Updated: November 1, 2024
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Finding the best car insurance in South Carolina means considering your unique needs. MoneyGeek ranks Auto-Owners as the top performer overall. For minimum coverage, American Family leads, while Auto-Owners is best for families with teen drivers.
If cost is your primary consideration, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina.
Best Car InsuranceSouth CarolinaBest Car Insurance in South Carolina
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in South Carolina based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in South Carolina.
Auto-Owners achieves the highest position in South Carolina with a MoneyGeek score of 89. Our data analysis shows a score range from 89 to 57 among rated companies, illustrating the grading spectrum of our baseline scoring system. Keep in mind, specific scores may vary based on individual driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
When evaluating insurance providers, Overall MoneyGeek scores prioritize customer satisfaction and affordability above all. However, significant importance is also accorded to a company's claims experience and the range of coverages offered, ensuring consumers receive comprehensive assessments of these providers.
Certain insurers, like Dairyland and South Carolina Farm Bureau, lacked sufficient data across all five components and thus did not acquire a MoneyGeek score. Remarkably, South Carolina Farm Bureau demonstrates a notable performance in customer satisfaction. Both insurers also show strong offerings in their respective coverages available.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 89 | $969 |
| American Family | 88 | $1,165 |
| American National P&C | 85 | $536 |
| Travelers | 81 | $1,341 |
| Progressive | 80 | $1,313 |
| State Farm | 79 | $1,598 |
| GEICO | 77 | $1,127 |
| Allstate | 75 | $1,454 |
| Bristol West | 57 | $3,700 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | No Data | $890 |
| Dairyland | No Data | $4,111 |
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in South Carolina for best full coverage car insurance. With a comprehensive approach and exceptional scores, drivers looking for top-tier coverage need to consider these leading providers:
Auto-Owners stands out in South Carolina not only for an impressive MoneyGeek score but also for excellent customer satisfaction and affordability. Their commitment to claims handling and coverage options solidifies their top ranking.
In South Carolina, there are a multitude of companies that offer varying cost and service experiences. For residents looking to balance coverage with affordability, MoneyGeek also evaluated the providers that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in South Carolina, helping you make an informed decision that caters to your budget and needs.
Ranks well in state for claims satisfaction, at 1st place
Offers rare coverages like diminished value coverage
Does not excel in customer service
Ranks 3rd in state for cost, with an average annual premium of $969
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
Auto-Owners secures the strongest MoneyGeek Score largely thanks to high scores for satisfaction (29 out of 35), affordability (28 out of 30) and claims handling (20 out of 20). While it boasts both common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, it also includes gap insurance and accident forgiveness; these add significant value. The presence of these coverages, despite the absence of diminished value coverage, solidifies Auto-Owners as a great choice.
Auto-Owners offers a comprehensive coverage package that simplifies protection, providing an easy, all-in-one solution. Should your vehicle depreciate due to an accident, gap insurance can cover the difference between its value and your remaining loan balance. Accident forgiveness ensures your premiums stay intact even after an at-fault incident. These offerings underscore Auto-Owner's commitment to fulfilling a variety of driver needs.
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in South Carolina when it comes to car insurance with superior customer service.
American Family distinguishes itself with high satisfaction and claims handling scores. Even though American Family has higher rates, you are paying for a consistently superior service experience.
In South Carolina, drivers encounter a range of companies offering varying levels of customer satisfaction and claims service. Excellent customer service and a seamless claims process become crucial in the aftermath of an accident or vehicle issue. Such quality service is indispensable, and a MoneyGeek score is a reliable indicator of what an insurer can offer in terms of support when it's most needed.
Ranks 2nd in state for general customer satisfaction
Ranks 2nd in state for claims satisfaction
Offers rare OEM coverage
Offers reasonably common accident forgiveness
Does not excel in customer service
American Family has strong satisfaction (43 out of 45) and coverage (20 out of 20) scores, driving its high MoneyGeek score. While the company provides common coverages such as rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, it lacks some reasonably common coverages. Despite this, it shows overall excellence by its numerous top ratings.
American Family's range of car insurance coverages sets it apart for drivers. For instance, OEM coverage is a rare and widely applicable option that ensures repairs use original factory parts. Accident forgiveness can save you from rate hikes after your first at-fault accident. Gap insurance offers financial protection if your vehicle is totaled, paying the difference between its depreciated value and your outstanding loan balance. These valuable benefits are balanced with solid satisfaction (43 out of 45) and claims (22 out of 30) scores, providing peace of mind and reliability.
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in South Carolina for obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage.
