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Last updated: May 8, 2026Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina of 2026
USAA, GEICO, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, and Farm Bureau are top picks for Palmetto State residents.
Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5
Full Coverage Averages in South Carolina
- Annual premium: $1,756
- Monthly premium: $146
Best For Bad Record
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5
Full Coverage Averages in South Carolina
- Annual premium: $2,210
- Monthly premium: $184
Best for Customer Service
Editor's Rating:4.8/5
4.8/5
Full Coverage Averages Nationally
- Annual premium: $1,987
- Monthly premium: $166
Key Takeaways: Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina 2026
USAA, GEICO, and Auto-Owners are among the best auto insurance options for South Carolina drivers.
- Full coverage averages $2,458/year in South Carolina — right around the national average of $2,356/year.
- USAA is the top pick for military/veterans, with full coverage averaging $1,756/year — 29% below the state average.
- GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $739/year, ideal for budget-minded drivers.
- Auto-Owners is a top budget pick, with full coverage at $1,899/year and strong customer satisfaction scores.
Our pricing data includes average rates, which don’t necessarily reflect rates you may be quoted. However, the rates we provide do offer a useful starting point when comparing auto insurance providers.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in South Carolina
- Best for Military/Veterans: USAA
- Best for Minimum Coverag: GEICO
- Best for Customer Service: Nationwide
- Best Auto Insurance for Homeowners in South Carolina: Auto-Owners
- Best for Families with Young Drivers: Farm Bureau
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in South Carolina | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in South Carolina | Southeast customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $146 | $38 | Above average |
| GEICO | $184 | $62 | Above average |
| Nationwide | Data not available | Data not available | Above average |
| Auto-Owners | $158 | $66 | Below average |
| Farm Bureau | $168 | Data not available | Not rated |
| South Carolina | $205 | $78 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina
1. USAA - Best for Military/Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $29 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $106 mo.
- Competitive rates for military/veterans
- Military-focused policies with robust offerings
- Consistently high customer satisfaction
Military eligibility required- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA offers some of the most competitive rates on the market to eligible military and their families. It has the cheapest rates in South Carolina for a variety of driver profiles, including drivers with clean records and those with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or low credit.
Be aware that USAA has specific membership requirements: you must be active or retired military, a veteran with an honorable discharge, or a spouse/widowed spouse/child of a current or former USAA policyholder.1 USAA is also best for drivers who prefer managing policies online or on the phone, as it doesn’t have physical offices for in-person appointments.
FYI:
You can get 15 percent of comprehensive coverage if you garage your car on a military base, like Fort Jackson.
Who it’s best for
Military/veteran/qualifying family, drivers who prefer managing policies online or on the phone, people who prioritize customer service
USAA South Carolina Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $146 | $38 |
| Annually | $1,756 | $457 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -29% | -51% |
2. GEICO - Best for Minimum Coverag
4.2
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $28 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $87 mo.
- Competitive rates for minimum coverage
- Wide range of discounts offered
- Excellent financial rating
- Limited agent presence
- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO has the cheapest average rates for minimum coverage in South Carolina (after USAA), and is our top pick for drivers seeking savings through a basic insurance plan. It also offers an impressive selection of discounts – including multi-vehicle, new vehicle, good driver, and more – as well as a strong ability to pay out claims per its A++ financial rating from AM Best.2
GEICO offers an intuitive mobile app and website for fast and seamless policy management, and we recommend it for tech-savvy drivers who prefer using these tools over interacting with agents.
Who it’s best for
Budget-minded drivers seeking minimum coverage, customers with low credit scores, high-risk drivers, policyholders who like self-servicing online
GEICO South Carolina Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $184 | $62 |
| Annually | $2,210 | $739 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -10% | -21% |
3. Nationwide - Best for Customer Service
4.8
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $60 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $162 mo.
- High customer service ratings
- Competitive rates for good drivers
- Customizable plan with numerous add-ons
- Not available in select states
- Expensive for teen drivers
Why we chose it
Nationwide is our top carrier for customer service-minded drivers, with above average scores in J.D. Power studies — including third place in the Southeast region. It offers competitive rates for good drivers with few-to-zero accidents, tickets, or DUIs on their record. Policyholders can double down on savings with bundled discounts, enrollment in telematics programs, and more.3
We also recommend Nationwide if you’re looking for a highly customizable plan with ample add-on options. Nationwide policyholders have access to numerous coverage options such as standard liability, collision, comprehensive, and PIP, as well as optional features like accident forgiveness and gap insurance for extra protection.
