Cheap Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina (Top 10 Companies for 2025)

State Farm, USAA, and Progressive are the best providers of cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, each offering key advantages for high-risk drivers.

State Farm stands out by reducing DMV point surcharges, helping drivers avoid steep rate increases. USAA provides exclusive discounts for military members, making it the best choice for eligible policyholders.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for SC High-Risk Drivers

Compared to other providers, USAA won’t increase rates nearly as high for DMV points compared to insurance points on your license.

In this guide, we break down rates for high-risk auto insurance in South Carolina and highlight key discounts offered by the cheapest companies, providing you with a clear view of your options.

Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to start comparing cheap auto insurance in South Carolina today.

#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Comprehensive Protection: State Farm present wide-ranging options of coverage. This is a big advantage for drivers who pose high risk in South Carolina.
• Broad Network: With a wide network of agents and repair shops, high-risk drivers in South Carolina can easily access services and support. Learn more in our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Strong Local Presence: State Farm, being well-set in South Carolina, is capable of giving high-risk drivers personal help and support specific to the area.

Cons

• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: State Farm might have fewer discount options available specifically for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.
• Poor Financial Strength: A.M. Best recently downgraded its financial ratings, so State Farm isn’t the most reliable high-risk auto insurance company in South Carolina.

#2 – USAA: Best for Excellent Service

Pros

• Exceptional Customer Service: USAA has a good reputation for its service, this is especially useful to high-risk drivers in South Carolina who may need help often.
• Tailored Coverage for Military Families: High-risk drivers in South Carolina who are military members or their families can benefit from specialized coverage options and support.
• Strong Financial Stability: The financial stability of USAA guarantees that drivers who are considered high-risk in South Carolina have support. Discover our USAA auto insurance review for a full list.

Cons

• Eligibility Restrictions: USAA’s services are only available to military families, which means high-risk drivers in South Carolina who are not eligible may need to look elsewhere.
• High-Risk Rate Increases: In South Carolina, drivers who carry a high-risk profile might encounter increased premiums even if their service quality is outstanding.

#3 – Progressive: Best for Innovative Discounts

Pros

• Creative Discount Programs: Progressive offers innovative discounts to help high-risk drivers in South Carolina lower their insurance costs. Learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Flexible Payment Options: Progressive provides flexible payment plans, which can be useful for high-risk drivers in South Carolina managing their budgets.
• Usage-Based Insurance: With programs like Snapshot, high-risk drivers in South Carolina can potentially lower their premiums based on their driving behavior.

Cons

• Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Despite discounts, Progressive may still charge higher base rates for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.
• Discount Eligibility Limits: Depending on their specific risk factors, some innovative discounts might not be available to all high-risk drivers in South Carolina.

#4 – Allstate: Best for Broad Network

Pros

• Wide Network of Agents: Allstate’s broad network ensures high-risk drivers in South Carolina have easy access to agents and support services.
• Extensive Repair Shop Network: A large network of approved repair shops can benefit high-risk drivers in South Carolina needing quick and reliable repairs.
• Variety of Coverage Options: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can choose from a range of coverage options to best suit their needs. Read our Allstate auto insurance review to learn what else is offered.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for High-Risk Profiles: Allstate possibly will demand higher payments from drivers who are considered high-risk in South Carolina.
• Discount Availability: Some discounts may not be as accessible for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, potentially limiting savings.

#5 – American Family: Best for Comprehensive Plans

Pros

• Broad Coverage Options: American Family gives complete plans that offer full protection for drivers with high risk in South Carolina.
• Flexible Coverage Levels: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can tailor their coverage to fit their specific needs and risk level, as you can see in our American Family auto insurance review.
• Discounts for Safe Driving: The American Family gives discounts to people who drive safely. This can be good for drivers in South Carolina who are considered high-risk but start driving better.

Cons

• Premiums for High-Risk Drivers: Because of their risk characteristics, high-risk drivers in South Carolina may face higher premiums with American Family.
• Discount Limitations: Some reductions might be less for drivers who pose high risks in South Carolina.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Flexible Options

Pros

• Discounts for Bundling: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can lower premiums by bundling auto insurance with home or renters insurance through Farmers.
• Multiple Policy Discounts: Farmers offers more discounts to high-risk drivers in South Carolina than other companies. Get a full list of Farmers auto insurance discounts.
• Occupational Rewards: High-risk drivers who are first responders, federal employees, or members of approved organizations can earn additional discounts on SC auto insurance.

Cons

• Low Claims Satisfaction: Farmers has the worst insurance customer satisfaction in the region, and most SC high-risk drivers find better service elsewhere.
• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: While Farmers offers discounts, high-risk drivers in South Carolina might find fewer opportunities for savings compared to other providers.

#7 – Geico: Best for Online Tools

Pros

• Discount Opportunities: Geico offers various discounts that can help high-risk drivers in South Carolina reduce their insurance costs. Read more in our review of Geico auto insurance.
• User-Friendly Tools: Geico’s online tools make it easy for high-risk drivers in South Carolina to manage their policies and access quotes.
• Highly-Rated Mobile App: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can easily manage policy changes and claims from their phones or tablets.

Cons

• Coverage Limitations: For some drivers who have more risks in South Carolina, they might see that the insurance plans from Geico are not as complete as what other companies offer.
• Customer Service Variability: The quality of customer service can vary, which may be a concern for high-risk drivers in South Carolina who need more frequent support.

#8 – Travelers: Best for Financial Strength

Pros

• Financial Strength: Travelers has a superior A++ rating from A.M. Best and can reliably cover high-risk auto insurance claims in South Carolina.
• Solid Coverage Options: South Carolina high-risk drivers can benefit from solid coverage options and support during the claims process.
• Flexible Policy Terms: Travelers offers flexible policy terms that can cater to the needs of high-risk drivers in South Carolina. For a complete list, read our Travelers auto insurance review.

