Cheapest Auto Insurance in Columbia, South Carolina (2024)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Columbia, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $53 per month.
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Written byJacqueline DeMarco
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13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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Edited byKatie Powers
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
Updated October 30, 2024
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Table of contents
Columbia is the second-largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 139,698. Drivers in the state’s capital city pay $292 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $179 for liability-only policies, compared to the state averages of $281 for full coverage and $168 for liability only.
The city’s population and location in Richland County, the county with the third-highest crash rate in the state, are likely factors in its higher-than-average auto insurance costs.
Still, Columbia drivers can find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple insurers, driving safely, and choosing safe vehicles. Here’s what you need to know about finding cheap car insurance in Columbia.
Quick Facts
USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm are the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia.
Nearly 11% of drivers in South Carolina are on the road without insurance, according to data from the Insurance Research Council.
Richland County had the third-highest number of collisions in the state in 2021, and the fourth-highest number of fatalities, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia
When looking for cheap car insurance in Columbia, it’s important to remember that the right auto insurance company for you varies based on your unique needs as a driver and your financial situation. If you’re looking for affordable coverage, consider the following companies.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 9.4 | $90 | $51 | Drivers with an accident |
| State Farm | 9.3 | $100 | $57 | Teen drivers |
| Hugo | 7.0 | $54 | $48 | Infrequent drivers |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Cheapest insurer for drivers with an accident: USAA
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $53/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $92/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1573 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (897)
Kent
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent
The insurance is a bit high.
Dorothy
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Significant Increase in Policy Payment
Be cautious not to have an accident, as my policy payment increased by $300 a month.
Martin
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
My Opinion
They have always been there when I've needed them. They're not the cheapest, but I've never been denied a claim.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA offers all the standard coverage options, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement. Eligible policyholders can earn significant discounts. Unfortunately, USAA only offers coverage for current, former, and reserve military members and their families.
Pros
Variety of discounts available, including good grade and multi-car discounts
You can file claims and make policy changes through the mobile app
Cons
Only available to military members, veterans, and their families
Low average Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer reviews
Cheapest insurer for teen drivers: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $59/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 8831 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (4,847)
Jannie
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Good
The insurance is higher than other companies' policies.
Marsha
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
Friendly agents!
Check out their prices!
Linda
October 29, 2024
Verified Review
I also have my homeowners insurance with them. I had a fire in my hot water heater and a year later, someone stayed in my house while I was gone for 2 months. I came home to a floating kitchen floor. After these incidents, StateFarm cancelled my policy.
I also have my homeowners insurance with them. I had a fire in my hot water heater and a year later, someone stayed in my house while I was gone for 2 months. I came home to a floating kitchen floor. After these incidents, StateFarm cancelled my policy.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
State Farm provides the standard range of auto insurance options. It also offers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, rental insurance, rideshare coverage, and emergency roadside service. Savings specifically for teens include good student, driver training, and student-away-at-school discounts.
Pros
Significant savings possible when bundling auto with life or property insurance
Easy policy management with mobile app
Cons
Negative BBB reviews
No gap insurance coverage
Cheapest insurer for infrequent drivers: Hugo
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $291/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 114 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Hugo
Drivers appreciate the excellent prices, flexible payment options, and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of full coverage and difficulty reaching support.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Micropayments
No down payments
Fast coverage
How drivers feel about Hugo
Drivers appreciate the excellent prices, flexible payment options, and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of full coverage and difficulty reaching support.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Micropayments
No down payments
Fast coverage
Reviews (43)
Dawn
October 21, 2024
Verified Review
Paying Too Much
It's pretty expensive and they don't really provide much coverage.
Kimberly
September 21, 2024
Verified Review
Hugo Whoa!
It's steep, but convenient.
Sheila
September 10, 2024
Verified Review
Great in a Pinch
It's good when you need it on the spot and don't have a lot of money because you pay daily. However, it's very expensive in the long run.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NRA.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Founded in 2021, Hugo sells usage-based insurance in 13 states, including South Carolina. You can purchase liability coverage for as few as three days at a time, but policy terms range up to six months.
