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Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina of 2026
USAA, GEICO, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, and Farm Bureau are top picks for Palmetto State residents.
Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5
Full Coverage Averages in South Carolina
- Annual premium: $1,745
- Monthly premium: $145
Best For Value
Editor's Rating:4.9/5
4.9/5
Full Coverage Averages in South Carolina
- Annual premium: $2,114
- Monthly premium: $179
Best for Customer Service
Editor's Rating:4.8/5
4.8/5
Full Coverage Averages Nationally
- Annual premium: $1,987
- Monthly premium: $166
Last updated: October 17, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina 2026
USAA, GEICO, and Auto-Owners are among the best auto insurance options for South Carolina drivers.
Full coverage averages $2,283/year in South Carolina — right around the national average of $2,356/year.
USAA is the top pick for military/veterans, with full coverage averaging $1,745/year — 24 percent below the state average.
GEICO offers some of the cheapest minimum coverage at $644/year, ideal for budget-minded drivers.
Auto-Owners is a top pick for teen drivers, with full coverage at $1,045/year and strong customer satisfaction scores.
Our pricing data includes average rates, which don’t necessarily reflect rates you may be quoted. However, the rates we provide do offer a useful starting point when comparing auto insurance providers.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina
- Best for Military/Veterans: USAA
- Best Value: GEICO
- Best for Customer Service: Nationwide
- Best for Families with Young Drivers: Auto-Owners
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: Farm Bureau
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in South Carolina | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in South Carolina | Southeast customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $145 | $38 | Above average |
| GEICO | $179 | $54 | Above average |
| Nationwide | Data not available | Data not available | Above average |
| Auto-Owners | $156 | $67 | Below average |
| Farm Bureau | $72 | Data not available | Not rated |
| South Carolina | $190 | $70 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
1. USAA - Best for Military/Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average South Carolina Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $38 mo.
- Average South Carolina Rate for Full Coverage
- $145 mo.
Competitive rates for military/veterans- Military-focused policies with robust offerings
- Consistently high customer satisfaction
Military eligibility required- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA offers some of the cheapest rates in South Carolina to eligible military and their families. It’s known for its excellent customer service, earning the highest score in J.D. Power’s 2026 Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region (it’s technically not eligible to be ranked due to its membership restrictions).
To be eligible for USAA, you must be active or retired military, a veteran with an honorable discharge, or a spouse/widowed spouse/child of a current or former USAA policyholder.1 USAA is also best for drivers who prefer managing policies online or on the phone, as it doesn’t have physical offices for in-person appointments and is one of the few companies to score above average in both the service and shopping categories in J.D. Power’s Digital Experience Study.2
FYI:
You can get 15 percent off comprehensive coverage if you garage your car on a military base, like Fort Jackson.
Who it’s best for
Military/veteran/qualifying family, drivers who prefer managing policies online or on the phone, people who prioritize customer service
USAA South Carolina Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $145 | $38 |
| Annually | $1,745 | $456 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -24% | -45% |
2. GEICO - Best Value
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average South Carolina Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $54 mo.
- Average South Carolina Rate for Full Coverage
- $179 mo.
- Below-average rates
- Wide range of discounts offered
- Excellent financial rating
- Limited agent presence
- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO has some of the cheapest average rates for minimum coverage in South Carolina, as well as below-average full coverage rates. In addition, it ranked third for Southeast customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2026 Auto Insurance Study, making it a great choice for those looking for a mix of affordability and great service.
GEICO offers an impressive selection of discounts — including multi-vehicle, new vehicle, good driver, and more — as well as a strong ability to pay out claims per its A++ financial rating from AM Best. It also has an intuitive mobile app and website for fast and seamless policy management, and we recommend it for tech-savvy drivers who prefer using these tools over interacting with agents.
Who it’s best for
Budget-minded drivers seeking minimum coverage, those with a speeding ticket on their record, policyholders who like self-servicing online
GEICO South Carolina Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $179 | $54 |
| Annually | $2,144 | $644 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -6% | -23% |
3. Nationwide - Best for Customer Service
4.8
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $60 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $162 mo.
