Car Insurance in South Carolina (SC)
The average car insurance premium in South Carolina is $1,800 per year ($150/month), making it the #21 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $100 (5%) below the national average of $1,900. At-fault state. High uninsured driver rate (~9%). Growing population in coastal areas and Charleston/Columbia metros. Within South Carolina, rates range from $1,750/yr in Greenville to $2,050/yr in Columbia.
Car Insurance Rates by City in South Carolina
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 5 major cities in South Carolina, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Highest | $2,050 | $171 | +$250 | +$150 |
| North Charleston Highest | $2,050 | $171 | +$250 | +$150 |
| Charleston | $2,000 | $167 | +$200 | +$100 |
| Myrtle Beach | $1,900 | $158 | +$100 | Same |
| Greenville Lowest | $1,750 | $146 | -$50 | -$150 |
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of South Carolina with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where South Carolina stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (SC) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Illinois (IL) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $1,800 | $150 | $900 | $2,340 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1,780 | $148 | $890 | $2,310 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $1,750 | $146 | $875 | $2,275 |
| Delaware (DE) | $1,850 | $154 | $925 | $2,405 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in South Carolina
How much is car insurance in South Carolina?
The average car insurance premium in South Carolina is $1,800 per year, or about $150 per month. This is $100 below the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $900/year, while full coverage averages $2,340/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is South Carolina a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
South Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their liability coverage. At-fault states generally have lower premiums than no-fault states because they don't require mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, other factors like uninsured driver rates, urban density, and weather conditions also affect rates.
What is the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
The cheapest option in South Carolina is minimum liability coverage, which averages $900 per year ($75/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Greenville has the lowest average at $1,750/year.
Which city in South Carolina has the highest car insurance rates?
Columbia has the highest average car insurance premium in South Carolina at $2,050 per year ($171/month). This is $250 more than the state average. Urban areas like Columbia typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in South Carolina?
To lower your car insurance in South Carolina: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in South Carolina, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.