Car insurance policies are affordable in South Carolina. The average car insurance rate in South Carolina is $1,361 per year — 4.6% less than the US average.
But auto insurance prices are impacted by factors other than the state in which you live. Auto insurance premiums consider a number of factors, such as your age, gender, marital status, credit rating, and driving history.
We analyzed typical South Carolina auto insurance premiums by each of the major rating factors. Read on to see how much car insurance costs in your state — or enter your zip code to see personalized quotes from top insurance companies.
Average South Carolina car insurance costs by:
Average Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina by Age Group
It's a common phenomenon: as you age, your auto insurance rates shift. Generally, car insurance is more costly for young drivers and teens, as auto insurance companies see inexperienced motorists as less responsible.
In South Carolina, car insurance costs $6,372 per year for a 16-year-old driver, but only $1,246 yearly for a driver in their 50s.
SOUTH CAROLINA AUTO INSURANCE PRICES BY AGE
| Age | Average Yearly Premium |
| 16 | $6,372.08 |
| 17 | $5,273.78 |
| 18 | $4,620.39 |
| 19 | $3,189.60 |
| 20s | $1,874.83 |
| 30s | $1,350.30 |
| 40s | $1,312.46 |
| 50s | $1,245.54 |
| 60s | $1,282.75 |
| 70s | $1,540.68 |
If you're shopping for car insurance for a teen driver, South Carolina is the 29th cheapest state in which to buy auto insurance for a 16-year-old.
Average Auto Insurance Costs in South Carolina by Gender
While gender does not make as large an effect on auto insurance premiums as a driver's location or age, it is utilized as a pricing factor by car insurance companies.
SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE RATES BY GENDER
| Gender | Average Yearly Premium |
| Male | $1,367.34 |
| Female | $1,325.27 |
If you're concerned about getting the best possible value for your money with your current car insurance company, the best thing to do is to shop around.
Average Car Insurance Premiums in South Carolina by Marital Status
One pro of getting hitched — in addition to the honeymoon — is the lower prices you often get on your car insurance policy. In South Carolina, married drivers save $68 annually on auto insurance. This is a smaller discount than the national average of $76.
SOUTH CAROLINA AUTO INSURANCE PRICES BY MARITAL STATUS
| Marital Status | Average Annual Premium |
| Single | $1,367.34 |
| Married | $1,299.61 |
| Divorced | $1,367.34 |
| Widowed | $1,340.93 |
Car insurance for divorced drivers in South Carolina is the 23rd most expensive in the US. If you're paying too much for your policy, consider doing some comparison shopping. You never know when you might find a great deal!
Average Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina by Credit
Car insurers use credit history to get an idea of how reliable a prospective customer will be. Historical trends show drivers who hold good credit scores are often more reliable auto insurance clients: they less commonly file claims, saving insurance companies claims payout costs.
In South Carolina, a motorist who has exceptional credit saves $1,535.16 per year in auto insurance premiums, contrasted with a driver who has a low credit score. Learn more about how credit history can impact auto insurance rates:
SOUTH CAROLINA AUTO INSURANCE EXPENDITURES BY CREDIT TIER
| Credit Level | Average Annual Rate |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $2,760.99 |
| Fair (580-669) | $2,168.17 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,708.44 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,423.07 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,225.83 |
Finding cheap auto insurance when you have a poor credit score can be tricky. But we're here to provide some help. Read our guide to finding car insurance with poor credit and start saving!
Average Car Insurance Costs for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina
If you are discovered to be at fault in a car accident or convicted of a driving violation, your auto insurance premiums are bound to climb. The more violations you accumulate, the more costly your auto insurance gets.
In South Carolina, your first minor at-fault accident leads to a penalty of $633.77 per year in auto insurance premiums. A DUI — among the most serious driving offenses — may lift your insurance rates in South Carolina by as much as $704.00.
SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER DRIVING OFFENSES
| Violation | Average Annual Rate |
| DUI or DWI | $2,065.13 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,127.00 |
| At-Fault Accident (<$1,000) | $1,994.90 |
| At-Fault Accident ($1,000-$2,000) | $1,988.98 |
| At-Fault Accident (>$2,000) | $1,994.90 |
| Open Container | $1,789.49 |
| Speeding (21-25 MPH > limit) | $1,631.70 |
| Speeding (16-20 MPH > limit) | $1,631.70 |
If you're facing above-average car insurance payments, it's worth shopping to get cheap coverage that covers your vehicle appropriately.
Median Auto Insurance Prices by Coverage Level in South Carolina
How much you're charged each month for car insurance depends on the level of coverage you elect to carry. Liability-only coverage typically costs less, while lower-deductible comprehensive coverage costs more. In South Carolina, the cost difference between state-minimum liability-only coverage and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible is $664.
SOUTH CAROLINA CAR INSURANCE COSTS BY COVERAGE TIER
| Coverage Level | Average Annual Premium |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability Only | $788 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,314 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,448 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability Only | $682 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,208 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,341 |
| State Minimum — Liability Only | $596 |
| State Minimum — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,126 |
| State Minimum — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,260 |
If your premiums are above-average, consider policy shopping to find inexpensive coverage that fits your budget.
Compare rates today!
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.