Protective Insurance is the best life insurance company in South Carolina and nationwide, earning an overall MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5 for customer service, affordability, and coverage options. We also recommend Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential as some of the best affordable alternatives.
Best Life Insurance Companies in South Carolina (2025)
MoneyGeek scored the best life insurance companies in South Carolina based on thousands of quotes and reviews to help you find your ideal policy.
Discover affordable life insurance in South Carolina below.
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Updated: October 27, 2025
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Key Takeaways
In South Carolina, the best life insurance providers are Protective Insurance, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential.
Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, Lincoln Financial offers the cheapest life insurance options in South Carolina and nationwide, with monthly rates averaging $30 for women and $35 for men for a $500,000 20-year term policy.
The best South Carolina life insurance companies vary based on the type of coverage. Legal & General wins for term policies. Pacific Life leads no-exam term coverage. North American, Ethos and Mutual of Omaha emerge as top choices for permanent life insurance coverage.
To get the best life insurance in South Carolina, we recommend deciding on coverage beforehand, researching costs and companies, and comparing plenty of providers.
Best Life Insurance Providers in South Carolina
Overall | Protective Insurance | 4.7 | $44 (men) $37 (women) | $532 (men) $443 (women) |
Customer Experience | Guardian Life | 4.6 | $51 (men) $40 (women) | $612 (men) $480 (women) |
Affordability | Lincoln Financial | 4.5 | $35 (men) $30 (women) | $417 (men) $359 (women) |
Coverage Options | Prudential | 4.1 | $61 (men) $48 (women) | $735 (men) $578 (women) |
We based rates on average quotes for adult nonsmokers ages 30-49 with a $500,000 20-year term policy. These are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis and may not reflect your actual premium. Actual rates vary based on health, lifestyle, and other underwriting factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Best Overall: Protective
Protective
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.8/5Affordability
4.6/5Customer Experience
4.3/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $37 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$532 (men); $443 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Customer Experience: Guardian Life
Guardian Life
MoneyGeek Rating
4.6/ 5
4.6/5Affordability
4.9/5Customer Experience
4/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$51 (men); $40 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$612 (men); $480 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
Most Affordable: Lincoln Financial
Lincoln Financial
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
5/5Affordability
3.6/5Customer Experience
4.5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$35 (men); $30 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$417 (men); $359 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Coverage Options: Prudential
Prudential
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
3.4/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$61 (men); $48 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.Average Annual Cost
$735 (men); $578 (women)Based on a 20-year term policy with $500,000 coverage amount for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings.
Best Life Insurance in South Carolina by Policy Type
While the top life insurance provider in South Carolina is a strong choice for many, the best option may vary based on your coverage needs. Below, we break down the top providers for various policy types.
Whole and Universal | North American | 5 | Whole: $691 (men) $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men) $251 (women) | Whole: $8,287 (men) $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men) $3,016 (women) |
Indexed Universal | Ethos | 5 | $328 (men) $275 (women) | $3,935 (men) $3,297 (women) |
Term | Legal & General | 4.7 | $44 (men) $35 (women) | $523 (men) $415 (women) |
Guaranteed Acceptance | Mutual of Omaha | 4.7 | $40 (men) $30 (women) | $482 (men) $365 (women) |
No-Exam | Pacific Life | 4.5 | $47 (men) $39 (women) | $566 (men) $464 (women) |
We based rates on average quotes for adult nonsmokers ages 30-49 with a $500,000 20-year term policy. These are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis and may not reflect your actual premium. Actual rates vary based on health, lifestyle, and other underwriting factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.
Best Whole and Universal: North American
North American
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
Whole: $691 (men); $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men); $251 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
Whole: $8,287 (men); $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men); $3,016 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.
Best Indexed Universal: Ethos
Ethos
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ 5
5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$328 (men); $275 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$3,935 (men); $3,297 (women)Based on average quotes for adult (ages 30-49) nonsmokers with $500,000 coverage amount.
Best Term: Legal & General
Legal & General
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.7/5Affordability
4.7/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $35 (women)Based on average quotes for an adult (ages 30-49) nonsmoker with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$523 (men); $415 (women)Based on average quotes for an adult (ages 30-49) nonsmoker with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.
Best Guaranteed Acceptance: Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha
MoneyGeek Rating
4.7/ 5
4.9/5Affordability
4.5/5Customer Experience
4.8/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$40 (men); $30 (women)Based on average quotes for 50-year-old nonsmokers with $10,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$482 (men); $365 (women)Based on average quotes for 50-year-old nonsmokers with $10,000 coverage amount.
