Car insurance in South Carolina isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re in Charleston, Aiken, Columbia, or a small rural town, your premium depends on various factors. In this article, we’ll break down the average car insurance rates in the state, what influences your insurance premiums, what coverage you’re legally required to have, and how you can protect your finances if you’re involved in an accident.
Understanding auto insurance costs is critical, especially in a state where traffic congestion, accident rates, and fatality rates vary dramatically by region. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions about coverage, and help you stay prepared if you’re ever injured in an auto accident.
Average Car Insurance Cost in South Carolina
On average, South Carolina auto insurance rates are about $1,512 per year, or $126 per month for full coverage,slightly below the national average of $1,682.
For liability-only insurance, you could pay significantly less,around $628 per year, depending on factors like age, driving history, and credit score.
Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates in SC
- Driving Record
A clean driving record can significantly lower your auto insurance premiums, while fault accidents, distracted driving, and DUIs will likely raise them. - Age and Gender
Younger or high-risk drivers, particularly males under 25, often face higher insurance rates due to higher crash fatality rate statistics. - Location
Urban drivers in Charleston or Columbia tend to pay more due to heavy traffic, vehicle thefts, and road accidents. Rural drivers may see lower premiums due to fewer fatal crashes and lower crash rates. - Vehicle Type
Driving a luxury vehicle, sports car, or a car with a history of pothole damage or widespread damage can increase your rate. - Credit Score
South Carolina insurers can consider your credit score. Poor credit may lead to higher insurance costs. - Coverage Level & Deductible
More coverage means more protection. However, increasing your deductible may lower your auto insurance premiums, as long as you can afford to pay out-of-pocket if needed.
South Carolina Minimum Insurance Requirements
To legally drive, your insurance policy must include:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
You must also carry uninsured motorist coverage in equal minimums. This is especially vital given the number of uninsured drivers on South Carolina roads.
Optional protections like underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and collision insurance offer additional security ,especially in areas prone to natural disasters or poor road conditions.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium in SC
- Bundle Policies
Pair Homeowners Insurance or renters insurance for discounts. - Increase Your Deductible
Reduce your monthly insurance premiums, just be ready to pay more if an accident occurs. - Take Defensive Driving Courses
Insurance providers may offer discounts for advanced driver training. - Maintain Good Credit
Since it impacts rates, aim for a high credit score to reduce auto insurance costs. - Use Telematics or Drive Less
Let your insurance agent know if you drive fewer vehicle miles or exhibit safe driving habits.
What Affects Your Coverage Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
There are several major factors that influence your annual car insurance rate in South Carolina. Understanding these can help you find the cheapest car insurance and protect your finances in the event of an accident.
Driving Record
A clean driving record can significantly reduce your premium. High-risk drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault crashes, or driving under the influence charges often see much higher rates. Distracted driving and aggressive drivers on South Carolina roads contribute to rising premiums and increased claims.
Age and Gender
Young drivers, particularly males under twenty-five, are considered high-risk due to higher crash fatality rate statistics. Middle-aged drivers, by comparison, tend to receive better rates due to a lower accident fatality rate and more driving experience.
Location
Where you live and drive matters. Drivers in Charleston or Columbia may pay more due to traffic, road accidents, and vehicle thefts. Drivers in rural areas often benefit from fewer fatal accidents and less traffic, which lowers their car insurance premiums.
Vehicle Type
Driving a sports car, luxury vehicle, or car with a history of widespread damage or pothole damage can increase your rate. The potential for damage during an accident is a factor in determining your premium.
Credit Score
In South Carolina, insurers are allowed to consider your credit history. Maintaining good credit can help reduce your insurance costs. Poor credit often leads to an insurance crisis where the monthly premium becomes unaffordable.
Coverage Level and Deductible
Higher coverage limits provide more protection but come with a higher premium. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly cost, but you must be prepared to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.
When Insurance Isn’t Enough: Legal Help After a Car Accident
Even with solid coverage auto insurance, a serious crash can bring massive insurance claims, hospital bills, and stress. That’s where legal support is crucial.
Insurance companies, and even the best auto insurer, focus on limiting payouts. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you might need legal help to pursue compensation.
At Ted Law Firm, we help people throughout South Carolina, including Aiken, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, recover after crashes caused by uninsured drivers, aggressive drivers, or fatal accidents. If you’re unsure whether your insurance applications were properly filed or facing an insurance crisis, we can help.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney in South Carolina
You should call a lawyer if:
- Your insurance claims are denied
- The accident involved an uninsured motorist
- Your injuries are serious or long-term
- You’re blamed for a fatal crash unfairly
- The settlement won’t cover your full recovery process
Liability vs. Full Coverage: What’s Best?
Liability insurance covers damage you cause to others, while full coverage includes both comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your car.
Choose Full Coverage if:
- Your car is new or valuable
- You lease or finance it
- You live in areas with high auto insurance costs (like San Antonio, Fort Worth, or San Francisco)
Liability-Only Might Work if:
- Your car has low resale value
- You can pay out-of-pocket for repairs
Take Control of Your Insurance, and Your Future
Whether you’re comparing coverage car insurance rates, seeking the cheapest car insurance, or navigating South Carolina’s complex insurance laws, knowledge is power. From Consumer Reports to the Insurance Information Institute, even insurance experts agree: Being proactive is key.
Take the Next Step with Ted Law Firm
Injured in a car accident and unsure of your legal rights?
We’ve helped countless South Carolinians, just like you, deal with the insurance providers and get justice after tragic fatal crashes and severe wrecks.
When life gets tough, Ted Law Firm stands by your side. Ted Law Firm proudly help people and their families in Aiken, Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
Contact today for a free consultation. Let Ted Law Firm review your case and guide you through your legal options ,with clarity, compassion, and commitment.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
