The three most affordable car insurance companies in Charleston are American National P&C, Auto-Owners and American Family. Insurance costs can change based on your driving history and the coverage you choose. Below is a table showing which company offers the best rates in different categories, helping you find the most budget-friendly option for your needs.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston, SC
Updated: December 24, 2024
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Key Takeaways
The five overall cheapest car insurance companies in the area are American National P&C, Auto-Owners, South Carolina Farm Bureau, American Family and Progressive.
The lowest car insurance rates in the area are $37 per month for minimum coverage and $65 for full coverage.
The average cost of car insurance here is $95 per month for minimum coverage and $177 for full coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance companies using data collected from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. Learn more.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates and Companies in Charleston
| American National P&C | Minimum Coverage | $37 |
| American National P&C | Full Coverage | $65 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Teens | $212 |
| American National P&C | Young Adults | $42 |
| American National P&C | Senior Drivers | $42 |
| Progressive | Drivers With Bad Credit | $106 |
| American National P&C | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $48 |
| American Family | Drivers With a DUI | $51 |
| American National P&C | Drivers With an Accident | $48 |
| American National P&C | Military Affiliated Drivers | $37 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in Charleston
Finding the cheapest car insurance in Charleston requires comparing rates from multiple insurers. Age, driving history, vehicle type and coverage needs all play a role in determining your premium. Keep in mind, the cheapest car insurance in South Carolina might not be the lowest in Charleston. To ensure you get affordable coverage, regularly compare car insurance quotes.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Charleston
In Charleston, American National P&C offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance at $37 per month, followed by Auto-Owners at $55. Check the table below to explore different providers offering the best rates for minimum car insurance coverage.
| American National P&C | $37 | $58 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $55 | $40 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $59 | $36 |
| American Family | $60 | $36 |
| Progressive | $65 | $30 |
| GEICO | $65 | $30 |
| Allstate | $69 | $27 |
| Travelers | $83 | $12 |
| State Farm | $95 | $0 |
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Charleston
American National P&C offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Charleston at $777 per year. Check the table below to see other providers offering competitive rates for full car insurance coverage.
| GEICO | $120 | $57 |
| American National P&C | $65 | $113 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $98 | $80 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $102 | $76 |
| American Family | $130 | $47 |
| Travelers | $137 | $41 |
| Allstate | $141 | $36 |
| Progressive | $148 | $30 |
| State Farm | $175 | $3 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston by Age
In Charleston, your age can change your car insurance cost. Young drivers usually pay more because they're new on the road. Over time, these rates drop, but they might go up after age 70. Below, see which companies offer the best deals for teens, young adults and seniors.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston for Teens
For teens in Charleston, Auto-Owners, State Farm and Allstate offer the cheapest car insurance. Check the table below to see the lowest rates for your age group in the city.
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $212 | $107 | $256 | $192 |
| Travelers | $260 | $60 | $429 | $19 |
| State Farm | $279 | $41 | $309 | $140 |
| Allstate | $288 | $31 | $297 | $152 |
| GEICO | $302 | $18 | $323 | $126 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston for Young Adults
For young adults seeking affordable car insurance for young adults, American National P&C offers the best deal in Charleston at $508 annually, saving 64% compared to the city average. Other affordable options include American Family ($799), Auto-Owners ($843) and Progressive ($902).
| American National P&C | $42 | $75 |
| American Family | $67 | $51 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $70 | $47 |
| Progressive | $75 | $43 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $76 | $41 |
| Allstate | $81 | $36 |
| GEICO | $94 | $24 |
| Travelers | $96 | $22 |
| State Farm | $111 | $7 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston for Seniors
American National P&C offers the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Charleston at an annual rate of $503. For more on car insurance for seniors, check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best rates for senior drivers.
| American National P&C | $42 | $53 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $53 | $41 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $57 | $37 |
| American Family | $60 | $35 |
| Progressive | $60 | $34 |
| GEICO | $68 | $27 |
| Allstate | $83 | $12 |
| State Farm | $90 | $5 |
| Travelers | $92 | $3 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston for Drivers With Bad Credit
A low credit-based insurance score can mean higher premiums compared to those with good scores. For affordable cheap car insurance for drivers with bad credit, Progressive offers rates at $1,274 and South Carolina Farm Bureau at $1,302 yearly. Review the table below for more options from other providers.
| Progressive | $106 | $60 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $108 | $57 |
| Allstate | $122 | $44 |
| American National P&C | $124 | $42 |
| American Family | $130 | $36 |
| Travelers | $141 | $25 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $153 | $13 |
| GEICO | $155 | $11 |
HOW TO LOWER YOUR RATE WITH BAD CREDIT
Drivers with poor credit can still lower car insurance costs by using common discounts and bundling different insurance policies. Comparing personalized quotes from multiple companies is crucial. Improving your credit over time can also help you get a lower rate.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston After a Driving Offense
Insurance providers assess risk when calculating car insurance premiums, with your driving record playing a key role. Violations like speeding tickets, accidents or DUIs can significantly raise your rates. Even the cheapest car insurance for drivers with violations will be more expensive than for those with clean records. We've broken down affordable providers so you can find cheap car insurance after an accident and for other driving offenses.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston After a DUI
Drivers in Charleston with a DUI can still find affordable car insurance. American Family offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $614 annually. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best rates for drivers with DUI in Charleston.
| American Family | $51 | $87 |
| American National P&C | $55 | $84 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $71 | $67 |
| Progressive | $87 | $51 |
| State Farm | $106 | $32 |
| Allstate | $108 | $31 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $127 | $12 |
| Travelers | $128 | $10 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston After an Accident
American National P&C offers the most affordable minimum coverage car insurance in Charleston for drivers with an at-fault accident, with an annual rate of $576. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best car insurance company with the most affordable rates.
