Auto Insurance in South Carolina 2026

South Carolina’s auto insurance market has been significantly shaped by its rapid coastal growth — the Myrtle Beach corridor and Charleston metro have seen explosive population growth that’s driving up congestion and accident rates. Hurricane Debby’s August 2024 flooding of coastal South Carolina caused widespread auto total losses. The South Carolina Department of Insurance under Director Bruce Smith has been particularly active on consumer protection following storm events. South Carolina’s uninsured motorist rate is estimated at 10-12%, making UM coverage valuable, especially in the Pee Dee region.

Quick Answer: Auto insurance in South Carolina costs an average of $640/year for minimum coverage and $1,980/year for full coverage. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage and is an at-fault state. Rates have risen in recent years due to rapid population growth in the Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg corridors. South Carolina also has a notable uninsured driver problem.

South Carolina Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements 2026

South Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state. SC mandates uninsured motorist coverage — an important protection given that an estimated 10–12% of SC drivers carry no insurance.

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury (per person)	$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$50,000
Property Damage	$25,000
Uninsured Motorist (per person)	$25,000
Uninsured Motorist (per accident)	$50,000

Average Auto Insurance Rates in South Carolina 2026

South Carolina rates have been rising with the state’s population growth. Charleston and Myrtle Beach are significantly pricier than the Upstate and Midlands regions.

Coverage Type	Annual Cost	Monthly Cost
Minimum Coverage	$640	$53
Full Coverage	$1,980	$165
National Average (Min)	$635	$53
National Average (Full)	$1,765	$147

Best Auto Insurance Companies in South Carolina 2026

Auto-Owners Insurance has a strong presence in South Carolina and the broader Southeast. State Farm leads in overall market share.

Company	Est. Annual (Min)	Est. Annual (Full)	Best For
USAA	$512	$1,584	Military families (Fort Jackson)
State Farm	$557	$1,723	Overall value
Auto-Owners	$576	$1,782	Southeast regional
Geico	$589	$1,822	Low rates online
Progressive	$640	$1,980	Usage-based discounts
Allstate	$723	$2,237	Local agent network

Cheapest Cities for Auto Insurance in South Carolina

Spartanburg — Upstate SC with below-coastal rates (~$460/year min)
Anderson — Upstate SC with low congestion (~$440/year min)
Sumter — Midlands city near Shaw AFB with moderate rates (~$450/year min)
Florence — Pee Dee region with below-average rates (~$455/year min)
Aiken — Southwest SC with low traffic density (~$445/year min)

Most Expensive Cities for Auto Insurance in South Carolina

Charleston — Historic coastal city with high tourist traffic and theft (~$890/year min)
North Charleston — Adjacent to Charleston with elevated urban risk (~$850/year min)
Columbia — State capital with above-average accident rates (~$790/year min)
Myrtle Beach — Heavy seasonal tourist traffic drives up rates (~$780/year min)

How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in South Carolina

Mandatory UM is already included: South Carolina’s required UM at 25/50 is built in — ensure your limits are adequate and consider increasing them.
Hurricane and flood risk on the coast: Coastal SC (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) faces hurricane exposure every season. Comprehensive covers wind damage; flood requires separate coverage.
Bundle home and auto: 10–18% multi-policy savings.
Anti-theft measures: Charleston’s high vehicle theft rate makes comprehensive coverage and anti-theft discounts valuable.
Use telematics: Charleston and Columbia drivers can earn 10–20% discounts.
Raise your deductible: $500 to $1,000 saves 10–15%.
Shop at renewal: SC’s growing population is attracting more carriers — compare quotes annually.

South Carolina Auto Insurance Laws You Must Know

Mandatory UM/UIM: South Carolina requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits as liability. This cannot be waived.

Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar): You can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault. At 51% or more, you cannot recover anything.

Hurricane Exposure: South Carolina’s coastline faces direct hurricane threats every Atlantic hurricane season. Comprehensive coverage is essential for coastal residents.

Deer Collision Risk: South Carolina has significant deer populations, particularly in the Upstate and Midlands regions. Fall (October–December) sees the highest deer-vehicle collision rates.

SR-22 Requirement: Required after DUI, driving without insurance, or serious violations. Filed with the SC DMV, typically for three years.

How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in South Carolina

Ensure safety and check for injuries.
Call 911 — required for accidents with injury or property damage over $1,000.
For hurricane or storm damage, photograph everything before any cleanup.
Exchange insurance and contact information.
Report to your insurer promptly.
South Carolina statute of limitations: 3 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage.
Work with your adjuster for damage assessment.

South Carolina Insurance Commissioner & Consumer Resources

Director Bruce Smith, South Carolina Department of Insurance

Phone: 803-737-6160
Website: doi.sc.gov
The SCDOI handles consumer complaints, insurer licensing verification, and storm-related consumer protections. After major weather events like Hurricane Debby, the SCDOI activates emergency consumer protection measures — contact them immediately if you experience claims handling problems following a storm. Director Smith’s office has been particularly proactive on coastal consumer protection.

State-Specific Discount Programs

Good driver discounts — a clean driving record of 3+ years qualifies you for significant rate reductions at most South Carolina carriers
Defensive driving course (5-10% — SCDOI approved providers) — completing an approved course reduces rates for 3 years; especially valuable for drivers in Charleston and Myrtle Beach high-rate zones
Good student discounts — full-time students maintaining a B average or better (applies to Clemson, USC, College of Charleston, and other SC campuses)
Multi-car discounts — insuring two or more vehicles with the same carrier produces meaningful savings across SC’s major carriers
Bundle home and auto — combining home and auto policies saves 10-18% at most South Carolina carriers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in South Carolina? 25/50/25 liability plus mandatory UM at 25/50.

Is South Carolina a no-fault state? No — SC is an at-fault state with modified comparative fault (51% bar).

Does South Carolina require uninsured motorist coverage? Yes — UM/UIM at 25/50 is mandatory and cannot be waived.

Why are Charleston rates so high? Charleston’s rapid growth, high vehicle theft, tourist traffic, and proximity to major hurricane pathways all drive rates significantly above the state average.

Which insurer is cheapest in South Carolina? USAA for military (Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB); Auto-Owners and State Farm are most competitive for civilians.

This guide was researched and written by the ZappMint Editorial Team, a group of licensed insurance analysts and personal finance writers. Our team monitors state insurance department bulletins, rate filings, and industry reports to keep our guides current. Last verified: April 2026.

Have a question or correction? Contact us at editorial@zappmint.com

Auto Insurance in South Carolina 2026 — Rates, Requirements & Best Companies