Who it’s best for
Policyholders who prioritize customer service, drivers with clean records, customers seeking a customizable plan with numerous add-on options
4. Auto-Owners - Best Auto Insurance for Homeowners in South Carolina
4.4
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $43 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $156 mo.
- Competitive pricing for budget-minded drivers
- Robust coverage options at a great value
- High customer satisfaction
- Agent-only sales
- Slower digital adoption
Why we chose it
Auto-Owners is a regional carrier with lower-than-average premiums on which drivers can layer easy-to-earn discounts, like multi-policy, multi-car, and safe driver.4 It offers substantial coverage at a great value, with standard coverages like comprehensive and collision and strong add-ons like gap coverage, accident forgiveness, and diminished value coverage.5
Additionally, Auto-Owners has higher-than-average customer satisfaction scores in J.D. Power studies and low complaint volumes per NAIC. Customers are generally happy with its fast and thorough claims handling process, but keep in mind that Auto-Owners lacks a strong online self-service platform: you’ll have to contact agents to manage claims and policies.
Who it’s best for
Drivers seeking robust coverage at a great value, policyholders who want customizable coverage and add-ons, people who value customer experience
Auto-Owners South Carolina Pricing
| Auto-Owners | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $158 | $66 |
| Annually | $1,899 | $792 |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -23% | -15% |
5. Farm Bureau - Best for Families with Young Drivers
- Young driver-focused programs and discounts
- Competitive, often lower-than-average premiums
- Personalized and local agent experience
Why we chose it
South Carolina Farm Bureau sells auto insurance in the state via Southern Farm Bureau. We recommend the company for its young driver-focused programs and discounts, which are aimed at rewarding safe driving and behavior in under-25 drivers.6 Drivers can earn safe driving, good student, and driver’s ed completion discounts, which can reduce baseline premiums for young drivers that are often lower than the state average.
Farm Bureau is also best for drivers who have clean driving records, can bundle home and auto insurance for savings, and like working with local agents they can call or visit. However, your experience may vary by office location. Before signing on, make sure the agent or office you choose are highly rated and have great reviews.
Who it’s best for
Families with young drivers, good drivers with clean records, policyholders who enjoy working with agents instead of online or on mobile app
Farm Bureau South Carolina Pricing
| Farm Bureau | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $168 | Data not available |
| Annually | $2,020 | Data not available |
| Difference from South Carolina average | -18% | Data not available |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Southeast7 | CRASH Network Report Card8 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction9 | NAIC Complaint Index10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 749 | C- | 741 | 3.10 |
| GEICO | 670 | C- | 697 | 1.55 |
| Nationwide | 691 | C | 729 | 2.55 |
| Auto-Owners | 641 | B (Honor Roll) | 711 | 1.05 |
| Southern Farm Bureau | Not rated | B+ (Honor Roll) | Not rated | 0.28 |
| Average | 667 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in South Carolina
Full Coverage Rates in South Carolina
South Carolina drivers can expect to pay around 4 percent over the national average for car insurance. On average, full coverage in South Carolina costs $2,458 a year or $205 a month.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $2,458 | $205 |
| National Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage Rates in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $934 a year or $78 a month. This is around 23 percent higher than the national average.
Auto insurance costs can vary significantly based on your driving history, vehicle, and provider. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three providers to help you find the best coverage at the most affordable cost.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $934 | $78 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Auto Insurance Costs by City in South Carolina
Auto insurance rates can also vary based on region. Among cities in South Carolina, Rock Hill residents enjoy some of the cheapest average rates at $2,188 per year or $182 per month. Rates in Mount Pleasant are also on the cheaper side at $2,190 annually or $183 per month.
