- Car Insurance
- Auto Insurance by State
- South Carolina Car Insurance
Get a South Carolina car insurance quote
You could save over $700 on auto insurance when you switch to Liberty Mutual1
Buying auto insurance in South Carolina
Need car insurance in South Carolina? Whether you live on the Sea Islands or Charleston, Liberty Mutual has you covered. From liability protection to comprehensive coverage, we customize your South Carolina auto insurance, so you only pay for what you need.
South Carolina drivers could save money with these auto insurance discounts
Buy your policy online and save. It's that simple.2
Learn more about SavingsConvenience and savings — need we say more? Combine your policies and get a discount.2
Learn about Bundling and Save Discounts and moreGet rewarded for your good driving behavior by saving up to 30% on your policy.3
Save with our safe driver programSouth Carolina minimum car insurance requirements (25/50/25)
It's illegal to drive without car insurance in South Carolina. To drive legally, you need to have at least the following coverage amounts and minimums in South Carolina.4
Coverage type | State requirements |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury to others Coverage | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability Coverage | $25,000 per accident |
See the South Carolina Department of Insurance for official coverage requirements and details.
Average cost of car insurance in South Carolina, 2026
According to 2026 data, the average cost of “full” coverage car insurance in South Carolina is about $2,724 per year.
Drivers in South Carolina will often pay more, or less, depending on their coverages, car, age, driving record, and where they live.
Who offers cheap car insurance in South Carolina?
Finding the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina may sound great, but a low-cost policy may not pay out when you need it.
You want car insurance that's affordable, and dependable if you have an accident. Trusted for over 100 years, we have the experience and stability to back you up.
A Liberty Mutual auto insurance policy can cost less than you think.5
- $817 lower than GEICO
- $731 lower than Progressive
- $839 lower than State Farm
- $758 lower than Allstate
South Carolina car insurance FAQs
- Yes. South Carolina law requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. You'll often see this listed as 25/50/25 coverage. Additionally, drivers must also carry Uninsured Motorist coverage.
- Car insurance is required before you can register or legally drive in South Carolina. The best time to buy it is before you take ownership of the vehicle.
Most insurers offer a short grace period for new vehicles, but your existing policy should be updated for the new vehicle as soon as possible. If you're switching insurers, make sure the end date of the old policy matches the start date on the new policy to avoid a coverage gap.
- Car insurance costs in South Carolina can vary based on factors like your driving history, vehicle, coverage selections, and where you live. Premiums may be higher in coastal areas that face increased weather risks from hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms. Drivers in more heavily populated or high-traffic areas may also pay more due to a greater frequency of accidents and claims.
- In South Carolina, teen drivers with a permit or provisional license are typically added to their parent or guardian's car insurance policy. They can purchase their own policy when they turn 18, but they may pay higher rates due to limited driving experience. Liberty Mutual offers a Good Student and a Student-Away-at-School discount to help lower costs for young drivers.
- In South Carolina, “full coverage” car insurance generally refers to carrying the legal minimum insurance described in the section above, plus:
- Comprehensive coverage: helps pay for damages caused by events like hail, fire, or theft
- Collision coverage: helps cover the cost to fix damage to your car from an accident with another car
For leased or financed cars, most lenders require Comprehensive and Collision coverage.