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June Sham is an insurance writer for Bankrate. Before joining the team, she worked for nearly three years as a licensed producer writing auto, property, umbrella and earthquake policies. Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Steve Ellis, CPCU, AIC, MBA, is a 30 year veteran of the insurance industry. His experience extends into training, operations, quality improvement, audit, compliance, claims technology, and data & analytics. Updated Nov 02, 2022 Compare car insurance rates Answer a few questions to discover real rates from top-tier carriers in your area. Your information is secure Compare rates Select from a variety of trusted carriers + MORE How it works Caret Down Tell us a little about yourself We'll only ask for info we're confident will impact your rate. That way, we can provide you with the most accurate and personalized offers. Choose which policy is best for you Compare your options from a list of carriers that want to get you insured. You can then move forward with as many as you'd like. Lock in your rate and policy details Once you're confident in your selected carrier, finish up the process online or on the phone with a trusted agent. And that's it! On This Page
If you're looking for car insurance in the Palmetto State, Bankrate's curated list of the best car insurance companies could help. Our insurance editorial team reviewed dozens of auto insurance carriers to help you find the best car insurance in South Carolina. Whether you're looking for affordable premiums, optional coverage, highly rated customer service - or something else entirely - our picks for the best South Carolina car insurance may help narrow down your search. Key takeaways Car insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $1,464 per year for full coverage and $518 per year for minimum coverage. Based on Bankrate's analysis of the best South Carolina auto insurance companies, Geico, State Farm and Travelers offer some of the best car insurance in the state. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in South Carolina
To help you find the , Bankrate's insurance editorial team took a methodical approach. Part of the process was assigning each carrier a Bankrate Score that takes into account 2022 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services as well as available coverage types, discounts and third-party reviews. The scores are on a 5.0 scale. The higher the rating, the higher a company ranked in the individual rating categories. Each of the on our list earns a Bankrate Score of above 4.0, making them highly competitive in the market with key aspects that may impact policyholders' experience. Additionally, although price is only one factor when choosing a company, each company offers full coverage policies with average premiums below the state average.
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits: $100,000 bodily injury liability per person $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident $50,000 property damage liability per accident $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident $500 collision deductible $500 comprehensive deductible To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state's requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Bankrate Scores are calculated on a five-point scale and primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. We know it is important for drivers to be confident their financial protection covers the likeliest risks, is priced competitively and is provided by a financially-sound company with a history of positive customer support. To determine how well the best car insurance companies satisfy these priorities, third-party agency ratings from , , , , and Moody's had the most impact on the companies' Bankrate Scores. As price is a common consideration for drivers, we analyzed quoted premiums based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 2019 Toyota Camry. This profile, assessed across nearly 35,000 ZIP codes in the U.S., provided a basis on which drivers may compare each provider. While coverage options, insurer availability, affordability and customer experience are often the top priorities, Bankrate also analyzed each insurer's online and mobile resources for policy management and claims handling. Insurance is rapidly evolving to keep pace with our digital world, so these aspects also carried weight in determining Bankrate Scores. Best car insurance companies in South Carolina
Bankrate's insurance editorial team researched the major insurance providers in South Carolina by market share to determine that Geico, State Farm and Travelers are among the best carriers in the state. To determine this ranking, we compared each carrier's average rates against the state average in South Carolina, which is $1,464 per year for full coverage and $518 per year for minimum coverage. We also reviewed third-party ratings from agencies like AM Best for financial strength and for customer satisfaction in the Southeast region. If you're looking for the best auto insurance in South Carolina, consider starting with these picks to see if one might be a good fit for your needs. Insurance company J.D. Power score (Southeast) Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 843 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,114 Average annual minimum coverage premium $388 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 855 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,249 Average annual minimum coverage premium $467 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 839 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,149 Average annual minimum coverage premium $489 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 871 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,329 Average annual minimum coverage premium $440 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 833 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,865 Average annual minimum coverage premium $408 Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. 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All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Discover the best carrier for you
