Best car insurance in South Carolina for 2023

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in South Carolina

To help you find the best auto insurance in South Carolina, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team took a methodical approach. Part of the process was assigning each carrier a Bankrate Score that takes into account 2022 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services as well as available coverage types, discounts and third-party reviews. The scores are on a 5.0 scale. The higher the rating, the higher a company ranked in the individual rating categories.

Each of the best car insurance companies on our list earns a Bankrate Score of above 4.0, making them highly competitive in the market with key aspects that may impact policyholders’ experience. Additionally, although price is only one factor when choosing a company, each company offers full coverage policies with average premiums below the state average.

Best car insurance companies in South Carolina

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team researched the major insurance providers in South Carolina by market share to determine that Geico, State Farm and Travelers are among the best carriers in the state. To determine this ranking, we compared each carrier’s average rates against the state average in South Carolina, which is $1,464 per year for full coverage and $518 per year for minimum coverage.

We also reviewed third-party ratings from agencies like AM Best for financial strength and J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction in the Southeast region. If you’re looking for the best auto insurance in South Carolina, consider starting with these picks to see if one might be a good fit for your needs.

Average car insurance cost in South Carolina

When it comes to car insurance, South Carolina drivers tend to pay less than the national average. While South Carolina drivers pay, on average, $1,464 annually for full coverage, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $1,771 per year, according to Bankrate’s 2022 study of quoted annual premiums. Average minimum coverage premiums in South Carolina are also lower than the rest of the country. The national annual average for minimum coverage is $545, compared to $518 a year in South Carolina. This difference may be attributed, in part, to South Carolina's rural counties, which may experience a lower rate of incidents from congested traffic.

These rates are 2022 data from Quadrant Information Services and may be a helpful point of comparison during your car insurance search. However, your exact rates may vary based on the provider you choose and your personal characteristics.

How to find the best car insurance in South Carolina

Every driver may have different insurance needs depending on their driving record, vehicle type and budget, meaning the process for finding the best car insurance in South Carolina may look different for each person. The following steps could be used as guidance during your insurance buying journey.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina’s car insurance laws mandate that drivers meet minimum requirements for liability insurance. These limits include minimum coverage levels for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which offers financial protection for accidents that involve an at-fault driver who lacks coverage. While underinsured motorist coverage must also be offered, it is not mandatory and may be declined in writing.

Consider lender requirements

In addition to the state requirements of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage, your lender may require you to have certain coverage types. Full coverage insurance consists of collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Full coverage insurance is not required by law in South Carolina, although many motorists in the state may want to purchase it to protect their finances in case of an accident.

Lenders typically require collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to avoid a loss on the loan. Similarly, drivers may choose or be required to purchase gap insurance to cover the difference between the amount they owe and what their vehicle is worth, in the event that it is totaled or stolen and unrecoverable.

Consider your individual needs

Any aspects or behaviors that may be considered “risky” have the potential to affect insurance premiums. Some common high-risk insurance factors may include adding a teen driver to your policy or insuring someone with driving violations, such as a ticket or DUI. Each factor is weighed differently depending on the provider, but if any high-risk scenarios impact you, it may be a good idea to explore insurers that are known to provide coverage for these driving profiles.

For example, some insurers excel in their student discount offerings, while others may raise premiums for violations at a lower rate or have options like accident forgiveness. It may help to be aware of your driving record when comparing car insurance quotes.