Car insurance in South Carolina, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It protects your car from dents, and it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, South Carolina car insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Palmetto State" should have; it's something they
have.
Auto insurance in South Carolina doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in South Carolina, you need auto insurance in South Carolina. Here's what kind and how much, according to South Carolina state law:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get a South Carolina auto insurance quote online
For a car insurance quote South Carolina drivers should start on the Internet. Available from all major South Carolina car insurance agencies, online quotes offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.
I recommend: To get auto insurance quotes, South Carolina drivers should consult websites like
InsWeb,
Insurance.com,
InsuranceUSA and
InsuranceFinder, or companies like
Progressive and
Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.
Solicit a South Carolina auto insurance quote from national providers
Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in South Carolina and all provide competitive South Carolina auto insurance rates.
I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in South Carolina are
AIG,
Allstate,
Chubb,
Farmers,
GEICO,
The Hartford,
Liberty Mutual and
State Farm. National associations like
AAA and
AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in South Carolina.
Get car insurance in South Carolina from local and regional companies
In South Carolina, car insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.
I recommend: For automotive insurance, South Carolina drivers should try South Carolina-based companies like
South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance and
Anderson Insurance Associates. Also consider local programs, like the
Associated Auto Insurers Plan of South Carolina, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in South Carolina.
Use an independent agent to find SC auto insurance bargains
Buying car insurance in South Carolina via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.
I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in South Carolina, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of South Carolina website.
Choose South Carolina auto insurance agencies that you can trust
Before doing business with South Carolina car insurance agencies, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.
I recommend: If you subscribe to
Consumer Reports, you can check up on South Carolina car insurance agencies. Another good resource is the
South Carolina Department of Insurance, which licenses
South Carolina auto insurance agencies and compiles statistics on complaints against them.