Get custom car insurance quotes from top-rated carriers in 3 minutes or less. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Geico may be a good choice for South Carolina drivers on a budget. You can estimate your payments and how much car insurance you can afford using the insurer's coverage calculator. Geico also offers potential savings for insuring multiple vehicles, customer loyalty, good students and federal employees. However, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) records an overall for Geico compared to the industry average of 1.0, meaning the company receives more complaints than average. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Option for policyholders to manage their policy online or through the mobile app Extensive list of discount opportunities Close XCons Ranked below average in J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region Limited in-person local agencies Average annual premium by city South Carolina city Geico full coverage premium Geico minimum coverage premium Columbia $1,078 $401 Darlington $1,171 $411 Gaffney $1,014 $359 Greenville $998 $368 Lancaster $1,143 $418 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview In addition to highly-rated online and mobile tools, State Farm has local agents in South Carolina who may be able to help you personalize your policy with one-on-one service. Although the company's average premium is one of the highest on our list, the benefit of having agents across the state may make State Farm's insurance policies a standout option for those who prefer developing trust with their insurance agent face-to-face. There are also several opportunities to save with generous discounts, including good student discounts, vehicle discounts and its telematics program. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Many local agents available for in-person service Steer Clear program allows drivers to directly impact their premium based on safe driving habits Close XCons No gap insurance available Below-average ranking for customer service in the Southeast region based on J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Insurance Study Average annual premium by city South Carolina city State Farm full coverage premium State Farm minimum coverage premium Columbia $1,295 $504 Darlington $1,269 $467 Gaffney $1,192 $446 Greenville $1,236 $496 Lancaster $1,420 $544 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Travelers earned AM Best's highest financial strength rating of A++, speaking to its historical ability to pay out claims. Travelers did receive a below-average score from J.D. Power in overall customer satisfaction, suggesting that existing policyholders may have complaints. Still, the carrier may be appealing to customers looking for numerous optional endorsements and an extensive list of potential discounts. You can add coverage options like gap insurance, rental car coverage and ridesharing coverage to personalize your policy. Policyholders may save with discounts for a hybrid or electric car and getting an early quote. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Ranked below average in for service and shopping experience Rideshare coverage not available to South Carolina drivers Close XCons No gap insurance available Below-average ranking for customer service in the Southeast region based on J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Insurance Study Average annual premium by city South Carolina city Travelers full coverage premium Travelers minimum coverage premium Columbia $1,170 $507 Darlington $1,217 $539 Gaffney $984 $411 Greenville $1,098 $477 Lancaster $1,303 $547 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Auto-Owners is a regional insurance carrier available in South Carolina. It is the second-highest ranking insurer for customer satisfaction on our list. While the company is not available nationwide, it does rank highly across all the regions it serves, as shown through its above-average placement in the 2022 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. Along with high-quality localized coverage, the company offers unique endorsements such as purchase price guarantee to cover your vehicle at its value before depreciation and Auto-Owners' optional coverage package, which includes more than 10 add-ons, including cell phone replacement. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Special optional coverage types available not offered by other insurance companies Strong customer service ratings from J.D. Power Close XCons Limited availability means it might not be a great fit for policyholders who move frequently Digital tools are not as comprehensive as competitors Average annual premium by city South Carolina city Auto-Owners full coverage premium Auto-Owners minimum coverage premium Columbia $1,331 $476 Darlington $1,420 $476 Gaffney $1,303 $415 Greenville $1,305 $445 Lancaster $1,405 $472 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: + Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Allstate car insurance could be a great fit for drivers who want to earn extra rewards and bonuses based on their driving habits. These include Deductible Rewards, which reduces a policy's collision deductible for every year of safe driving (up to $500) and even offers a Safe Driving Bonus for every six months without an accident. Drivers can also enroll in , a telematics program where real-time driving behavior is tracked to earn even more discounts.The company does have a higher-than-average complaint index with the NAIC, though, which could indicate that customers don't always have the best experience. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Multiple options to be rewarded for safe driving habits Many options for add-on coverage, such as gap insurance, accident forgiveness and new car replacement Close XCons Higher-than-average overall NAIC complaint index Performed below average in J.D. Power's Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region Average annual premium by city South Carolina city Allstate full coverage premium Allstate minimum coverage premium Columbia $1,827 $420 Darlington $1,943 $426 Gaffney $1,907 $382 Greenville $1,781 $393 Lancaster $2,030 $408 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Average car insurance cost in South Carolina
When it comes to car insurance, South Carolina drivers tend to pay less than the national average. While South Carolina drivers pay, on average, $1,464 annually for full coverage, the car insurance in the U.S. is $1,771 per year, according to Bankrate's 2022 study of quoted annual premiums. Average minimum coverage premiums in South Carolina are also lower than the rest of the country. The national annual average for is $545, compared to $518 a year in South Carolina. This difference may be attributed, in part, to South Carolina's rural counties, which may experience a lower rate of incidents from congested traffic. These rates are 2022 data from Quadrant Information Services and may be a helpful point of comparison during your car insurance search. However, your exact rates may vary based on the provider you choose and your personal characteristics. Average annual premium for minimum coverage in South Carolina Average annual premium for full coverage in South Carolina $518 $1,464