| American National P&C | $48 | $97 |
| American Family | $62 | $83 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $75 | $70 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $80 | $65 |
| GEICO | $102 | $43 |
| Progressive | $111 | $34 |
| Travelers | $116 | $29 |
| State Farm | $120 | $25 |
| Allstate | $128 | $17 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston After a Ticket
American National P&C offers the most affordable car insurance for drivers with a speeding record in Charleston at $576 annually. Auto-Owners Insurance Co follows with an annual rate of $740. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best rates.
| American National P&C | $48 | $79 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $62 | $66 |
| American Family | $63 | $65 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $67 | $60 |
| GEICO | $70 | $57 |
| Progressive | $83 | $44 |
| Allstate | $99 | $28 |
| State Farm | $106 | $21 |
| Travelers | $111 | $17 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston for Military Drivers
Military drivers, including active-duty members, veterans, and their families, often find special discounts and competitive rates on car insurance in Charleston. Among the cheapest car insurance providers for military drivers, American National P&C offers an annual rate of $441, while USAA is available at $442 for minimum coverage.
| American National P&C | $37 | $53 |
| USAA | $37 | $53 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $55 | $35 |
| South Carolina Farm Bureau | $59 | $32 |
| American Family | $60 | $31 |
| Progressive | $65 | $25 |
| GEICO | $65 | $25 |
| Allstate | $69 | $22 |
| Travelers | $83 | $8 |
Car Insurance Quotes in Charleston
The estimated car insurance rates above offer Charleston drivers a glimpse into potential premium costs, serving as a starting point for those seeking affordable options. Companies like American National P&C and USAA provide rates well below the city average. However, because insurers consider individual factors, personalized quotes are crucial for accurate cost estimates.
Compare Charleston Car Insurance Estimates Online
Since each insurer evaluates personalized factors differently, the only way to find the most affordable car insurance is by comparing quotes. American National P&C and USAA offer competitive rates, both at $37 monthly. With MoneyGeek, Charleston drivers can swiftly enter basic details and receive multiple quotes within minutes.
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Rates updated:
Dec 24, 2024
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Car Insurance Agencies in Charleston
While comparing car insurance quotes online is a swift way to find affordable coverage, residents seeking personalized service should reach out to local agencies for tailored advice. Below, find the names, review ratings, and contact information for Charleston's top car insurance agencies.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Charleston?
In Charleston, full coverage car insurance averages $2129 per year. State minimum coverage is less, averaging $1141 annually. Keep in mind, these rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean record—your own rate may differ.
Charleston Auto Insurance Cost by Driver Profile
Check out this table for average auto insurance costs by driver type. See how your rate stacks up and find an affordable plan.
| Teen Drivers | No Data | $449 |
| Young Adults | $118 | $215 |
| Senior Drivers | $95 | $168 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $166 | $309 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $127 | $229 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $138 | $248 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $145 | $260 |
| Military Affiliated Drivers | $90 | $170 |
How Expensive Is Car Insurance Charleston?
In Charleston, minimum coverage car insurance is about 9% more at $1141 annually than the South Carolina average of $1049. Full coverage is roughly 6% higher, costing $2129 per year compared to the state's $2004. Both options are slightly above average but still affordable.
| City Avg Rate | $95 | $177 |
| State Avg Rate | $87 | $167 |
| vs State Avg Rate | $-8 | $-10 |
Car Insurance Requirements in Charleston
South Carolina mandates that drivers carry minimum coverage auto insurance. This ensures that in the event of an accident, there's a basic level of financial protection in place for bodily injury and property damage caused to others.
Here are the minimum coverage limits required in South Carolina:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident.
An auto insurance policy provides a safety net against costs from accidents. Liability coverage, specifically, helps pay for damage or injuries you may cause to someone else when you are at fault.
For instance, if you're at fault in an accident and the other driver has medical costs of $20,000, your minimum bodily injury liability per person would cover this expense, as it falls within the $25,000 limit. It's essential to have this coverage to avoid paying out of pocket.
Those in need of SR-22 insurance in Charleston must maintain at least these minimum coverage amounts to comply with state laws and drive legally.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston: Bottom Line
Your age, driving record, car type, and credit score can affect your car insurance cost in Charleston. American National P&C and Auto-Owners Insurance Co often have the most affordable plans. Always compare quotes from different providers to make sure you get the best deal.
Cheap Charleston Car Insurance: FAQ
MoneyGeek answers common questions about finding the cheapest car insurance in Charleston. We help you discover the best minimum coverage options to meet your needs, ensuring you get the right protection at an affordable price.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Charleston, South Carolina?
The cheapest car insurance company in Charleston, South Carolina, is typically American National P&C, with average rates of $37 per month for minimum coverage and $65 per year for full coverage. However, rates vary based on age, driving history and coverage needs, so it’s best to compare quotes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, is around $2,129 per year for full coverage, while minimum coverage averages approximately $1,141 per year. These rates can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Is car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, expensive?
Yes, car insurance in Charleston, South Carolina, tends to be more expensive than the state average. Factors like higher traffic congestion, accident rates and crime rates contribute to the increased premiums. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find more affordable options.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance in Charleston, SC
To help Charleston drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed Charleston auto insurance rates based on data and information from the South Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
Charleston Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in Charleston with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
Certain factors — such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation — were adjusted to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.
Coverage Levels in Charleston
MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.
The minimum coverage requirements in South Carolina are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
- Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible
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.