Note from the editor: Perhaps you are looking for car insurance for your first time, or you want to shop for insurance to lower your monthly premium. This article is a good starting point to your research on car insurance. There are many factors that affect the cost of car insurance. While you might not […]
Note from the editor: Perhaps you are looking for car insurance for your first time, or you want to shop for insurance to lower your monthly premium. This article is a good starting point to your research on car insurance. There are many factors that affect the cost of car insurance. While you might not be able to see exact premiums, they will give you an idea about the best rates available in your area.
South Carolina has much to offer, whether you want to learn more about the history of Fort Sumter or just enjoy the links with your friends. Insurance is required for anyone driving in the Palmetto State.
We compared South Carolina’s estimated car insurance rates and found the average cost. This included zeroing in on those insurers that offer basic coverage to multiple driver profiles and needs.
We used a fairly neutral driver profile to calculate rates and give you a baseline view of the different insurers. This allowed us to compare rates evenly and provide a baseline view. Your driving record and other factors that impact car insurance such as your age, vehicle type, and coverage options can all affect your rates.
Continue reading to find out about South Carolina’s average auto insurance rates. We also have our findings on the best basic coverage options.
Car insurance costs in South Carolina
The average monthly premium for South Carolina car insurance, with minimum coverage, is about $65 and can go up to $130 depending on the driver profile.
Monthly average auto insurance premiums in South Carolina
Driver and coverage |
Avg. Monthly cost |
---|---|
South Carolina has a minimum state-minimum auto insurance | $65.18 |
South Carolina drivers with poor credit | $113.09 |
South Carolina drivers with multiple claims | $132.78 |
Young drivers in South Carolina | $105.18 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, minimum coverage, and unless otherwise noted
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina
These five insurers were the most affordable for minimum coverage, based on a South Carolina driver profile. We found American National to offer the lowest rates for different driver needs.
Our methodology reveals that our South Carolina driver has a credit rating between 680-719. A car worth $20,000-$30,000 is possible, with no coverage gaps or tickets. He is also 36-45 years old, unless noted otherwise. Rates could vary. You might get different rates if the above is not applicable to you. We have also calculated the lowest minimum-coverage rates for various driver needs.
1. American National P&C
For basic coverage, car insurance with American National could cost as low as $21 per monthly for a South Carolina driver. American National customers can work with local agents to tailor their auto insurance policies. Many of these policies include rental reimbursement or customized equipment coverage. Gap coverage and roadside assistance are also available.
2. Geico
Geico could offer minimum coverage to our South Carolina driver profile at a rate of $42.33 per monthly. Geico offers drivers the ability to choose from a variety of coverage options, receive discounts, and manage their policy through a mobile app. Geico also offers auto insurance for collectors, boats, ATVs, and motorcycles.
See reviews about Geico auto insurance.
3. Auto-Owners insurance
For as low as $46.75 per monthly, drivers who meet our South Carolina driver profile can find auto insurance rates through Auto-Owners. Basic coverage is available for around $46.75 Auto-Owners provides a broad range of coverage options. This includes additional coverage like road trouble service, diminished value coverage, and the personal automobile plus package which includes identity theft and lock re-keying.
See reviews about Auto-Owners Insurance.
4. National Grange Mutual
Our South Carolina driver profile could be eligible for minimal-coverage car insurance with National Grange Mutual starting at $47.83 per month. National Grange Mutual, a subsidiary Main Street America Insurance, is the parent company. National Mutual customers have the option of choosing from full-coverage options such as vehicle replacement, decreasing deductible rewards and accident forgiveness. They also have access to loan-lease protection, safety glass, roadside protection, loan-lease protection, and safety glass.
5. State Auto
State Auto is the fifth listed insurer, with monthly premiums around $50.88 for minimum coverage. This is based on our South Carolina driver profile. Liberty Mutual’s State Auto offers standard coverage and three levels of protection, Standard, Protection Plus, and AutoXtended(r), Premier. You can also get discounts such as multipolicy or multicar insurance, and the State Auto Safety 360 program which rewards safe driving habits.
The cheapest state-minimum car coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers must have at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. This insurance is also known as state-minimum and is the cheapest type of car insurance that you can purchase.
These five companies provide the lowest car insurance available for drivers who only need state-minimum coverage.
The cheapest South Carolina car insurance companies for state-minimum coverage
1 |
American National P&C |
$21.00 |
2 |
Geico |
$42.33 |
3 |
Auto-Owners Insurance |
$46.75 |
4 |
National Grange Mutual |
$47.83 |
5 |
State Auto |
$50.88 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, seeking minimum coverage for South Carolina
Best car insurance for people with good credit in South Carolina
Your credit score is one of the factors that will affect the premium price. Your monthly cost will generally be lower if you have good credit.