South Caroline city Average annual premium for full coverage Average annual premium for minimum coverage Columbia $1,472 $546 Darlington $1,556 $547 Gaffney $1,436 $486 Greenville $1,368 $510 Lancaster $1,546 $535 How to find the best car insurance in South Carolina
Every driver may have different insurance needs depending on their driving record, vehicle type and budget, meaning the process for finding the best car insurance in South Carolina may look different for each person. The following steps could be used as guidance during your insurance buying journey. Consider minimum insurance requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina's mandate that drivers meet . These limits include minimum coverage levels for bodily injury and property damage. Additionally, drivers must carry , which offers financial protection for accidents that involve an at-fault driver who lacks coverage. While underinsured motorist coverage must also be offered, it is not mandatory and may be declined in writing. Consider lender requirements
In addition to the state requirements of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage, your lender may require you to have certain coverage types. consists of and . Full coverage insurance is not required by law in South Carolina, although many motorists in the state may want to purchase it to protect their finances in case of an accident. Lenders typically require collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to avoid a loss on the loan. Similarly, drivers may choose or be required to purchase to cover the difference between the amount they owe and what their vehicle is worth, in the event that it is totaled or stolen and unrecoverable. Consider your individual needs
Any aspects or behaviors that may be considered "risky" have the potential to affect insurance premiums. Some common high-risk insurance factors may include adding a teen driver to your policy or insuring someone with driving violations, such as a ticket or DUI. Each factor is weighed differently depending on the provider, but if any high-risk scenarios impact you, it may be a good idea to explore insurers that are known to provide coverage for these driving profiles. For example, some insurers excel in their student discount offerings, while others may raise premiums for violations at a lower rate or have options like accident forgiveness. It may help to be aware of your driving record when . Car insurance discounts in South Carolina
Auto insurance rates in South Carolina are generally lower than they are in the country as a whole, and you may be able to by utilizing discounts. Although every company offers different discounts, some common ones in South Carolina relate to driving habits and policy management. You may want to see if you qualify for the following discounts: Young driver discounts: Drivers under 25 may qualify for several discounts, including good student discounts and distant student discounts. Safe driver discounts: If you have never had an accident, received a ticket or filed a claim, you may get a discount. Other safe driving discounts may be offered for programs that track your driving habits, even if you don’t have a spotless driving record. Other discounts: If you buy more than one type of policy from the same company, you might get a discount on both. Oftentimes, offer the most significant savings. You might also save if you opt to pay in full instead of monthly, or if you sign up for automatic withdrawals or paperless statements. Auto insurance discounts are common, but each company has its own regulations and qualifications. Talking to a representative from your insurance company or reviewing discounts online could help you find which opportunities apply to you. Frequently asked questions
Some of the for full coverage insurance are American National, Travelers, Geico, Nationwide and Auto-Owners, according to Bankrate's 2022 study of quoted annual premiums. The for you will likely depend on your individual characteristics, so you may want to get quotes from multiple providers.
The consequences for driving without insurance may be severe. If you get , you may face fines, license suspension or, in some cases, imprisonment. If you're involved in an accident and do not have insurance, you will be responsible for paying damages that you caused out-of-pocket. If your license is suspended, you will likely need to get car insurance before you can get it reinstated. Your car insurance premium may go up considerably due to a lapse in coverage.
Getting auto insurance quotes is relatively easy, but you may want to have some basic information on hand. You will likely need the names, dates of birth and driver's license numbers for all the drivers that you want to include on the quote. You will also need the year, make and model of the vehicles you wish to insure, as well as the (VIN). If you have a current insurance policy, this information may be on your declaration page. Knowing what types and limits of coverage you want to purchase can be helpful, but you can also likely get quotes for a few different levels of coverage to compare them.
If you have shopped around and would like to , you can usually do so fairly easily. You'll need to choose a date for starting your coverage with the new company and follow any instructions they give you to start the policy, including signing an application and making a payment. Once your new coverage is active, you can call your current insurance company to cancel your policy. Just be sure to cancel it on the same day that the new coverage starts to avoid gaps or overlaps in coverage. You might need to sign a form to cancel your prior policy. You can cancel your policy at any time, but know that some companies charge cancellation fees unless your cancellation lines up with your renewal date. Before you shop around for new coverage, you may want to become well-versed in your current company's cancellation procedures. Written by June Sham Insurance Writer June Sham is an insurance writer for Bankrate. Before joining the team, she worked for nearly three years as a licensed producer writing auto, property, umbrella and earthquake policies. Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Steve Ellis, CPCU, AIC, MBA, is a 30 year veteran of the insurance industry. His experience extends into training, operations, quality improvement, audit, compliance, claims technology, and data & analytics.