South Carolina is home to many auto insurance companies, including some that specialize in South Carolina.According to extensive research by Bankrate, the best include Auto-Owners (and Geico) into available coverage.
HoweverSouth Carolina residents pay an average of $1,512 annually for full coverage. This is based on Bankrate’s review of annual premiums.A policy from one of our providers may be cheaper than a policy from another. These companies offer a variety of coverage options, whether you want basic coverage or a wide selection of endorsements.
Although every driver has their own needs, it is important to have at least some coverage for property and injuries so that they don’t become solely responsible for any liability. South Carolina drivers may find this especially important, as the unexpected nature of car accidents and other vehicle-related events can result in high costs. To ensure every motorist knows the top options available to them, Bankrate reviewed and compared the best car insurance companies in South Carolina to narrow down the search.
South Carolina’s best car insurance companies
Bankrate’s editorial team for insurance researched South Carolina’s major insurance companies by market share to find thatThe best are Auto-Owners and Travelers, State Farm, Progressive, Geico, Travelers, State Farm, State Farm and Progressive.Each company was given a score during our review.Bankrate ScoreThis takes into consideration the most recent quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services and third-party customer satisfaction. It also considers financial strength ratings from sources such as 2020 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction StudyAM Best?S&PMoody’s, applicable coverages and discounts. The Scores are based on a scale of 5.0; the higher the rating, a company is ranked in each category.
Our list includes car insurance companies that have a Bankrate Score above 4.0. This makes them very competitive in the market and reflects the key factors that affect policyholders’ experiences. Each company also offers comprehensive policies at lower premiums than the state average, even though price is just one aspect of choosing a company. These companies could be the right place to start if you’re looking for the best South Carolina auto insurance.
Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners, a South Carolina regional insurance carrier, is available. It is our highest-ranking insurer in customer satisfaction and third overall in claims satisfaction. Although the company isn’t available in all regions, it ranks highly across all of them, as demonstrated by its consistently above-average placements in the 2021 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. You also get high-quality, localized coverage. There are special endorsements like a purchase price guarantee to protect your vehicle at the value it is before depreciation, and an optional Auto-Owners coverage package that includes more than 10 add ons, including replacement of your cell phone.
Geico
Geico could be a good option for South Carolina drivers who are on a tight budget. The insurers coverage calculator can help you estimate your monthly payments and determine how much insurance you can afford. Geico has the second-lowest average premiums on our list. However, the company offers many discounts including savings for multiple vehicles, loyalty of customers, federal employees and good students. Geico’s complaint index is 1.7, which is higher than the industry average of 1. (meaning Geico gets more complaints than the average). However, Geico scores significantly better on its private passenger auto insurance score of.79.
State Farm
State Farm offers excellent online and mobile tools. They also have local agents in South Carolina that can provide personalized service to your policy. State Farm has the highest average premium on our list. However, it offers the advantage of having local agents in 55 South Carolina towns. This may make State Farm’s policies very accessible. It is also a great option for people who like to build trust with their agent face-to-face. You can also save by taking up to 25% off for students.
Travelers
Travelers has the lowest average full coverage premium of all the companies on our list, but still manages to tie for our highest Bankrate Score. The insurer’s high performance in financial strength, shown by its A++ (Superior) AM Best rating, speaks to its ability to sustain reliable coverage despite its lower-than-average cost. J.D. did not give travelers a better score than average. J.D. did not give travelers a high score in satisfaction with auto claims. However, this may appeal to customers who are looking for many optional coverages and a wide range of discounts. An agent can provide a quote tailored to your situation if budget and custom coverage are important concerns. To personalize your policy, you can add coverages such as gap insurance, rental car coverage, and ridesharing coverage.
Progressive
Progressive is unique because it is willing to accept high-risk drivers. Policyholders can sign up for the Snapshot program to learn safer driving habits and save on their insurance. Progressive is a good choice for South Carolina drivers looking to switch carriers. It allows you to test drive safely and see how much discount you can get without signing up for a policy. Although the company is not a top choice for auto claims satisfaction it could still be a good option for those on a tight budget. To ensure that Progressive is the right fit for you, you could use the Name Your Price tool.
Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers pay less for car insurance than those in the nation. While South Carolina drivers pay, on average, $1,512 annually for full coverage, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $1,674 per year. However, minimum coverage in South Carolina is roughly about the same cost as the rest of the country. In South Carolina, the average annual minimum coverage cost is $565. It’s $558 less than in the national average. It may also be because of its rural location, which reduces the risk of traffic accidents.
