What affects your rate in South Carolina
South Carolina's average premium is 5% above the national average of $1,438, ranking #14 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
How South Carolina compares
| Benchmark | Per year |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | $1,517 |
| National average | $1,438 |
| Most expensive — Florida | $1,994 |
| Cheapest — Maine | $926 |
Source: NAIC 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report (combined average premium per insured vehicle, 2023 data, released February 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance cost in South Carolina?
The average driver in South Carolina pays about $1,517 per year — roughly $126 a month — for full-coverage car insurance, according to the NAIC 2023 Auto Insurance Database Report. State-minimum coverage typically costs much less.
Is car insurance more expensive in South Carolina than the U.S. average?
Yes. At $1,517 per year, South Carolina is about 5% above the national average of $1,438. That ranks it 14th out of 51 states and D.C. by cost.
Why is car insurance more expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolina's average premium is 5% above the national average of $1,438, ranking #14 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
Does South Carolina use your credit score to set car insurance rates?
Yes. Like most states, South Carolina lets insurers use credit-based insurance scores, so a stronger credit tier can lower your rate. Only four states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan) ban it.
How can I lower my car insurance in South Carolina?
Compare quotes from several insurers, raise your deductible, bundle auto with home or renters, and keep a clean driving record. For the same driver, premiums in South Carolina can differ by hundreds of dollars between companies, so shopping around is the biggest lever.
About this estimate. The base figure is the NAIC combined average premium for South Carolina (liability + collision + comprehensive, 2023). The calculator applies published industry multipliers (age, credit, record, coverage) from secondary sources (Bankrate / ValuePenguin modeled rates) and is an estimate for informational purposes only — not an insurance quote or offer. Credit-tier adjustments are not applied in states that ban credit-based insurance scoring (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan). See our full methodology.