📊 South Carolina at a Glance
Avg Annual Premium
$2,050
full coverage
National Ranking
#19
cheapest
vs National Avg
-$647
below avg
Uninsured Rate
14.5%
#18 nationally
⚠️ High Fatality Rates on Rural Roads
South Carolina has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation, particularly on rural highways. This makes adequate liability coverage and UM/UIM protection especially important. The state's 25/50/25 minimums may not be enough for serious accidents.
📋 South Carolina Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Must be offered |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Must be offered |
| PIP / Personal Injury Protection | Not required |
✓ Good news: SC law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage. Given the high fatality rates and 14.5% uninsured rate, you should accept this coverage.
⚖️ How South Carolina's Insurance System Works
At-Fault (Tort) State
South Carolina is a "pure" tort state—the at-fault driver's insurance pays for all damages.
Modified Comparative Fault
You can recover if you're 50% or less at fault. At 51%+, you get nothing.
💰 Cheapest & Most Expensive Cities
✓ Cheapest Cities
✗ Most Expensive Cities
Upstate SC (Greenville, Spartanburg) offers better rates than the coastal and capital regions.
🏆 Best Insurance Companies in South Carolina
| Insurer | Best For |
|---|---|
| State Farm | Strong SC presence, bundling |
| GEICO | Good drivers (often cheapest) |
| Progressive | Drivers with violations |
| SC Farm Bureau | Rural drivers, local focus |
| Allstate | Accident forgiveness |
💳 Credit Score Impact
Credit-based insurance scoring is allowed in South Carolina.
Your credit history can significantly affect your premium. Improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to lower rates.
🎁 Available Discounts
Defensive driving course
Good student discount
Bundle home + auto
Low mileage discount
🌊 Coastal SC: Hurricane Considerations
If you live in coastal SC (Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head):
- • Comprehensive coverage is essential for flooding and storm damage
- • Check for hurricane deductibles (often 2-5% of home value, may affect auto)
- • Rates are higher in coastal ZIP codes due to storm exposure
- • Bundle with hurricane-resistant home insurance for discounts
💡 Tips for South Carolina Drivers
- ✓ Accept UM/UIM coverage - SC requires insurers to offer it; take it
- ✓ Consider higher liability - 25/50/25 minimums may not cover serious rural accidents
- ✓ Quote SC Farm Bureau - Good for rural Palmetto State drivers
- ✓ Coastal? Get comprehensive - Hurricane damage is too common to skip
- ✓ Use SC DOI - doi.sc.gov for complaints and rate comparisons
The Bottom Line
South Carolina has affordable rates ($2,050/year, 19th cheapest) but serious risks: high rural fatality rates and 14.5% uninsured drivers. The state requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage—accept it.
Best strategy: GEICO often offers the best rates for good drivers. Consider higher liability limits given SC's dangerous rural roads. Coastal residents need comprehensive coverage for hurricane season. Bundle with home insurance for maximum savings.
🆚 SC vs NC: Quick Comparison
South Carolina
- • $2,050/year average
- • 25/50/25 minimums
- • UM/UIM must be offered
North Carolina
- • $1,831/year average
- • 50/100/25 minimums (2025)
- • UM/UIM required
NC is cheaper with better minimum protections. SC requires insurers to offer UM/UIM but doesn't mandate purchase.