
Check average costs in Charleston
Research average vehicle insurance costs in Charleston to set realistic expectations. This helps you identify truly competitive rates and avoid overpaying. Compare quotes against these averages to find a good deal.
- 4
Stack up available discounts
Maximize savings through car insurance discount opportunities. Consider bundling multiple policies or getting multi-car discounts. Many insurers offer additional savings for safe driving records or installing anti-theft devices.
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Research insurance company ratings
Look into each insurer's customer service ratings and claims satisfaction scores. Check how well they handle hurricane-related claims in Charleston. A company's financial strength matters during widespread disaster events when many claims are filed simultaneously.
- 6
Get quotes from multiple insurers
Contact at least three different insurance companies for quotes. Use a mix of local agents, online tools and direct carrier websites. Comparing multiple quotes helps you find the best rates.
- 7
Review coverage annually
Set a yearly reminder to review your policy and shop for new quotes. Your circumstances may change, and insurance companies regularly adjust their rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston: Bottom Line
Car insurance rates in Charleston depend on your driving record, vehicle and credit score. American National and Farm Bureau offer the lowest average premiums in the area, but compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.
Cheap Charleston Car Insurance: FAQ
Looking for affordable car insurance in Charleston? Our FAQ section provides clear answers about finding the right coverage at the best rates. We help you understand your options and make smart choices that protect your finances without overpaying.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Charleston, South Carolina?
American National offers Charleston's lowest rates, averaging $454 for minimum coverage and $829 for full coverage. Rates vary by personal factors, so compare multiple quotes.
Who offers the best car insurance in Charleston?
Auto-Owners leads Charleston's car insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, scoring 5 points higher than Travelers. The company excels in both affordability and service quality.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Charleston?
In Charleston, drivers pay $1,723 per year for full coverage and $894 for minimum coverage auto insurance. Your actual rates will vary based on individual factors.
Is car insurance in Charleston expensive?
Charleston car insurance costs are higher than average, ranking 338th for minimum coverage affordability and 347th for full coverage compared to other South Carolina cities.
How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston, SC
To help Charleston drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed Charleston auto insurance rates based on data and information from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We studied all ZIP codes in Charleston and hundreds of thousands of quotes for 12 companies offering auto insurance in South Carolina to tailor options as closely as possible to you.
Charleston Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in Charleston with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
- Good credit
- Valid license
- Currently insured
- No claims history
Certain factors, such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation, were adjusted to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.
Coverage Levels in Charleston
MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.
The minimum coverage requirements in South Carolina are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
- Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible
Our Best Company Rating Methodology
We rated all companies in Charleston based on the following rating scale:
- Affordability (60% of score): We evaluated quotes for various common driver profiles and compared rates to competition within the city to get this score.
- Customer Experience (30% of Score): Sources like agency reviews on Google, J.D. Power, AM Best and forums like Reddit were used to gauge customer sentiment and experiences across the board to get this score.
- Coverage Options (10% of Score): This score takes into account the amount of coverage options a provider has in addition to the uniqueness of offering and included benefits.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.