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Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina for 2024

Updated Dec 01, 2024
In South Carolina, full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,922 per year and minimum coverage costs an average of $610 per year.
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How much is car insurance in South Carolina? 

South Carolina drivers pay an average cost for car insurance of $610 for minimum coverage and $1,922 for full coverage, which includes optional collision and comprehensive insurance. These rates are typically below national averages, which are $678 for minimum and $2,458 for full. Your own rate is based on data that is specific to you, including your ZIP code, driving record and credit score, so your rate is likely to differ from the averages. Bankrate's insurance editorial team researched the factors that impact insurance coverage for South Carolina drivers of all ages and types to help you find the best car insurance policy for your own needs and preferences.

Key takeaways

  • In South Carolina, drivers pay an average of $160 per month for full coverage car insurance and $51 per month for minimum coverage.
  • Young drivers tend to pay higher rates than older drivers, with 18-year-old males having the highest average premium at $5,815 per year for full coverage.
  • A DUI conviction in South Carolina can nearly double full coverage premiums.
  • Drivers with excellent credit pay around 20 percent less annually for full coverage than those with poor credit.

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South Carolina car insurance rates by city

South Carolina car insurance rates vary by city, too. Urban areas tend to have higher average rates since more vehicles on the road means a higher chance of getting into an accident. Additionally, the cost of living — and thus the cost of claims — tends to be higher in more populated cities.

City Avg. annual full coverage premium Avg. savings vs. state average

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in South Carolina

Age also plays a role in car insurance rates in SC, with younger, less experienced drivers paying the most. Drivers in their 50s and 60s pay the least per year, on average. Gender matters, too. Males tend to pay higher premiums than females due to their increased statistical likelihood of getting into an accident.

The table below shows the average costs for male and female drivers across a range of ages. Note that 16-year-old driver rates reflect adding a teen driver to their married parents’ policy since minors can’t enter into binding contracts.

Age 16*
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$4,407
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,529
Age 18
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$5,815
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,932
Age 20
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$4,416
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,364
Age 25
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$2,519
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$761
Age 30
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$2,065
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$632
Age 40
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,949
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$607
Age 50
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,790
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$582
Age 60
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,738
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$571
Age 70
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,867
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$651
Age 40
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,949
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$607
Age 50
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,790
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$582
Age 60
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,738
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$571
Age 70
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,867
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$651
*16-year-old calculated on parents' policy with discounts applied; 18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied
Age 16*
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$3,978
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,426
Age 18
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$5,207
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,741
Age 20
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$3,665
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$1,212
Age 25
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$2,292
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$746
Age 30
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$2,002
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$638
Age 40
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,895
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$613
Age 50
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,706
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$586
Age 60
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,705
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$569
Age 70
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,800
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$629
Age 40
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,895
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$613
Age 50
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,706
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$586
Age 60
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,705
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$569
Age 70
Average annual full coverage premium in SC
$1,800
Average minimum coverage premium in SC
$629
*16-year-old calculated on parents' policy with discounts applied; 18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied
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Bankrate’s take: Insurance companies often consider gender when determining car insurance rates. Statistically, certain age groups — particularly younger male drivers — have higher incidences of speeding, accidents and DUIs, which insurers perceive as a heightened risk. These statistics can lead to men typically receiving higher quotes than women. However, as drivers age and their driving records start to outweigh gender-based trends, this gap in rates usually decreases.

Cost considerations for young drivers in South Carolina

If you’re under the age of 18, you’re not legally an adult and can’t buy your own car insurance in most cases. You’ll likely have to be added to your parents’ or guardians’ policy. Older teens and young adults can buy their own policy, but if they’re still members of their parents’ households, it usually makes more financial sense to stay on the family policy (if able). Doing so generally results in a cheaper car insurance premium than if the young driver were to buy their own coverage.  

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Age 16*
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$4,193
Age 17
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$3,778
Age 18
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$3,466
Age 19
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$3,074
Age 20
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$2,881
*16-year-old calculated on parents' policy with discounts applied; 18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied
Age 18
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$5,511
Age 19
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$4,446
Age 20
Avg. annual premium for drivers in SC
$4,041
*16-year-old calculated on parents' policy with discounts applied; 18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied
Age Avg. annual premium difference for drivers on their own policy
Age 18 59 percent more
Age 19 45 percent more
Age 20 40 percent more

*18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in South Carolina?

How much car insurance is in South Carolina can vary, especially for those with a less-than-perfect driving history. Your record has one of the biggest impacts on your car insurance premiums. A single speeding ticket could increase your full coverage rate by an average of 19 percent more in SC. A DUI conviction — one of the most severe infractions you can have — could nearly double your premium. Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to keep your rates steady over time.