Quadrant Information Services gives us the most current quoted premiums as at 2021. This allows us to compare prices and provides a better point of reference when you collect quotes. Rates may vary depending on which provider you choose and the driver profile.
How to get the best South Carolina car insurance
Each driver’s driving record, financial situation and road experience are all different. This means that each person will have a different approach to finding the best car insurance in South Carolina. The following steps will help you get started with your insurance shopping journey.
South Carolina’s minimum insurance requirements are worth considering
South Carolina has a strict set of requirements regarding liability insurance because its car insurance laws are at fault. These limits allow for the inclusion of bodily injury or property damage. Additionally, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which kicks in for accidents that involve an at-fault driver who lacks coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage is also required, but it can be declined by the driver.
Consider lender requirements
Full coverage is optional, though many South Carolina motorists may find it essential, as it is the only coverage type that offers financial protection for damage to your vehicle. Cars that are leased, financed or otherwise insured must have collision and comprehensive coverages in order to protect the loan against any damage or loss. Similarly, drivers may prefer to purchase gap insurance to cover the gap between an insurance payout and the outstanding balance on a loan for a newer financed vehicle, in the event it is totaled or stolen.
Take into account your personal needs
Insurance premiums can be affected by any risky behavior or aspect. Some common high-risk insurance factors include adding a teen driver to your policy and insuring someone with driving violations, such as a ticket or DUI. Every factor is different depending on the provider. However, if you have high-risk driving situations, it is a good idea search for insurers that provide coverage.
Some insurers offer student discounts at an exceptional level, while others have lower premiums for violations or may offer options such as accident forgiveness. To get the best comparison, it is important to know your driving history.
South Carolina offers car insurance discounts
Although auto insurance rates in South Carolina are generally lower than they are in the county as a whole, you may be able to save additional money by utilizing discounts. While every company offers different discounts for their customers, there are some that can be found in South Carolina. These discounts relate to policy management and driving habits. You might be eligible for these discounts:
- Young driver discounts:Drivers below 25 years old may be eligible for discounts such as good student discounts, distant student discounts, and discounts for teen drivers.
- Safe driver discounts:You may be eligible for a discount if you have not been in an accident, received tickets, or filed a claim. You may also be eligible for safe driving discounts if you have safe driving habits that are monitored, even if your driving record isn’t perfect.
- Additional discountsYou might be eligible for a discount if you purchase more than one type from the same company. Many times,Bundles of auto and home insurance policiesThe best savings are the ones that offer the largest discounts. There are other ways to save money: You can choose to pay in full or monthly. Or, you can sign up for automatic withdrawals and paperless statements.
Although auto insurance discounts are quite common, each company has its own rules and qualifications. You can save money by talking to an agent from your insurance company, or online reviewing discount offers.
Questions frequently asked
Which South Carolina car insurance company is the most affordable?
On average, we found Geico, Auto-Owners and Allstate to be some of the largest and cheapest car insurance companies in South Carolina. You can get quotes from other carriers to help you determine which insurer is the most affordable for your situation. Sometimes, a local provider might be able offer you the coverage you require. However, larger insurers may offer greater discounts.
What happens if I don’t have insurance in South Carolina
Driving without insurance is risky and can result in serious consequences. You could face fines, suspension of your license, and even imprisonment if you are found driving without insurance. Your license will be suspended and you will need insurance to reinstate it. Also, your premium might be higher than if there was no lapse in coverage. You will be responsible for any injuries or damages you cause by an accident.
What information is required to obtain an insurance quote?
Although getting auto insurance quotes is easy, it’s a good idea to have basic information. Names, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers will be required for any auto insurance quote. You will also need the year, make and model of the vehicles you wish to insure, as well as the vehicle identification number (VIN). This information could be found on your declaration page if you have an existing insurance policy. It is helpful to know what coverage you are looking for. However, you may also be able to get quotes for different levels of coverage.
What coverage do I need in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, full coverage does not include comprehensive or collision coverages. Full coverage may be required if your vehicle is newer, more expensive, or you don’t have the funds to replace or repair it. Your lender may require that you purchase full coverage if you have a loan, lease or other financial obligation. The vehicle is still their property to protect.