These five insurance companies offer the best basic-coverage rates to drivers with good credit.
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for people with good credit
1 |
American National P&C |
$14.17 |
2 |
Auto-Owners Insurance |
$31.47 |
3 |
Geico |
$35.95 |
4 |
National Grange Mutual |
$39.44 |
5 |
State Farm |
$41.89 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, adjusted so that minimum-coverage rates are displayed for South Carolina drivers with a credit score greater than 720
Lowest Car Insurance for Poor Credit in South Carolina
A lower credit score can often lead to a higher monthly payment for car insurance. Other factors, such as your driving record or mileage, can also impact your monthly car insurance costs.
We found that American National also offers the lowest basic-coverage rates to drivers with less than stellar credit. However, the rates are higher than those with good credit.
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for people with bad credit
1 |
American National P&C |
$64.08 |
2 |
Geico |
$70.09 |
3 |
State Auto |
$88.48 |
4 |
Southern Farm Bureau |
$98.88 |
5 |
State Farm |
$100.88 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, modified to show basic-coverage rates in South Carolina for drivers with lower credit scores than 580
Cheapest car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Claims in South Carolina
Your driving record, just like your credit score, also plays a role in the cost of your car insurance. Your car insurance will cost you more if there are more claims on your record.
These are the five most affordable car insurance companies in South Carolina for drivers who have multiple claims. They also offer minimum coverage rates.
Five of the cheapest South Carolina car insurance companies for multiple claims
1 |
American National P&C |
$38.00 |
2 |
Geico |
$73.30 |
3 |
National Grange Mutual |
$78.00 |
4 |
Auto-Owners Insurance |
$83.29 |
5 |
Southern Farm Bureau |
$89.50 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, modified to show basic-coverage rates in South Carolina for a driver with two claims rather than zero
Cheapest car Insurance for Young Drivers in South Carolina
Your age also has an impact on the cost of your car insurance. Younger drivers tend to pay more for their car insurance than those who are older. Your rates will decrease as you age and have a track record of safe driving.
These are the five most affordable car insurance companies, based on minimum coverage rates for South Carolina drivers aged 18-21.
Top 5 South Carolina car insurance companies for young drivers
1 |
American National P&C |
$37.83 |
2 |
Geico |
$63.63 |
3 |
State Auto |
$71.63 |
4 |
State Farm |
$79.54 |
5 |
Auto-Owners Insurance |
$80.17 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, but adjusted to show minimum-coverage rates in South Carolina for drivers 18-21 years old instead of 36-45
South Carolina auto insurance requirements
South Carolina requires liability coverage for bodily injury as well as liability insurance for property damage. For bodily injury, drivers must have at least $25,000 per driver and $50,000 per accident. Property damage coverage is required for $25,000 per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required. Your lender may require you to have additional coverage if you have a car loan.
Is there usage-based insurance in South Carolina
A type of vehicle insurance that is based on driving habits, usage-based insurance allows customers to pay premiums. South Carolina drivers might be eligible to use UBI (also known telematics) to reduce their car insurance costs by showing safe driving habits.
FAQs regarding the lowest car insurance rates in South Carolina
How much does car insurance cost per month in SC?
Our study shows that the average monthly premium for basic car insurance in South Carolina ranges from $65 to $130 depending on the driver profile.
Which company offers the best car insurance?
We found American National to be the most affordable minimum-coverage auto insurance in South Carolina for all driver needs.
How much is car insurance cheaper monthly or annually?
Insurance companies often offer discounts for paying your car insurance upfront, rather than splitting it into monthly payments. This discount will vary depending on the insurance company, so make sure to speak with them about your specific policy.
Methodology
Based on a profile of a South Carolina driver aged 36-45, the rates for minimum coverage are shown in this article. The rates shown assume that there is only one driver on the policy, with no driving tickets and no coverage lapses. This estimate assumes that the vehicle is worth between $20,000 to $30,000 with an annual mileage of 12,000-15,000 and is in good condition. Rates for insurance for good credit are based on scores of 720 and higher. Rates for insurance for people with poor credit range from 350 to 579. The estimated rates for young drivers are those aged 18-21. Rates for multiple claims are based on two claims.
Quadrant Information Services provides rates every six months. Quadrant Information Services does not include all insurance companies in the rate data. These rates are estimates and are not intended to be used as a comparison or frame of reference. Rates can vary depending on many factors such as vehicle driving habits, age, and past history.
The South Carolina-mandated 25/50/25 policy is included in the average monthly premium for car insurance with minimum state requirements.