The average driver in South Carolina pays about $1,517 a year for full coverage — about 5% more than the US average of $1,438. That ranks South Carolina #14 of 51 states (mid-pack). The car you drive then shifts it: a cheap-to-insure model can land near $728, a high-loss one well over $11,171.
South Carolina insurance cost by coverage
Average South Carolina premium split by coverage type — liability is required, full coverage adds collision + comprehensive.
Minimum car insurance required in South Carolina
South Carolina legally requires at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Uninsured-motorist coverage is required. These are legal minimums — most drivers carry more to fully protect themselves.
Minimum coverage is the cheapest to buy, but it may not cover a serious crash — full coverage adds collision and comprehensive for your own car.
Cheapest cars to insure in South Carolina
Estimated annual premium in South Carolina, cheapest first — state average × each car's real HLDI loss index.
Know what a car really costs to insure and own.
- Your personalized rate — coverage, age & deductible
- Insurance in the 5-year cost-to-own
- Full coverage breakdown — cost per coverage
- Compare insurance across cars, side by side
- Export estimates to CSV / Excel
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- …and much more
Most expensive cars to insure in South Carolina
The priciest cars to insure in South Carolina — powerful, theft-prone and costly to repair.
South Carolina insurance cost by year
South Carolina premiums are up about +21% since 2019. Average South Carolina premium by year:
| Year | South Carolina avg / yr |
|---|---|
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2019 |
Car insurance cost in South Carolina's largest cities
Rates vary within South Carolina by city and ZIP — dense metros like Charleston run above the state average, while smaller towns run below. Estimated typical premium in South Carolina's biggest cities:
| City | Est. typical / yr | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $1,669/yr | +10% urban |
| Columbia | $1,623/yr | +7% urban |
| North Charleston | $1,593/yr | +5% urban |
| Mount Pleasant | $1,578/yr | +4% urban |
| Rock Hill | $1,547/yr | +2% urban |
| Greenville | $1,532/yr | ≈ state avg |
City figures are estimates — urban areas trend above the state average; your exact rate depends on your ZIP, car and record. Use the calculator above for your specific car.