The table here shows the average car insurance cost in South Carolina for several different types of driving incidents.

Clean driving record
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,922
Percentage increase from SC avg. annual premium*
0%
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$2,295
Percentage increase from SC avg. annual premium*
19%
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$2,749
Percentage increase from SC avg. annual premium*
43%
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$3,252
Percentage increase from SC avg. annual premium*
69%
*The rates reflected are for full coverage policies.
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Bankrate’s take: In South Carolina, an SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves a driver carries the minimum required liability insurance. It is not an insurance policy itself but rather a form filed by your insurance company with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm that you have the necessary coverage to drive legally in the state. It might be required if you have a DUI or other serious infraction or infractions on your driving record. Note that some insurers will not write policies for individuals with a DUI, and if this is the case for you, you will need to shop around for another insurer to cover you.

Car insurance rates in South Carolina by credit score

Like most states, South Carolina allows insurers to use your credit rating to help determine your car insurance premiums. Statistically, drivers with lower credit ratings tend to file more claims, which makes them a higher risk for insurers and results in higher premiums. For example, drivers with poor credit pay 106 percent more than drivers with good credit, while drivers with excellent credit pay 20 percent less.

Avg. annual premium* in SC
$3,964
Percentage change from SC average annual premium*
106%
Average
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$2,128
Percentage change from SC average annual premium*
11%
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,922
Percentage change from SC average annual premium*
0%
Excellent
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,542
Percentage change from SC average annual premium*
-20%
*Rates reflect full coverage policies.

South Carolina car insurance rates by vehicle type

Your vehicle make and model also has a large impact on your car insurance rates in South Carolina. Vehicles that cost less to repair or replace are less likely to get into accidents or have safety features that help mitigate the likelihood or severity of accidents may cost less to insure. On the other hand, vehicles that cost more to repair or replace generally have higher car insurance costs.

Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,922
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,869
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$1,687
BMW 330i
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$2,450
Toyota Prius
Avg. annual premium* in SC
$2,032
*Rates reflect full coverage policies.

Estimate your car insurance cost in South Carolina

Understanding the potential cost of car insurance in South Carolina can be challenging given the variety of influencing factors. To simplify this process, Bankrate offers a convenient calculator tool. By providing some fundamental details, you'll receive an estimated insurance premium. While it's not a precise quote, it can serve as a valuable reference to aid in your financial planning.

Calculate your monthly car insurance payment

Get a quick estimate to make sure you're not overpaying.

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How to save on car insurance in South Carolina

When shopping for car insurance in South Carolina, there are a few ways you may be able to save on costs. Finding affordable auto insurance rates may be harder if you have a ticket, accident or DUI on your record, but using these tips may help you get cheaper coverage:

  • Do an annual review: If you have not reviewed your car insurance policy within the last year, you could be leaving valuable savings on the table. Review your policy with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage still fits your needs and budget.
  • Get multiple quotes: If you do not want to change coverage but want more affordable car insurance rates, shopping around for quotes and switching carriers may be the way to go. Compare the same coverage types and limits to know which car insurance company offers the best rates for the coverage you need.
  • Increase one or both of your deductibles: Full coverage car insurance has two deductibles: one for comprehensive and one for collision. The higher your deductibles are, the lower your car insurance rate will likely be — but that does not mean it is the best option for everyone. If you choose to go with a higher deductible, make sure you can pay the full amount out of pocket in case you have to file a claim.
  • Know rates before you buy a car: One mistake people can make when purchasing a new (or new-to-them) car is focusing only on the monthly car loan payment and not factoring in the cost of car insurance. When shopping for cars, get quotes to compare different makes and models to determine what you can truly afford.
  • Take advantage of discounts: Most car insurance discounts are stackable so the savings can really add up if you qualify for several. By bundling auto and home, allowing the insurance company to track your driving habits with a telematics program or paying your premium up front and in full, you may be able to reduce your car insurance rates.

Frequently asked questions

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46
years of industry expertise
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122
carriers reviewed
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34.5K
ZIP codes examined
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1.2M
quotes analyzed

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze December 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:

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40 year old
Single male and female driver
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2022 Toyota Camry
Primary vehicle
Credit Good Icon
Good credit score
Auto Insurance Guide Icon
Clean driving record
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Commutes 5 days

Bodily injury liability

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Property damage liability

$50,000 per accident

Personal injury protection

$100,000 per accident

Uninsured motorist bodily injury

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Collision deductible

$500

Comprehensive deductible

$500

Other profiles

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. 



Written by
Ashlyn Brooks
Writer II, Insurance
Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
Edited by Editor II, Insurance