The Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes In Charleston, SC For 2024

In Charleston, Auto-Owners is distinguished as the most affordable choice, charging an average rate of $40 per month.

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Bob Phillips
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When looking for the most budget-friendly car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, there’s a wide range of options to consider. However, one company, Auto-Owners, stands out for its competitive rates. On average, residents can obtain car insurance for approximately $40 per month, significantly lower than the state’s average of $120.

For those in search of the most economical liability-only coverage, Auto-Owners is the top choice. Additionally, drivers seeking more extensive protection will find that Auto-Owners offers the most favorable rates for full coverage policies, priced at $115 per month. It’s worth noting that American National provides the cheapest rates for young drivers, starting at $68 per month.

 

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Charleston, SC

Cheapest Car Insurance, Charleston, SC

Our Methodology

Based on extensive analysis covering customer service ratings, product offerings, pricing, and thorough assessments from multiple online review platforms and user feedback, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the car insurance provider landscape in Charleston, South Carolina. This perspective is informed by over 15 years of active engagement in the industry as a licensed insurance agent. It incorporates numerous interactions with representatives from different companies and insights gained through firsthand experiences.

65

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years of Industry Experience

22

Brands Reviewed

35+

Research Hours

How Much Is Car Insurance In Charleston, SC?

Auto-Owners provides the most affordable car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, with coverage available for $145 per month.

Comparatively, the table below illustrates that Nationwide’s rates are notably lower than the average rates in both South Carolina and the United States overall:

Area Average Monthly Rate
National $152
South Carolina $120
Charleston, SC $145

It’s important to note that the national average cost encompasses a wide range of states, including both high-cost states like New York, New Jersey, and California, as well as low-cost states such as Mississippi, Kentucky, and Wyoming. Rates can vary significantly by location due to various factors, including the type of vehicle, level of coverage, zip code, driving history, and more.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Young Adults

American National provides the most affordable quotes for young adults in Charleston, with rates averaging around $68 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American National $68 $814
GEICO $137 $1,642
Travelers $120 $1,438
Allstate $118 $1,414
State Farm $116 $1,390

In South Carolina, young adult drivers generally enjoy lower car insurance rates compared to teenagers. This difference in pricing is due to the development of driving habits and a corresponding decrease in risky behaviors as drivers mature.

Statistically, young adults are less inclined to file claims with insurance companies, indicating a decrease in accident involvement. As a result, insurers lower premiums, acknowledging the improved safety records and reduced likelihood of claims from these more seasoned drivers.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Full Coverage

Auto-Owners offers the most affordable car insurance rates for full coverage in Charleston, with quotes averaging around $115 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners $115 $1,378
GEICO $116 $1,390
Progressive $182 $2,182
Allstate $195 $2,338
State Farm $138 $1,654

Full coverage car insurance offers comprehensive protection that extends beyond the basic coverage required by law. This type of insurance usually combines comprehensive and collision coverages.

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, while collision coverage provides financial protection for vehicle damages resulting from accidents, regardless of fault.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Minimum Coverage

Auto-Owners stands as the most budget-friendly car insurance company for minimum coverage in Charleston, boasting an average monthly cost of $40.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners $40 $478
Progressive $60 $718
GEICO $43 $514
Travelers $90 $1,078
State Farm $60 $718

A minimum car insurance policy should include, at the very least, the following components:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

Opting for minimum car insurance offers some level of protection while driving, but it lacks collision or comprehensive coverage. This means your own vehicle damages resulting from accidents, theft, or natural disasters won’t be covered.

Furthermore, driving without insurance is against the law in South Carolina. Failing to provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop can lead to penalties such as fines, license suspension, or other serious consequences.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Seniors

American National offers the most affordable car insurance rates for seniors in Charleston, with quotes averaging around $40 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
American National $40 $478
GEICO $92 $1,095
State Farm $93 $1,107
Travelers $120 $1,438
Allstate $104 $1,249

In South Carolina, numerous seniors may benefit from favorable car insurance rates, influenced by several advantageous factors. While age often plays a role in insurance rate calculations, with older age sometimes correlated with diminished driving ability, this generalization doesn’t apply universally.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Teenagers

Teenage drivers in Charleston can secure the most affordable quotes from Auto-Owners, with average monthly premiums of $201.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners $201 $2,414
GEICO $342 $4,103
Travelers $245 $2,938
State Farm $244 $2,932
Allstate $269 $3,232

Teenage drivers typically encounter the highest car insurance premiums, largely because of their lack of experience on the road. Insurance providers classify these young drivers as high-risk individuals because they statistically have a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents and committing traffic violations.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Good Drivers

In Charleston, good drivers can access the most affordable car insurance quotes from Auto-Owners, priced at approximately $40 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners $40 $478
Progressive $60 $718
GEICO $43 $514
Travelers $90 $1,078
State Farm $60 $718

In Charleston, drivers with clean driving records usually enjoy lower car insurance rates because they’re seen as lower risk. Insurance companies assess driving records to gauge how safely individuals drive. Fewer incidents such as accidents or traffic violations indicate that the driver is cautious and less likely to file a claim.

