Updated: October 16, 2024
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Your driver profile and unique needs can affect which car insurance provider is best for you.
In Charleston, American National P&C is our top-rated insurer overall, as well as for quality service, affordability, young adults, seniors, drivers with offenses and new car owners. Auto-Owners Insurance Co is our choice as the best insurer for Charleston teen drivers.
If saving money is a priority, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance options in Charleston.
BestCar InsuranceCharlestonTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We evaluated the top car insurance providers in Charleston based on their financial stability, affordability, available coverage options and claims management. We utilized data from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to determine our rankings.
The following car insurance providers offer the best coverage in Charleston:
We picked American National P&C as the best among the city’s providers due to its affordability and excellent customer service. Auto-Owners is also the best car insurer in South Carolina, although its rates in Charleston are higher than the state average, illustrating how location can affect cost.
USAA is also a top provider in Charleston for military members and their families, with a MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
Offers affordable premiums
Top-notch customer service
Spare parts coverage is an add-on
Below-average claims management score
American National P&C is MoneyGeek’s pick as the best overall auto insurance provider in Charleston. In addition to affordable rates and excellent customer service, it offers a range of optional coverages.
Notably, American National P&C offers spare parts coverage as an add-on. It’s a unique rider that covers your car’s spare parts for up to $1,000 if they’re damaged in a covered loss.
You can also get gap insurance from this company, another rare optional coverage that pays the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and the actual cash value of your car in the event of a total loss.
Additionally, American National P&C offers roadside assistance coverage as an add-on, which provides 24-hour emergency assistance while you’re on the road.
We evaluated 13 insurance providers in Charleston, and American National P&C stands out as the city’s best. It offers the lowest premiums at $523 per year and has the highest rating for customer service, making it the best overall.
American National’s coverage options are on par with the competition. However, the company has a poor reputation for claims management.
Note that the rates mentioned in this category are for a full coverage policy. We only assigned a MoneyGeek score to companies that qualified for all our individual scoring components.
| American National P&C | 83 | $523 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 79 | $928 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| American Family | 78 | $877 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| State Farm | 72 | $1,187 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | No Data | $1,195 | 5 | No Data | 3 | 2 |
| Travelers | 71 | $1,504 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| GEICO | 71 | $1,273 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Allstate | 67 | $1,305 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Progressive | 67 | $1,678 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Bristol West | 58 | $3,067 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Dairyland | No Data | $5,328 | 4 | No Data | 4 | 4 |
If your main priority for a car insurance provider in Charleston is excellent customer service, regardless of cost, these are your top options:
American National P&C outranks its competitors with outstanding customer service and excellent coverage options. It’s also the cheapest provider in the city, so you’ll get more for your money by choosing this insurer.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Excellent customer service
Multiple coverage options
Below-average claims management score
If you're looking for the provider with the best customer service in Charleston, MoneyGeek recommends American National P&C. It offers excellent customer service and a range of useful optional coverages.
One of the company’s unique add-ons is its spare parts coverage, which covers your car's spare parts for up to $1,000 in case of a covered loss. You can also opt for gap insurance, which pays the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and its actual cash value if the car is declared a total loss.
If you get a comprehensive policy, your plan automatically comes with rental car reimbursement coverage. This coverage helps pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired after a covered accident. In addition, American National P&C offers roadside assistance coverage as an add-on, providing 24-hour assistance when you're on the road.
During vehicle breakdowns and other roadside emergencies, having a car insurance provider with exceptional customer service can make all the difference. A company that efficiently handles claims and promptly responds to policyholders' concerns can help ease your stress.
American National P&C is our preferred provider in Charleston for its exceptional customer service and coverage options. However, it lagged behind several companies in claims management, particularly Auto-Owners Insurance Co, which comes out on top in that category.
Based on an analysis of affordability and service quality for car policies that meet South Carolina's minimum coverage requirements, the best companies in Charleston are:
A minimum coverage policy may not provide enough liability coverage, despite being the most affordable option. Moreover, a liability-only policy will not cover any damages to your vehicle, so you may have to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.
Keep in mind that the minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina are mandatory in all cities within the state.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $294 per year
Discounts including bundling, multiple car and early signing
Exceptional customer service
Limited discounts options
Poor claims management
American National P&C is MoneyGeek’s pick as the best cheap car insurance in Charleston. At around $294 per year, it’s the most affordable provider among the companies we surveyed. It also has an outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction, which means it doesn’t sacrifice service quality to offer low rates.
American National P&C offers discounts that can help you reduce insurance costs further, although these discount opportunities are limited compared to other companies. You can get an early signing discount if you purchase a policy before your current one expires. Insuring several cars and bundling your car insurance with other American National P&C products will also lower your rates.