American Family has high ratings in customer satisfaction and affordability, which are significant contributors to its overall MoneyGeek score. It offers the minimum insurance required by law in South Carolina at an annual cost of $552, providing a balance between cost and customer service.
While many providers in South Carolina offer cheap minimum coverage car insurance, choosing only the minimum required can often mean limited protection. It's important to weigh the potential out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident against the savings on premiums. Minimum coverage ensures you're legally compliant but may not fully protect you from financial losses if you're at fault in a significant accident.
Offers reasonably rare OEM coverage
Offers reasonably common accident forgiveness and gap insurance
Ranks 2nd in state for claims satisfaction
Ranks 2nd in state for customer satisfaction
Missing safe driving discount from common discounts
Ranks 5th in state for cost, with an average annual premium of $552
Doesn't excel in customer service with a score of 31 or lower
American Family's high MoneyGeek Score is bolstered by stellar affordability and coverage, with scores of 36 (out of 40) and a perfect 10 (out of 10) respectively. The average annual premium for American Family's policyholders is a mere $552, highlighting how cost-effective coverage can be. Customers benefit from reasonably common discounts such as defensive driving and reasonably rare discounts like automatic payment.
American Family has many discounts, featuring all of the most common ones: bundling, good student, multiple car and safe driving. It also provides a "pay in full" discount, rewarding those who pay their premium upfront, which helps save money.
American Family boasts a high MoneyGeek affordability score of 36 (out of 40), underpinning its overall score of 86 (out of 100). It also has solid satisfaction and claims handling scores of 21 (out of 25) and 15 (out of 20), respectively, and has perfect coverage and respectable stability scores. American Family is a top choice for consumers seeking both value and reliability in their insurance provider.
In South Carolina, driver age influences car insurance rates, directly affecting costs and the availability of specific coverages and discounts. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the top choice for teens with a MoneyGeek score of 98, offering a balance of satisfaction, affordability and stable claims handling at an annual premium of $1,578. For young adults, American Family leads with a score of 89, providing strong customer satisfaction and a competitive annual premium of $1,336. Seniors will find Auto-Owners as the best again, scoring 89 for its tailored coverage and affordability, with a lower annual cost of $931.
Best for teens: Auto-Owners
Best for seniors: American Family
Best for young adults: American Family
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in South Carolina for obtaining car insurance for teens, boasting the highest MoneyGeek score among its competitors. Here's how the top two providers stand out:
Auto-Owners distinguishes itself with superior scores in customer satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options, making it the top choice for teen drivers in South Carolina. The annual cost for a teen policy with Auto-Owners is an affordable $1,578, emphasizing that to get cheap car insurance for a teen in South Carolina, it is more cost-effective to include them in a family policy
Adding a teen to your car insurance policy in South Carolina can be significantly more expensive due to the higher risk associated with young drivers' inexperience. Insurers often raise premiums to account for the potential increased likelihood of accidents and claims of teen drivers.
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
Ranks 1st in state for claims satisfaction
Ranks 1st in state for coverage options
Ranks 1st in state for cost, average annual premium $1,578 for full coverage
Does not excel in customer service, ranking 4th in state
Missing driver's education discount
Auto-Owners has an impeccable MoneyGeek Score of 98, driven primarily by its excellent satisfaction (32 out of 35) and full coverage (10 out of 10) scores Although it lacks young driver-specific discounts like good student, distant student and driver's education, its superior scores in other categories effectively balance its offerings for customers.
Auto-Owners offers coverage for a wide range of customer needs. Diminished value coverage stands out, offering compensation if your car's value decreases after an accident – ensuring you're not left with an undervalued asset. Additionally, its gap insurance is vital for new car owners, protecting against the financial loss if a car is totaled and the owner owes more than the vehicle's depreciated value. These coverages, coupled with their top-tier customer satisfaction and claims handling, solidify Auto-Owners as a reliable insurer for diverse driving needs.
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in South Carolina for seniors looking for top-rated car insurance.
American Family stands out primarily due to its excellent satisfaction and affordability scores, which are substantial factors contributing to its near-perfect MoneyGeek score. When considering the annual cost for a senior policy, American Family's premium stands at $1,083 a year. To find cheap car insurance for a senior in South Carolina, individuals may anticipate paying slightly more than what is typical for those in their 30s to 50s.
Car insurance rates for seniors are not universally higher than those for middle-aged adults in South Carolina; MoneyGeek's ratings use data for seniors in their 60s as a benchmark. As drivers reach their 70s and 80s, premiums may increase, reflecting the additional risk associated with age.
