The average cost of auto insurance in South Carolina is $1,536 per year ($128/month) for full coverage — $468 below the national average of $2,004. South Carolina drivers must carry minimum liability limits of 25/50/25. South Carolina operates under a tort system meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for all resulting costs.
Average Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina
Auto insurance rates in South Carolina vary significantly by insurer, driver profile, and location. The following table shows estimated average annual full coverage premiums from top insurers for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record in South Carolina:
| Insurer | Avg Annual Rate (SC) | Monthly Rate | vs. SC Average | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,259 | $104 | $277 below avg | Clean-record drivers |
| State Farm | $1,489 | $124 | $47 below avg | Local agent experience |
| Progressive | $1,612 | $134 | $76 above avg | High-risk drivers |
| Allstate | $1,812 | $151 | $276 above avg | New car owners |
| Nationwide | $1,428 | $119 | $108 below avg | Safe driver rewards |
| Travelers | $1,397 | $116 | $139 below avg | Auto and home bundlers |
Rates shown are estimates based on statewide averages for illustrative purposes. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving record, credit score, vehicle, and coverage level. Always get direct quotes for accurate pricing.
South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
South Carolina law requires all drivers to maintain minimum auto insurance. Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in license suspension, fines, and mandatory SR-22 filing.
Minimum limits required in South Carolina: The 25/50/25 limits mean $25K bodily injury per person, $50K bodily injury per accident, and $25K property damage liability.
South Carolina's minimum limits of 25/50/25 are rarely enough to cover a serious accident. A single hospitalization can exceed $100,000. Insurance experts recommend at least 100/300/100 limits for adequate protection — the cost difference is often less than $30 per month.
Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina
The cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina for most clean-record drivers comes from Geico at approximately $1,259 per year. However the cheapest insurer depends heavily on your specific driver profile:
- Clean record drivers: Geico and Erie Insurance (where available) typically offer the lowest rates in South Carolina.
- Drivers with one speeding ticket: State Farm is typically most forgiving in SC, raising rates an average of 18 percent versus the industry average of 28 percent.
- Drivers after a DUI: Progressive specializes in high-risk coverage and typically offers the most competitive post-DUI rates in South Carolina.
- Young drivers under 25: State Farm's Steer Clear program and Geico's student discounts make them top choices for younger drivers in SC.
- Military members and veterans: USAA offers the lowest rates in South Carolina for eligible service members, averaging $1,105 per year.
How to Save on Car Insurance in South Carolina
- Bundle auto and home insurance: Combining policies with one insurer saves South Carolina drivers an average of $312 per year.
- Raise your deductible: Increasing from $500 to $1,000 saves approximately 15 to 20 percent on collision and comprehensive in South Carolina.
- Shop quotes every year: South Carolina drivers who switched insurers at renewal saved an average of $487 in 2025. Insurance rates change annually and loyalty rarely pays.
- Enroll in telematics: Programs like Drive Safe and Save, Snapshot, and SmartRide can save South Carolina drivers 10 to 30 percent based on actual driving behavior.
- Improve your credit score: In South Carolina, moving from fair to good credit can reduce your auto insurance rate by 20 to 30 percent over time.
South Carolina Home Insurance: Average Rates
Homeowners in South Carolina pay an average of $2,040 per year ($170/month) for homeowners insurance — above the national average of $1,428 per year. South Carolina's rates are influenced by local catastrophe risks including hurricanes, flooding, or severe storms.
The best home insurance companies in South Carolina for most homeowners are State Farm, Allstate, and Travelers. Amica and USAA score highest in customer satisfaction but have limited availability. Always compare at least 3 home insurance quotes and verify your dwelling coverage is set to replacement cost value rather than your home's current market value.