Car Insurance in South Carolina: 2026 Rates & Guide

South Carolina is a mid-range state for car insurance. The average driver pays $152/month ($1824/year). Here's how to find the best rate for your situation.

$152

Avg Monthly

$1824

Avg Annual

#12

Cost Rank (1=priciest)

$116

Cheapest Option/mo

Advertisement

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina (2026)

Rates below are estimates for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record, good credit, and a 2020 Honda Civic.

Top insurers in South Carolina — sorted by average monthly rate

#CompanyEst. MonthlyRating
1
★ BestState Farm
$116/mo4.5Get Quote
2
GEICO
$122/mo4.3Get Quote
3
Allstate
$138/mo4Get Quote
4
Progressive
$134/mo4.1Get Quote
5
USAA
$104/mo4.9Get Quote

Rates are estimates for a 35-year-old with good credit and a clean record. Your rate will vary.

Contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Ready to get a quote?

Rates above are estimates — your actual quote may be lower. Takes 2 minutes.

South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage: 25/50/25

South Carolina is an at-fault state. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible.

South Carolina Insurance Facts

South Carolina has above-average premiums driven by a high uninsured driver rate and significant hurricane exposure along the coast.
Charleston and the coastal corridor see higher comprehensive rates due to hurricane and flooding risk.
The state ranks highly for deer-related collisions — comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended.

Advertisement

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in South Carolina

1

Compare at least 3–5 quotes

Rates vary by 40–60% between companies for the same driver profile.

2

Raise your deductible

Going from $500 to $1,000 deductible typically saves 10–15% on comprehensive/collision.

3

Bundle home + auto

Multi-policy discounts average 15–25% across major insurers.

4

Try usage-based insurance

Telematics programs like Progressive Snapshot can save up to 30% for safe drivers.

5

Ask about all discounts

Good student, military, professional association, and low-mileage discounts are often unclaimed.

6

Improve your credit score

In most states, a good credit score can lower premiums by 20–50%.

Car Insurance in South Carolina — FAQs

What is the average cost of car insurance in South Carolina?
The average car insurance cost in South Carolina is $152 per month ($1824 per year) for a driver with a clean record and good credit. Your actual rate will vary based on your age, vehicle, and driving history.
What is the minimum car insurance required in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 (bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage). This is a tort (at-fault) state.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
Based on our research, State Farm offers the lowest average rate in South Carolina at around $116/month. However, the cheapest insurer for you will depend on your specific profile — we always recommend getting at least 3 quotes.
Is South Carolina a no-fault car insurance state?
No, South Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the other party's damages through their liability insurance.
How can I lower my car insurance in South Carolina?
The most effective ways to lower your car insurance in South Carolina include: (1) comparing quotes from at least 3 insurers, (2) raising your deductible, (3) bundling with home or renters insurance, (4) asking about usage-based/telematics discounts, and (5) improving your credit score where allowed.

Advertisement