CHEAPEST SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE RATES
Cheapest Car
Insurance Rates
in South Carolina 2026
As the cost of living rises, many South Carolina households are looking for practical ways to reduce monthly expenses. Auto insurance is one area where savings often add up. Comparing providers and switching policies could potentially lower premiums by hundreds of dollars per year, helping ease pressure on household budgets. If you’re looking to secure the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina, read on.
- Key Points
- • In South Carolina, car insurance costs vary widely by provider. American National has the lowest average annual premium of $920, according to recent data.
- • Your driving record plays a major role in insurance pricing, as violations add points in South Carolina. Serious offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI), may require filing an SR-22, which typically increases premiums.
- • The type of vehicle you drive affects insurance rates, with safer, lower-cost-to-repair cars generally being cheaper to insure than luxury or sports vehicles.
- • Insurance companies also factor in personal details such as age, credit-based insurance scores, and ZIP code, which may impact your ability to secure cheap South Carolina car insurance.
- • While South Carolina doesn’t have a state-sponsored low-cost insurance program, you may be able to lower your auto insurance costs by comparing multiple quotes, bundling policies, raising deductibles, and taking advantage of discounts.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
According to recent data, the cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina comes from American National, with an average annual premium of $920. Choosing the right insurance company makes a massive difference in securing cheap car insurance in South Carolina.
Company |
Average Annual Premium |
Average Semi-Annual Premium |
Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
American National |
$920 |
$460 |
$77 |
GEICO |
$1,824 |
$912 |
$152 |
USAA |
$1,894 |
$947 |
$158 |
Auto-Owners |
$1,964 |
$982 |
$164 |
Travelers |
$2,008 |
$1,004 |
$167 |
Allstate |
$2,174 |
$1,087 |
$181 |
Progressive |
$2,433 |
$1,217 |
$203 |
State Farm |
$2,479 |
$1,240 |
$207 |
Nationwide |
$2,550 |
$1,275 |
$213 |
Dairyland |
$6,782 |
$3,391 |
$565 |
* The rates in this table are provided by Quadrant Information Services in 2026 and are based on a single 30-year-old male driver with a clean driving record.
Factors Affecting Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Personal factors and regional risks significantly impact your chances of qualifying for the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina.
Driving Record and History
Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the most effective ways to get auto insurance with low premiums. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) uses a point system to track moving violations. Accumulating 12 or more points typically results in a license suspension, the length of which increases as points rise. Serious violations, such as reckless driving, could add six points to your record. In more severe cases, such as a DUI conviction or driving without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate for about three years, which designates you as a high-risk driver and typically leads to higher auto insurance costs.
Vehicle Type, Age, and Safety Features
When seeking cheap car insurance in South Carolina, it’s important to understand that premiums vary widely depending on the vehicle you drive, not just your personal factors. Cars with strong safety ratings, crash-avoidance features, and lower repair costs, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan or Honda CR-V, tend to be the cheapest cars to insure. In contrast, luxury vehicles, sports cars, and models that are expensive to repair or more likely to be stolen typically carry higher premiums. Even among used cars, choosing a simpler, widely available model with affordable parts may significantly reduce auto insurance costs.
Personal Details (Age, Credit Score, ZIP Code)
Auto insurers consider a variety of factors when setting premiums, including age, geographic location, and — where permitted — credit-based insurance scores. Rates are primarily based on risk, and drivers with less experience, such as teenagers, typically pay higher premiums because they’re more likely to be involved in accidents. Insurers also use location-based data when pricing policies, meaning where you live influences your rate.
South Carolina is one of the states that looks at credit ratings of people seeking car insurance policies.
Balancing Coverage Needs and Affordability
Multiple factors influence how much auto insurance you need. Tailoring your coverage to local risks is important, especially in regions prone to severe weather. Hurricanes and tropical storms may cause significant damage from wind, flooding, and falling objects. Because standard liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others, adding comprehensive coverage helps protect your own vehicle.
South Carolina’s Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
To drive legally in South Carolina, you must carry:
• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist coverage: 25/50/25
• Uninsured Motorist property damage: $25,000 per accident (subject to a $200 deductible)
Does South Carolina Have a Good Driver Discount?
South Carolina doesn’t have a statewide safe-driver discount program, but many insurers provide their own discounts for maintaining a clean driving record, with eligibility timeframes varying by company. The SCDMV allows drivers to complete an approved eight-hour defensive driving course (DDC-8) to reduce up to four points from their record once every three years. While some insurers may provide a premium discount for completing such a course, this isn’t guaranteed and depends on the individual carrier.
