Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina for 2023

How much is car insurance in South Carolina?

On average, car insurance in South Carolina costs $524 per year for minimum coverage and $1,532 per year for full coverage. South Carolina’s average rates are below the average cost of car insurance in the U.S., which is $622 for minimum coverage and $2,014 for full coverage per year. Keep in mind, though, that the price each driver pays for car insurance is determined by a number of factors. Which ZIP code you live in, your age, driving record, make and model of the vehicle you drive, and the coverage types and limits you need all matter when purchasing car insurance.

South Carolina car insurance rates by city

Where you live in South Carolina makes a difference in how much you’ll pay for car insurance. South Carolina car insurance rates vary by city based on the likelihood of accidents and the average costs of those accidents. 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 cities.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in South Carolina

Car insurance rates in South Carolina also change by age, with younger, inexperienced drivers paying the most for auto insurance. In South Carolina, drivers in the 50- and 60-year-old age group pay the least amount per year for car insurance on average. The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina also varies based on a drivers’ gender. Males tend to pay higher premiums than females, due to a higher statistical likelihood of getting into an accident. The table below shows the average costs for male and female drivers with their own car insurance policy across a range of ages.

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 sense to stay on the family policy. That generally results in a cheaper car insurance premium than if the young driver were to buy their own coverage. For example, 18-year-olds pay nearly $2,000 more on their own policy versus on their parents’ policy.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

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

You may be wondering, “How much is car insurance in South Carolina if I have a less-than-perfect driving record?” It’s a good question; your driving 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 18 percent, and 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 below shows the average car insurance cost in South Carolina for several different types of driving incidents.

Car insurance rates in South Carolina by credit tier

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 93 percent more than drivers with good credit, while drivers with excellent credit pay 18 percent less.

South Carolina car insurance rates by vehicle type

The vehicle make and model that you drive 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 and cost 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.

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 your deductibles: Full coverage car insurance has two deductibles: one for comprehensive and one for collision. The higher your deductibles are, the lower the 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 in the future.
• 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 and paying in full, you may be able to reduce your car insurance rates to save more money.

Estimate your car insurance cost in South Carolina

Frequently asked questions