Conversely, North Charleston’s auto insurance rates are some of the most expensive in the state. Rates here average $2,511 per year or $209 per month.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| North Charleston | $2,511 | $209 |
| Charleston | $2,425 | $202 |
| Columbia | $2,318 | $193 |
| Rock Hill | $2,188 | $182 |
| Mount Pleasant | $2,190 | $183 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 815 traffic fatalities occurred between Jan-Dec 2025 (as of Dec 5, 2025)11. This figure fell from 2024’s recorded total of 963 traffic fatalities. Fatal collisions also declined in 2025, falling from 883 to 765. As of Dec 5, 2025, South Carolina has seen four straight years of declining fatal collisions and roadway deaths.12
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in South Carolina
If you’re a licensed driver in South Carolina, having auto insurance is a legal requirement.13 South Carolina state law requires these minimum liability limits:
- Bodily injury/death per person: $25,000
- Total bodily injury per accident: $50,000
- Property damage: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage that matches the liability minimums above
TIP
Underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in South Carolina, but we recommend adding it to your insurance plan to ensure you’re covered if the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverage are also optional, though recommended to protect against physical damage to your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are non-military and have an eligible family connection to an existing USAA member, you may qualify for USAA insurance. Keep in mind USAA is only available to active-duty military, military retirees or veterans with an honorable discharge, or eligible family members (i.e. spouse, widowed spouse, or child of a current/former USAA member).
South Carolina drivers should consider a 100/300/100 limit instead ($100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage). These recommended limits are far higher than the 25/50/25 legal minimums, which are often too low to cover medical and repair costs for a minor crash.
Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in South Carolina if you haven’t paid the state’s uninsured motorist fee of around $700/year. If you’re cited for this, you risk escalating fines starting at $100, potential jail time, and suspension of your license and registration.14
Expanses for medical bills/vehicle damage often exceed the 25/50/25 minimums in a moderate crash, and South Carolina is a fault-based state. If you’re at fault for an accident, the injured party can pursue your savings, home equity, and more if their claims exceed your limits. Many drivers also carry the minimum, so you may not be covered if the other party is at fault but underinsured.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required in South Carolina, and protects you when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any liability insurance. On the other hand, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional and protects you when the at-fault driver has some, but not enough coverage to pay for your losses in an accident.
TIP
Carrying both UM and UIM coverage is particularly helpful, and we recommend doing so if you can afford it. This will ensure you’re protected in an accident, since many drivers only carry the state minimum limits or are uninsured.
Methodology - How We Review Providers
We evaluated auto insurance providers in South Carolina and based our reviews on the following criteria:
- Pricing (40%): We analyzed the costs of both full and minimum coverage premiums in South Carolina for drivers with clean records and those with prior incidents like DUIs. We also considered available discounts. Minimum coverage averages meet South Carolina’s state-mandated limits, while full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: Same as bodily injury liability
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): Efficient claims handling is critical for any auto insurance provider. We reviewed third-party data from independent sources like the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study, AM Best, and other reports to evaluate claims handling.
- Customer experience (25%): We assessed customer experience from various perspectives, including the ease of getting a quote, digital tools, policy management options, and availability of local agents. Our evaluation incorporated third-party data from sources like J.D. Power, alongside app ratings and data on the provider’s customer service for South Carolina drivers.
- Coverage options (10%): We reviewed each company’s coverage offerings, preferring providers with options beyond South Carolina’s minimum requirements. Additional coverage options considered include mechanical breakdown insurance, rideshare coverage and other benefits.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.
Citations
About USAA Membership. USAA. (n.d.). https://www.usaa.com/membership/about/?wa_ref=pub_global_membership
Car Insurance Discounts – Save Money on Auto Insurance. GEICO. (n.d.). https://www.geico.com/save/discounts/car-insurance-discounts/
Auto Ways to Save. Auto-Owners Insurance. (n.d.). https://www.auto-owners.com/insurance/auto/ways-to-save
Coverages
. Auto Owners. https://www.auto-owners.com/insurance/auto/coveragesCar Insurance. Nationwide. https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/
Car Insurance. Farm Bureau Insurance. (2026).
https://www.scfbins.com/insurance/sc-auto-insurance/car-insuranceIt’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmHighway Safety Statistical Services. SC.gov. (2026).
https://scdps.sc.gov/ohsjp/stat_servicesSouth Carolina Traffic Deaths Declining. Fits News. (2025).
https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/12/08/south-carolina-traffic-deaths-declining/Automobile Insurance. SC DOI. (2026).
https://www.doi.sc.gov/588/Automobile-InsuranceFacts About Driving Uninsured. SCDMV. (2026).
https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/insurance-requirements/facts-about-driving-uninsured
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