Best No-Exam Term: Pacific Life
Pacific Life
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.5/5Customer Experience
4.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Cost
$47 (men); $39 (women)Based on average quotes for a 40-year-old with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.Average Annual Cost
$566 (men); $464 (women)Based on average quotes for a 40-year-old with a 20-year term policy and $500,000 coverage amount.
Compare Personalized Best South Carolina Life Insurance Picks
To help you find life insurance that fits your needs, we've added a filterable table below, allowing you to tailor our recommendations to your profile.
Data filtered by:
Select
Male
$500,000
10 years
| Lincoln Financial | $13 | $169 |
| North American | $18 | $210 |
| Midland National | $18 | $210 |
| Protective Insurance | $18 | $215 |
| Cincinnati Life | $19 | $229 |
| Foresters Financial | $19 | $232 |
| Principal National | $20 | $238 |
| Securian | $20 | $239 |
| CoreBridge | $20 | $242 |
| Transamerica | $20 | $245 |
| Assurity | $20 | $246 |
| Life Insurance Co of The South West | $20 | $249 |
| National Life Group | $20 | $249 |
| Legal & General | $21 | $251 |
| Pacific Life | $21 | $251 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $21 | $252 |
| Guardian Life | $21 | $256 |
| SBLI | $21 | $256 |
| Columbus Life | $22 | $260 |
| Equitable Life | $23 | $277 |
| AAA | $23 | $283 |
| Prudential | $24 | $286 |
| Ameritas | $25 | $300 |
| Nationwide | $26 | $302 |
| John Hancock | $26 | $312 |
| Fidelity Life | $26 | $321 |
| Gerber Life (Fabric) | $35 | $426 |
| Ethos | $58 | $690 |
We based rates on a term life insurance policy for nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings. Individual costs will vary based on policy type and your profile.
Rates in this table may differ from those mentioned in the best companies' profiles. The main analysis uses averages for ages 30-49, while this table shows averages for ages 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70.
How to Find the Best Life Insurance in South Carolina
Below, we've highlighted key tips to help you find the best life insurance plan in South Carolina.
- 1Decide coverage beforehand
Assessing your life insurance needs is crucial before purchase. This helps in fair price comparison and prevents agents from overselling.
- 2Research costs for your profile
Knowing average life insurance costs specific to your coverage level and personal profile ensures you get a fair deal. Your location doesn't influence life insurance rates.
- 3Compare company reputations
While rates are generally consistent nationwide, a company’s local reputation can help you find the right fit.
- 4Compare quotes through multiple avenues
Obtain multiple quotes to ensure you're securing the best deal. Prices can differ based on the source, whether through an independent agent, online search, or captive provider agent.
Best Life Insurance in South Carolina: Bottom Line
Based on MoneyGeek's analysis, Protective Insurance, Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential rank as the top four life insurance companies in South Carolina. For specific policy types, North American, Ethos, Legal & General, Mutual of Omaha and Pacific Life offer some of the best alternatives. Get quotes from multiple insurers to find coverage that fits your needs and your budget.
South Carolina Life Insurance: FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about life insurance in South Carolina:
What is the best life insurance in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, Protective Insurance earns the top spot for life insurance with nationwide praise for its service, affordable rates and quality policies.
How do you get the best life insurance in South Carolina?
To secure the best life insurance in South Carolina, assess your coverage needs, review insurers' reputations, and compare premiums for informed decision-making.
Do life insurance rates differ by state?
No, life insurance rates are usually consistent across states, although specific policy features and riders might vary based on your location.
How We Decided the Best Life Insurance in South Carolina
We designed our research to spotlight life insurance companies in South Carolina that consistently deliver affordable coverage backed by strong financial stability and responsive customer service.
We scored companies across three categories with strategic weighting:
- Affordability (55%)
- Customer Experience (30%)
- Coverage Options (15%)
We gathered rate data using a nonsmoker profile with average health, weight and height. This standardized approach enabled meaningful cost comparisons across insurers. We then modified profiles, adjusting age, gender, physical measurements, tobacco use and health status, to understand pricing patterns for different customer segments.
Final rankings use quote averages from ages 30-49 since this demographic represents core life insurance buyers.
Our comprehensive analysis examined:
- Quote collection spanning multiple coverage amounts and policy terms
- Financial stability assessment via AM Best ratings and operational longevity
- Customer satisfaction evaluation through NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power survey results
- Online experience review, including educational materials and payment processing options
- Life insurance product breadth across term and permanent coverage types
This methodology reveals insurers that offer authentic value, pairing competitive premiums with coverage options, financial strength and customer support.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Mark earned a master's degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor's degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.