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Cheapest car insurance in South Carolina in 2023
According to Bankrate’s expert analysis, American National, Allstate and Geico are among the cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina.
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What To Know First
Three members of Bankrate’s insurance editorial team are licensed agents with decades of combined experience assisting people across the country (including drivers in South Carolina) find car insurance that meets their needs without breaking the bank. Shopping around can seem daunting if you don’t know where to start, but that’s where we can help.
We took an in-depth analysis of some of the largest carriers in South Carolina, and during our study, we learned that rates in South Carolina are much lower than average — the average yearly full coverage premium in the Palmetto State is $1,532, nearly 24 percent lower than the national average of $2,014. We also found that Blair and Johnsonville are among the cities in South Carolina that offer the lowest rates.
Lastly, we also discovered that American National might offer some of cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for a range of drivers and scenarios:
- Cheapest company for minimum coverage: American National
- Cheapest company for full coverage: American National
- Cheapest company for adding a teen driver: Encompass
- Cheapest company for getting a speeding ticket: American National
- Cheapest company for being in an at-fault accident: American National
- Cheapest company after a high-risk incident: American National
On This Page
- The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina
- The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina by coverage level
- Cheapest cities in South Carolina for car insurance
- Factors that impact cheap rates in South Carolina
- Minimum coverage requirements for South Carolina drivers
- How to get the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina
- Car insurance discounts in South Carolina
- Frequently asked questions
- Methodology
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The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina is $482 less than the national average, and if you pick a cheap car insurance company, you may be able to save even more. To help you find the cheapest car insurance for your needs in South Carolina, Bankrate reviewed quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services and analyzed third-party financial strength and customer satisfaction rankings from AM Best, J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Cheapest company for minimum coverage
Company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $17 | $200 |
Cheapest company for full coverage
Company | Average monthly full coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $45 | $537 |
Cheapest company for adding a teen driver
Company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|
Encompass | $62 | $739 |
Cheapest company for getting a speeding ticket
Company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $23 | $275 |
Cheapest company for being in an at-fault accident
Company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $20 | $239 |
Cheapest company after a high-risk incident
Company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $26 | $317 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina by coverage level
Typically, drivers covered under a minimum liability-only policy will enjoy the cheapest rates. However, choosing just the minimum to cut insurance costs can be a risky maneuver. For instance, if you’re the driver in an at-fault accident and cause injuries exceeding your minimum bodily injury coverage limit, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars (or more) in out-of-pocket expenses.
Minimum liability aside, you may also need to consider carrying full coverage. Comprehensive and collision can provide critical financial protection for the damage your vehicle sustains in an at-fault accident or due to a comprehensive claim (theft or vandalism, for instance). Additionally, you’ll likely be required to carry full coverage insurance as a stipulation of your financing or leasing agreement if you don’t own your vehicle outright.
With these thoughts in mind, you’ll find some of the companies we found to offer cheap auto insurance in South Carolina for both minimum and full coverage policies.
Insurance company | Average monthly minimum coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Annual savings vs. State average* |
---|---|---|---|
American National
|
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$17
|
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$200
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $324 |
Allstate
3.8
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$32
|
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$387
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $137 |
Geico
4.4
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$32
|
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$387
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $137 |
Encompass
3.5
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$35
|
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$418
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $106 |
Auto-Owners
4.2
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$37
|
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$443
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $81 |
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.
*Based on policies with minimum coverage for 2023
Insurance company | Average monthly full coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium | Annual savings vs. State average* |
---|---|---|---|
American National
|
Average monthly full coverage premium
$45
|
Average annual full coverage premium
$537
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $995 |
Geico
4.4
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly full coverage premium
$95
|
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,143
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $389 |
Travelers
4.0
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly full coverage premium
$97
|
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,169
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $363 |
Nationwide
3.9
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly full coverage premium
$105
|
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,261
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $271 |
State Farm
4.2
Bankrate Score
|
Average monthly full coverage premium
$110
|
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,322
|
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $210 |
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.
*Based on policies with full coverage for 2023
Cheapest cities in South Carolina for car insurance
Your location is one of the most impactful factors when it comes to the cost of your car insurance. Some cities in South Carolina have much cheaper rates than other areas. For example, drivers in big cities may see higher premiums due to congested roadways which lead to an increased instance of accidents. If you move to a new city, it can be an effective strategy to shop around for insurance to see if you can qualify for a lower rate in a specific ZIP code.
In the table below, you can compare average annual rates from some of the cheapest cities in South Carolina for minimum and full coverage insurance. It’s interesting to note that our data shows that across all of these cities, American National offers some of the lowest premiums.
City | City average annual minimum coverage premium | Cheapest car insurance company | Company average annual minimum coverage premium |
---|---|---|---|
Blair | $505 | American National | $194 |
Jenkinsville | $507 | American National | $194 |
Norway | $509 | American National | $191 |
Blackstock | $511 | American National | $194 |
Bowman | $511 | American National | $200 |
City | City average annual full coverage premium | Cheapest car insurance company | Company average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|---|
Johnsonville | $1,663 | American National | $553 |
Bowman | $1,664 | American National | $581 |
Eutawville | $1,664 | American National | $570 |
Cordesville | $1,666 | American National | $587 |
Norway | $1,666 | American National | $560 |
Factors that impact cheap rates in South Carolina
Most drivers will find that their car insurance rates fluctuate as life circumstances change. Certain events can cause your rate to increase temporarily, but time or precautionary measures may help you obtain lower rates. Here are some situations that can lead to a more expensive car insurance premium:
Insuring a teen driver
Insurance companies evaluate a driver’s likelihood of being involved in an accident when determining rates, and statistics show that teens get into almost four times as many crashes compared to older drivers. This increased accident risk can lead to some hefty premiums for teen drivers. Shopping around and targeting companies known to offer lower rates for younger adults may ease some of the pressure parents might feel after their child passes their driving exam.
