Cheap South Carolina Auto Insurance in 2026 (Get Low-Cost Coverage With These 10 Companies)

Getting cheap South Carolina auto insurance is a quick and simple process. If you’re looking for information about South Carolina auto insurance policies, you’re in the right place. With millions of people in cars driving around the state, understanding auto insurance policies in South Carolina is important.

We examine essential elements that affect insurance premiums, including driving history, location, and coverage options, to assist you in navigating the insurance market efficiently.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap South Carolina Auto Insurance

Before you buy the cheap South Carolina auto insurance, make sure you shop around. Enter your ZIP code now for free South Carolina auto insurance quotes.

#1 – USAA: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Exclusive Discounts: Military families can benefit from special discounts that are not available to the general public, significantly lowering premiums.
• Top-Rated Customer Service: USAA consistently receives high ratings for customer support and claims processing, reflecting a commitment to excellent service.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Provides a wide range of coverage tailored to military needs, including unique options like deployment coverage. Read more through our USAA auto insurance review.

Cons

• Limited Eligibility: Only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families, excluding the general population from access.
• Few Local Offices: Limited physical locations may make in-person support less accessible for some customers.

#2 – Geico: Best for Cheap Rates

Pros

• Low Rates: Known for competitive pricing, often providing some of the most affordable premiums in the industry.
• Wide Accessibility: Geico operates in all 50 states, ensuring coverage is available nationwide.
• Variety of Discounts: Provides multiple discounts for various customer profiles, including good drivers, students, and military members. 

Cons

• Mixed Customer Service: Some customers report less satisfactory experiences with customer service, which can impact overall satisfaction.
• Limited Personal Interaction: The emphasis on online and call-center support can result in less personalized service compared to face-to-face interactions. Check out our Geico auto insurance review for more details.

#3 – State Farm: Best for Financial Strength

Pros

• Extensive Local Agent Network: A large network of local agents offers personalized advice and support, which can be beneficial for complex insurance needs. Explore our State Farm auto insurance review for additional insights.
• Flexible Coverage: Provides a wide array of coverage options and add-ons, allowing customization based on individual needs.
• Good Discounts: Offers multiple discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and more, potentially lowering overall costs.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Premiums: Premiums can be higher than some competitors, particularly for drivers with less-than-perfect records.
• Varied Agent Experience: The quality of service can vary depending on the local agent, leading to inconsistent experiences.

#4 – Progressive: Best for Qualifying Coverage

Pros

• Innovative Programs: The Snapshot program allows drivers to potentially earn discounts based on their driving behavior, encouraging safe driving.
• Competitive Pricing: Generally offers affordable rates with a range of discounts to help reduce premiums.
• Diverse Coverage Options: Provides a broad selection of coverage types and optional add-ons to suit various needs. Explore our Progressive auto insurance review for more insights.

Cons

• Inconsistent Customer Service: Customer service reviews are mixed, with some users reporting issues with claim processing and support.
• Rates May Fluctuate: Premiums can vary based on factors like driving behavior tracked by the Snapshot program, which might not be predictable.

#5 – Travelers: Best for Bundling Policies

Pros

• Bundling Savings: Offers significant discounts when combining auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance.
• Customizable Policies: Provides a wide range of options and add-ons to tailor coverage to specific needs.
• Reliable Claims Process: Generally known for efficient and reliable claims processing. Please read our Travelers auto insurance review for more information.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Costs: Premiums may be higher compared to some competitors, particularly if bundling is not an option.
• Customer Service Issues: Some customers experience delays or issues with customer service, which can affect overall satisfaction.

#6 – Nationwide: Best for Deductible Savings

Pros

• Deductible Savings Program: Allows customers to reduce their deductible with certain policy options, potentially lowering out-of-pocket expenses.
• Wide Range of Discounts: Offers various discounts, including those for safe driving, multiple policies, and more, which can help lower premiums.
• Positive Customer Reviews: Generally favorable reviews for customer service and support contribute to overall satisfaction. For further information, read our Nationwide auto insurance review for more details.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for Some Drivers: Premiums can be higher, particularly for drivers with less-than-ideal records or high-risk profiles.
• Mixed Claims Experience: Some customers report inconsistent experiences with the claims process, impacting satisfaction.

#7 – American Family: Best for Customer Service

Pros

• High Customer Satisfaction: Known for excellent customer service, with high ratings for support and claims handling. To find out more, please refer to our American Family insurance auto insurance review.
• Variety of Coverage Options: Offers a comprehensive range of coverage types and add-ons to meet diverse needs.
• Discount Opportunities: Provides multiple discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and other factors to help reduce premiums.