The company does not offer some typical discounts, such as safe driving, good student, airbag, defensive driving or driver’s education.
When choosing a minimum coverage policy, finding an insurance provider that balances affordable rates with quality customer service is crucial. Some providers prioritize low premiums over good service.
However, American National P&C offers the best of both worlds with its affordable rates and high customer satisfaction ratings. Despite being Charleston's cheapest auto insurer, American National P&C also boasts one of the city’s highest customer service scores.
The following companies offer the best car insurance for young adults in Charleston:
American National P&C stands out for its low rates and outstanding customer satisfaction. It offers affordable premiums and quality service to young adults in Charleston (who typically face higher rates compared to their older counterparts).
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Offers the cheapest premiums in the city at $624 per year
Excellent customer service
Below-average claims handling score
Lacks student-related discounts
MoneyGeek’s study shows that American National P&C is the best car insurance company for young adults in Charleston. It offers the lowest premiums in the city at approximately $624 per year and maintains outstanding customer service.
American National P&C lets you choose from various add-on coverages to expand your protection. Spare parts coverage is one of its unique add-ons. It protects your car’s spare parts for up to $1,000 in a covered incident. Additionally, the company offers gap insurance, which pays the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and the actual cash value of your car in the event of a total loss.
However, this provider does not offer typical discounts that benefit young adults, such as good and distant student discounts, which other companies tend to provide.
Young adults looking for a good car insurance provider should look for affordable rates, relevant coverages, discounts tailored for younger drivers and a strong customer service experience.
American National P&C stands out in this category for its exceptionally low rates (the next cheapest company is almost double its price) and outstanding customer service.
If you want to add a teen to your family policy in Charleston, the city’s best car insurance providers for teens are as follows:
Auto-Owners Insurance Co gets the top stop for its affordable rates and wide range of add-on coverages. These considerations are important since teen drivers typically face higher premiums and are more likely to be involved in accidents.
Getting insurance for your teen through a family plan is usually cheaper than buying a separate policy. In Charleston, doing this can save you up to $2,539 per year.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Has the cheapest premiums at $2,926 per year
Offers good and distant student discounts
Has a great selection of add-on coverages
Mediocre claims management
Auto-Owners Insurance Co is MoneyGeek’s top choice for insuring teens in Charleston because of its affordable rates and extensive coverage options. It offers the lowest prices in the city while offering various optional riders.
Additionally, Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers various discount opportunities applicable to teen drivers. It gives students with a cumulative GPA of "B" or higher a discount of up to 20%. If your teen studies more than 100 miles from home without a car, they can also receive a discount.
Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers roadside assistance coverage as an add-on. It helps cover expenses related to unexpected vehicle breakdowns or incidents while on the road, such as flat tires, dead batteries or running out of gas.
To find the best auto insurance for teen drivers, look for providers that offer affordable rates, excellent customer service, and specific discounts and coverages for teenagers. These factors are crucial since younger drivers are typically expensive to insure and are involved in more vehicular accidents.
In Charleston, Auto-Owners Insurance Co offers affordable rates and useful coverage options, making it a standout choice. While State Farm may have better customer service, Auto-Owners Insurance Co is the better insurer overall.
These are the top car insurance providers for seniors in Charleston:
American National P&C earned high affordability and customer satisfaction scores, making it the best choice for senior drivers in Charleston.
Drivers in their 60s typically pay similar car insurance rates to those in their 30s through 50s, but rates tend to increase in their 70s. If your focus is to save money, you may find affordable car insurance for seniors by shopping around and comparing options.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
The cheapest premiums in the city at $549 per year
Excellent customer service
Rental car reimbursement is included
Poor claims management
American National P&C is the top car insurance provider for seniors in Charleston. It offers cost-effective premiums and exceptional customer support, allowing older adults in the city to enjoy both without compromising.
In addition, American National P&C offers several valuable coverages to enhance your protection. When you select a comprehensive policy, you receive rental car reimbursement coverage at no additional cost. This coverage helps pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired after a covered accident.
American National P&C also provides roadside assistance coverage as an add-on coverage. This service provides round-the-clock support when you're traveling on the road. The company also offers spare parts coverage as an optional rider, paying up to $1,000 for spare parts damaged in a covered incident.
Older adults are known to be safe drivers but are more vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents. If you’re a senior, MoneyGeek recommends considering policies that offer personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. You can also take advantage of senior-related discounts to lower your rates.
Based on our analysis, American National P&C is the best provider in the city for older drivers. It stands out thanks to its affordable premiums and top-notch customer service.
The following companies offer the best car insurance after tickets and accidents in Charleston:
If you have a driving violation, American National P&C is your best choice for car insurance, offering affordable rates and outstanding customer support.
