Best South Carolina Auto Insurance in 2025 (Find the Top 10 Companies Here)

The top pick for the best South Carolina auto insurance is Progressive, with State Farm and Travelers also offering excellent rates starting at $171/month. This article discusses factors influencing insurance rates, such as age, driving record, and credit score.

It also covers state insurance requirements and the benefits of full coverage over minimum coverage. Additionally, the article provides insights into discounts and how to find the most affordable rates by comparing quotes from different companies. Understanding these factors can help drivers secure the best coverage at the lowest cost.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best South Carolina Auto Insurance

Explore why Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers are top choices for South Carolina drivers. Start saving on your auto insurance by entering your ZIP code above and comparing quotes.

#1 – Progressive: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Competitive Rates: According to our Progressive auto insurance review, Progressive offers some of the most competitive rates in the industry.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Significant savings for insuring multiple vehicles with Progressive.
• Strong Financial Stability: Rated A+ by A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial strength.

Cons

• Mixed Customer Service Reviews: Some customers report varying experiences with customer service.
• Coverage Limitations: Certain specialized coverage options may be limited compared to other insurers.

#2 – State Farm: Best for Reliable Service

Pros

• Reliable Service: Our examination of State Farm auto insurance review shows State Farm is known for its dependable customer service and claims handling.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers substantial savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• Extensive Coverage Options: Provides a wide array of coverage options to meet various needs.

Cons

• Premium Costs: Premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Limited Digital Tools: Online and mobile app functionalities may not be as advanced as other insurers.

#3 – Travelers: Best for Comprehensive Coverage

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage: Insights from our Travelers auto insurance reviews shows Travelers provides extensive coverage options tailored to individual needs.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers discounts for insuring multiple vehicles.
• Exceptional Financial Strength: Rated A++ by A.M. Best, indicating superior financial stability.

Cons

• Premiums: Travelers’ premiums may be higher than average for certain demographics.
• Limited Availability: Coverage options may not be available in all regions.

#4 – USAA: Best for Military Benefits

Pros

• Military Benefits: Tailored insurance products and benefits exclusively for military members.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Our USAA auto insurance review indicates USAA being always highly rated for its customer service and member satisfaction.
• Superior Financial Stability: Rated A++ by A.M. Best, ensuring strong financial backing.

Cons

• Eligibility Restrictions: Limited to military members, veterans, and their families.
• Limited Branch Locations: Physical branch locations may be limited compared to larger insurers.

#5 – Allstate: Best for Trusted Reputation

Pros

• Trusted Reputation: Allstate is widely recognized and trusted for its long-standing presence.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Offers substantial savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• A.M. Best Rating: Our analysis of Allstate auto insurance review reveals Allstate’s A+ by A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial stability.

Cons

• Premiums: Allstate’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Varied Customer Service: Some customers report mixed experiences with customer service.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Customer Service

Pros

• Customer Service: Our Farmers auto insurance review reveals that Farmers is known for its excellent customer service and local agent support.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Significant savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• A.M. Best Rating: Rated A by A.M. Best, indicating strong financial stability.

Cons

• Premium Costs: Farmers‘ South Carolina auto insurance cost may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Availability: Coverage options and discounts may vary by location.

#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Policies

Pros

• Customizable Policies: Liberty Mutual offers extensive options to tailor policies according to individual needs.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: The results of our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review suggests Liberty Mutual savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• A.M. Best Rating: Rated A by A.M. Best, indicating strong financial stability.

Cons

• Customer Satisfaction: Mixed reviews regarding customer satisfaction.
• Pricing: Premiums may be higher compared to some other insurers offering similar coverage.

#8 – Geico: Best for Low Rates

Pros

• Low Rates: Geico is known for its competitive South Carolina auto insurance rates and affordability.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Significant savings for insuring multiple vehicles. Geico also offers competitive rates and Geico auto insurance discounts tailored for drivers with good records.
• A.M. Best Rating: Rated A++ by A.M. Best, indicating superior financial strength.

Cons

• Customer Service: Some customers report issues with customer service response times.
• Limited Coverage Options: Geico’s coverage options may not be as extensive as some competitors.

#9 – American Family: Best for Local Agents

Pros

• Local Agents: American Family provides personalized service through its network of local agents.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Our American Family auto insurance review reveals American Family offers savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• A.M. Best Rating: Rated A by A.M. Best, indicating strong financial stability.

Cons

• Premiums: American Family’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Digital Tools: Limited digital tools and functionalities compared to larger insurers.

