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Car Insurance in South Carolina: Rates, Minimums & How to Save (2026)
By ReliablePolicy Editorial Team
South Carolina drivers pay about $2,022 a year for full coverage — roughly 25% below the national average. South Carolina is an at-fault state that requires uninsured-motorist coverage on top of a 25/50/25 liability minimum. Here's the coverage you must carry, what South Carolinians pay, and how to find a cheaper rate.
Avg. full coverage
$2,022/yr
≈25% below U.S. avg.
Avg. minimum coverage
$671/yr
≈20% below U.S. avg.
State minimum
25/50/25
+ UM required
Fault system
At-fault (tort)
At-fault driver pays
vs. U.S. average
−25%
Below national average
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Minimum coverage required in South Carolina
| Coverage | Required limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25k / $50k | Per person / per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25k | Required |
| Uninsured motorist | $25k / $50k / $25k | Required in South Carolina |
| Personal injury protection | Not required | South Carolina is an at-fault state |
State-mandated minimum coverages. Source: Bankrate, “Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements by State.” Verify current limits with your state insurance department.
Average South Carolina premiums by coverage level
| Coverage level | Avg. annual premium | vs. U.S. avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $2,022/yr | 25% below U.S. | Comp + collision included |
| Minimum coverage | $671/yr | 20% below U.S. | Includes required UM |
Source: Bankrate, “Car Insurance Rates by State” (2026). National averages: $2,697 full coverage / $841 minimum coverage. Independent market estimates, not quotes.
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South Carolina estimated rates by driver profile (2026)
Estimates anchor each profile to South Carolina's average full-coverage premium and apply national rate-increase multipliers from public data — not quotes from any carrier.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. clean record | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$2,022/yr | Baseline | State full-coverage average |
| One at-fault accident | ~$2,891/yr | +43% | 2,022 × 1.43 (Bankrate avg) |
| Speeding ticket | ~$2,507/yr | +24% | 2,022 × 1.24 (Bankrate avg) |
| DUI on record | ~$3,801/yr | +88% | 2,022 × 1.88 (Bankrate avg) |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$4,044/yr | ≈2× | Roughly double (Bankrate avg) |
| Poor credit score | ~$3,437/yr | +70% | 2,022 × 1.70 (Bankrate avg) |
Multipliers (national averages, full coverage): at-fault accident +43%, speeding +24%, DUI +88%, age 18–24 ≈ 2×, poor credit +70% (Bankrate). Actual premiums are set by carriers on your individual profile.
South Carolina: what helps and what hurts your rate
In your favor
- ✓Full-coverage premiums run about 25% below the national average
- ✓Mandatory UM coverage protects against uninsured drivers
- ✓Competitive market with national and regional carriers
- ✓Below-average minimum-coverage cost (~$671/yr)
Works against you
- ✗Coastal hurricane and flood exposure raises comprehensive claims
- ✗High uninsured-driver rate increases costs across the market
- ✗Credit history is a permitted rating factor
- ✗Charleston and coastal rates run above the state average
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A closer look at car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina pairs below-average pricing with required UM coverage, which adds protection at modest cost. Coastal weather makes comprehensive coverage valuable, especially near Charleston and the coast. With credit and location driving differences between carriers, comparison shopping is the most reliable way to capture South Carolina's lower baseline.
Bottom line
South Carolina is an affordable state with required UM coverage, though coastal risk argues for full coverage. Comparing carriers and keeping credit healthy is the best way to land a competitive South Carolina rate.
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Frequently asked questions about South Carolina car insurance
Disclaimer: ReliablePolicy is an independent lead generation and comparison service and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by any insurance carrier or government agency. Coverage requirements change — always confirm current minimums with your state insurance department. Rate figures shown are independent market estimates based on publicly available data (primarily Bankrate) and are not quotes, representations, or guarantees of pricing by any carrier. By submitting your information, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile.
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