Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina 2026
American National offers the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina, with average annual rates of $552 for minimum coverage.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
American National and South Carolina Farm Bureau consistently offer some of the lowest car insurance rates in South Carolina, with minimum coverage averaging around $46–$52 per month for drivers with clean records. Full coverage, however, runs closer to $117 per month depending on your ZIP code, age, and driving history.
South Carolina’s coastal areas and higher uninsured driver rate, currently among the top 20 nationally, can push premiums above state averages, so where you live matters as much as how you drive.
Key Takeaways
American National & South Carolina Farm Bureau provide the cheapest car insurance policies in South Carolina, on average.
The average cost of car insurance in South Carolina ranges between $150-$206 per month.
Discounts are a good way to reduce your car insurance premium.
What’s Changed In 2026?
- Increased coastal weather activity has caused comprehensive coverage premiums to rise across South Carolina.
- Several major carriers have tightened underwriting guidelines for new policies in high-risk coastal counties like Charleston.
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Minimum Coverage – American National
Minimum coverage in car insurance represents the most fundamental level of protection, aligning with the legal mandates set by the state of South Carolina.
American National offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in South Carolina, with average monthly premiums of $46.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| American National | $46 | $552 |
| Geico | $49 | $588 |
| Progressive | $51 | $612 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $47 | $564 |
| State Farm | $48 | $576 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Full Coverage – American National
Full coverage car insurance encompasses a more extensive range of protection compared to minimum coverage, making it a comprehensive choice for many drivers. This type of policy typically integrates both comprehensive and collision insurance, creating a robust safety net.
American National has the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina. You can get coverage for around $74 a month.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| American National | $74 | $888 |
| Auto-Owners | $128 | $1,536 |
| Farm Bureau | $131 | $1,572 |
| GEICO | $136 | $1,632 |
| USAA | $113 | $1,356 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Drivers With Poor Credit – USAA
Credit score plays a pivotal role in the calculation of car insurance rates, serving as a key indicator for insurers in assessing the risk profile of a driver. The underlying premise is that individuals with lower credit scores are statistically more likely to file insurance claims.
If you have poor credit, you can find the cheapest car insurance with USAA. Premiums are around $150 per month.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| American National | $153 | $1,836 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $159 | $1,908 |
| GEICO | $164 | $1,968 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $156 | $1,872 |
| USAA | $150 | $1,800 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Seniors – Auto-Owners
Car insurance for seniors in South Carolina can be found at an affordable rate of $136 per month with Auto-Owners.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $136 | $1,632 |
| GEICO | $196 | $2,352 |
| Progressive | $155 | $1,860 |
| State Farm | $179 | $2,148 |
| Travelers | $172 | $2,064 |
Seniors in South Carolina have the potential to secure competitive rates for their car insurance, thanks to the various factors that work in their favor. Age can indeed be a significant factor in determining insurance premiums, with the assumption being that as drivers age, their reflexes and driving abilities might decline. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and many seniors maintain excellent driving records well into their later years.
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Teenagers – South Carolina Farm Bureau
Teenage car insurance rates in South Carolina are typically the highest out of any age group, this is because teenagers have a high rate of accidents, which translates into high premiums
South Carolina Farm Bureau has the cheapest rates for teens, with an average monthly premium of $195.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| Allstate | $204 | $2,448 |
| American National | $199 | $2,388 |
| GEICO | $209 | $2,508 |
| Progressive | $214 | $2,568 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $195 | $2,340 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Good Drivers – GEICO
Good drivers, characterized by their clean driving records, are typically rewarded with lower car insurance rates. Insurance companies assess risk based on a driver’s history, and those without any violations or accidents naturally fall into the low-risk category.
GEICO provides the cheapest auto insurance policy in South Carolina for drivers with a clean record, at an average annual rate of $1,104.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| American National | $94 | $1,128 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $97 | $1,164 |
| GEICO | $92 | $1,104 |
| Progressive | $96 | $1,152 |
| State Farm | $93 | $1,116 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket – American National
American National has average premiums of $154, making it the cheapest option for drivers with a speeding ticket.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| American National | $154 | $1,848 |
| GEICO | $159 | $1,908 |
| Progressive | $164 | $1,968 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $168 | $2,016 |
| State Farm | $172 | $2,064 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident – South Carolina Farm Bureau
South Carolina Farm Bureau has average premiums of $165, making it the cheapest option for drivers with an at-fault accident.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| Allstate | $173 | $2,076 |
| American National | $169 | $2,028 |
| GEICO | $178 | $2,136 |
| Progressive | $182 | $2,184 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $165 | $1,980 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In South Carolina For Drivers After A DUI – State Farm
State Farm has average premiums of $117, making it the cheapest option for drivers with a DUI on their record.
| Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| Allstate | $183 | $2,196 |
| Progressive | $174 | $2,088 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $167 | $2,004 |
| State Farm | $117 | $1,404 |
| Travelers | $156 | $1,872 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In South Carolina – By Age
An 18-year-old driver in South Carolina can expect to pay around $4,332 per year for their insurance, while a 35-year-old driver will only pay around $2,354.
