If you're considering a short-term car insurance contract, be aware that short-term car insurance agreements are uncommon
Some large car insurance companies don't offer policies shorter than six months. Since car insurance is required by law in most US states, swapping policies by the month can be risky. You also run the risk of creating holes in your insurance history if you swap policies often, leading to more expensive prices in the long run.
Thankfully, car insurance policies usually run for just six months. This short duration allows auto insurance companies to re-rate — or re-price — your costs with your updated driving history and personal info.
The six-month mark also serves as the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your situation by considering other car insurers. Finding quotes online is quick, and there is no penalty for switching insurance companies when your policy ends — or even mid-term, as long as your coverage doesn't lapse.
The short-term nature of auto insurance makes it relatively easy to acquire with limited advance notice. If you need an insurance policy before you can drive a new car off of the lot, shopping for a policy for a long-term auto rental or searching for coverage for a car you don't own but drive more than occasionally, think about purchasing a policy and cutting the term short as needed.
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Temporary auto insurance in South Carolina
See below typical auto insurance costs in South Carolina, ordered by major insurance companies and cities. If your bills exceed the rates below, consider other options.
TEMPORARY AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN SOUTH CAROLINA — BY INSURER
| Insurance Company | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| South Carolina State Average — All Companies | $707 | $118 |
| USAA | $660 | $110 |
| State Farm | $708 | $118 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | $793 | $132 |
| National Grange Mutual | $805 | $134 |
| Allstate | $820 | $137 |
The most budget-friendly option for single-month auto insurance in South Carolina is USAA, with whom you can save $8 per month, compared to the next-best company, State Farm. In South Carolina, the average monthly cost of auto insurance is $118, or $707 over a six-month contract.
Where you live can have as large an effect on your auto insurance rates as the insurance company you choose. Car insurance companies consider the density and likelihood of a claim being filed when pricing policies by ZIP. Check out insurance rates in the biggest cities in South Carolina and compare them to the amount you pay.
TEMPORARY AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN SOUTH CAROLINA — BY CITY
| Location | Average 6-Month Rate | Average Monthly Rate |
| Columbia | $719 | $120 |
| Charleston | $735 | $122 |
| North Charleston | $754 | $126 |
| Mount Pleasant | $673 | $134 |
| Rock Hill | $717 | $119 |
Because of the myriad factors involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match those displayed above. If your current rates don’t align with those listed above, take some time to compare rates. The short-term timetable of an auto insurance policy adds to the importance of staying informed and ready to shop.
Find out more about temporary auto insurance or use our search function to compare quotes for free today.
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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.