Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina (2024)
The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina comes from American National at $19 per month on average.
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Due to the increasing costs of car insurance, South Carolina drivers should consider comparing different policy options in order to find the cheapest coverage available. Our reviews team has researched the best car insurance companies nationwide. We carefully examined the reputation, customer satisfaction, coverage options, and average premiums of each provider.
In this review, we will describe the most effective methods to spend less on car insurance and where you can locate the most affordable coverage in South Carolina, tailored to your driving history.
Key Points
- American National is the cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina overall, with an average rate of $19 per month for minimum coverage and $73 per month for full coverage.
- USAA and GEICO also offer affordable car insurance rates for many driver profiles.
- If you are under 25 or have traffic violations on your record, you can expect car insurance rates that are higher than the average.
- You can save on car insurance by opting for minimum coverage, looking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.
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Car insurance companies have varying ways of evaluating driver profiles, so the provider that is the most affordable for one person may not be the most affordable for you. For instance, let’s take a look at the cheapest auto insurance providers and how much they charge for different types of drivers in South Carolina.
| Cheapest Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | American National | $19 | $232 |
| Full coverage | American National | $73 | $877 |
| 16-year-olds | American National | $142 | $1,699 |
| 45-year-olds | American National | $17 | $205 |
| High-risk drivers | American National | $28 | $338 |
| After a speeding ticket | American National | $27 | $319 |
| After an accident | American National | $27 | $329 |
| After a DUI | American National | $31 | $368 |
| Poor credit drivers | American National | $19 | $232 |
*Unless stated otherwise, average costs are minimum-coverage rates for single male drivers between the ages of 25 and 35 with a clean driving history.
What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Company In South Carolina?
In general, we discovered that American National provides the most affordable auto insurance in South Carolina for various types of drivers. The following sections will cover the average monthly costs of both minimum- and full-coverage car insurance from the cheapest companies in South Carolina.
These rates apply to drivers in South Carolina of various ages, locations, and driving experiences. The cheapest companies are organized by minimum coverage costs.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage In South Carolina: American National
Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage that just meets South Carolina state minimum requirements may find it at American National for about $19 per month or $232 per year on average.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $19 | $232 |
| USAA | $48 | $579 |
| GEICO | $50 | $594 |
| Auto-Owners | $51 | $611 |
| Travelers | $56 | $673 |
| Allstate | $63 | $753 |
| Progressive | $64 | $772 |
| State Farm | $74 | $891 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $81 | $966 |
| Sentry | $180 | $2,158 |
Cheapest Full Coverage In South Carolina: American National
If you want the best coverage at the best price, American National is the top choice. The provider offers full-coverage insurance for an average of $73 per month.
Full-coverage insurance policies in South Carolina generally include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $73 | $877 |
| Travelers | $152 | $1,827 |
| GEICO | $156 | $1,872 |
| USAA | $161 | $1,937 |
| Progressive | $166 | $1,992 |
| Auto-Owners | $167 | $2,006 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $200 | $2,398 |
| Allstate | $215 | $2,582 |
| State Farm | $224 | $2,687 |
| Sentry | $369 | $4,431 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina: Age
Below, you’ll find average insurance costs for South Carolina drivers ages 16 to 55 as well as the top five budget-friendly car insurance companies for each age group. Drivers who are between the ages of 30 and 55 typically receive the most favorable auto insurance rates because they possess greater road experience. Additionally, these drivers are statistically less prone to be involved in car accidents compared to younger drivers.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Age
| Age | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $246 | $612 |
| 25 | $76 | $204 |
| 35 | $62 | $173 |
| 45 | $59 | $164 |
| 55 | $55 | $150 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance: Young Drivers
As mentioned, drivers in their teens and early 20s typically pay the most expensive car insurance rates. That’s mostly because these drivers don’t have much practice driving and are more likely to ignore traffic rules and get into car crashes.
In fact, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for teen drivers was nearly three times the rate for drivers 20 years old and older in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds: American National
If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, American National may be your best bet for finding the most affordable car insurance in South Carolina.
The company’s cheapest average rates for 16-year-old drivers are $142 per month or $1,699 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. If you’re looking for full coverage, the average is $368 per month or $4,420 per year from American National.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $142 | $368 |
| GEICO | $162 | $429 |
| Allstate | $186 | $636 |
| Travelers | $201 | $473 |
| Auto-Owners | $207 | $522 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $226 | $418 |
| USAA | $239 | $716 |
| State Farm | $299 | $743 |
| Progressive | $394 | $1,051 |
| Sentry | $408 | $759 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For 25-Year-Olds: American National
Car insurance rates for young drivers in their 20s decrease a lot when you compare them with what teen drivers pay. However, the rates can still be quite high for this age group, depending on which company you go with.
