How Much Is Car Insurance In South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2,029, while minimum coverage costs an average $632.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
While car insurance rates are rising across the country, South Carolina still offers relatively affordable options. The average annual cost for full coverage is $2,029, which is lower than the national average of $2,629. For minimum coverage, the average cost is $632 per year, also below the national average of $742.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of car insurance in South Carolina, their costs, and the main factors that affect your rates. With over 12 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent, I’m here to help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
Young drivers typically face higher insurance rates compared to older drivers, with 18-year-old males paying the highest on average.
The type of coverage you choose and your personal details, like age, gender, and location, can significantly impact your insurance costs.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that 10.9% of drivers in South Carolina are uninsured.
In South Carolina, drivers with poor credit scores usually pay much higher insurance rates than those with good credit.
How Much Is Car Insurance In South Carolina?
South Carolina drivers pay an average full coverage car insurance premium that is 24% lower than the national average. The average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2,029, while minimum coverage costs an average $632.
Factors such as the state’s low cost of living, lower population density, and mild weather likely help keep car insurance rates more affordable. It’s important to compare quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your coverage.
Cost Of Car Insurance In South Carolina By Age
Age plays an important role in setting auto insurance rates, as insurers look at driving experience and the risks linked to different age groups. Young drivers, especially those under 25, usually pay the highest premiums because of their inexperience and higher risk of accidents.
As drivers get older and more experienced, their insurance rates typically drop, reaching the lowest point around age 60. However, after 60, premiums may begin to go up again due to age-related risks.
For example, teen drivers pay 191% more than those above the age of 25 in South Carolina. Below is a table showing the average car insurance costs by age:
Age Group | Average Annual Premium |
16-19 | $6,401 |
20-24 | $4,622 |
25-29 | $2,663 |
30-34 | $2,194 |
35-39 | $2,146 |
40-44 | $2,059 |
45-49 | $1,962 |
50-54 | $1,891 |
55-59 | $1,864 |
60-64 | $1,832 |
65+ | $1,978 |
Average South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates By Insurance Company
Car insurance rates are calculated based on several factors, such as the type of car you drive, your driving record, and your history of claims. They also adjust rates according to their own expenses and the overall claims experience of their customers.
Some of the most popular car insurance companies in South Carolina are State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and USAA.
Below is a table showing the average auto insurance rates from six major providers in the state:
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
State Farm | $1,761 |
Allstate | $1,486 |
Progressive | $1,505 |
Dairyland | $4,588 |
Travelers | $1,352 |
Geico | $1,311 |
Average South Carolina Car Insurance Premiums By Credit Score
Your credit score can have a big impact on your car insurance rates in South Carolina, with drivers who have lower scores often paying higher premiums. Insurance companies use your credit score to predict how likely you are to file a claim. A lower score may lead to higher rates when you renew your policy or switch to a new provider.
Below is a table showing the average car insurance premiums based on different credit score categories in South Carolina.
Credit Score Category | Average Annual Premium |
Excellent (800-850) | $1,631 |
Very Good (740-799) | $1,843 |
Good (670-739) | $2,029 |
Fair (580-669) | $2,248 |
Poor (300-579) | $4,162 |
Average Car Insurance Costs In South Carolina By Gender
Just like in other states, men tend to pay higher car insurance premiums than women. This is because studies show that men are often considered higher-risk drivers due to factors like more frequent involvement in accidents and risky driving behavior. As a result, insurance companies charge them higher rates to cover that increased risk. However, there’s only a slight difference in rates.
Here’s a table showing the average car insurance costs by gender in South Carolina:
Gender | Average Annual Premium |
Male | $2,029 |
Female | $2,023 |
Cost Of South Carolina Car Insurance By Driver Record
If you have a clean driving record, your insurance premiums will be lower in South Carolina. On the other hand, if you have a history of speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs, or reckless driving, your premiums will likely be higher. Insurance companies view drivers with a poor record as higher risk, so they charge them more to cover the potential for future claims. Maintaining a safe driving history is one of the best ways to keep your rates affordable.
Here is a table displaying average car insurance costs based on different driving records in South Carolina:
Driving Record | Average Annual Premium |
Clean Record | $2,029 |
One Minor Violation | $2,311 |
Multiple Violations | $2,869 |
One At-Fault Accident | $2,642 |
Multiple Accidents | $3,411 |
Average South Carolina Auto Insurance Costs By Marital Status
Married drivers often pay lower insurance rates because they are viewed as more financially stable policyholders. Additionally, they may qualify for discounts by bundling different types of insurance or adding multiple cars to a single policy.
Here is a table displaying average car insurance costs by marital status in South Carolina:
Marital Status | Average Annual Premium |
Single | $2,029 |
Married | $2,011 |
Divorced | $2,021 |
Widowed | $2,024 |
Cost Of Car Insurance In South Carolina By Coverage Type
The cost of car insurance in South Carolina can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose. The more coverage you choose, the more you have to pay. Rates can differ based on factors such as your driving history, age, location, and the type of vehicle you own. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal for your needs.
Here is a table displaying average car insurance costs by coverage type in South Carolina:
Coverage Type | Average Annual Premium |
Liability Only | $632 |
Comprehensive Only | $1,844 |
Collision Only | $845 |
Comprehensive & Collision | $2,029 |
Note: If you’ve financed or leased a new car, gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth if it’s totaled. This can be important in the first couple of years when vehicle depreciation is at a higher level.
