Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in South Carolina (October 2024)

South Carolina Farm Bureau is the cheapest car insurance company for individual drivers with low income and poor credit history in South Carolina, at $75 per month. For families with low income, Auto Owners is the most affordable provider at $80 per month.

South Carolina does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for individuals and families with low income. One option for managing the cost is to look for the provider with the most affordable rate. There are also ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance. Note that minimum coverage can help you drive legally, but there are downsides. For example, minimum coverage may not cover all expenses in an at-fault accident.

Car insurance companies do not consider income when calculating car insurance rates in South Carolina. Instead, factors like age, driving record, credit history and type of car play a significant role. At-fault accidents and moving violations can increase your rates. Comparing quotes from several companies is the best way to find the cheapest rates.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. South Carolina also offers pay-per-mile insurance, which is an excellent option for drivers who rarely drive. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurers for drivers with low income in South Carolina to help you save.

To legally drive in South Carolina, you must have car insurance that meets the state's minimum car insurance requirements. Your policy should include at least the following coverages:

• $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

Understanding the difference between liability-only car insurance and full coverage car insurance is crucial. Liability-only insurance covers the other driver's expenses in an accident you cause. To protect your own vehicle, you'll need full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive coverages. These protect against non-collision incidents like theft or natural disasters.

Assessing your individual risks and benefits helps determine the right coverage for your situation.

Your credit record can affect your car insurance rates in South Carolina. A lower credit-based insurance score may signal to insurers that you're a higher risk, which can lead to more expensive premiums.

South Carolina drivers with poor credit records can find affordable rates with:

• South Carolina Farm Bureau: $895 per year; $75 per month
• Progressive: $949 per year; $79 per month

The cheapest car insurance in South Carolina for drivers with low income and a good credit history are:

• American National P&C: $375 per year; $31 per month
• South Carolina Farm Bureau: $483 per year; $40 per month

Driving without insurance in South Carolina is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000 and other penalties. Make sure you're covered to drive legally and safely.

Although your income doesn't affect your car insurance rates, being a single parent can. In South Carolina, a single parent with a teen pays about $512 more annually than a married couple with a teen. The monthly rate for single parents is also higher by $43 compared to married couples without teens.

The cheapest car insurance companies for a married couple with a teen in South Carolina are:

• Auto-Owners: $961 per year; $80 per month
• State Farm: $1,208 per year; $101 per month

The cheapest car insurance companies for a single parent with a teen are:

• Auto-Owners: $1,473 per year; $123 per month
• State Farm: $1,870 per year; $156 per month

Married couples with a teen can find more affordable car insurance options than single parents. This rate difference highlights the impact that family structure can have on insurance costs. Regardless of family type, it's important to keep a good credit score to secure the most affordable rates.

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach the early senior years, typically around age 55 to 65, especially if you have a clean driving record. The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low income and poor credit history are:

• South Carolina Farm Bureau: $817 per year; $68 per month
• Progressive: $880 per year; $73 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase, as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. South Carolina has specific laws and guidelines for seniors getting car insurance.

Income doesn't directly affect car insurance rates in South Carolina. However, your rates could increase if low income leads to a poor credit record. Good credit can help keep your rates lower. Understanding the factors contributing to car insurance rates in the Palmetto State can help you make informed decisions when choosing the best car insurance for you.

Finding affordable car insurance in South Carolina can be done through several strategies, whether or not you qualify for state-sponsored programs for drivers with low income. Here are some tips to lower your car insurance premiums:

Finding affordable car insurance for drivers with low income is a common challenge. Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about low-income car insurance in South Carolina.