American National provides the cheapest car insurance costs on average at $21 per month or $247 per year for minimum coverage. American National costs $77 per month or $928 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $21 | $77 |
| USAA | $52 | $173 |
| Travelers | $57 | $157 |
| GEICO | $57 | $175 |
| Auto-Owners | $58 | $191 |
| Allstate | $67 | $228 |
| Progressive | $69 | $175 |
| State Farm | $82 | $249 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $92 | $220 |
| Sentry | $202 | $394 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance: Adult Drivers
People who are in their 40s usually pay the least amount of money for car insurance. You can compare average rates of drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from the top five cheapest companies for each age group below.
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For 35-Year-Olds: American National
Drivers in their mid-30s may insure their cars at the cheapest cost by getting a minimum coverage car insurance policy from American National. The company offers average minimum-coverage costs of $18 per month or $217 per year. For full coverage, American National’s rates average $69 monthly or $826 annually.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $18 | $69 |
| GEICO | $42 | $137 |
| Auto-Owners | $44 | $144 |
| USAA | $44 | $150 |
| Travelers | $55 | $148 |
| Allstate | $59 | $202 |
| Progressive | $59 | $157 |
| State Farm | $67 | $199 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $69 | $179 |
| Sentry | $158 | $345 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For 45-Year-Olds: American National
Forty-five-year-old drivers may find the most affordable minimum coverage from American National, with average rates of $17 per month or $205 per year. The cheapest full coverage comes from American National at $62 per month or $742 per year.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $17 | $62 |
| GEICO | $42 | $137 |
| USAA | $42 | $143 |
| Auto-Owners | $42 | $140 |
| Travelers | $52 | $136 |
| Progressive | $54 | $140 |
| Allstate | $59 | $202 |
| State Farm | $69 | $197 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $69 | $174 |
| Sentry | $144 | $312 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For 55-Year-Olds: American National
American National has the best car insurance rates in South Carolina for drivers in their 50s. The insurer’s average premiums are $16 monthly or $191 annually for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage option is from American National, costing $62 monthly or $742 annually
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $16 | $58 |
| GEICO | $38 | $125 |
| Auto-Owners | $40 | $132 |
| USAA | $41 | $136 |
| Progressive | $47 | $120 |
| Travelers | $50 | $125 |
| Allstate | $54 | $176 |
| State Farm | $66 | $186 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $66 | $166 |
| Sentry | $129 | $277 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina: High-Risk Drivers
Besides the kind of coverage you choose and how old you are, your driving habits have a significant impact on how much you will be charged for car insurance. Auto insurers typically determine if you’re a high-risk driver by looking at how many infractions are on your driving record, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions.
Average Car Insurance Rates For High-Risk Drivers
Drivers who are considered high-risk because they have a history of multiple violations on their records, end up paying car insurance rates that are higher than the average. On average, South Carolina motorists who are deemed high-risk may find the most affordable rates from American National for minimum coverage or American National for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $28 | $99 |
| Travelers | $72 | $200 |
| USAA | $73 | $247 |
| GEICO | $78 | $245 |
| State Farm | $84 | $247 |
| Progressive | $87 | $256 |
| Auto-Owners | $91 | $267 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $100 | $235 |
| Allstate | $101 | $311 |
| Sentry | $227 | $462 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: American National
Drivers with a speeding citation on their record can generally find the most affordable coverage from American National, with average rates of $27 per month or $319 per year for minimum coverage and $94 per month or $1,125 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $27 | $94 |
| GEICO | $50 | $156 |
| USAA | $61 | $200 |
| Travelers | $66 | $188 |
| Auto-Owners | $78 | $236 |
| State Farm | $80 | $238 |
| Progressive | $81 | $246 |
| Allstate | $87 | $281 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $94 | $217 |
| Sentry | $261 | $529 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident: American National
Getting into a car accident in South Carolina can lead to higher car insurance costs. American National tends to offer the most affordable rates on average at about $27 per month or $329 per year for minimum coverage and $96 per month or $96 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $27 | $96 |
| GEICO | $71 | $221 |
| Travelers | $72 | $201 |
| USAA | $72 | $234 |
| Auto-Owners | $73 | $225 |
| State Farm | $92 | $265 |
| Progressive | $95 | $290 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $106 | $254 |
| Allstate | $120 | $357 |
| Sentry | $180 | $369 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI: American National
If you’re a motorist with a drunk driving conviction, you may find the cheapest minimum car insurance in South Carolina from American National for $31 per month or $368 per year on average. They also have rates of $105 monthly or $1,266 annually for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $31 | $105 |
| Travelers | $77 | $211 |
| State Farm | $80 | $238 |
| Progressive | $85 | $233 |
| USAA | $86 | $306 |
| Allstate | $95 | $297 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $100 | $234 |
| GEICO | $115 | $357 |
| Auto-Owners | $121 | $339 |
| Sentry | $240 | $488 |
Cheapest South Carolina Car Insurance For Drivers With Poor Credit: American National
People who have bad credit are charged more money for car insurance. Those who don’t have the best credit history may want to check out American National, which has an average minimum-coverage rate of $65 per month or $781 per year and an average full-coverage rate of $246 per month or $2,950 per year.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American National | $65 | $246 |
| USAA | $72 | $246 |
| Travelers | $93 | $253 |
| Progressive | $96 | $272 |
| Allstate | $99 | $330 |
| GEICO | $109 | $343 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $142 | $355 |
| Auto-Owners | $142 | $489 |
| Sentry | $231 | $495 |
| State Farm | $299 | $879 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In 10 South Carolina Cities
Another factor that affects how much you pay for car insurance is the location in South Carolina where you reside. Auto insurance companies consider drivers riskier to cover in areas with:
- Larger numbers of people
- There are a greater number of cars driving on the road.
