BudgetAutoRates affordability gauge: South Carolina premiums vs state median income. South Carolina premiums track the national average, so the needle sits mid-dial.
| Company | Liability / mo | Full coverage / mo | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $43 | $124 | Overall cheapest |
| GEICO | $48 | $136 | Digital-first drivers |
| Progressive | $55 | $158 | High-risk / SR-22 |
| Allstate | $64 | $184 | Bundling home + auto |
| Farmers | $70 | $200 | Agent relationships |
| Liberty Mutual | $76 | $218 | Custom coverage add-ons |
Illustrative estimates for layout and comparison purposes; see our methodology.
South Carolina requires liability coverage on every registered vehicle. The legal floor:
Minimum coverage keeps you legal, not necessarily solvent: the average new truck costs more than $25,000 to replace, so one at-fault accident can outrun your property-damage limit.
UM/UMPD also required.
Minimums cross-checked against Insurance Information Institute and state DOI sources, July 2026; see our methodology. Rules change; verify current minimums with your state's Department of Insurance.
Premiums swing inside South Carolina: traffic density, claim frequency, and repair costs vary from ZIP to ZIP, so quote with your exact address.
Rates in South Carolina run right at the national average, at about $70/mo for liability and $200/mo for full coverage. Traffic density, weather claims, repair costs, and uninsured drivers all feed into local pricing, and comparing 3 or more quotes is the fastest way to come in under the state average.
Penny read the statutes: fines, license and registration suspension, SR-22 filing requirements, and reinstatement fees, with exact amounts set by South Carolina law. Her math holds in all 50 states: a minimum-coverage policy costs less than the penalties. Verify specifics with the South Carolina Department of Insurance.