Cheapest Full Coverage in SC

• Central Insurance Quote offers coverage with an average monthly rate of $128, which is more affordable than South Carolina’s state average of $202 per month.
• Explore other top companies for the cheapest full coverage and the best discounts available in South Carolina ↓

Best Car Insurance in SC — Overall

• Insurance South Carolina recommends Central Insurance Quote for its combination of high customer satisfaction, competitive prices, and excellent coverage options.
• Learn more about why Insurance North Carolina is also a strong choice for most South Carolina drivers ↓

Best for Customer Service in SC

• Insurance North Carolina ranked highest in customer satisfaction for available providers in South Carolina, according to J.D. Power's annual study, earning a score of 847 out of 1,000.
• Find out more about the other top-rated companies in South Carolina ↓

Cheapest for Liability Coverage in SC

• Insurance South Carolina offers the lowest rate for liability insurance at just $46 per month.
• Discover more of the cheapest liability coverage providers in South Carolina ↓

At Insurance South Carolina, we suggest starting your search for affordable car insurance in South Carolina with these companies. Be sure to get personalized quotes to ensure our recommendations fit your unique needs.

Find the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina for Full Coverage

In South Carolina, the average cost for a six-month policy with $500 deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage is around $1,212. Approximately 54% of drivers in the state opt for full coverage quotes.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina?

We don’t select the top companies solely based on affordability. Instead, we focus on a combination of value, comprehensive coverage, and a strong reputation. Our selections highlight affordable companies with excellent customer service, ensuring you not only get a great deal but also dependable support when you need it. Central Insurance Quote stands out as a prime example, offering competitive rates, exceptional coverage, and outstanding service, making it one of our top picks.

Overall Best Auto Insurance Company in South Carolina — Central Insurance Quote

Central Insurance Quote ranked highly in Insurance South Carolina's Customer Satisfaction Survey and also performs well in various third-party ratings, including J.D. Power. In addition to this, Central Insurance Quote offers a range of coverage options at affordable rates, making it a top choice for most drivers in South Carolina.

Best Car Insurance in South Carolina — Honorable Mentions

While Central Insurance Quote is our top recommendation, other companies are also worth considering. For this list, we used data from the J.D. Power auto insurance survey and Insurance South Carolina’s Customer Satisfaction Survey, which gathered input from 2,722 drivers to identify the companies that provide the best customer experiences.

Cheap Liability Insurance in South Carolina

Opting for liability-only coverage at the state minimum level will greatly reduce your car insurance costs, but it also means less protection. In South Carolina, the average cost for minimum coverage is $470 for a six-month policy, significantly cheaper than full coverage.

Based on our data, 46% of Insurance South Carolina’s shoppers choose minimum coverage. The most affordable companies for liability coverage are Insurance South Carolina and Central Insurance Quote.

To legally drive in South Carolina, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits, which include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage is required at the same limits: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

For more information, check out our guide on South Carolina car insurance requirements.

Liability vs Full Coverage in South Carolina

South Carolina Insurance Costs After an Accident or Ticket

If you’ve recently experienced an at-fault accident, finding affordable premiums can be challenging. Similar to having poor credit, a history of accidents or tickets indicates higher risk to insurance providers. In South Carolina, an at-fault accident can lead to an increase of up to $1,055 in your annual premium.

Some insurers provide safe driving discounts ranging from 5% to 10%, and may also offer more competitive rates for drivers with clean records.

To drive legally in South Carolina, you must maintain at least the minimum liability coverage limits. These are: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage is required at the same levels: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Driving in South Carolina as a High-Risk Driver

If you have a DUI, are driving without insurance, or have another serious infraction on your driving record, you might face more than just higher rates—you could also encounter more complex insurance issues.

Explore our guide on managing car insurance as a high-risk driver in South Carolina and find more details for DUIs and SR-22s below.

South Carolina DUI Laws

Our data indicates that a DUI conviction in South Carolina can raise your car insurance rate by 62%. Securing affordable coverage with a DUI on your record can be challenging, as it often causes your insurance cost to spike higher than many other violations.

Low-Cost Car Insurance After a DUI in South Carolina

If convicted of a DUI or DWI in South Carolina, comparing your insurance options carefully is crucial. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary widely by insurance company. For instance, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in South Carolina is Insurance Georgia, offering annual rates that are 40% lower than the statewide average for DUI insurance. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in South Carolina is Insurance North Carolina, while the most expensive is Insurance Alabama, with prices 2% above average.

No company offers a rate for drivers with a DUI that is comparable to a rate without a DUI on your record. The best way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

South Carolina SR-22 Insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by violations such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy but a form issued by your insurance company to the state of South Carolina to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding affordable auto insurance with an SR-22 in South Carolina might require some research but could be worthwhile in the end.

How to Acquire an SR-22 in South Carolina

For Currently Insured Drivers

If you currently have auto insurance, obtaining an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your insurer is unwilling to request a certificate, you will need to find a new car insurance company.

For Uninsured Drivers

When applying for a new policy, you might face an additional fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form on your behalf and cover your higher-risk profile. Needing an SR-22 could prevent you from being insured by some carriers, while others may be willing to cover you.

For Drivers Without a Vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes obtaining an SR-22 more challenging, as you need to provide proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owner car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owner auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it does not cover physical damage to your vehicle.

Car Insurance Price Trends in South Carolina

South Carolina has experienced notable fluctuations in car insurance premiums in recent years. In 2024, the average annual premium increased to $2,148, rising by $413 from the previous year. This follows a more affordable 2023, where premiums averaged $1,735, marking a decrease from the prior year.

Overall, the past few years have shown a combination of increases and decreases, reflecting the variable nature of car insurance costs nationwide. To find the most affordable rates, it's essential to stay informed and compare options.

If your rates are increasing faster than the state average, consider comparing quotes to find a better deal. Insurance South Carolina's car insurance comparison tool offers quotes tailored to your specific profile—enter your ZIP below to get started.

Cheap Auto Insurance for Young Drivers in South Carolina

Across the nation, teenagers and drivers in their 20s encounter the highest car insurance rates due to their limited driving experience, which insurers perceive as a higher risk.

In South Carolina, teenagers pay an average of $4,832 annually for auto insurance, a figure that is significantly above the national average and 207% more than what a 30-year-old driver in the state would pay.

For young drivers in South Carolina, Insurance Georgia and Central Insurance Quote are among the top providers offering the best rates.

Teen Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina by Age

Auto Insurance Quotes in South Carolina Cities

Car insurance companies determine your rate based on various factors, including the location of the vehicle. In South Carolina, Salem offers the lowest car insurance rates, while Crocketville has the highest.

Check out the table below to see the average auto insurance quotes in some of South Carolina's largest cities.