Depending on the plan you choose, you can turn your coverage on and off so you only pay for coverage on the days you drive. Not for everyone, this pay-as-you-drive insurance works best for infrequent drivers like retirees, remote workers, and city dwellers.
Pros
Option to turn coverage on and off
No down payment or deposit required
Cons
Fewer coverage options than standard insurers
Not the cheapest option for daily drivers
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Columbia
When calculating car insurance rates, insurance companies consider elements such as your driving record, vehicle type, age, and credit score.
To help you find affordable car insurance coverage in Columbia, you should consider the following tactics for saving money:
Choose a high deductible. Opt for higher deductibles, as this can lower your premium.
Bundle your policies. You can qualify for multi-policy discounts by bundling your car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Drive a safe vehicle. Many insurers offer discounts for vehicles with safety features.
Ask about discounts. Inquire about discounts for safety features in your car, such as anti-theft devices and airbags.
Compare insurers. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you get the best rate.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia, SC
Liability rates start at $53 per month
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Columbia: USAA
Liability-only car insurance provides coverage for any damages or injuries you cause others in an accident. It doesn’t provide coverage for your car. Rather, liability insurance includes bodily injury liability to cover medical expenses and legal costs for injuries to others, as well as property damage liability to cover repairs or replacement of damaged property.[1]
Liability insurance costs an average of $179 per month in Columbia.
The insurance companies that offer the cheapest liability-only car insurance policies for you depend on your driving history and other factors. The following table shows minimum coverage quotes from top insurers in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| USAA | $53 |
| Auto-Owners | $57 |
| State Farm | $59 |
| GEICO | $63 |
| Nationwide | $87 |
| Safeco | $89 |
| Allstate | $92 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| Progressive | $115 |
| State Auto | $120 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $128 |
| Direct Auto | $145 |
| Liberty Mutual | $164 |
| Dairyland | $166 |
| National General | $186 |
| The General | $186 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $221 |
| Bristol West | $229 |
| GAINSCO | $254 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Columbia: USAA
In addition to liability insurance, full-coverage insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage kicks in to cover repairs to your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage applies to damage from theft, vandalism, natural disaster, and other non-collision incidents.
Full coverage costs more than liability-only insurance but may be worth it if you drive an expensive vehicle. If you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will require you to buy full coverage.
In Columbia, full-coverage car insurance averages $292 per month. Here are monthly quotes from some top insurers in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| USAA | $92 |
| Auto-Owners | $99 |
| State Farm | $103 |
| GEICO | $110 |
| Safeco | $146 |
| Nationwide | $150 |
| Allstate | $160 |
| Travelers | $171 |
| Progressive | $183 |
| State Auto | $189 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $201 |
| Direct Auto | $250 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $260 |
| National General | $273 |
| Liberty Mutual | $299 |
| The General | $350 |
| Dairyland | $363 |
| Bristol West | $406 |
| GAINSCO | $446 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near Columbia, South Carolina
Recent Columbia, South Carolina car insurance prices for Volkswagen, Buick, Nissan , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Columbia, South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Columbia, South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from October 30, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in South Carolina
Like most states, South Carolina law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. Specifically, you must have bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.[2]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury; $25,000 per accident in property damage |
Optional coverages in South Carolina include:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your car resulting from colliding with an object, such as a tree or another vehicle. If the cost of repairing the car exceeds 75% of its actual cash value (ACV), the car likely qualifies as a total loss.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from various causes, including fire, vandalism, flooding, theft, and animals. It also includes coverage for broken glass and doesn’t typically require a deductible for safety glass repairs or replacements.[3]
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist insurance covers your injuries or property damage if the at-fault driver’s coverage limits are too low to cover your damages or medical bills.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Most driving incidents go on your driving record and can affect your auto insurance rates. These include speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) charges, at-fault accidents, and other moving violations. The presence of these incidents on your record can indicate a greater likelihood of filing an insurance claim.[4]
For example, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance for Columbia drivers with clean records is $292 per month. But drivers with infractions on their records pay an average of $375 per month for the same coverage.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia, SC
Monthly rates start at $230 for drivers with an incident
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Though less significant than an accident or DUI, speeding tickets can cause your car insurance costs to increase. Insurance companies view speeding as a risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents, so they adjust premiums accordingly.