#10 – Nationwide: Best for Broad Network

Pros

• Broad Network: Nationwide offers coverage options across the United States.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: Our assessment of Nationwide auto insurance review illustrates Nationwide provides savings for insuring multiple vehicles.
• A.M. Best Rating: Rated A+ by A.M. Best, indicating excellent financial stability.

Cons

• Premiums: Nationwide’s premiums may be higher compared to some direct competitors.
• Limited Discounts: Offers fewer discounts compared to some other major insurers.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Level

How much is car insurance in South Carolina? In South Carolina, securing auto insurance involves navigating a range of options offered by various providers, each offering different coverage levels at corresponding rates. The following data outlines monthly premiums for both minimum and full coverage plans from prominent auto insurance companies in South Carolina.

USAA leads with the most affordable rates for both minimum ($28) and full coverage auto insurance ($69), underscoring its competitive pricing. Geico also proves economical with monthly premiums of $33 for minimum coverage and $79 for full coverage.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider

On the higher end, Liberty Mutual commands premiums of $76 for minimum and $185 for full coverage, emphasizing its comprehensive protection plans. Other providers like State Farm, Progressive, and Nationwide offer competitive rates across different coverage levels, reflecting the diversity of choices available to South Carolina residents.

When selecting auto insurance, South Carolina drivers should consider not only the cost but also the extent of coverage that best suits their needs and financial circumstances. Understanding these options allows individuals to make informed decisions that ensure both legal compliance and adequate protection on the road.

How Age, Driving Record, and DUI Affect South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates

Your age is one of the top factors that affect auto insurance rates in South Carolina. Young drivers lack experience, so they pay higher rates than drivers with more time behind the wheel.

Young drivers in South Carolina pay much higher than average rates for auto insurance. In fact, they can pay around three times the national average for coverage. This table shows average rates for drivers in SC based on their ages.

South Carolina Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age, Gender, & Provider

Although rates are higher for young drivers, many auto insurance companies in South Carolina offer discounts to lower rates. For example, many young drivers qualify for discounts for driver’s ed, good grades, and going away for school. Compare average auto insurance rates by age to learn more.

Your driving record is one of the most important factors affecting auto insurance rates. Insurance companies know your driving record indicates if you’re a safe driver or are likely to cost them money. This table shows average auto insurance cost in South Carolina based on driving records:

South Carolina Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates & Provider by Driving Record

Drivers with accidents and tickets see much higher rates than drivers with clean driving records. Fortunately, accidents and tickets only increase your rates for three years in SC. Meanwhile, you can shop around for the best auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record to keep low rates.

DUIs cost drivers thousands of dollars between fines, court costs, and higher auto insurance rates. Unlike an accident or traffic ticket, a DUI stays on your driving record and affects your SC auto  insurance rates for 10 years. Learn more about auto insurance for drivers with a DUI. This table shows how one DUI can raise your auto insurance rates:

South Carolina Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates & Provider: One DUI vs. Clean Record

As you can see, each auto insurance company weighs DUIs differently. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest insurance in SC DUI rates in South Carolina. If you have a DUI on your driving record, do everything you can to lower rates. Attend a defensive driving course and ask if any discounts are available to get the lowest rates possible.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in South Carolina by Credit Score

You may wonder how credit scores affect auto insurance rates in South Carolina. Studies show that drivers with a higher credit score are more likely to pay for damages themselves and avoid filing an insurance claim. Therefore, they get lower South Carolina auto insurance rates. This table shows how much your credit score affects auto insurance rates in SC:

South Carolina Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates & Provider by Credit Score

If your credit history is poor, improve your score by paying bills on time and being conscientious about using your credit. As a result, not only will you get lower auto insurance rates, but you’ll also receive better loan rates for cars and mortgages.

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in South Carolina by Location

Before you buy cheap car insurance in South Carolina, compare auto insurance rates by ZIP code to find the most affordable company.

Drivers who live in areas with high crime rates and a large traffic volume see much higher rates since they are more likely to have their car stolen or be in an accident. However, those who live in rural areas have much lower rates since vehicle theft and traffic are typically lower.

It’s no surprise that auto insurance rates in Charleston are higher than in smaller cities in South Carolina. So while you probably won’t move to get cheaper auto insurance rates, you might want to consider how your ZIP code affects your average SC auto insurance quotes and if another company can offer you a better price.

South Carolina SR-22 Auto Insurance

SR-22 insurance is available to high-risk drivers in South Carolina with infractions such as a DUI, driving without insurance, and multiple accidents. However, SR-22 isn’t actually insurance coverage. Instead, it’s a form filed with the state showing you have at least the minimum amount of required coverage.

Drivers who already have coverage can ask their current insurer to file SR-22 auto insurance. However, not all insurance companies offer SR-22 or may charge much higher rates if they do offer it.

