Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina, with average rates of $53/month for liability-only and $122/month for full coverage, according to 2025 analyses.
Whether you’re cruising along the coast in Charleston or commuting in Columbia, having the right car insurance in South Carolina is not only a legal requirement it’s your financial safety net. If you’re wondering how much car insurance costs in SC, what kind of coverage you need, and how to score the best deal, you’re in the right place.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about auto insurance in South Carolina for 2025 including average rates, coverage types, discounts, and tips to save money.
FAQ’s South Carolina Car Insurance
Here are some questions and their short answers we found asked by our readers frequently.
Disclaimer: We are not a financial adviser; please consult one.
Car insurance rates in South Carolina are high due to severe weather like storms and hurricanes, high crash fatality rates, and strict minimum coverage requirements, including personal injury protection.
Urban areas like Charleston, increased claims, and rising repair costs for modern vehicles also drive up premiums.
South Carolina’s minimum car insurance requirements for 2025 are $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury liability, $25,000 in property damage liability, and $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per person/accident.
Proof of insurance is mandatory, and driving without it can lead to fines or license suspension.
To save on car insurance in South Carolina, compare quotes from GEICO, State Farm, or Southern Farm Bureau, and use discounts like good driver, good student, or multi-policy.
Choose a safe, low-cost car like a Honda Civic, maintain a clean driving record, and consider higher deductibles to lower premiums.
American National offers the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for 2025, with full coverage at $57/month and minimum coverage at $31/month.
Auto-Owners and GEICO are also affordable, averaging $122/month and $97/month for full coverage, respectively.
In South Carolina, poor driving records, young age (e.g., 16-year-olds pay ~$6,500/year), or low credit scores significantly increase car insurance rates due to higher risk.
A clean record, older age, and good credit can lower premiums, especially with insurers offering discounts for safe drivers.
Why Car Insurance Matters in South Carolina
South Carolina law requires every driver to have minimum liability coverage. But even beyond legal obligations, car insurance is what protects you when unexpected things happen like accidents, theft, storm damage, or run-ins with uninsured drivers.
Think of insurance like a helmet when you’re biking. You may not always fall, but when you do, you’re glad it’s there.
How Much Is Car Insurance in South Carolina?
Let’s talk numbers. The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina in 2025 is around $1,512 per year for full coverage. That’s about $126 per month. For minimum coverage, the average is roughly $628 per year, or about $52 per month.
Of course, these are just averages. Your rate could be higher or lower depending on several factors and we’ll go into those later.
Quick Cost Comparison
- South Carolina average (full coverage): $1,512/year
- U.S. national average: Around $1,548/year
- Minimum coverage in SC: $628/year
Compared to the national average, South Carolina is slightly cheaper but not by much. That makes it even more important to shop around for the best rates.
Required Car Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
Before you hit the road, South Carolina law says you must have at least the following:
- Liability Insurance: Helps cover injury and damage if you cause an accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if someone without insurance hits you.
State Minimum Requirements
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Just remember, these are only the legal minimums. And in many cases, they’re not enough to cover the full cost of a serious accident. That’s why many drivers opt for full coverage, which includes things like collision and comprehensive insurance.
What Affects Your Car Insurance Rate in SC?
Ever wonder why your car insurance rate is different from your neighbor’s even if you have the same car? That’s because insurance companies consider several personal and driving-related factors when setting your premium.
Main Factors That Influence Your Rate
- Age: Young drivers, especially teens, usually pay a lot more due to lack of experience.
- Driving history: Clean records typically mean lower rates.
- Credit score: In SC, insurers are allowed to use your credit score.
- Location: Urban areas like Charleston may see higher rates due to traffic and theft risks.
- Type of vehicle: A newer or luxury car usually costs more to insure.
Example:
Let’s say you’re a 35-year-old driver with a good record, driving a Toyota Camry in Columbia. Odds are, you’ll pay less than a 19-year-old driving a Mustang in Myrtle Beach. That’s because experience, vehicle choice, and location all matter.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
In a state where every dollar counts, shopping around is your ticket to savings. Some companies consistently offer lower rates than others, depending on your specific needs and background.
Top Affordable Insurance Providers in South Carolina
- USAA: Best rates for military families and veterans
- Geico: Affordable for many drivers, plus generous discounts
- State Farm: Reliable and budget-friendly, especially for young drivers
- Progressive: Great tools for comparing policies and bundling
- Auto-Owners Insurance: Competitive prices and high customer satisfaction
These companies all offer different discounts and perks, so it’s wise to get a few quotes before deciding.
Tips to Save on Your South Carolina Auto Insurance
Thankfully, you don’t have to settle for high premiums. Here’s how to lower your rate without cutting corners on coverage:
Smart Ways to Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs
- Bundle policies: Combine your auto and home insurance with one provider and save.
- Maintain good credit: A higher credit score can lower your premium.
- Ask about discounts: Many insurers offer reduced rates for students, seniors, and safe drivers.
- Install safety features: Anti-theft devices and advanced safety features often lower your risk and your rates.
- Choose a higher deductible: You’ll pay more out of pocket in a claim, but your monthly premium will be less.
It’s worth checking your rates once a year, especially if your personal situation has changed for example, if you moved, bought a different car, or improved your credit score.
What Is Full Coverage, and Should You Get It?
So, what does “full coverage” actually mean? While it’s not technically a policy type, it usually includes three main parts:
- Liability coverage – Required by law in SC
- Comprehensive coverage – Covers things like theft, hail, and wildlife accidents
- Collision coverage – Covers damage to your car from accidents, regardless of fault
If your car is financed or leased, your lender will require full coverage. Otherwise, it’s up to you. Consider the value of your vehicle, how often you drive, and your risk tolerance before deciding.
Uninsured Drivers in South Carolina: What You Need to Know
Here’s a troubling fact South Carolina has a higher-than-average number of uninsured drivers. The state actually requires uninsured motorist coverage for this very reason. It helps pay for your medical bills and car repairs if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance.
You can also purchase underinsured motorist coverage, which further protects you if the driver at fault doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Car Insurance Requirements for Teen Drivers in SC
Got a teenager ready to drive? Get ready for a bit of sticker shock. Car insurance for teens in South Carolina is significantly higher due to their limited driving experience.
To lower those costs, consider:
- Good student discounts – Many carriers offer savings for high GPAs.
- Driving school certificates – Successfully completing an approved course can help with premiums.
- Being added to a parent’s policy – Often cheaper than buying separate coverage.
It’s also a great time to teach good driving habits early on avoiding tickets and accidents can make a big difference long-term.
Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Move with Your South Carolina Car Insurance
Insurance in South Carolina doesn’t have to break the bank but it sure pays to be informed. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, renewing a policy, or just window shopping for cheaper rates, understanding how coverage works can save you time and money.
Remember to regularly compare quotes, take advantage of discounts, and pick a policy that fits your needs not just the minimum required by law. With the right coverage in place, you’ll drive with confidence knowing you’ve got reliable protection behind the wheel.
Looking for More Insurance Insights?
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Ready to hit the road with peace of mind? Start comparing quotes in just minutes and find the perfect car insurance policy for 2025. You’ll be glad you did.