In Columbia, the average cost of car insurance with a speeding ticket is $401 per month for full coverage and $246 for liability-only policies. The following table shows the cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $53 | $68 |
| Auto-Owners | $57 | $73 |
| State Farm | $59 | $75 |
| GEICO | $63 | $80 |
| Nationwide | $87 | $112 |
| Safeco | $89 | $115 |
| Allstate | $92 | $117 |
| Travelers | $99 | $127 |
| Progressive | $115 | $147 |
| State Auto | $120 | $167 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $185 |
| Liberty Mutual | $164 | $227 |
| Dairyland | $166 | $213 |
| National General | $186 | $239 |
| The General | $186 | $241 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $221 | $286 |
| Bristol West | $229 | $293 |
| GAINSCO | $254 | $351 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
At-fault accidents can lead to substantial increases in your car insurance costs. Insurance companies consider these accidents as an indication of higher risk, which results in elevated premiums.
Drivers with an at-fault accident in Columbia pay average car insurance costs of $405 per month for full coverage and $248 for liability only. Here are quotes from top insurers for Columbia drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $53 | $70 |
| Auto-Owners | $57 | $76 |
| State Farm | $59 | $78 |
| GEICO | $63 | $84 |
| Nationwide | $87 | $116 |
| Safeco | $89 | $115 |
| Allstate | $92 | $122 |
| Travelers | $99 | $132 |
| Progressive | $115 | $154 |
| State Auto | $120 | $174 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $196 |
| Liberty Mutual | $164 | $233 |
| Dairyland | $166 | $218 |
| National General | $186 | $248 |
| The General | $186 | $250 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $221 | $290 |
| Bristol West | $229 | $301 |
| GAINSCO | $254 | $322 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
Due to the severity of the offense, a DUI greatly affects car insurance costs. Insurance companies view DUIs as a significant red flag for bad driving behavior that can lead to filing future claims. If you have a DUI on your record, you can expect your insurance premiums to increase substantially.
In Columbia, car insurance for drivers with DUIs averages $463 per month for full coverage and $284 for liability only. Many companies in Columbia still provide affordable insurance for drivers with a DUI. Here are monthly quotes from some top insurance companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $53 | $86 |
| Auto-Owners | $57 | $92 |
| State Farm | $59 | $95 |
| GEICO | $63 | $102 |
| Nationwide | $87 | $141 |
| Safeco | $89 | $144 |
| Allstate | $92 | $149 |
| Travelers | $99 | $160 |
| Progressive | $115 | $186 |
| State Auto | $120 | $194 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $235 |
| Liberty Mutual | $164 | $265 |
| Dairyland | $166 | $269 |
| National General | $186 | $301 |
| The General | $186 | $301 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $221 | $358 |
| Bristol West | $229 | $371 |
| GAINSCO | $254 | $411 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Car insurance rates typically decrease once drivers reach 25, thanks to more experience driving and reduced risky behavior. But insurance premiums tend to increase again slightly when drivers reach around age 70, partially due to potentially declining physical abilities and a heightened vulnerability to accidents.
Senior drivers in Columbia can still find affordable coverage. The average rate for full coverage for Columbia seniors is $241 per month, and liability-only policies average $148 per month, according to Insurify data. Here are average monthly quotes for senior drivers from some top insurance companies in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $74 | $42 |
| Auto-Owners | $78 | $45 |
| State Farm | $80 | $46 |
| GEICO | $88 | $50 |
| Nationwide | $112 | $65 |
| Safeco | $123 | $75 |
| Allstate | $129 | $74 |
| Progressive | $131 | $83 |
| Travelers | $134 | $78 |
| State Auto | $144 | $91 |
| Direct Auto | $195 | $113 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $197 | $167 |
| National General | $210 | $143 |
| Liberty Mutual | $249 | $137 |
| The General | $285 | $152 |
| Dairyland | $290 | $133 |
| Bristol West | $325 | $183 |
| GAINSCO | $374 | $213 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Car insurance rates for teenage drivers are typically much higher than premiums for adults due to the increased risk associated with inexperienced drivers.
