Who has the best Insurance Rates in SC?
Written by Saad 17/11/2025
This article appears on The Strategic Post, a go-to resource for practical advice on finance and insurance matters. Today we’re focusing on insurance in South Carolina — who gets the best rates, why, and how you can position yourself for more affordable coverage in that state.
Understanding Insurance Rates in South Carolina
Who has the best Insurance Rates in South Carolina? Before we dive into which groups get the best rates in South Carolina, it helps to understand how rates are determined in that state.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
In South Carolina, drivers are required by law to carry certain minimum coverages. These include:
- Bodily Injury (BI) liability: at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. (doi.sc.gov)
- Property Damage (PD) liability: at least $25,000 per accident. (doi.sc.gov)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimums. (GEICO)
Knowing the baseline gives you context for how “cheap” or “expensive” rates are in SC.
Average Premiums in SC
Here are some benchmark numbers:
- According to Bankrate, full-coverage car insurance in South Carolina averages around $2,023/year. (Bankrate)
- Some other sources put average premiums higher (~$2,424/year) and note that SC is about 12 % above the U.S. average. (Liberty Mutual)
- Because of regional differences (ZIP code, vehicle type, driver age, record) rates will vary significantly.
Why Rates Tend to Be Higher in SC
Several state-specific factors push rates up:
- SC uses a tort system (not no-fault) for auto insurance, which tends to raise liability costs. (doi.sc.gov)
- There are geographic, demographic, and traffic-risk factors (e.g., accident frequency, repair costs) that may elevate premiums.
- Because many insurers factor in local claim frequency and exposure, some areas of SC will be more expensive than others.
Knowing that SC tends to run above national average means the “best rate” in SC may still look higher than in lower-cost states.
Who Gets the Best (Lowest) Insurance Rates in South Carolina?
Even in a higher-rate state like SC, some groups consistently get better deals. If you match certain profiles, you’re more likely to qualify for relatively “cheap” insurance in SC.
1. Drivers With Clean Records & Good Credit
- If you have no accidents, no tickets, no DUIs, you’ll generally be rated in a favorable tier. Since SC insurers track claim frequency and risky behaviour closely. (doi.sc.gov)
- Good credit can help, when permitted by state law, prove you are a lower risk for insurers.
2. Middle-Age Drivers With Mature Driving Behaviour
Drivers in their 30s to 55s often pay less than teen or very young drivers (who are riskier) or older drivers (who may face other risk factors). While I don’t have SC-specific age tiers publicly broken down, this pattern holds nationally and applies in state markets too.
3. Owners of Vehicles With Lower Repair Costs & Good Safety Ratings
- A vehicle with a strong safety record, anti-theft features, and modest repair costs will attract a lower premium.
- Avoid luxury cars or models with very high repair/parts costs if you’re aiming for the lower end.
4. Residents in Lower-Risk ZIP Codes
Within SC, rates will vary by area. If you live in a suburban or rural area with fewer claims and less traffic density, you’re likely to get better rates than someone in a high-traffic urban zone with more claims.
Although publicly available data for SC by ZIP code is limited here, this is a consistent factor in insurer pricing.
5. Drivers Who Use Discounts (Bundling, Safe Driving Programs)
- Insurers in SC offer discounts for bundling home + auto, insuring multiple vehicles, maintaining continuous coverage, and safe-driver programs. For example, one insurer in SC mentions that bundling policy types can help. (Progressive)
- Military personnel and veterans may also qualify for special rates (particularly via companies like USAA) if eligible. (usaa.com)
Example Profile of Someone Likely To Get Among The Best Rates in SC
Here’s a hypothetical profile:
- 40-year-old driver, living in a suburban ZIP code in SC
- Owns a sedan with good safety features (not luxury)
- Driving record: no accidents, no tickets in past 5 years
- Good credit score
- Insures the house and car with the same insurer (bundle)
- Takes advantage of safe driver discounts
This person checks the major risk-reduction boxes, so they would likely receive one of the lower premium offers in SC.