Offers roadside assistance, rental car and travel reimbursement
Ranks 2nd in state for customer satisfaction
Ranks 2nd in state for claims handling satisfaction
Ranks 1st in state for key coverages
Ranks 4th in state for affordability, average annual premium $1,083
Customer satisfaction score of 33, indicating room for improvement
American Family's satisfaction score (33 out of 35) and perfect coverage score (10 out of 10) significantly contribute to its high MoneyGeek Score of 89. The company offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement, valuable for accident support. Strong in key categories, American Family's offerings make up for the absence of some common coverages. The average annual premium is $1,083 but does not include a senior discount.
American Family provides a comprehensive suite of coverages, making them especially useful for seniors. Whether it's assistance with a breakdown via roadside assistance or the convenience of rental car/travel reimbursement when their car is out of commission, these services ensure continuity and support.
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option for young adults seeking car insurance in South Carolina.
American Family has an excellent balance of affordability, claims handling and coverage, which are significant factors for drivers in their 20s. This balance reflects in their MoneyGeek score and their overall rating. For young adults looking into policies with American Family, the annual cost is estimated at $1,336, highlighting that to get cheap car insurance for a young adult in South Carolina, expenses tend to be slightly higher compared to older age groups.
The increased cost to cover a young adult with car insurance in South Carolina is largely due to their lack of driving experience and statistically higher risk of accidents.
Ranks 2nd in state for general customer satisfaction
Claims satisfaction ranks 2nd in state
Offers good student and distant student discounts
4th in state for cost; average annual premium is $1,336
Does not offer driver's education discount
American Family shines with its high MoneyGeek satisfaction score and complete coverage offerings, making it a standout choice for comprehensive protection. While it lacks the driver's education discount, its young-adult-friendly discounts such as good student and distant student, alongside strong scores in affordability and service, easily make up for this. The company also boasts rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance. However, the lack of driver's education may be viewed as a slight drawback.
American Family provides an array of valuable coverages for drivers. OEM coverage is a rare but highly applicable benefit, ensuring repairs with original manufacturer parts. Accident forgiveness prevents your first car accident from increasing your insurance rates, providing peace of mind. Gap insurance covers the difference between the insurance settlement and your loan balance if your car is totaled. Customers at American Family can be confident they're getting competitive service, with scores of 33 (out of 35) in satisfaction, 27 (out of 30) in affordability, 15 (out of 20) in claims handling, and a perfect 10 (out of 10) in coverage offerings.
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in South Carolina for drivers with offenses.
American Family stands out because of its high customer satisfaction and affordability ratings, specifically for a driver demographic that includes speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. These factors contributes significantly to its leading MoneyGeek score. American Family offers an annual premium of $1,146, which is competitive for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, since cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in South Carolina typically means paying more compared to drivers with clean records.
Acquiring car insurance in South Carolina after a ticket, at-fault accident or DUI can be costly due to the increased risk posed to insurance companies. Drivers with offenses are statistically more likely to file a claim, prompting insurers to raise premiums to offset the risk.
Excels in general customer satisfaction, ranking 2nd in the state
Excels in claims satisfaction, ranking 2nd in the state
Offers common coverages such as roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement
Also provides reasonably common coverages like accident forgiveness and gap insurance
Ranks 3rd in the state for cost, less affordable with an average annual premium of $1,146
Does not offer rare coverages such as OEM coverage
American Family's high MoneyGeek Score of 90 is largely due to its impressive satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35) and excellent coverage options, showcasing its commitment to customer happiness and comprehensive protection plans. As a driver with a less-than-perfect record, American Family provides essential coverages such as roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement and accident forgiveness, which are valuable for those prone to mishaps on the road. Accident forgiveness protects your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident.,
With an affordability score of 28 (out of 30) and an average annual premium of $1,146 for drivers with tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs, American Family is an affordable option for individuals with driving offenses. American Family demonstrates why its coverage options are valuable and contribute to a stellar MoneyGeek score.
MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in South Carolina for drivers of new cars seeking good car insurance coverage.
Travelers has the highest MoneyGeek score, providing an excellent balance of customer satisfaction, claims handling and valuable coverage options like new car replacement and better car replacement. These features are essential for new vehicle owners, as they ensure that in the event of an accident, policyholders are not left financially disadvantaged by the depreciation of their vehicles. With an annual premium of $1,401, opting for an insurer that offers these coverages could result in significant savings. Without such protections, drivers would only receive the current depreciated value of their car after an accident, which could be substantially less than the cost of a new replacement.