- High customer service ratings
- Competitive rates for good drivers
- Customizable plan with numerous add-ons
- Not available in select states
- Expensive for teen drivers
Why we chose it
Nationwide is our top carrier for customer service-minded drivers, with above average scores in J.D. Power studies — including first place in the Southeast region. It also has excellent digital experience ratings. Policyholders can double down on savings with bundled discounts, enrollment in telematics programs, and more.
We also recommend Nationwide if you’re looking for a highly customizable plan with ample add-on options. Nationwide policyholders have access to numerous coverage options such as standard liability, collision, comprehensive, and PIP, as well as optional features like accident forgiveness and gap insurance for extra protection.
Who it’s best for
Policyholders who prioritize customer service, drivers with clean records, customers seeking a customizable plan with numerous add-on options
4. Auto-Owners - Best for Families with Young Drivers
4.4
Editor's Rating:
- Average South Carolina Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $67 mo.
- Average South Carolina Rate for Full Coverage
- $156 mo.
- Cheapest rates for teen drivers
- Robust coverage options at a great value
- Common loss deductible for home and auto customers
- Agent-only sales
- Slower digital adoption
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners is a regional carrier with lower-than-average premiums for most drivers, including teens. It has the cheapest average rates for this demographic, with an average annual premium 28 percent below the state average for teens. It offers various discounts that families with teens can take advantage of, including multi-policy, multi-car, and good student discounts. Students who maintain an average of B or better qualify for a 20 percent discount.
In addition, Auto-Owners has a Teen Driver Monitoring discount if the teen’s car has a permanently installed GPS device or is enrolled in an eligible smartphone app. The company offers standard coverages like comprehensive and collision and strong add-ons like gap coverage, accident forgiveness, and diminished value coverage. Keep in mind that Auto-Owners lacks a strong online self-service platform: you’ll have to contact agents to manage claims and policies.
Who it’s best for
Drivers seeking robust coverage at a great value, families with teen drivers, policyholders who want customizable coverage and add-ons
Auto-Owners South Carolina Pricing
| Auto-Owners | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $156 | $67 |
| Annually | $1,878 | $801 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -18% | -4% |
5. Farm Bureau - Best for High-Risk Drivers
- Average South Carolina Rate for Full Coverage
- $145 mo.
- Cheapest average rates for South Carolina drivers with a DUI
- Personalized and local agent experience
- Additional member perks
Why we chose it
South Carolina Farm Bureau sells auto insurance in the state under the Southern Farm Bureau umbrella. It offers the lowest average rates for drivers with a DUI or at-fault accident on their record — violations that generally result in a premium increase. The company offers various discounts, including for bundling policies, paperless billing, and completing an adult driver training course.
Farm Bureau is also best for drivers who like working with local agents they can call or visit. However, your experience may vary by office location. Before signing on, make sure the agent or office you choose are highly rated and have great reviews. Farm Bureau offers limited add-on coverage options, but it does have classic and antique car coverage as well as rental reimbursement.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with violations, classic car owners, policyholders who enjoy working with agents instead of online or on mobile app
Farm Bureau South Carolina Pricing
| Farm Bureau | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $172 | Data not available |
| Annually | $2,067 | Data not available |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -9% | N/A |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Southeast3 | CRASH Network Report Card4 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction5 | NAIC Complaint Index6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 724 | C- | 741 | 3.00 |
| GEICO | 668 | C- | 697 | 1.67 |
| Nationwide | 685 | C | 729 | 1.99 |
| Auto-Owners | 612 | B (Honor Roll) | 711 | 1.32 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | Not rated | B+ (Honor Roll) | Not rated | 0.28 |
| Average | 659 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Full Coverage Rates in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers can expect to pay around 3 percent below the national average for car insurance. On average, full coverage in South Carolina costs $2,283 per year, or $190 a month.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $2,283 | $190 |
| National Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage Rates in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $836 per year or $70 per month. This is around 16 percent higher than the national average.
