Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina

USAA has the cheapest average rates for full coverage auto insurance in South Carolina at $1,766 per year, but eligibility is limited to those affiliated with the military. Auto-Owners has slightly more expensive rates at $1,847 per year on average, which is 22 percent lower than the state average of $2,370.

USAA also has the cheapest average rates for military-affiliated drivers in South Carolina, with an average annual premium of $457 — 51 percent lower than the state average. Nonmilitary drivers can find affordable rates from GEICO at $739 per year on average, which is 21 percent less than the state average.

South Carolina Farm Bureau offers the cheapest teen auto insurance in South Carolina, on average, at $4,376 annually, which is 26 percent cheaper than the state average of $5,876.

Teens pay more for auto insurance than other age groups but can save money by taking advantage of discounts and being added to a family policy. Auto-Owners and USAA also have below-average rates for this category.

At $1,976 per year, USAA has the lowest average rates for military-affiliated drivers with a speeding ticket in South Carolina. For non-military-affiliated drivers, Auto-Owners and South Carolina Farm Bureau also have competitive rates.

USAA has the best rates for military-affiliated South Carolina drivers with an at-fault accident on their record at $2,202 per year on average, which is 34 percent cheaper than the state average of $3,336.

South Carolina Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners also have competitive average rates at $2,340 per year and $2,375 per year, respectively.

Drivers convicted of a DUI in South Carolina may find the best rates from South Carolina Farm Bureau, which has an average annual premium of $2,406. This is very affordable compared to the $3,652 state average. USAA and Travelers also offer competitive rates for drivers with DUIs.

USAA is the most affordable provider for eligible South Carolina drivers with low credit at $2,271 annually on average. That’s 48 percent cheaper than the state average. Nonmilitary drivers can still find below-average rates from South Carolina Farm Bureau and Travelers at $3,343 per year and $3,417 per year, respectively.

State Farm tends to have relatively expensive auto insurance premiums in South Carolina, but the company’s customer satisfaction ratings beat out most competitors. Your rate may be lower than the average, however, so it’s always worth getting quotes from several companies. If customer service is important to you, it also might be worth paying a bit more to go with a company that has a better customer service record.

Military drivers can also benefit from USAA’s excellent service reputation. Nationwide also scores well in the region, though pricing data is unavailable. For localized service, South Carolina Farm Bureau consistently offers affordable rates in most categories. It is part of the broader Farm Bureau network, but due to its small size, third-party metrics for customer service are unavailable.

1. Drive safely: A clean driving record will get you the lowest rates, as you present less of a risk to insurers. Even a relatively minor violation such as a speeding ticket can increase your rates. Drive safely and avoid violations to keep your premiums low.
2. Raise your deductibles: Comprehensive and collision coverage, which together make up full coverage, each have a separate deductible (liability coverage does not). If you can afford to, increasing your deductible will lower your premium. However, you’ll have to be prepared to pay that amount out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
3. Bundle policies: If you need another type of insurance policy, such as home, renters, or pet, most companies will provide a sizable discount for bundling more than one policy with them.
4. Lower your coverage: If you have more than the minimum coverage limits, you can lower your coverage at any time to save on your premium. Keep in mind that while the hope is that you won’t have to use your insurance, you should make sure you’re adequately covered if you do. Lowering your coverage will save you money in the short run but can leave you vulnerable to high expenses if you cause an accident.

North Charleston has the most expensive auto insurance rates in South Carolina, with an average annual premium of $2,511. That’s 2 percent higher than the state average. By comparison, Rock Hill has more affordable rates at $2,188 per year on average, which is 11 percent below the state average.

In South Carolina, state law requires drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability, as well as uninsured motorist coverage, with at least the following limits:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $25,000 per accident⁴

Uninsured motorist coverage can come in handy if you’re in an accident caused by someone without insurance or without enough coverage. If you can afford to, it’s a good idea to increase your liability limits and add full coverage to pay for damages to your own vehicle.

We analyze average auto insurance premiums in South Carolina for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as other driver profiles, including teens and those with DUIs, accidents, and low credit. 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: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible