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Last Updated on January 1, 2026
Car insurance prices in South Carolina can feel expensive—especially in higher-cost ZIP codes or if you’ve had a recent ticket, accident, or lapse in coverage. The good news: statewide averages aren’t typically among the highest in the country, and many drivers can lower their premiums just by shopping around.
In a recent analysis of quoted premiums updated in late 2025, South Carolina averages about $2,023 per year for full coverage and $671 per year for minimum coverage. National averages in the same study were higher (about $2,697 for full coverage and $820 for minimum coverage). See the latest South Carolina averages here. (For more context on what drivers pay across the country, see our guide to the average American driver’s car insurance costs.)
If you’ve heard South Carolina is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, the truth is that rankings and “average costs” shift depending on the study and the driver profile. What matters most is your personal quote—and comparing multiple companies is the fastest way to find your best rate.
Even within South Carolina, rates can vary by hundreds of dollars per year based on ZIP code. As a general rule, busier coastal areas and higher-traffic corridors tend to be pricier than smaller towns.
There’s no single best insurer for everyone. The “best” company is the one that gives you the right coverage at a fair price—and handles claims well when you actually need help. Start by comparing quotes from a mix of large insurers and strong regional options.
Tip: When comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same limits and deductibles. Otherwise, the cheapest quote might simply be the one with less coverage.
South Carolina requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance to drive legally. According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance, the state requires liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage (UM) at the minimum limits. You can review South Carolina’s official auto insurance basics here.
South Carolina’s required minimum limits typically include:
South Carolina does not require collision coverage or comprehensive coverage by law. However, lenders almost always require both if you have a car loan or lease.
Driving without insurance in South Carolina is illegal, and the consequences can get expensive fast. South Carolina also uses insurance verification systems and can suspend registrations after coverage lapses, so it’s important to avoid gaps whenever possible.
If you’re pulled over and can’t provide proof of insurance, you may receive a citation. In many cases, providing proof that your vehicle was insured on the date of the stop can help resolve the charge—so don’t ignore the ticket.
South Carolina law includes misdemeanor penalties for operating an uninsured vehicle and also allows the state to suspend driver’s licenses and registrations. You can review the statutes in South Carolina’s Code of Laws (Title 56, Chapter 10). See the relevant South Carolina code sections here.
Common consequences can include:
Even a short lapse in coverage can cause big problems in South Carolina, including suspended tags and extra fees. If your registration gets suspended, handle it quickly—waiting usually makes it more expensive.
A DUI typically makes you a “high-risk” driver, which means higher rates and fewer insurer options. Many drivers see a big jump in premiums for years after a conviction. If you’re shopping after a DUI, plan to compare multiple companies, and consider working with an agent who can shop both standard and high-risk markets.
If you’re trying to estimate the impact, start here: how much insurance can go up after a DUI. Then compare options designed for high-risk drivers: cheap DUI/DWI car insurance.
At-fault accidents usually raise premiums at renewal, but the size of the increase depends on the insurer, the severity of the claim, and your overall history. If you have accident forgiveness, the increase may be smaller (or delayed). If not, switching insurers at renewal can sometimes lower the damage.
To understand why your premium jumped (and what to do next), see our guide to the top causes of car insurance rate increases.
If you drive a newer vehicle (or have a loan/lease), you’ll often need full coverage car insurance, even after an accident. In that case, focus on comparing deductibles, limits, and discounts—not just the monthly payment.
A single minor speeding ticket may not crush your rates, but multiple tickets—or a serious speed—often will. Every insurer treats tickets differently, so shopping around matters.
Here’s a helpful baseline: how much a single speeding ticket can increase your rates. If you already have one or more tickets, use this strategy guide to keep costs down: how to find cheap auto insurance even with a speeding ticket.
Young drivers usually pay the most for coverage because insurers view them as higher risk. The best way to save is to compare quotes and stack discounts (good student, driver training, bundling, telematics, and more).
If you’re under 25 (or adding a teen to your policy), start here: cheapest car insurance for young drivers.
South Carolina generally allows insurers to use credit-based rating factors, which can create a big price gap between drivers with excellent credit and drivers with poor credit—even with the same driving record. Not every insurer weighs credit the same way, so comparing quotes is crucial.
For a deeper explanation, see how credit score affects car insurance rates. Practical tip: if your credit improves, shop again at renewal—your rate could drop even if nothing else changed.
An SR-22 is not a special type of insurance—it’s a form (proof of future financial responsibility) that an insurer files on your behalf when the state requires it. In South Carolina, SR-22 requirements can happen after certain serious violations, driving uninsured, or other high-risk situations.
If the state notifies you that you need an SR-22, use this guide to understand the process: SR-22 insurance in South Carolina. And if you’re trying to keep costs down, start with: how to find cheap SR-22 insurance.
There’s no single “secret” company for cheap coverage in South Carolina. The best strategy is to compare multiple quotes with the same coverage limits and deductibles, then choose the insurer that balances price, coverage, and claims service.
If your situation changed (new car, move, marriage, teen driver, ticket, claim, or a lapse), it’s worth shopping again. Those changes can reshape your risk profile—and a new insurer may price you better than your current one.
