In our analysis, American National P&C offers the most affordable rates for young drivers and those with a speeding ticket, accident or DUI. South Carolina Farm Bureau is the top choice for senior drivers and people with bad credit.
High-Risk Car Insurance SC
Updated: May 20, 2025
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Key Takeaways
For affordable high-risk car insurance in the Palmetto State, consider companies like American National P&C, South Carolina Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners for minimum and full coverage.
Annual insurance costs for high-risk drivers can vary widely, with the lowest rates starting around $963 and the highest reaching up to $5,758.
To secure the best deal on high-risk car insurance, identify your needed coverage, research average costs and discounts, and compare multiple providers to find the most affordable option.
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in SC
| American National P&C | Young Drivers | $49 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | Senior Drivers | $41 |
| American National P&C | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $42 |
| American National P&C | Drivers With an Accident | $42 |
| American National P&C | Drivers With a DUI | $48 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | Drivers With Bad Credit | $75 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | Drivers With Bad Credit And Driving Violations | $84 |
*Rates shown are for minimum car insurance policies modifying a base profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations.
Compare Cheap SC High-Risk Car Insurance Providers
While our above table provides an overview of affordable companies for high-risk insurance, it doesn't capture every unique driver's needs. Below, you'll find a table to compare rates from top providers for your particular situation. This will help you find the best coverage at a price that fits your budget.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Accident $1000-$1999 Prop Dmg
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| American National P&C | $90 | $1,078 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $120 | $1,439 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $164 | $1,964 |
| GEICO | $193 | $2,316 |
| American Family | $209 | $2,510 |
How Much is High-Risk Car Insurance in SC?
Overall, high-risk car insurance costs in South Carolina can range anywhere from $80 to $479 monthly, depending on your unique combination of pricing factors. Below, you can compare average pricing for your profile by filtering the table.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Clean
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Credit:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $98 | $1,179 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
HOW LONG DO DRIVING VIOLATIONS AFFECT CAR INSURANCE RATES?
Traffic violations can lead to higher car insurance premiums, and in South Carolina, the timeframe for this impact varies. Serious offenses, like DUIs or reckless driving, could influence your rates for up to 10 years.
For smaller violations on the road, expect your rates to potentially be higher for about three to five years. The specific duration depends on your insurance company.
South Carolina High-Risk Car Insurance: Buyer's Guide
High-risk drivers often struggle to find affordable car insurance. Our guide explains what makes you high-risk, how to locate the best affordable options, and steps to take if you're denied coverage.
What Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
The following is a list of various types of drivers that are considered high-risk to auto insurance companies:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Senior drivers over 60
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Tips To Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance in SC
Below, you'll find key tips to help you save money and choose the best provider for high-risk car insurance in the Palmetto State.
- 1
Decide What Coverage You Need
Before diving into comparisons, determine the car insurance coverage you require. This prevents undue influence from others and includes any useful add-ons like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance. Use our car insurance coverage calculator to find out how much auto insurance you need to make informed decisions.
- 2
Research Average Costs and Discounts
Familiarize yourself with the average insurance costs for your profile and any discounts available. This knowledge ensures you assess deals accurately across providers. Consider enrolling in certified defensive driving courses in the state for savings up to 10% on premiums. Such insights and actions can lead you to more affordable options.
- 3
Consider Non-Traditional Coverage Options
Explore alternatives like pay-per-mile and usage-based insurance programs to cut costs, especially if you drive safely and infrequently. Providers like Geico offer telematics programs that monitor driving habits, potentially saving you up to 30% on auto policies. These options may provide affordable insurance tailored to your driving behavior.
- 4
Compare Multiple Providers
After identifying potential options, compare quotes from at least three insurers. Utilize diverse sources such as independent brokers and online platforms since rates can vary for the same provider. Ensure your comparisons are side-by-side to accurately weigh how different auto insurers measure up in terms of coverage and cost.
What To Do if You Get Denied Coverage in South Carolina
Car insurance companies can choose not to give you a policy if they decide you're too risky. But don't worry, there's still hope. You can apply for a residual market plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO).
Below, we've provided contact information if you want to start the process.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET
aaipsc@aipso.com
Phone
(866) 560-4100
Fax
(401) 528-1361
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 6530 • Providence, RI 02940-6530
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in SC: Bottom Line
Based on our research, the three cheapest companies for high-risk insurance in the Palmetto State are American National P&C, South Carolina Farm Bureau, and Auto-Owners Insurance Co. While this is our finding, we advise you to conduct your own research to compare costs and secure the best deal. If denied coverage, programs exist to help you obtain affordable insurance.
SC Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: FAQ
Below are answers to common questions on high-risk car insurance in South Carolina.
What is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in South Carolina?
American National P&C offers the cheapest high-risk car insurance in South Carolina. The lowest monthly rate is $42 for drivers with a speeding ticket.
What do I do if I get denied for coverage?
If denied coverage, seek assistance from AIPSO to explore options for obtaining insurance suited to your situation and budget.
How much more expensive is high-risk car insurance in South Carolina?
High-risk car insurance in South Carolina can be significantly more expensive. Depending on the violation, high-risk drivers may pay between 22% to 152% more than drivers with a clean record.
How We Chose The Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance in South Carolina
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
All high-risk profiles are modifications based on our base profile of the following:
- 40-year-old driver
- 12,000 annual mileage
- Clean driving record
- Good credit
High-risk profiles considered for are young drivers, seniors, and those with bad credit or records of an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI. We also considered combinations of all of these factors to get a comprehensive view and maintain accuracy and personalization with our recommendations.
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.