Affordable Liability Insurance in South Carolina

The average cost of a six-month liability insurance policy in South Carolina is $331, which is 36% lower than the national average. For our user profile, Central Insurance Quote, Insurance South Carolina, and Insurance North Carolina offer the most cost-effective liability coverage in the state.

Minimum liability coverage is a popular choice for budget-friendly car insurance as it meets legal requirements. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of minimal coverage. Review the table below to find affordable options for liability coverage in South Carolina.

Our data shows that 36% of drivers in South Carolina opt for liability coverage only. The South Carolina Department of Insurance mandates minimum liability limits of 30/60/25, which translates to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, South Carolina requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same 30/60/25 levels to provide protection if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have sufficient insurance.

For more information, visit our page detailing South Carolina's car insurance limits and regulations.

Cheap Full Coverage Insurance in South Carolina

In 2024, the average cost of a six-month full coverage policy in South Carolina is $766. The state's contributory negligence law likely impacts the decision of 64% of South Carolina drivers to choose full coverage. Under this law, even a minor degree of fault in an accident can prevent you from recovering damages, making comprehensive coverage more attractive.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina?

We have identified Insurance South Carolina Insurance as one of the leading car insurance providers in South Carolina, based on customer feedback, third-party ratings from J.D. Power and AM Best, and a comprehensive review of their coverage options and discounts.

Below is a detailed overview of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Insurance South Carolina Insurance, along with a price comparison of other top-rated insurance companies in South Carolina.

Overall Best Car Insurance Company in South Carolina — Insurance South Carolina

Insurance South Carolina Insurance stands out in South Carolina for its competitive rates and exceptional customer service. Given the state's strict contributory negligence law, Insurance South Carolina’s extensive coverage and Rate Lock feature—keeping premiums steady unless significant changes occur—offer valuable reassurance for drivers.

With high ratings from J.D. Power for customer satisfaction and claims handling, Insurance South Carolina is a top choice for South Carolinians seeking dependable and affordable car insurance.

Best Car Insurance in South Carolina — Honorable Mentions

To identify the best companies, we considered J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews from nearly 3,000 drivers across South Carolina and the U.S.

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.

Cheap Auto Insurance for Teens and Young Drivers in South Carolina

Finding affordable auto insurance for teens and young drivers in South Carolina can be challenging. Drivers aged 16 to 25 face significantly higher rates, especially those between 16 and 19, due to the increased risk associated with less experienced drivers. Teens in South Carolina pay around $1,800 per six-month period, which is 235% higher than the state average and more than three times the national average for car insurance.

For families seeking budget-friendly options, Central Insurance Quote, Insurance North Carolina, and Insurance South Carolina provide the lowest average rates for young drivers in South Carolina.

Teen Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina by Age

Finding affordable auto insurance for teens in North Carolina varies significantly by age. The following table compares the average rates offered by different insurance companies for 16, 17, and 18-year-olds.

How Have Car Insurance Costs in South Carolina Changed?

In South Carolina, the average annual auto insurance premium has risen by $72 over the past year. The most notable decrease in rates occurred in 2018, which was an anomaly compared to the otherwise consistent rise in premiums. Over the past five years, the average annual increase in rates has been $47.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Quotes After an Accident or Ticket

Your driving record significantly impacts your insurance rates in South Carolina. Following an at-fault accident, you're likely to face higher premiums due to increased risk perceived by insurers. On average, an at-fault accident can raise annual car insurance rates to about $1,843.

Best Insurance Companies in SC After an Accident

Impact of Violations on Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina

A poor driving record can significantly increase your insurance rates. If you receive a traffic citation, your premiums may rise, with the extent of the increase depending on the specific violation, your insurer's policies, and state regulations. Here's a breakdown of average auto insurance rates in South Carolina following various common violations:

South Carolina DUI Laws

A DUI conviction in South Carolina can lead to a staggering 326% increase in your annual car insurance premium, bringing the average cost to around $6,538. Securing affordable auto insurance after a DUI is challenging, as this offense often results in a higher premium spike compared to other violations like at-fault accidents, racing, or reckless driving.

Affordable Car Insurance Options After a DUI in South Carolina

Drivers with a DUI or DWI violation in South Carolina need to carefully evaluate their insurance options. Premiums can vary significantly between insurers. For instance, Central Insurance Quote offers the lowest annual average rate for drivers with a DUI, though it remains higher than the statewide average for such cases.

South Carolina SR-22 Insurance

South Carolina does not use the SR-22 form. Instead, the state employs the Safe Driver Incentive Plan, which assigns "insurance points" based on the severity of traffic violations. Drivers accumulate points for infractions, leading to a corresponding increase in insurance premiums. For example, a blood-alcohol level exceeding 0.08 results in 12 points and a 340% rate increase.

Finding affordable auto insurance after a serious traffic violation in South Carolina may require thorough research, but the effort can be worthwhile.

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