Ranks well in state for general customer satisfaction
Ranks first in state for claims satisfaction
Ranks first for cost; average annual premium is $1,401 for full coverage
Offers new car replacement coverage
Does not excel in customer service
Does not offer OEM Coverage
Travelers achieves an impressive MoneyGeek score with top marks in affordability and claims, indicating these areas heavily contribute to its overall reputation for excellence. Travelers has an average annual premium of $1,401.This company offers new car replacement. This allows drivers to replace their totaled car with a brand-new model, a significant advantage if your new vehicle gets damaged beyond repair.
Owning a new car comes with worries about depreciation, but this coverage can mitigate financial losses during the initial ownership period. Travelers extends other reasonably common coverages like accident forgiveness and gap insurance, which can further protect from unexpected costs resulting from accidents and the gap between the vehicle's value and the amount owed on the loan, respectively. These thoughtful offerings underscore Travelers' 28 (out of 35) satisfaction score, a reflection of its commitment to customer needs.
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in South Carolina for military personnel seeking optimal car insurance.
Although USAA is a noteworthy option specifically tailored to those with a military background, based on the MoneyGeek score which values a balance of service quality and affordability, it did not clinch the top spot in South Carolina.
Auto-Owners stands out with the highest overall score, indicating a well-rounded combination of customer satisfaction, affordability and stability. With an annual premium of just $969, it offers exceptional value for military drivers in the state. Those focused on finding the most cost-effective policies can also explore the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for military drivers.
Ranks well for claims satisfaction, being 1st in the state
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement, ranking 2nd for key coverages
Does not excel in customer service with a score of 28.78
More expensive than top two, ranking 3rd in state for affordability
Does not offer OEM coverage or deductible modification
Auto-Owners leads with outstanding claims handling and affordability, scoring prominently in MoneyGeek's rankings. Its high MoneyGeek Score of 89 is bolstered by exceptional satisfaction (29 out of 35) and affordability (28 out of 30). With an average annual premium of $969, Auto-Owners provides a competitively priced option for drivers seeking robust insurance solutions.
Auto-Owners delivers a range of coverages tailored to meet the unique demands of drivers. While specific rare coverages are not listed, customers can take advantage of comprehensive and collision coverage. Additionally, liability coverage stands out for its vital role in safeguarding a driver's financial interests in the event of an at-fault accident. Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage also offers financial support for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. These core coverages affirm Auto-Owner's commitment to delivering reliable and inclusive insurance policies to their customers.
In South Carolina, the finest car insurance providers merge cost-effectiveness, fiscal dependability and a history of outstanding customer service. While MoneyGeek has conducted comprehensive research to guide you to the best options, those inclined to personally investigate should follow a meticulous, four-step vetting process to ensure their choice meets these critical standards.
In South Carolina, a car insurer's customer service is crucial as it ensures reliable support during claims and inquiries. Shoppers should consult independent data providers like JD Power and NAIC for a company's service record. American Family stands out with a MoneyGeek score of 88, backed by a satisfaction score of 43 (out of 45) and a claims handling score of 22 (out of 30), reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Comparing quotes in South Carolina can lead to significant savings without compromising on service quality. It's essential for drivers to conduct their research to determine the most economical options based on their unique profiles. MoneyGeek's findings suggest American Family offers the best value for minimum coverage at an annual premium of $552, making it a competitive choice for budget-conscious drivers.
The coverages offered by car insurers play a pivotal role in the protection they provide. Drivers should thoroughly research to ensure their chosen insurer offers coverages that align with their needs. According to MoneyGeek, American Family, Travelers, Auto-Owners, Progressive, Allstate and American National P&C all received a coverage score of 7.5 out of 10, indicating they offer three out of the four most important coverages for drivers.
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is vital, as it reduces the risk of claim non-payment due to financial instability. Researching this aspect is key to a secure insurance experience. MoneyGeek has awarded perfect stability scores of 5/5, the highest possible, to Travelers, Auto-Owners Insurance Co, State Farm, and GEICO, indicating their superior financial strength with A++ ratings from A.M. Best.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Auto-Owners has been determined as the best car insurance in South Carolina, with an overall MoneyGeek score of 89. It features an annual premium of $969. The two biggest factors contributing to its score are Claims Handling and Affordability, with perfect scores of 20 out of 20 and 28 out of 30, respectively.
American Family is the top choice for cheap car insurance in South Carolina, with an annual premium of $552 for a minimum coverage policy and an overall MoneyGeek score of 86. Minimum coverage policies may not provide comprehensive protection, and consumers are advised to shop around for affordable full coverage policies.
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.