Auto insurance costs can vary significantly based on your driving history, vehicle, and provider. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three providers to help you find the best coverage at the most affordable cost.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $836 | $70 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Auto Insurance Costs by City in South Carolina
Auto insurance rates can also vary based on region. Among South Carolina cities, Mount Pleasant residents enjoy some of the cheapest average rates at $2,431 per year, or $203 per month. Conversely, North Charleston’s auto insurance rates are some of the most expensive in the state. Rates here average $2,796 per year, or $233 per month.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | $2,796 | $233 |
| Charleston | $2,708 | $226 |
| Columbia | $2,575 | $215 |
| Rock Hill | $2,519 | $210 |
| Mount Pleasant | $2,431 | $203 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 747 traffic fatalities occurred in 2025.7 This figure fell from 2024’s recorded total of 1,040 traffic fatalities.8 Fatal collisions also declined in 2025, falling from 951 to 707. As of 2025, South Carolina has seen four straight years of declining fatal collisions and roadway deaths.9
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in South Carolina
If you’re a licensed driver in South Carolina, having auto insurance is a legal requirement.10 South Carolina state law requires these minimum liability limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property damage: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage that matches the liability minimums above
TIP
Collision and comprehensive coverage are not mandatory in South Carolina, but we recommend adding them to your insurance policy to pay for damage to your own car, especially if it’s newer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best companies in South Carolina are GEICO (best overall), Auto-Owners (best price), and Nationwide (best customer service). USAA is one of the best overall companies but is only available to military-affiliated drivers. These ratings are based on average premiums, J.D. Power satisfaction scores, and CRASH Network claims grades.
Car insurance in South Carolina averages $190/month for full coverage. Top-rated companies start from $145/month. Compare quotes using our tool above.
Car insurance in South Carolina is very slightly below the national average for full coverage but above the national average for minimum coverage. This is due partly to the state’s uninsured motorist coverage requirement. Rates in South Carolina are also impacted by high accident rates and severe weather risks, but premiums will vary depending on the area you live in.
When choosing car insurance in South Carolina, compare companies on price by getting at least three quotes. Look at claims satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power and CRASH Network, and look for financial strength ratings from AM Best rating of A or A+. Also, check state-specific requirements, such as SR-22 filing availability if you need proof of financial responsibility.
South Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for the other party’s injuries and property damage. Drivers can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to recover eligible costs. South Carolina requires minimum limits of 25/50/25.
Methodology - How We Review Providers
We evaluated auto insurance providers in South Carolina and based our reviews on the following criteria:
- Pricing (40%): We analyzed the costs of both full and minimum coverage premiums in South Carolina for drivers with clean records and those with prior incidents like DUIs. We also considered available discounts. Minimum coverage averages meet South Carolina’s state-mandated limits, while full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: Same as bodily injury liability
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): Efficient claims handling is critical for any auto insurance provider. We reviewed third-party data from independent sources like the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study, AM Best, and other reports to evaluate claims handling.
- Customer experience (25%): We assessed customer experience from various perspectives, including the ease of getting a quote, digital tools, policy management options, and availability of local agents. Our evaluation incorporated third-party data from sources like J.D. Power, alongside app ratings and data on the provider’s customer service for South Carolina drivers.
- Coverage options (10%): We reviewed each company’s coverage offerings, preferring providers with options beyond South Carolina’s minimum requirements. Additional coverage options considered include mechanical breakdown insurance, rideshare coverage and other benefits.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.
Sources
Member focused. Mission led.. USAA. (2026).
https://www.usaa.com/membership/about/?wa_ref=pub_global_membership&akredirect=trueInsurance Websites and Apps Miss Opportunities to Build Customer Engagement, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026, May 13).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-insurance-digital-experience-studyAuto Insurers Struggle to Maintain Seamless Interactions Across Channels, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026, Jun 09).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-auto-insurance-study91 U.S. auto insurers graded in 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Oct 27).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmDaily Traffic Fatality Count in South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Public Safety. (2026, Oct 16).
https://scdps.sc.gov/fatalitycount2024 SOUTH CAROLINA TRAFFIC COLLISION FACT BOOK. South Carolina Department of Public Safety. (2024).
https://scdps.sc.gov/sites/scdps/files/Documents/ohsjp/fact%20book/2024%20Fact%20Book.pdfSouth Carolina Traffic Deaths Declining. FitsNews. (2025, Dec 08).
https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/12/08/south-carolina-traffic-deaths-declining/Automobile Insurance. SC DOI. (2026).
https://www.doi.sc.gov/588/Automobile-Insurance
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