Note that the severity of your violation affects your insurance rates, with DUI offenses costing much more than speeding tickets. In Charleston, car insurance for drivers with a clean record costs an average of $1,552 per year. However, this amount increases to $1,969 per year after a speeding ticket and $2,126 per year after a DUI.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Offers the city’s lowest premiums at $741 per year
Roadside assistance is an optional add-on
Automatically includes rental car reimbursement
High-quality customer service
Poor claims management score
Lacks accident forgiveness coverage
Doesn’t offer new/better car replacement coverage
If you have a driving violation, American National P&C is MoneyGeek’s choice as the best car insurance provider in Charleston. Its premiums are relatively affordable at $741 per year, and the company has excellent customer service.
In addition, American National P&C offers various coverages useful to drivers with driving offenses. For example, comprehensive policies from American National P&C automatically include rental car reimbursement coverage. This coverage helps cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
With American National P&C, you can also add roadside assistance coverage to your policy. This service offers 24-hour assistance when you are on the road. The company also offers gap insurance, which covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan or lease and the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is declared a total loss.
Drivers with poor driving records may want to look for an auto insurance provider that offers affordable rates and multiple discounts. These factors will help reduce their car insurance costs, which are typically pricier compared to someone with a clean record.
Based on our research, American National P&C stands out as the best for Charleston drivers with offenses due to its cheap premiums and exceptional customer service.
The top insurers in Charleston for drivers with new cars are as follows:
We based our scoring for this category on quotes and service quality for drivers with a 2022-model car. We only included providers offering new or better car replacement coverage, which pays for the cost of a brand-new car of the same make and model if yours is totaled in a covered accident.
Travelers offers affordable premiums and a wide range of add-on coverages, making it the best choice for new car owners.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Has the cheapest premiums at roughly $1,431 per year
Offers new car replacement coverage
Has various add-on coverage options
Mediocre customer service
Lacks OEM coverage
MoneyGeek's analysis shows Travelers offers the best auto insurance for new car owners in Charleston. It has the cheapest premiums in the city and provides a robust set of add-on coverages to protect your investment.
What distinguishes Travelers from other providers is its Premier New Car Replacement® coverage. If your car is deemed a total loss within its first five years, this coverage will pay for a new vehicle of the same make and model. This means you can continue to enjoy the benefits of driving a new car even after an accident.
Travelers also offers gap insurance as a rider, which protects you if you finance or lease your vehicle. In the event of a total loss, this coverage pays the difference between the actual value of your vehicle and any outstanding balance on your loan or lease.
When buying car insurance for a new vehicle, prioritize companies that provide new or better car replacement coverage. This option can help you save money if your new car is damaged in a covered accident.
Travelers is our top choice in Charleston, thanks to its affordability and useful coverage options. Allstate, the runner-up, has slightly better customer service, but Travelers outperforms it in all other categories.
When shopping for the best auto insurance provider in Charleston, it's essential to consider factors such as cost, customer satisfaction, claims processing and financial stability. Our rankings are a useful starting point, but conducting your own research can be beneficial.
Here are some steps to help you:
MoneyGeek has done the legwork for you to find the best car insurance providers in Charleston. But you can supplement this research by analyzing J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios. We also recommend visiting the South Carolina Department of Insurance website to gather data on customer service, which is collected statewide rather than at the city level.
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three different auto insurance providers to get a rough estimate of your car insurance cost. Remember that the average premiums we cite are for a sample driver, and your rates may differ based on factors such as your age, location and driving history.
When buying car insurance, confirming that the provider offers the coverage options and discounts you need in your specific area is important. Some companies may advertise certain coverages or discounts on their website but only provide them in select regions. To ensure you get the right coverage at the best price, check the insurer's local website or contact the company directly.
Check the financial strength ratings of auto insurance providers to find the right fit for you. A company's financial strength reflects its ability to pay claims regardless of economic conditions. Usually, larger insurers are more financially secure than regional companies.
The best auto insurance company for you depends on your driving profile and specific needs. Use our answers to common questions about car insurance in Charleston to help you make an informed decision.
With a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100, American National P&C is the best car insurance provider in Charleston. Its exceptional customer service and affordable annual premiums of $523 make it an ideal choice for most drivers. The company is also our pick for drivers looking for cheap policies, young adults, seniors, motorists with offenses, new car owners and drivers who prioritize customer service.
American National P&C stands out as the best cheap car insurance company in Charleston, offering minimum coverage policies at approximately $294 per year. Due to its affordability and customer service, it has a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100. American National P&C is also our preferred insurer for young adults, seniors, drivers with offenses, new car owners and those who value top-notch customer service.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