Caveats & What “Best” Really Means in SC
- Even the “best” rates in SC may still be higher than average in other states. Keep the state average in mind (~$2,000+ per year for full-coverage) so you set realistic expectations.
- “Cheapest” is not always safest. A very low-premium policy may have limited coverage or high deductibles. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples in coverage levels, not just price.
- Every insurer uses slightly different models. What’s “best” for one driver may not be best for another. Always get multiple quotes.
- Regional variations in SC still matter a lot: urban vs rural, ZIP code traffic/claim history, crime/ theft rates all affect cost.
How You Can Improve Your Odds of Getting the Best Rate in SC
- Maintain a clean driving record — no new accidents or tickets.
- Drive a safe, moderate-cost vehicle rather than luxury or high repair-cost models.
- Improve your credit score (if insurers are allowed to use it) and keep continuous insurance coverage without gaps.
- Bundle your auto policy with home/renters or other lines of insurance with the same company.
- Ask about all available discounts (multi-vehicle, safe driver, military/veteran, online purchase, pay-in-full).
- Shop around annually: getting multiple quotes in SC can reveal meaningful price differences.
- Consider raising the deductible if you’re comfortable doing so — higher deductibles reduce premium.
- If you live in a high-premiums ZIP code, evaluate whether moving to a lower-risk area is feasible (this might be long-term but can affect rates significantly).
FAQs
Q: Which insurance company is cheapest in South Carolina?
A: There is no one insurer that is universally the cheapest for every driver in SC. Because so many variables (age, ZIP code, vehicle, record) influence pricing, you’ll need to compare quotes. Some companies like Progressive and GEICO highlight online discounts in SC, but “cheapest” will depend on your profile. (Progressive)
Q: Are rates in South Carolina increasing?
A: Yes — like most states, SC has seen upward pressure on premiums due to higher repair costs, accident frequency, and inflation in vehicle parts/services. While I don’t have a specific percent for SC in this article, national trends apply.
Q: Does moving from one ZIP code to another in SC change my rate significantly?
A: Yes. Location is a big factor in insurance pricing. If you move to a ZIP code with fewer claims, less traffic, lower theft rate, etc., you may see lower premiums.
Q: If I have a history of one accident or speeding ticket, can I still get a good rate in SC?
A: Yes — but your rate will likely be higher than someone with a clean record. To still get the best possible rate for your situation: maintain a clean record going forward, raise your deductible, explore discounts, and compare quotes to find the best offer.
Q: Are there state-specific discounts or programs in SC I should know about?
A: Yes. Many insurers in SC offer multi-policy, multi-vehicle,-online purchase, safe driver, and military/veteran discounts. Always ask your insurer what available discounts you qualify for.
Final Thoughts
In South Carolina, the “best” insurance rates go to those who reduce risk in the biggest ways: clean driving record, credible credit, safe vehicle, favorable location, and leveraging discounts. If you check those boxes, you’ll be positioned for one of the lowest available rates in the state — though remember, even a low rate in SC may be higher than in some other states.
If you’re shopping for insurance in SC, don’t settle for the first quote. Get several, ensure you compare equivalent coverage levels, ask about all discounts, and revisit your policy annually. With the right strategy, you can land a strong rate relative to your profile.
Top Car Insurance Providers by Category in South Carolina
Average rates from different analyses highlight the following companies as typically the most affordable:
| Driver Profile | Cheapest Provider (Avg. Annual Rate) | Second Cheapest |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | American National ($297) | Encompass ($442) |
| Full Coverage | American National ($873) | Travelers ($1,428) |
| Young Drivers (Teen) | Encompass | Allstate |
| Drivers with Incidents | American National | (Varies by incident type) |
Note: For eligible drivers, USAA is also a very strong contender, often offering highly competitive rates and excellent customer service ratings.
Sources
South Carolina Department of Insurance (Automobile Insurance Basics)
Bankrate: Average Car Insurance in SC
Liberty Mutual: Car Insurance in SC
GEICO: Car Insurance in SC
Progressive: Car Insurance in SC
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