South Carolina drivers pay around $2,022 a year for full coverage — about 25% under the national average. The state is at-fault but mandates uninsured-motorist coverage on top of a 25/50/25 liability minimum. Here's the coverage you must carry, what South Carolinians pay, and how to find a cheaper rate.
South Carolina runs on an at-fault (tort) basis but mandates uninsured-motorist coverage alongside its 25/50/25 liability minimum. Full coverage averages roughly $2,022 a year, about 25% under the national average, though coastal hurricane exposure and a high uninsured-driver rate are notable cost factors. Credit history is a permitted rating factor.
The coverages below are the minimum a driver must legally carry in South Carolina. Source: Bankrate minimum-coverage requirements and state insurance department filings.
| Coverage | Minimum limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25k / $50k | Per injured person / per crash |
| Property damage liability | $25k | Mandatory |
| Uninsured motorist | $25k / $50k / $25k | Compulsory in South Carolina |
| Personal injury protection | Not required | South Carolina follows an at-fault model |
Independent market estimates based on Bankrate's 2026 rate data and NAIC filings, shown against the U.S. average. Actual rates vary by ZIP, carrier, and individual profile.
| Coverage level | Est. annual premium | vs. U.S. avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $2,022/yr | 25% below U.S. | Comprehensive and collision included |
| Minimum coverage | $671/yr | 20% below U.S. | Bundles the required UM |
Estimates apply national rate-increase multipliers to South Carolina's full-coverage average. Approximate (“~”) figures multiply the state average by a national factor and will vary by carrier.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. state avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$2,022/yr | Baseline | Statewide full-coverage average |
| One at-fault accident | ~$2,891/yr | +43% | 2,022 × 1.43 per Bankrate |
| Speeding ticket | ~$2,507/yr | +24% | 2,022 × 1.24 per Bankrate |
| DUI on record | ~$3,801/yr | +88% | 2,022 × 1.88 per Bankrate |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$4,044/yr | ≈2× | About double per Bankrate |
| Poor credit score | ~$3,437/yr | +70% | 2,022 × 1.70 per Bankrate |
ⓘ Source: Bankrate 2026 rate data and NAIC filings. Figures are independent estimates, not quotes. Verify pricing with a licensed agent or carrier.
South Carolina blends below-average pricing with required UM coverage, which adds protection at modest cost. Coastal weather makes comprehensive coverage valuable, especially near Charleston and the coast. With credit and location driving differences between carriers, comparison shopping is the most reliable way to lock in South Carolina's lower baseline.
South Carolina is an affordable state with required UM coverage, though coastal risk makes a case for full coverage. Weighing carriers and keeping your credit healthy is the best way to secure a competitive South Carolina rate.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service. Rate figures for South Carolina are independent market estimates compiled from publicly available Bankrate, NAIC, and state regulatory data — not quotes. Coverage requirements summarized here are for general information only and may change; always confirm current minimums with the South Carolina insurance department. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with a licensed agent before purchasing.