Your age plays a significant role in determining your car insurance rate. Young drivers typically pay the highest premiums, with rates dropping as you get older.
| Age | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
| 16 | $408 | $4,896 |
| 17 | $387 | $4,644 |
| 18 | $361 | $4,332 |
| 19 | $336 | $4,032 |
| 21 | $289 | $3,468 |
| 25 | $243 | $2,916 |
| 35 | $196 | $2,352 |
| 45 | $186 | $2,232 |
| 55 | $181 | $2,172 |
| 65 | $191 | $2,292 |
| 75 | $227 | $2,724 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In South Carolina – By City
Drivers in Charleston typically pay around $1,848 per year, while drivers in North Augusta may find rates around $1,596.
The city that your home is in greatly affects your car insurance premiums. Cities usually have higher risks of theft and accidents.
| City | Average Monthly Rate | Average Annual Cost |
| Beaufort | $142 | $1,704 |
| Charleston | $154 | $1,848 |
| North Augusta | $133 | $1,596 |
| North Charleston | $153 | $1,836 |
| Rock Hill | $144 | $1,728 |
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In South Carolina
South Carolina drivers must have minimum car insurance with liability coverage set at 25/50/25. The minimum amount of coverage required by law is as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident.
- $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
Car Insurance Discounts In South Carolina
While searching for car insurance, it’s wise to explore providers that offer the most beneficial discounts tailored to your circumstances. Additionally, consulting with your insurance agent can reveal potential discounts that you might not be currently utilizing.
Below is further insight into the common types of discounts provided by top car insurance companies:
- Multi-policy: Bundle two or more insurance policies with the same company.
- Multi-vehicle: Insuring multiple cars under the same policy or combining auto insurance policies earns you this discount.
- Military: This generally applies to both veterans and active-duty military members.
- Senior: This often applies to policyholders who are 55 or older.
- Homeowners: If you own a home, you may qualify for this discount.
- Good student: This discount is usually for college and high school students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses.
- Good driver: You can save money by maintaining a clean driving record (with no at-fault accidents, DUI, or traffic tickets in the last three years).
- Defensive driving: Those who take a qualifying defensive driving course get a discount.
- Driver training: Get a discount by taking a driver education training course.
- New car: Drivers who purchase new cars, typically no more than three model years old, get a discount.
- Safe car: This applies if your vehicle has safety features like anti-theft technology.
- Paperless: Receive a discount by opting to receive your documents through email.
- Pay-in-full: Save on your car insurance premium by paying in full up front.
Compare Rates To Other U.S. States
| State | Average Annual Premium |
| Alabama | $1,846 |
| Alaska | $1,386 |
| Arizona | $1,954 |
| Arkansas | $1,962 |
| California | $2,580 |
| Colorado | $2,172 |
| Connecticut | $1,984 |
| Delaware | $2,217 |
| Florida | $2,670 |
| Georgia | $2,056 |
| Hawaii | $1,415 |
| Idaho | $1,397 |
| Illinois | $1,782 |
| Indiana | $1,547 |
| Iowa | $1,588 |
| Kansas | $1,867 |
| Kentucky | $2,205 |
| Louisiana | $3,171 |
| Maine | $1,469 |
| Maryland | $2,025 |
| Massachusetts | $1,527 |
| Michigan | $2,335 |
| Minnesota | $1,760 |
| Mississippi | $2,011 |
| Missouri | $2,011 |
| Montana | $2,071 |
| Nebraska | $1,721 |
| Nevada | $2,353 |
| New Hampshire | $1,408 |
| New Jersey | $2,007 |
| New Mexico | $1,817 |
| New York | $2,098 |
| North Carolina | $1,502 |
| North Dakota | $1,734 |
| Ohio | $1,530 |
| Oklahoma | $2,129 |
| Oregon | $1,773 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,960 |
| Rhode Island | $2,255 |
| South Carolina | $2,007 |
| South Dakota | $2,474 |
| Tennessee | $1,692 |
| Texas | $1,990 |
| Utah | $1,864 |
| Vermont | $1,299 |
| Virginia | $1,631 |
| Washington | $1,819 |
| West Virginia | $1,853 |
| Wisconsin | $1,609 |
| Wyoming | $1,778 |
FAQs
How much is car insurance a month in South Carolina?
The monthly cost of car insurance in South Carolina varies widely but typically ranges from $150 to $206. Factors influencing the price include your driving record, type of coverage, and the make and model of your vehicle.
Which car insurance is better in South Carolina?
The “best” insurance in South Carolina depends on individual needs. American National & South Carolina Farm Bureau are both popular for their affordability and customer service,
Our Methodology
Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis that encompasses multiple facets such as customer service ratings, product options, pricing, and a thorough evaluation of various online review sites and user experience, I've crafted an in-depth view of the landscape of car insurance providers in South Carolina.
This is an informed perspective, honed by over 15 years of personal involvement in the industry as a licensed casualty insurance agent in South Carolina, countless interactions with representatives from various companies, and insights gleaned from firsthand experience buying car insurance in South Carolina.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
About Bob Phillips
Bob Phillips is a former California-licensed insurance agent (license #0C27547) with over 15 years helping clients plan their finances. He holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College, a BA from the State University of New York, and Series 6, 7, 26, 63, and 65 securities licenses, and has held life, health, disability, and property/casualty insurance licenses.
He has written hundreds of insurance and investment articles and published two financial books. You can verify Bob’s license history (#0C27547) at the California Department of Insurance.
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