South Carolina drivers now typically pay about $1,900–$2,050 per year for full coverage and roughly $630–$700 for minimum coverage, based on 2025 analyses from major industry sources like Bankrate, NerdWallet, and The Zebra. With so many insurers to choose from, the best fit depends on your profile and coverage needs. To make shopping easier, Reviews.com reviewed leading companies writing policies in the Palmetto State to help you narrow your options.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
To determine the carriers to feature, we assessed 2025 affordability studies for South Carolina, coverage features and discounts, service signals from the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study (Southeast region), and financial strength. Our analysis indicates the following four companies remain strong options for many South Carolina drivers:
- State Farm: Best for Customer Service
- Allstate: Best for Coverage Options
- USAA: Best for Military-Centric Options
- Nationwide: Best for Cheap Full Coverage
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
Our top four companies were chosen based on our research methodology. However, the company that best fits your needs may not be on this list. Be sure to understand what you want and need, and then shop around to compare companies and rates. In today’s market, consider adding at least one telematics quote (usage-based program) to see if safe-driving or low-mileage habits can lower your price.
| Average Annual Minimum Coverage Premium* | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* | AM Best AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power** J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin State Farm | $616 | $1,457 | A++ | 859 | |
| Pin Allstate | $433 | $1,379 | A+ | 838 | |
| Pin USAA | $507 | $1,447 | A++ | 890** | |
| Pin Nationwide | $585 | $1,326 | A+ | 831 |
This comparison module reflects older inputs and may not match 2025 prices; use the current sources cited in this article for up-to-date figures.
*Premium data for that module was originally sourced from Bankrate; current 2025 statewide averages have increased — see Bankrate and NerdWallet.
**J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast Region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not eligible for official ranking due to eligibility restrictions.
State Farm
Best for Customer Service
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- Lower-than-average premium
- Superior financial strength
- High J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Cons
- Not as many endorsements as some other carriers
- Higher-than-average NAIC overall complaint index
- Accident forgiveness cannot be added as an endorsement
Other Policies Offered
- Home
- Renters
- Farm & ranch
- Life
Standout Discounts Available
- Accident-free
- Drive Safe & Save
- Steer Clear
- Vehicle safety
Allstate
Best for Coverage Options
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average premium
- Plenty of coverage options available
- Several discounts available
Cons
- Lower financial strength than some competitors
- Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
Other Policies Offered
- Home
- Renters
- Business
- Life
Standout Discounts Available
- New car
- Early Signing
- Responsible payer
- Safe driving club
USAA
Best for Military-Centric Options
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- High J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Superior financial strength
- Military-related discounts
Cons
- Limited eligibility
- Not the lowest premium on our list
- Fewer coverage options advertised than other carriers
Other Policies Offered
- Condo
- Landlord
- Flood
- Antique classic car
Standout Discounts Available
- Military on-base
- Automatic payments
- Storage
- Family
Nationwide
Best for Cheap Full Coverage
Why We Chose It
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average full coverage premium
- Accident forgiveness option is available
- Numerous discounts
Cons
- Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
- Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
- Higher-than-average NAIC overall complaint index
Other Policies Offered
- Home
- Motorcycle
- Snowmobile
- Boat
Standout Discounts Available
- SmartRide
- SmartMiles
- Multi-policy
- Safe driver
This comparison module reflects older inputs and may not match 2025 prices; use the current sources cited in this article for up-to-date figures.
*Premium data for that module was originally sourced from Bankrate; current 2025 statewide averages have increased — see Bankrate and NerdWallet.
**J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast Region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not eligible for official ranking due to eligibility restrictions.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in South Carolina
Full coverage car insurance in South Carolina typically runs about $1,900–$2,050 per year, while minimum coverage averages roughly $630–$700, based on 2025 consumer rate studies from Bankrate, NerdWallet, and The Zebra. That places the state slightly below to roughly in line with the current U.S. full-coverage average, which many sources place in the low-to-mid $2,000s. Your price will vary based on your driver profile, vehicle, location, and coverage choices, so it’s smart to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes against your own needs.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Geico | $1,700–$1,900 |
| State Farm | $1,750–$1,950 |
| USAA (if eligible) | $1,700–$1,900 |
*Ranges based on 2025 consumer rate studies (e.g., Bankrate, NerdWallet); your rate will vary.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in South Carolina
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Farmers | $2,200–$2,700 |
| Allstate | $2,000–$2,400 |
| Progressive | $1,900–$2,300 |
*Ranges based on 2025 consumer rate studies (e.g., Bankrate, The Zebra); brand positioning varies by driver profile and ZIP.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in South Carolina
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Walhalla | $1,500–$1,700 |
| Seneca | $1,500–$1,700 |
| West Union | $1,520–$1,720 |
*2025 directional ranges based on statewide averages and typical ZIP variation (±10–25%) from sources like Bankrate and The Zebra; actual city averages depend on the study and profile used.
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in South Carolina
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Furman | $2,200–$2,500 |
| Estill | $2,150–$2,450 |
| Allendale | $2,100–$2,400 |
*2025 directional ranges based on statewide averages and typical ZIP variation (±10–25%) from sources like Bankrate and The Zebra; consult the latest state/city tables for specific quotes.
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in South Carolina
When you’re shopping for car insurance, it helps to understand state-required coverages and the optional protections that fit your situation. In 2025, premiums are elevated versus prior years due to higher claim costs, but comparison shopping and discounts (including telematics/usage-based programs) can still make a meaningful difference. Having some knowledge before shopping can help you feel more in control.
South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
South Carolina requires that drivers carry at least the following minimum coverage types and limits to drive legally (also see the South Carolina Code):
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage per accident
Insurance companies must also offer underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline it in writing. By statute, UM property damage carries a $200 deductible. While these minimum limits will let you drive legally, you may want to consider higher limits for more financial protection.
Car Insurance Coverage Options
If you have a loan on your vehicle, you’ll probably have to carry full coverage in addition to your liability coverage. Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision, which protects your finances from paying entirely out of pocket to repair your vehicle due to a covered claim. Comprehensive coverage is especially relevant in South Carolina because it can cover weather-related damage (hail, wind, flooding) that can accompany tropical systems; recent NOAA reporting highlights elevated severe-weather and tropical impacts across the Southeast.
You might want to think about adding a few endorsements, too, depending on your lifestyle. If you travel often, you might consider roadside assistance coverage and increasing rental reimbursement limits to reflect current repair cycle times. Consider usage-based telematics programs for potential savings, and EV-focused add-ons (charger equipment, out-of-charge towing) if you drive an electric vehicle. OEM parts or full glass coverage (including ADAS calibration) may also be worth exploring depending on your car and repair preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com reviews products, services, and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. For the best car insurance companies, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction signals (e.g., the latest J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study), and online resources from each company to determine top providers.
For average pricing, we synthesized 2025 rate studies for South Carolina from sources such as Bankrate, NerdWallet, and The Zebra. These studies typically model a 35–40-year-old driver with full coverage around 100/300/50 liability limits and $500 deductibles (methodologies vary by publisher).
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, we referenced the minimums set by each state. Our base-profile drivers are modeled as commuting five days a week and driving about 12,000 miles annually in a late‑model sedan.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