Cons

• Premiums Can Be Higher: Generally has higher premiums compared to some other insurance providers, which might be a concern for budget-conscious customers.
• Availability: Not available in every state, limiting options for some potential customers.

#8 – Allstate: Best for Customized Policies

Pros

• Good Digital Tools: Provides strong online tools and a mobile app for managing policies, tracking claims, and accessing information.
• Local Agent Network: Extensive network of local agents for personalized service and support.
• Variety of Discounts: Includes discounts for safe driving, bundling, and more, potentially lowering premiums. Check out our Allstate auto insurance review for additional details.

Cons

• Higher Premiums: Premiums can be higher than some competitors, especially for drivers with higher risk profiles.
• Variable Service Quality: Customer service experiences can vary, with some reports of inconsistent support and service quality.

#9 – Farmers: Best for Safe Drivers

Pros

• Good Discounts for Safe Drivers: Offers notable discounts for maintaining a clean driving record, rewarding safe driving behavior.
• Financial Stability: Strong financial ratings ensure the insurer can handle claims and provide reliable coverage. Please review our Farmers auto insurance review for additional information.
• Broad Range of Discounts: Includes discounts for bundling policies, good driving, and other factors to help lower costs.

Cons

• Potentially Higher Costs: Premiums may be higher compared to some other insurance providers, impacting affordability.
• Customer Service Concerns: Some customers report issues with the quality of service and claims handling, affecting overall satisfaction.

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Affinity Discounts

Pros

• Affinity Discounts: Offers discounts for various memberships and affiliations, potentially lowering premiums.
• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Provides a wide selection of coverage types and optional add-ons for personalized protection.
• Good Online Tools: The mobile app and website are user-friendly for managing policies, filing claims, and accessing information. For more information, please refer to our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Some Drivers: Premiums can be higher, particularly for drivers with high-risk profiles or less-than-perfect records.
• Customer Service Variability: Mixed reviews on customer service and claims processing can impact overall satisfaction.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates

When thinking about auto insurance, price is usually the top concern. In South Carolina, the average premium is $1,339.44, which is about $100 less than the national average. To find the best deals, it’s important to know how to compare auto insurance quotes.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider

This rate doesn’t fluctuate much in urban areas either. In the cities of Columbia and Charleston, the prices increase by about $100, making them on par with the premiums of the United States in general.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Minimums and Laws

Now that the price is out of the way, you should be asking yourself is: What am I getting for this $1,400 in insurance premiums? Well, the state of South Carolina requires that you get many different types of coverage, so it can be assumed that you’ll be getting quite a bit for the premium you pay.

First of all, the state follows a tort system, which makes it so that someone must be at fault for the accident and that person’s insurance company is responsible for paying for all the damages of the accident.

As with all other states, South Carolina has a set of liability limits that you must meet when you purchase auto insurance. These liability limits are for bodily injury and property damage.

The state of South Carolina requires that you have at least $25,000 in coverage per person for bodily injury, with a maximum of $50,000 per accident.

This coverage ensures that any medical expenses incurred by the other driver, passengers, or even pedestrians as a result of the accident will be paid for when you are found at fault.

Medical bills can be incredibly expensive, so you should consider increasing this coverage to protect yourself financially.

Along with the bodily injury requirement, South Carolina sets a minimum limit on the coverage for property damage at $25,000. This covers the damages to the vehicle you damaged if you are found to be at fault for the accident. 

South Carolina state law also requires other areas of coverage that many states do not. The state has a set of uninsured motorist bodily injury and property damage liabilities.

Since the state follows a tort system, these required coverages make sure that you will still be covered if you are not at fault and the person who caused the accident does not have insurance.

With a minimum limit of $25,000 for both bodily injuries and property damages, this would be personal safety coverage to prevent you from paying anything out of pocket because someone caused an accident without any insurance.

We can also take a closer look at the ZIP code within the state to see how rates changed based on different areas.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates by Company

Though the state boasts cheap South Carolina auto insurance rates overall, let’s take a look at how rates vary between some of the largest companies.

To find the largest insurers by market share in the region, look at those offering the best auto insurance discounts for affordable coverage. These companies often lead the market due to their attractive pricing and discount options.

Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes in South Carolina

With the pricing and packages explained, it’s still important to do as much research as possible before making any big buys. Along with that, you should also consult more than one insurance provider to see what they can offer you apart from the policy itself.

All of these should be considered when deciding on an auto insurance policy. At 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com we try our best to provide the most accurate and comprehensive information for you so you can find the best deals for auto insurance.

If you’re ready to find affordable South Carolina auto insurance, we can help. Compare South Carolina auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code below.