If you’re looking for low-cost car insurance in South Carolina after adding a teen driver to your policy, you might consider contacting the companies below:
Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
Encompass | $739 | $2,301 |
Allstate | $822 | $4,003 |
American National | $880 | $2,103 |
South Carolina Farm Bureau | $904 | $1,916 |
Travelers | $934 | $2,171 |
Getting a speeding ticket
Although we all might do our best to avoid them, getting a speeding ticket is something that many of us experience at some point during our driving careers. Generally, a speeding ticket will cause your premium to increase, and this increase could last for three to five years.
However, the companies below might be a good place to start if you need cheap South Carolina car insurance after receiving a speeding ticket conviction, based on our proprietary premium data from Quadrant Information Services:
Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $275 | $714 |
Geico | $419 | $1,228 |
Encompass | $454 | $1,414 |
Allstate | $476 | $2,317 |
Auto-Owners | $500 | $1,514 |
Getting into an at-fault accident
Unless you have accident forgiveness, getting into an accident can impact your car insurance premium, especially if you are at fault for the collision. Most collisions stay on your record for about five years, during which time your insurance premium will be higher.
It may be possible, however, to find cheap car insurance in South Carolina (even after an at-fault accident) by contacting multiple companies for quotes.
Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $239 | $630 |
Encompass | $535 | $1,613 |
Geico | $546 | $1,612 |
Travelers | $600 | $1,514 |
Auto-Owners | $603 | $1,795 |
Being deemed a high-risk driver
High-risk drivers often pay the highest car insurance rates, as they are the most likely to lead to a claim and payout from the insurer. You might be considered a high risk driver if you have been convicted of a DUI, were caught driving uninsured or even if you have bad credit (in many states, including South Carolina). If you find yourself in the high-risk category, it will likely affect the way you shop for cheap car insurance due to carrier eligibility restrictions for coverage or competitive rates.
The companies in the table below may have the lowest premiums for drivers who’ve been convicted of a DUI. Please note that not all companies will offer a policy to those with this type of conviction on their record, so for detailed information, please reach out to the company directly.
Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
American National | $317 | $813 |
Travelers | $654 | $1,647 |
South Carolina Farm Bureau | $702 | $1,639 |
State Farm | $739 | $2,000 |
Geico | $781 | $2,354 |
Minimum coverage requirements for South Carolina drivers
Driving without insurance in South Carolina is illegal. Before purchasing car insurance, you may want to brush up on South Carolina’s car insurance laws. Failure to carry insurance that meets minimum requirements can lead to steep fines or penalties. South Carolina’s minimum auto insurance requirements include:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage per accident
Underinsured motorist coverage must be offered but can be declined in writing. The cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina is associated with a minimum coverage policy. However, most drivers are encouraged to purchase full coverage insurance because it provides a greater degree of financial protection from a costly loss. Robust policies include financial protection for your vehicle, such as collision and comprehensive, as well as medical payments coverage. If you lease or finance your vehicle, most lenders require a full coverage policy.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina
Finding cheap car insurance in South Carolina is most effective when you do your research and compare quotes from multiple insurers, ideally at least three. However, maintaining a low rate is just as important for those with budgetary concerns. Here are several tips for getting and keeping an affordable annual premium in South Carolina:
Consider your needs
Determining how much coverage you need is an integral step to ensure that you aren’t overpaying for car insurance (or, just as importantly, leaving yourself underinsured). You don’t want to purchase coverage that you may not need, but you also don’t want to leave yourself financially vulnerable if you’re involved in an accident. Insurance is a highly-personalized product, and your insurance needs will likely evolve over time. That said, it can be a good idea to touch base with a licensed agent periodically to review your policy details and make adjustments when necessary.
Shop around
Car insurance companies use your personal characteristics to determine insurance rates. These companies use different underwriting systems to determine your premium, which means one carrier may weigh your vehicle make and model more heavily, and another might put more emphasis on your driving record. For that reason, you may want to get quotes from multiple companies so that you can see which carrier offers you the lowest rate. When shopping, it might also be a good idea to request the same or similar coverage levels across all companies to ensure that you’re comparing companies apples to apples.
Car insurance discounts in South Carolina
Knowing what discounts could be available to you is essential when learning how to save on car insurance in South Carolina. Although car insurance companies dictate their own array of discounts, you might find some savings opportunities across a few different carriers, including:
- Young driver discounts: Because young drivers pay some of the highest premiums, car insurance companies usually offer teen driver discounts to help make their policies more affordable. One such discount is the good student, which could help full-time students with a 3.0 GPA or higher save on their premiums. Some companies also provide a driver’s training discount for young drivers who complete a driver’s training course.
- Safe driver discounts: Auto insurers generally award safe drivers with a lower base rate because those who practice safe driving habits are at a lower risk of being involved in an accident. In addition to more favorable underwriting, drivers with a clean record may also earn a safe driving discount which can provide some pretty hefty South Carolina car insurance savings.
- Pay-in-full discount: If you can afford it, you may want to consider paying your policy premium in a lump sum rather than in installments. Some companies will give you a discount for doing so, and you might avoid installment charges, too.
- Bundling discount: Bundling multiple types of insurance with one company may be one of the easiest ways to save on car insurance in South Carolina. The most common bundle includes your home and auto, but some carriers will give you this discount for multiple combinations of products, such as carrying your auto and renters, auto and cycle or auto and life insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for 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 are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
Bankrate Scores
Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.