Compare car insurance in South Carolina

Most popular South Carolina auto insurance companies list

Average car insurance costs in South Carolina

Most drivers in South Carolina can expect to pay about the national average, which was somewhere between $1,200 and $1,300 annually in 2017. This is quite a bit more than in the cheapest state, Maine, where coverage averaged around $900 a year, but it’s much cheaper than Michigan, the most expensive state in the country for auto insurance. Michigan’s drivers paid on average more than $2,300 a year in 2017.

What’s more, your costs are likely to change based on where you are in the state. City driving comes with additional risks for traffic accidents, theft and vandalism. If you live in downtown Charleston or Columbia, you can expect to pay more for your coverage than if you lived in Bluffton or Travelers Rest.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?

Of South Carolina’s largest cities, Simpsonville has the cheapest rates and Lexington has the most expensive car insurance rates. Lexington drivers could face rates seven times more than Simpsonville drivers.

• Summerville
• Rock Hill
• Goose Creek
• Simpsonville
• Lexington

State minimum requirements in South Carolina

To legally drive in South Carolina, you’ll need insurance that includes at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
• $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

When you’re shopping for coverage, you might see these minimums expressed as 25/50/25.

Additional requirements: Uninsured motorist insurance

South Carolina also requires you to carry coverage for uninsured motorists, so that you’re protected in a hit-and-run scenario or a crash with someone who doesn’t have enough coverage. The amounts you’ll need for this coverage are the same as your typical liability insurance: 25/50/25.

Can I get SR-22 insurance in South Carolina?

Yes, you can get an SR-22 in South Carolina, which is a document your insurance company files with the state that proves you have the minimum liability coverage needed to get behind the wheel. You might need this kind of coverage if you’ve gotten a DUI or if you’re caught driving without the minimum car insurance required by the state.

Bottom line

To best protect yourself, your vehicle and others on the road in South Carolina, you’ll want to find a car insurance policy that works for your needs and your budget. The good news is that you have a lot of options, and by shopping around and comparing rates, you’re sure to find a terrific value.

To learn more about these topics, from state laws and requirements to discounts and savings, read our comprehensive guide to car insurance.

Frequently asked questions about car insurance in South Carolina

• Can an insurance provider in South Carolina refuse to cover me?

  Yes. As of 1999, a provider can refuse to write a policy for any customer they don’t want to cover. But thanks to the Associated Auto Insurance Plan (AAIP) of South Carolina, you can apply through a general application and be assigned a provider. Call 866-560-4100 to learn more about the AAIP and what this plan can do for you.

• Do I have to use the repair shop recommended by my provider?

  No. But your provider will likely pay only local market rates for labor and part costs. If you go to a mechanic or shop that’s known to be more expensive than what the insurer recommends, your insurance may not cover 100% of the cost.

• If I'm sued by another driver after an accident, does my liability insurance cover that?

  Yes, liability insurance covers being sued. Your cost for a defense attorney is covered without any limit on cost, and if a judgment is made against you, you’re covered up to your policy limit. Any award to the plaintiff beyond your policy limits will have to be paid by you.

  It’s also worth noting that if you’re accused of intentionally hurting someone or damaging their property, your insurer can refuse to represent you.