- More car accidents occurring at increased rates.
- More instances of breaking traffic rules
- More incidents of car theft and slashed tires
- Extreme weather conditions
Certain factors that increase the chances of car owners facing higher costs are more common in larger cities. Consequently, drivers residing in bustling cities bear the highest average expense for minimum car insurance coverage. On the other hand, individuals in rural areas with lower crime rates and smaller populations are more likely to enjoy more affordable rates.
| City | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $76 | $188 |
| Charleston | $75 | $182 |
| Lexington | $65 | $164 |
| Goose Creek | $82 | $188 |
| Greenville | $64 | $160 |
| Anderson | $57 | $152 |
| Rock Hill | $66 | $162 |
| Mount Pleasant | $67 | $164 |
| Sumter | $70 | $180 |
| Summerville | $79 | $185 |
Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In South Carolina
Besides the price, we’ve examined more than 40 insurance companies in South Carolina to determine the top five insurers. We considered their coverage, service, and reliability. Based on our research, we found American National to be the best provider for most drivers in South Carolina. Here are the ratings we gave to the options we suggest.
| Overall Rating | Cost | Coverage | Reliability | Service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 State Farm | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| #2 Travelers | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| #3 GEICO | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.3 |
| #4 Progressive | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| #5 USAA | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
*The overall and category ratings above are based on nationwide factors.
How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina
In South Carolina, you have several options to reduce how much you pay for car insurance. These include:
- Opting for minimum coverage: Choosing the bare minimum car insurance required by your state will give you the most affordable prices.
- Seeking out discounts: Most insurance companies have multiple discounts that can help cut down on premium costs, from military and good student discounts to discounts for drivers that remain accident free for five years.
- Raising your deductible: A higher deductible will lower your premium costs, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
- Bundling your auto insurance: You can often bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners insurance policy or other type of coverage to earn a discount.
- Comparing quotes: Getting price estimates from multiple companies can help you determine which provider will give you the best offer.
Many insurers offer usage-based insurance programs as a way to save money. These programs use telematics to monitor your driving habits–from your speed and braking to the time of day you drive. If you drive safely, you might be able to get a big discount. However, some programs might increase your rates if you drive in a risky way.
Some companies also offer diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. A diminishing deductible option decreases your deductible amount each time you renew your policy. Accident forgiveness ensures that your rates won’t increase after your first accident with the company.
What Does South Carolina Require For Car Insurance?
Drivers in South Carolina must meet minimum insurance requirements as outlined by state law, which include basic liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $50,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
- $25,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident
Liability coverage only takes care of other parties’ injuries and property damages in an accident that you cause. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property damages, but only in the case that the at-fault driver has little to no auto insurance.
Getting comprehensive insurance will ensure that your car is covered if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by floods, fire, animals, or other natural disasters. Collision insurance covers your car repairs after an accident.
Our Take: Best Cheap Car Insurance In South Carolina
When it comes to both minimum and full coverage, American National is the best and cheapest car insurance company for most drivers in South Carolina. While the above costs can give you an idea of what you’d pay for car insurance in South Carolina, requesting a customized quote will help give you a more accurate picture of what you’ll pay.
Many companies offer quick and free tools on the internet that you can use to get a price estimate. Alternatively, you can directly contact an insurance agent or representative at the company. Once you have gathered quotes from at least three different providers, compare them to find the best option for you.
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Best Cheap Car Insurance In South Carolina: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in South Carolina:
How much is car insurance per month in South Carolina?
Is South Carolina Car Insurance Cheaper?
How We Rate Insurers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.
*Data accurate at time of publication.