Cons

• Poor Customer Satisfaction: Car insurance from Travelers for high-risk drivers in South Carolina has been rated as not so good when it comes to claims and customer service.
• Discount Availability: Possibilities for discounts could be less available to drivers with high risk in South Carolina. This can have an impact on their total savings.

#9 – Nationwide: Best for Diverse Discounts

Pros

• Variety of Discounts: Nationwide offers diverse discount options, which can benefit all types of high-risk drivers in South Carolina looking to lower their insurance costs.
• Bundling Opportunities: Drivers who insure multiple drivers and vehicles or bundle home and auto coverage can earn discounts on SC high-risk auto insurance.
• Tailored Coverage Plans: Nationwide provides coverage plans that can be tailored to the specific needs of high-risk drivers in SC. Learn how in our Nationwide auto insurance review.

Cons

• Less Competitive Rates: In some cases, Nationwide’s rates for high-risk drivers in South Carolina may not be as competitive as those offered by other top insurers.
• Discount Limitations: Not all discounts may be accessible to high-risk drivers in South Carolina, potentially limiting overall savings.

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Policies

Pros

• Customizable Coverage: Liberty Mutual gives the option of personalized policies for drivers with high risk in South Carolina.
• Flexible Payment Plans: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can benefit from flexible payment options to manage their insurance budget. Find out more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Discounts for Safety Features: Liberty Mutual provides discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features, which can help lower SC high-risk insurance costs.

Cons

• Higher Costs for High-Risk Drivers: Liberty Mutual has the most expensive South Carolina high-risk auto insurance on this list.
• Complex Policy Options: Many high-risk drivers in South Carolina might feel confused by the many changes they can make, which can make it hard for them to choose a good policy.

Comparing South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates for High-Risk Drivers

In South Carolina, auto insurance for high-risk drivers varies widely. We found that State Farm is the cheapest, with monthly rates starting at $64 for minimum coverage and $156 for full coverage.

South Carolina High-Risk Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider

USAA and Progressive also offer low rates. Liberty Mutual is the most expensive, with minimum coverage at $80 a month and full coverage at $103 a month. Selecting the right auto insurance is key for high-risk drivers in SC to balance costs and coverage.

While lower rates are appealing, ensure you also consider coverage value and service quality. Choose a provider that offers affordability and comprehensive protection and compare rates and discounts from top insurers to find the best fit.

High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina Can Impact Their Auto Insurance Rates

Your driving record is one of the top factors that affect auto insurance rates. If you’re a high-risk driver with accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, expect your South Carolina insurance costs to go up.

What about the other factors impacting your rates? Keep an eye on these key elements to save money on high-risk car insurance where you can:

• Credit Score: In South Carolina, insurers often use credit scores to gauge risk. A lower credit score can lead to higher insurance rates, as it’s believed to correlate with a higher likelihood of filing claims.
• Vehicle Type and Usage: Rates are influenced by the make, model, and age of your vehicle, as well as how much and where you drive. High-risk drivers with expensive or high-performance vehicles and high annual mileage may face higher premiums.
• Location: Your ZIP code can affect your SC insurance costs due to factors like local crime rates, traffic density, and accident frequency. High-risk drivers living in areas with higher accident rates may see increased premiums.

If you select to have more coverage beyond the South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements, your monthly payment will be higher. Choosing lesser limits of coverage or greater deductibles can influence your premium amount.

Those drivers considered high risk could be recommended to change these elements to obtain reduced rates. However, it might also mean insufficient protection if a claim occurs. Understanding the key factors that influence auto insurance rates for high-risk drivers in South Carolina is essential for managing your premiums effectively.

Read More: How Credit Score Affects Auto Insurance Rates

Best Insurance Discounts for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

High-risk drivers in South Carolina can access various discounts from top auto insurers. Allstate offers discounts for safe driving and early signing.

Auto Insurance Discounts From the Top SC Providers for High-Risk Drivers

American Family and State Farm provide savings for safe driving, good students, and multiple policies. Travelers also offers multi-policy discounts and savings for getting early quotes, while USAA offers discounts for defensive driving and vehicle storage.

Even high-risk drivers can earn safe driving discounts by improving their habits over time. Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive offer multiple policy discounts, with additional savings for defensive driving, homeowners, or using specific apps. Nationwide provides discounts for safe and accident-free driving. Learn how to get a good driver auto insurance discount.

More Ways to Lower Auto Insurance Rates for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

Finding affordable car insurance in South Carolina as a high-risk driver can be challenging, but several strategies can help reduce your rates. Improving your driving record by avoiding accidents and taking defensive driving courses can qualify you for lower premiums. Compare multiple auto insurance quotes using online tools to find the best rate.

Adjusting coverage, increasing deductibles, and seeking discounts for safe driving, bundling, and low mileage can reduce costs. Also, choose a safer vehicle and maintain continuous coverage to improve your risk factors and lower your rates.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers

Find Affordable Auto Insurance in South Carolina for High-Risk Drivers

Get cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina starting at $64 a month with providers like State Farm, USAA, and Progressive. Other notable companies include Allstate, American Family, and Farmers.

To lower high-risk auto insurance costs, improve your driving record, compare quotes, adjust coverage, and seek discounts for bundling policies. Check out our list of auto insurance discounts to ask for to get the most savings.

Factors like driving history, credit score, and vehicle type significantly impact rates. Then, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool to see which companies have the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina.