Compare the Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina

Compare the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina below based on your age and driving history to get the lowest rate. With average rates of $66 monthly for minimum liability and $130 for full coverage, you can save $31 to $66 per month on car insurance by switching to the cheapest insurer in South Carolina.  

Cheapest by coverage type

• Full coverage: American National, $64
• Minimum coverage: American National, $35

Cheapest by driver age

• Teen drivers (16) minimum coverage: Farm Bureau, $124
• Teen drivers (16) full coverage: Farm Bureau, $196
• Young drivers (25) minimum coverage: American National, $40
• Young drivers (25) full coverage: American National, $75
• Seniors (65+) minimum coverage: American National, $53
• Seniors (65+) full coverage: American National, $87

Cheapest by driving record and credit score 

• Speeding ticket: American National, $45
• At-fault accident: American National, $45
• DUI: American National, $51
• Bad credit: Farm Bureau, $86

Rates in South Carolina refreshed on November 21, 2025

For South Carolina's most affordable minimum liability-only coverage, American National is cheapest at $35 monthly ($413 yearly), beating state averages by 35%. Farm Bureau follows as the next least expensive at $44 monthly ($519 yearly), also below average pricing for the state.

The least expensive car insurance coverage in the state is minimum liability-only car insurance. South Carolina requires $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). The state also requires $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage, which many states don't require as part of their minimum coverage, protecting you against South Carolina's 13% uninsured driver rate.

See our guide to how much car insurance you need.

For the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina. American National leads at $64 monthly ($763 yearly), which is 37% less than the average. Farm Bureau follows as the next least expensive at $81 monthly ($964 yearly), saving you 21% versus average full coverage rates in the state.

Most drivers in South Carolina should consider full coverage instead of the cheaper minimum liability-only option. If you finance your car, full coverage is required by your lender.

Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision protection to your existing liability policy. Collision covers repair costs when you cause an accident, while comprehensive covers damage from severe weather, theft and vandalism. If your vehicle is worth more than $5,000 or you can't afford to replace your car after an at-fault accident, full coverage is the smart choice.

The lowest cost car insurers will depends on your city, and more specifically your zip code. American National has the cheapest rates across the state’s major cities, saving you up to 53% depending on your location.

South Carolina’s cheapest monthly auto insurance rates start at $33 for minimum coverage in Hilton Head Island and are $40 in North Charleston. The lowest cost full monthly coverage follows a similar pattern, ranging from $61 in Hilton Head Island to $73 in North Charleston.  Similar to most states, South Carolina's more densely populated cities have higher average car insurance rates with smaller towns away from the coast having cheaper rates.

Farm Bureau offers the cheapest car insurance for 16-year-olds in South Carolina at $124 monthly for minimum coverage and $196 monthly for full coverage. Farm Bureau also has the lowest rates for older teens, with premiums dropping as drivers gain experience.

By age 25, rates drop, with American National providing the cheapest coverage at $40 monthly for minimum and $75 monthly for full coverage. Young drivers can cut costs by staying on their parents' family plan and qualifying for good student discounts.

American National offers the most affordable minimum coverage for seniors across most age groups, ranging from $53 to $60 per month. 

The cheapest full coverage for seniors varies by age, with American National being the cheapest at ages 65, 80, and 90 ($87, $84, and $99 monthly). Farm Bureau offers better rates at age 70 ($73 monthly). Seniors can save on auto insurance by decreasing mileage estimates and taking a South Carolina approved defensive driving course. Also, see our guide to car insurance discounts for seniors to find other discounts that may apply.

For South Carolina drivers with a DUI, American National offers the most affordable rates at $51 monthly for minimum coverage and $91 for full coverage. Farm Bureau offers another budget-friendly option at $53 per month for minimum coverage and $95 for full coverage. 

In South Carolina, a DUI increases your insurance costs by approximately 100% compared to drivers with clean records, but American National is your lowest cost option after your DUI.

After an at-fault accident, American National offers the most affordable rates at $45 monthly for minimum coverage and $82 for full coverage. Farm Bureau and American Family provide alternatives. At-fault accidents increase your premiums 25% to 50% on average in South Carolina, but the lowest cost options above remain very affordable.

After a speeding ticket in South Carolina, American National provides the most affordable minimum coverage at $45 monthly and full coverage at $82 monthly. Farm Bureau offers competitive rates at $50 monthly for minimum coverage and $90 for full coverage. A poor driving record will increase your insurance costs in South Carolina by 25% to 40%, but you can minimize the rate increase by comparison shopping.

For drivers with bad credit in South Carolina, Farm Bureau offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $86 monthly and full coverage at $198 monthly. GEICO is the next least expensive option at $93 monthly for minimum coverage and $216 for full coverage. 

Unfortunately for those with poor credit, South Carolina allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting rates, and rates are two times higher on average in the state. The best strategy is to improve your credit score over time to get lower rates at your next renewal.

South Carolina drivers have unique rate factors, including coastal hurricane risks and above-average uninsured motorist rates. Get the lowest rates in the state with these strategies:

• Compare quotes from at least three South Carolina insurers. South Carolina insurers adjust rates frequently, and there are differences in rates, notably at the coast. Make sure to compare like coverages with each quote.  
• Minimum coverage at $35 a month saves you $29 monthly in South Carolina.  If you own your car, you can save by dropping full coverage. If you lease or finance your car, you will need full coverage.  Your car won't be covered for an at-fault accident.
• Increase deductibles from $500 to $1,000 on full coverage to lower your premium.
• Bundle auto with home in South Carolina to save 12% to 26% on both policies.
• Apply common discounts like good driver, multi-car, paperless billing, and automatic payment.

See our guide to car insurance discounts and how to reduce your car insurance rate for more options.

Our insurance experts answer common questions about finding the most affordable car insurance coverage in the Palmetto State.

We gathered auto insurance data from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and analyzed quotes from major insurers across all residential ZIP codes in South Carolina. Our analysis included more than 47 million rate comparisons in South Carolina to find the cheapest options for different driver profiles, coverage types and demographics. For detailed information on our research methodology, see our complete methodology guide.