Cheapest Auto Insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina (2024)

Lancaster drivers pay an overall average of $248 per month for car insurance — more than the statewide average of $225 per month and the nationwide monthly average of $158. South Carolina has the seventh-highest car insurance rates in the country, according to Insurify data, but Lancaster's costs may be higher because of its proximity to the much larger city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

A high accident rate in Lancaster county may also be a factor in the city of Lancaster's car insurance rates.

Here’s what you should know about comparing quotes and finding affordable coverage in Lancaster.

3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Lancaster

In Lancaster, you can choose from a wide range of insurance companies to meet your coverage requirements. Whether it’s state-mandated liability insurance, full coverage, or optional coverages, you’ll be able to find what you need.

Cost differences can be notable between insurance companies, and your driving history and insurance needs also affect your rates. Below are the top three most affordable options for car insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Best insurer for discounts: State Farm

Best insurer for military members: USAA

Best insurer for cheap rates: Auto-Owners

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster

Shopping around for coverage is one of the best ways to get cheap car insurance. Lancaster drivers have plenty of companies to choose from, all with varying coverage options and discounts.

Consider the following ways to find the best policy that meets your needs and helps your budget:

• Apply for discounts. While many insurance companies offer discounts, some may offer more than others or ones tailored to you, such as a home and auto insurance bundle. Compare how much you could reduce your costs and review eligibility requirements, ask questions, and take notes.

• Bundle. Some companies offer major savings when you bundle auto insurance with homeowners insurance or life insurance policies.

• Drive safely. Take extra care to drive safely, as a clean record is the best way to keep your rates low. Even one infraction can cause your rates to increase. Consider taking a defensive driving course, as your insurer may offer better rates to drivers who complete one.

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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Lancaster: USAA

Car insurance protections vary based on the type of coverage you purchase. The most basic form of auto insurance coverage most states require is liability coverage. It provides the minimum required to drive and has limited benefits.

Liability insurance covers just that — your liability in events like car accidents. Generally, you’ll have coverage for property damage and bodily injury. It’s important to note that this pays only for damages for the other driver.^[1]

On average, liability-only coverage costs $184 per month for Lancaster-based drivers. You may consider a liability-only policy if your car is paid for, and is older or less expensive to repair. Below are some of the best insurers for liability-only coverage in Lancaster.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Lancaster: USAA

Liability insurance covers the basics but can leave you vulnerable and exposed if there’s an incident. That’s where full-coverage car insurance can fill the gaps and provide more thorough protection.

Full coverage is an umbrella term that typically includes the necessary liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It covers any repairs to your vehicle, whether it’s damaged in an accident or because of an errant rock hitting your windshield.^[1] It’s a great option for Lancaster drivers who want to protect their finances fully. And if you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to buy full coverage to protect their investment in your car.

Lancaster drivers pay a monthly average of $312 for full-coverage policies. Here are the cheapest full-coverage car insurance options in Lancaster.

Car insurance requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina law requires drivers to meet certain car insurance requirements mandated by the state. These include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage, with the minimum limits stated below. South Carolina has a “tort system,” which means drivers are considered at fault or not.^[2]

These are just the basic coverage types you need to drive in Lancaster. Additional coverage options offer more thorough benefits and services, including:

• 

  Collision coverage

  If your vehicle is damaged due to a car accident or there’s a total loss, collision insurance will reimburse the costs to repair it after you pay your deductible.

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  If your car is damaged from other types of incidents — like weather, fire, vandalism, or theft — comprehensive coverage pays for repairs, minus your deductible.^[1]

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

As safely as you might drive, incidents can still happen. These incidents might include getting a speeding ticket, getting into an at-fault accident, or driving under the influence (DUI).

Incidents like these on your driving record typically lead to higher rates since your insurer will consider you a higher risk. But you can still find affordable coverage with an incident on your driving record through some insurers in Lancaster.

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Getting a speeding ticket isn’t just inconvenient — it can lead to fines and higher premiums. Generally, how much extra you’ll pay is based on your speed and the difference in how fast you were going compared to the stated limit.

Lancaster drivers with a speeding ticket pay an average of $252 per month for liability-only coverage and $428 for full coverage. The following table compares how a speeding ticket affects car insurance rates for Lancaster drivers.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA

It takes just a second of distracted driving, speeding, or a lapse in judgment to cause an accident. And even after only one accident, your rates will likely increase, as insurers will consider you high risk.

In Lancaster, the average monthly cost of car insurance for drivers with at-fault accidents is $255 for liability insurance and $432 for full coverage. Below, you can compare rates for Lancaster motorists with clean driving records versus those with at-fault accidents.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Getting a DUI conviction in South Carolina can lead to fines, potential jail time, a suspended license, and increased insurance rates. If it’s your first time driving under the influence, you could be charged $400 and spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail. On top of that, your license will be revoked for six months.^[3]

For additional offenses, the consequences are more severe. When you can drive again, you may want to find more affordable coverage, especially if there have been policy changes.

For Lancaster drivers with a DUI, the average monthly quote for liability-only coverage is $292, and full coverage is $495. Below are the cheapest car insurance options if you have a DUI in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA

Drivers tend to pay less for car insurance as they age, especially if they have clean records. But other considerations may affect your driving. Medical conditions, vision problems, or coordination issues can put some seniors at higher risk of getting into an accident.

In general, insurers start increasing rates for seniors around age 70. Lancaster seniors pay an average of $152 per month for liability-only car insurance coverage. To find the most competitive car insurance for seniors, review the insurance companies and rates below.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA

Young drivers pay the most for car insurance policies, as their lack of experience on the road puts them at greater risk for accidents. Fortunately, rates begin to fall around age 25.

Teens can lower insurance rates by looking for companies that provide a good student discount or staying on their parents’ policy. While teen drivers pay an overall average of $248 per month for coverage, the table below features some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Lancaster for teen drivers.

Lancaster car insurance quotes by credit tier

When an insurance company assesses risk, it considers many factors, including your credit history. Drivers with higher credit scores typically pay less and get the best rates. On the other hand, drivers with poor credit often pay more for coverage. Insurance companies associate lower credit profiles with higher levels of risk, leading to increased rates.^[4]

While some states have banned using credit histories when determining insurance premiums, South Carolina law permits insurance companies to do so.

Is car insurance more expensive in Lancaster?

The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Lancaster is $312 per month, much higher than the national average of $211 and the state average of $281.

Location-based factors, such as population density and crime, affect whether rates are more or less expensive.

More cities in South Carolina

Explore the average monthly cost of car insurance for drivers in other South Carolina cities below.

Lancaster car insurance FAQs