Recommended: Auto Insurance Terms, Explained
How Do I Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Rate in South Carolina?
Compare Quotes From Multiple Insurers
Every insurance company uses its own proprietary system to evaluate risk and calculate premiums. As a result, two insurers may quote very different prices for the same car insurance coverage. Comparing multiple quotes from different providers is one of the most effective ways to find cheap South Carolina car insurance that fits your needs. Switching car insurance may make sense in certain cases.
Bundle Your Auto and Home/Renters Policies
Combining your auto insurance with a homeowners or renters policy with the same carrier is one of the most reliable ways to save and may improve your chances of securing the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina. By bundling your auto insurance coverage with your homeowners insurance, you could save up to 30%.
Maximize Savings With Common Discounts
If you’re seeking cheap car insurance in South Carolina, ask providers about good student discounts, antitheft device credits, and pay-in-full discounts. Some companies also provide discounts for using automatic payments and low annual mileage.
Check for Low-Cost Auto Insurance Programs in South Carolina
South Carolina doesn’t have a government-funded or subsidized low-income auto insurance program. To meet legal requirements, drivers must carry at least the state’s minimum liability coverage. Drivers on a budget may choose liability-only policies that satisfy these minimum limits and reduce costs.
Raise Your Deductible
If you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected repair costs out of pocket, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 may lower your car insurance annual premium by 10%-25%. A higher auto insurance deductible means you’d pay more toward a claim before insurance coverage applies, which reduces the insurer’s risk, potentially leading to a lower monthly or annual rate.
Drive a Car That’s Cheap to Insure
Auto insurance premiums are influenced by the make, model, safety ratings, and repair costs of your vehicle. Practical vehicles, such as the Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Escape, tend to be among the less expensive cars to insure. This is largely because they typically have strong safety performance, widely available parts, and lower repair costs, which reduce the overall cost of insurance claims.
Recommended: Auto Insurance Guide
The Takeaway
Securing cheap auto insurance in South Carolina requires meeting the state’s liability and uninsured motorist requirements while managing safe driving habits. Although American National currently reports the lowest average annual rate of $920, your actual cost depends on factors such as your location, credit-based insurance score, and risk exposure. You may reduce premiums by bundling policies and choosing a reliable, lower-cost-to-insure vehicle without sacrificing necessary coverage.
Insurance costs vary based on location and vehicle type. Choosing mainstream, safety-focused vehicles is one of the most reliable ways to keep premiums lower. Prioritizing a clean driving history remains the most effective strategy to secure long-term savings.
When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.
SoFi brings you real rates, with no bait and switch.
Learn moreFAQ
Who has the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina?
Based on recent data, American National has the cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina, with an average annual premium of $920, followed by GEICO at $1,824 and USAA at $1,894. Actual rates vary based on factors such as your driving record and ZIP code, so comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find the lowest price for your situation and potentially get the cheapest auto insurance in South Carolina.
How can I get cheap auto insurance in South Carolina?
The most effective way to lower your insurance costs is to keep a clean driving record and avoid points on your South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) license. You could also save by bundling your car and home insurance, raising your deductible, choosing a safe vehicle, and asking about available student or military discounts.
Can I get cheap South Carolina car insurance online?
Yes, most major insurers in South Carolina allow you to get quotes and buy policies online. Digital tools make comparing coverage levels and deductibles in real time straightforward. Some insurers also provide small discounts for enrolling in paperless billing, signing documents electronically, or managing your policy through a mobile app.
Is auto insurance expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolina auto insurance costs are generally slightly above the national average. While the state’s required minimum liability coverage helps keep basic policies relatively affordable, adding comprehensive and collision coverage increases the total cost of insurance.
Does South Carolina have a low-cost auto insurance program?
No, South Carolina doesn’t have a state-subsidized low-cost auto insurance program. Drivers on a budget should compare private insurers for policies that meet the state minimum requirements of 25/50/25 liability coverage, including uninsured motorist protection. If you have difficulty obtaining coverage in the private market, the South Carolina Department of Insurance may provide guidance on available options for higher-risk drivers.
Which cars are cheapest to insure?
The cheapest vehicles to insure are generally practical, mainstream models, such as the Honda CR-V, Honda HR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan. They’re less costly to insure because they tend to have strong crash-test ratings, lower repair and replacement costs, and less expensive claims overall compared to luxury or high-performance vehicles.
Article Sources
Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
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