Drivers of South Carolina are required to have at minimum the state car insurance policies. The state requires that all drivers carry liability insurance on any vehicle they own or operate. They also require that any liability coverage be an amount equal to or greater than $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Many drivers choose to go beyond the minimum requirements by purchasing additional coverage for their vehicles. This may include collision, comprehensive, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages which protect you financially in case of an accident with another driver who does not have adequate insurance to pay for damages they caused. Uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with another driver who does not have insurance or assets to pay for your injuries.
Depending on the type of vehicle, drivers may also choose to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) which covers medical expenses resulting from injuries related to a car crash. Another option is to purchase rental reimbursement which provides payment for a temporary vehicle when your own vehicle is out of service as the result of an accident.
Cheapest Car Insurance in South Carolina
The average cost for car insurance in South Carolina is $1,661 annually. The minimum liability requirement by law is 25/50/25 as noted above. The higher coverage amounts typically result in a much lower rate than the state minimum because of the greater protection they provide. Comprehensive and collision coverages are optional for a vehicle that is less than six years old. Adding full coverage for a newer car will result in lower rates than if you only have the state minimum liability.
The following are average prices by company in South Carolina based on a single 30-year-old male driver with good credit, a good driving record and the typical discounts being offered specifically to students or seniors:
Best Car Insurance Companies
Auto Insurance Company Average Annual Premiums Allstate $1,107 GEICO $924 Progressive $923 Nationwide $897 State Farm $799 Farmers $793 USAA $762
Compare South Carolina Quotes Online.
Online quotes are a quick and convenient way to compare rates from multiple companies. It is always best to get a quote from an individual company before getting a quote online because some companies may not want to sell insurance online, but the savings in time and effort might be worth it. However, when you get your car insurance quote from us directly,
Average Cost of Car Insurance
The average annual premium for car insurance in South Carolina is currently $1,661. This is an average of what South Carolina drivers are currently paying for their insurance premiums.
Drivers With a DUI in South Carolina
Drivers convicted of driving under the influence are required to have SR-22 proof of financial responsibility for three years. The legal blood alcohol limit is .08 percent if you are over 21 years of age and .04 percent if you are 21 or under.
Drivers With Tickets in South Carolina
The following is a list of all speeding tickets from the past three years as charged by the SC Department of Public Safety:
Drivers With Bad Credit in South Carolina
For those individuals that have bad credit, it may be very difficult to even find an auto insurance company that will consider offering them a policy.
Seniors in South Carolina
For most drivers, premiums increase as they age and their driving experience and record diminish. Drivers who are 65 or older can reduce their premiums by taking advantage of the state’s Senior Driver’s License which offers discounts on premiums. Seniors can qualify for further reductions on lower levels of coverage or liability limits by providing proof of an annual physical and safe driving record during the previous year.
Student Drivers in South Carolina
A separate policy with a low mileage discount is available to drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 who attend school at least part-time and drive less than 7,500 miles annually. This provides a discount on premiums as long as the driver carries a good academic record and a clean driving record with no violations or accidents during the last three years.
Military Drivers in South Carolina
Drivers who have served in the armed forces may also qualify for further discounts on their auto insurance premiums through the state’s military designation program.
Car Insurance in South Carolina
Auto insurance premiums not only vary depending on the type of coverage you choose but also where you live within the state. To see what your quotes might look like for different cities, including Providence and Warwick, try our free tool below:
Conclusion
If you are looking for the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina, look no further. We have compiled a list of companies that offer cheap full coverage, the best quotes online and average costs to help you make an educated decision. One thing we didn’t mention is penalties for drivers with tickets or bad credit; if this applies to you then be sure to read below! Click here for more information about how these factors might affect your rates. Lastly, check out our other blog posts where we answer questions like “How can I find affordable car insurance?” by providing resources such as which company offers discounts specific to seniors and students who drive cars in different states. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck getting insured today!