Average South Carolina Car Insurance Rates By City
In South Carolina, where you live can have a big effect on your car insurance rates. Areas with heavy traffic, higher crime rates, and more accidents usually lead to higher premiums. On the other hand, rural areas often have lower rates because there are fewer accidents and claims. Insurance companies use data about the risk factors in a specific area to set your premium.
In the following table, we explore the average car insurance costs in eight different South Carolina cities to illustrate these differences.
City | Average Annual Premium |
Charleston | $2,172 |
Summerville | $2,162 |
Myrtle Beach | $1,992 |
Richland | $1,811 |
Chesterfield | $2,053 |
Greenville | $1,929 |
Pendleton | $1,822 |
Rock Hill | $1,921 |
Average South Carolina Car Insurance Rates By ZIP Code
Car insurance rates in South Carolina can vary significantly by zip code due to factors like traffic density, crime rates, and accident frequency. For example, Charleston is the most populated city in South Carolina, having the highest rates.
The table below shows the average car insurance rates in various South Carolina zip codes, highlighting how rates vary depending on the location.
ZIP Code | Average Annual Premium |
29401 | $2,172 |
29483 | $2,162 |
29572 | $1,992 |
29201 | $1,811 |
29709 | $2,053 |
29601 | $1,929 |
29670 | $1,822 |
29730 | $1,921 |
How To Save On Car Insurance In South Carolina
Although car insurance in South Carolina is not so expensive, you can still benefit from saving on car insurance in the state. Here are a few strategies to lower your premium in the state:
Compare quotes: Insurance costs can vary significantly between different providers, so it’s important to compare prices. Many companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple types of insurance, such as auto and homeowners, or if you insure more than one vehicle.
Bundle insurance: You can also save by bundling your insurance. Many companies give discounts when you buy multiple types of insurance, like auto and homeowners, or when you insure more than one vehicle.
Check available discounts: Some insurers offer discounts to drivers with clean records, such as no accidents or traffic violations over a certain period, or those who have completed a defensive driving course. Check with your insurer if these discounts are available to help you save on your car insurance.
Maintain a good credit history: Insurance companies often use your credit score to assess the risk you pose as a driver. To maintain a good credit history, make sure to pay your bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and monitor your credit regularly for any errors.
Note: Choosing a higher deductible can often lower your monthly premiums, but it also means paying more out of pocket if you have to file a claim. Pick a deductible that fits your budget and how comfortable you are with risk.
South Carolina Car Insurance Prices Compared To Other U.S. States
Comparing car insurance quotes from your state with those from other states is important because insurance rates can vary significantly depending on local factors. Each state has different requirements for coverage, risk factors like accident rates and crime levels, and even laws that affect premiums. By comparing quotes, you can get a better understanding of rates against others and see if there are opportunities to save.
In the following table, we provide you with a comprehensive comparison of average car insurance rates across all U.S. states, providing a clearer picture of how South Carolina fares on the national stage.
State | Average Annual Premium |
Alabama | $2,054 |
Alaska | $2,401 |
Arizona | $2,753 |
Arkansas | $2,497 |
California | $3,065 |
Colorado | $3,216 |
Connecticut | $2,714 |
Delaware | $2,783 |
Florida | $4,145 |
Georgia | $2,944 |
Hawaii | $1,715 |
Idaho | $1,474 |
Illinois | $2,362 |
Indiana | $1,757 |
Iowa | $1,866 |
Kansas | $2,545 |
Kentucky | $2,814 |
Louisiana | $4,007 |
Maine | $1,645 |
Maryland | $2,826 |
Massachusetts | $2,085 |
Michigan | $3,164 |
Minnesota | $2,553 |
Mississippi | $2,175 |
Missouri | $2,576 |
Montana | $2,405 |
Nebraska | $2,377 |
Nevada | $3,614 |
New Hampshire | $1,835 |
New Jersey | $2,866 |
New Mexico | $2,205 |
New York | $3,966 |
North Carolina | $2,005 |
North Dakota | $1,247 |
Ohio | $1,605 |
Oklahoma | $2,757 |
Oregon | $2,035 |
Pennsylvania | $2,434 |
Rhode Island | $2,966 |
South Carolina | $2,029 |
South Dakota | $2,353 |
Tennessee | $2,096 |
Texas | $2,575 |
Utah | $2,143 |
Vermont | $1,495 |
Virginia | $2,144 |
Washington | $1,867 |
West Virginia | $2,206 |
Wisconsin | $1,935 |
Wyoming | $1,756 |
FAQs
How Much Is Car Insurance In South Carolina Per Month?
On average, car insurance in South Carolina costs about $100 to $150 per month, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. However, rates can vary depending on factors like your driving history, coverage type, and the vehicle you drive.
Why Is Car Insurance In South Carolina So expensive?
While car insurance in South Carolina is not as expensive as in many other states, it can still increase due to factors such as high accident rates, traffic, and weather conditions. Your individual factors, like age, driving history, and location, can also affect your rates.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, drivers must have liability insurance that covers at least $25,000 for injury or death per person, $50,000 for injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Sources
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- Experian – Does Gender Impact Car Insurance Premiums?
- Insurance Information Institute – How To Save Money On Car Insurance
- Fox Carolina – Look out for increasing car, home insurance rates in South Carolina
- DOI – Automobile Insurance
- South Carolina General Assembly – General Bill
- Insurance Information Institute – Facts And Statistics Uninsured Motorists