In Columbia, car insurance rates for teen drivers average $523 per month for full coverage and $321 for liability only.
To obtain the cheapest car insurance as a teen, consider staying on your parents’ insurance policy, as it often offers more favorable rates. You can also opt for a car with good safety features to lower insurance costs.[5] Lastly, you can qualify for a good student discount by maintaining good grades.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $156 | $90 |
| Auto-Owners | $170 | $98 |
| GEICO | $177 | $101 |
| State Farm | $178 | $102 |
| Nationwide | $263 | $152 |
| Allstate | $286 | $165 |
| Safeco | $295 | $180 |
| Travelers | $312 | $181 |
| Progressive | $330 | $207 |
| State Auto | $340 | $216 |
| Direct Auto | $461 | $267 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $485 | $412 |
| Liberty Mutual | $536 | $294 |
| National General | $544 | $371 |
| The General | $566 | $301 |
| Dairyland | $604 | $276 |
| Bristol West | $696 | $393 |
| GAINSCO | $789 | $449 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Columbia car insurance quotes by credit tier
In the state of South Carolina, car insurance companies can consider credit history when determining premiums. Having excellent or good credit scores can lead to lower rates, and poor credit scores generally result in higher rates.[6]
On average, South Carolina drivers with excellent credit pay $271 per month for coverage.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in Columbia?
Car insurance rates vary by location, and Columbia, South Carolina, drivers have higher car insurance rates than the state’s average costs.
The average cost of minimum coverage in Columbia is $179, while full coverage averages $292 per month. By comparison, the state averages are $168 and $281.
More cities in South Carolina
“In pricing insurance, insurance companies rate coverage by state, city, and even down to the ZIP code level in larger municipalities,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. “Specific location rating factors typically include weather hazards, accident frequency and severity, theft and vandalism rates, and the costs of repairs.”
The following table shows average monthly car insurance rates in other South Carolina cities.
City ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $322 | $205 |
| Greenville | $249 | $165 |
| Lexington | $246 | $159 |
| Myrtle Beach | $212 | $146 |
| North Charleston | $352 | $235 |
| Rock Hill | $292 | $189 |
| Summerville | $324 | $212 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Columbia car insurance FAQs
Finding affordable coverage doesn’t have to feel difficult. The information below should help you navigate the process of finding car insurance in Columbia, South Carolina.
How much is car insurance in Columbia?
On average, drivers in Columbia spend $292 per month for full-coverage insurance, while liability coverage comes in at $179 per month. Your actual rate will vary depending on multiple factors, including your ZIP code, gender, age, driving record, and more.
What company has the cheapest car insurance in Columbia?
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in South Carolina, with liability rates starting at $53 per month. But USAA may not be an option for all drivers.
Columbia motorists can also find affordable coverage through Auto-Owners and State Farm, which have liability-only rates as low as $57 and $59 per month.
What are the best car insurance companies in Columbia?
With an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, an IQ Score of 9.4 out of 5, and cheap average rates, USAA is one of the best car insurance companies in Columbia. State Farm also earned an A++ rating from AM Best and also has a high IQ Score of 9.3.
How much car insurance do you need in South Carolina?
The state’s minimum requirements include $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage equal to the bodily injury and property damage requirements. You need to at least carry the minimum required insurance to drive legally in the state.
Is South Carolina a no-fault state?
No. South Carolina is an at-fault, or tort, state, which means the driver responsible for an accident — typically through their insurer — must cover the costs of any property damage or injury they caused the other driver and their passengers.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in South Carolina
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- South Carolina Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is covered by collision and comprehensive auto insurance?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- Experian. "Which States Restrict the Use of Credit Scores in Determining Insurance Rates?."
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Jacqueline DeMarco
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
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3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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