Discover more information on our “SR-22 Auto Insurance: What is it and who needs it?”

If you don’t have auto insurance and need coverage and SR-22, shop around to know how much is SR-22 insurance in SC and find an insurance company willing to provide coverage. Expect significantly higher rates since you’ll most likely have an insurance lapse and the SR-22 form.

If you don’t have a vehicle but need SR-22 coverage, it may be tricky to find insurance. Instead, consider getting non-owner auto insurance with the SR-22 form. You may find cheaper coverage since a non-owner policy doesn’t include coverage for your vehicle.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

Like most states, auto insurance in South Carolina is a requirement. However, each state makes its own auto insurance laws, and requirements vary by state. Around 10% of drivers in SC don’t have auto insurance. Drivers who don’t carry at least the minimum amount of required coverage face fines, a driver’s license suspension, and higher rates when they get coverage again.

South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements are very low and only include liability and uninsured motorist coverages. Required liability and uninsured motorists coverages include:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

We recommend drivers add coverage for more protection. Although liability coverage pays for damages to others, it doesn’t offer coverage for you or your vehicle — that’s where full coverage comes in.

Full coverage typically includes collision and comprehensive auto insurance. Collision auto insurance pays for damages to your vehicle from an accident, and comprehensive pays for damages unrelated to an accident, such as fire, theft, and vandalism. Optional coverages available in SC include:

• Medical payment coverage on auto insurance
• Gap insurance
• Personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance
• Roadside assistance coverage
• Rental car reimbursement coverage

While adding coverages raises rates, more protection means fewer out-of-pocket repair expenses. For example, comprehensive auto insurance pays for repairs if your car has hail damage. However, you’ll pay for repairs yourself if you only have liability coverage.

Finding Affordable South Carolina Auto Insurance

South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. However, experts recommend full coverage for more protection. Although full coverage costs more, you and your vehicle are also covered.

Many other factors affect your ability to find affordable auto insurance in South Carolina, such as your age, driving record, credit history, and ZIP code. In addition, the cheapest South Carolina auto insurance companies vary by the driver since each insurance company looks at your factors differently.

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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) August 4, 2023

While auto insurance rates in the state are slightly higher than the national average, drivers can find the best car insurance in South Carolina by shopping around. The best auto insurance companies in South Carolina offer reasonable rates and additional coverages, such as SR-22.

Case Studies: Tailored Auto Insurance Solutions in South Carolina

In this section, we delve into real-world examples where South Carolina drivers found customized auto insurance solutions that fit their unique needs and situations.

• Case Study 1 – Comprehensive Coverage for New Drivers: John in Charleston, SC, sought robust auto insurance that exceeded state minimums. He secured a policy with State Farm offering comprehensive and collision insurance coverage for thorough protection.
• Case Study 2 – Maximizing Savings with Student Discounts: Emily, a Columbia college student, aimed to lower premiums. By maintaining good grades and completing a defensive driving course, she qualified for significant discounts with Progressive.
• Case Study 3 – Fulfilling Legal Requirements with SR-22 Coverage: After a DUI in Greenville, SC, Mike needed SR-22 filing. Geico offered competitive rates, enabling him to meet legal obligations without compromising coverage.
• Case Study 4 – Protecting a Classic Car with Specialized Coverage: Sarah from Myrtle Beach insured her classic car with Hagerty Insurance, ensuring it was safeguarded against damage, theft, and depreciation.:
• Case Study 5 – Family-Friendly Coverage for a Reliable SUV: The Rodriguez family in Spartanburg, SC, chose Allstate for affordable, comprehensive coverage for their SUV, prioritizing protection and affordability.

These case studies highlight how South Carolina drivers can navigate the complexities of auto insurance to find policies that align with their distinct needs. Whether it involves comprehensive coverage, leveraging discounts, meeting legal requirements like SR-22 filings.

Even securing specialized coverage for unique vehicles, exploring different options and comparing South Carolina auto insurance quotes can lead to finding the ideal insurance solution. By understanding state-specific requirements and exploring available resources, drivers can confidently choose insurance that provides both security and peace of mind on the road.

Wrapping Up: Making Informed Choices for South Carolina Auto Insurance

In conclusion, selecting South Carolina insurance involves weighing cost-effective options like Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers, which offer competitive rates starting at $36 per month. It’s crucial to consider individual factors such as age, driving record, and credit score when choosing coverage that meets legal requirements and personal needs.

Exploring additional coverage options such as SR-22 filings can provide enhanced protection against potential risks. By comparing quotes from various insurers and leveraging available auto insurance discounts, drivers can secure affordable policies without compromising on essential coverage. Find the best SC auto insurance companies near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.