Because insurers determine rates based on the likelihood of drivers making claims, a pristine driving record often results in substantial savings on premiums. It’s all about risk evaluation – the cleaner the record, the lower the perceived risk, and thus, the lower the insurance cost.

 

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Drivers With Prior Incidents

In Charleston, drivers with histories of traffic violations, such as accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, often encounter challenges in securing affordable car insurance. These driving infractions prompt insurance companies to categorize them as high-risk, implying a higher likelihood of filing future insurance claims.

As a result, insurance providers increase their rates for these individuals to offset the risk of potential higher claim payouts.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket

Auto-Owners stands out for its affordability compared to other companies, offering average rates of $117 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners $117 $1,402
Travelers $206 $2,470
Geico $116 $1,390
Progressive $238 $2,854
State Farm $146 $1,750

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident

Auto-Owners provides the most economical car insurance quotes for drivers with an at-fault incident, boasting an average rate of $156 per month.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Auto-Owners 156 $1,870
Travelers $220 $2,638
GEICO $168 $2,014
Progressive $304 $3,646
State Farm $380 $4,558

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates In Charleston For Drivers After A DUI

Farm Bureau offers the most budget-friendly rates for drivers after a DUI incident in Charleston, providing average monthly premiums of $160.

Provider Average Monthly Cost Average Annual Cost
Progressive $224 $2,686
Farm Bureau $160 $1,918
State Farm $319 $3,623
Auto-Owners $234 $2,804
Allstate $267 $3,202

Best Car Insurance Companies In Charleston

For drivers in Charleston, selecting the appropriate car insurance company involves balancing affordable rates with dependable protection on the road. Below are the top 10 car insurance companies in Charleston, SC, ranked by the average monthly rate they offer.

Company Monthly Premium
USAA $118
GMAC Insurance Group $128
State Farm $120
American National P&C $48
PEMCO $90
Travelers $100
Auto-Owners $120
Safeco $120
Unigard $132
American National P $70

Average Car Insurance Rates By Age In Charleston

Age Average Yearly Rate
Teenagers $4,032
20s $2,424
30s $1,560
40s $1,512
50s $1,320
60s $1,140
70s $1,560

Age plays a crucial role in determining car insurance rates. Typically, younger drivers, particularly teens and young adults, encounter higher insurance premiums because of their lack of experience and statistically higher probability of accidents and traffic violations. As drivers approach the age of 25, their rates usually begin to decrease, assuming they maintain a clean driving record.

The most favorable insurance rates are often enjoyed by drivers in their 50s and early 60s. Insurance companies use age as a metric to assess driving experience and risk potential, thereby adjusting the cost of premiums accordingly.

Average Car Insurance Rates By Vehicle Type In Charleston

Vehicle Average Monthly Rate
 Nissan Sentra $589
Chevrolet Camaro $620
Toyota Camry $60
Acura MDX $64
Ford Fusion $70

The type of vehicle you drive significantly affects your car insurance costs. Insurance companies consider factors such as the make, model, year, and body type of the car. Typically, newer vehicles, especially luxury models with advanced technology and higher replacement costs, tend to have higher insurance rates.

Conversely, older cars or those less expensive to repair or replace may have lower premiums. Insurers take these aspects into account because they directly impact the potential cost of claims – for example, repairs for a high-end car are generally more expensive than for a standard vehicle. Moreover, certain car models known for safety may qualify for lower insurance rates due to a reduced risk of accidents and injuries.

 

How Much Is Car Insurance For Other Cities In South Carolina?

City Average Monthly Rate
Clemson $106
Columbia $138
Florence $132
Greenville $115
Hilton Head Island $100
Rock Hill $114
Spartanburg $115
Sumter $130
West Columbia $123
Anderson $100

The city where you live has a notable impact on your car insurance rates. Insurance companies evaluate several factors associated with your location, including the likelihood of accidents, vehicle theft, and vandalism rates, which tend to be higher in urban areas. This heightened risk often results in higher premiums.

FAQs

Who has the lowest car insurance rates in Charleston?

In Charleston, the lowest car insurance rates are offered by Auto-Owners for both the minimum coverage required by the State of South Carolina and full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

What is the average cost of car insurance in Charleston?

The average cost of car insurance in Charleston is approximately $145 per month. Rates may vary depending on factors such as your zip code, the year and model of your car, your driving record, and other relevant details.

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