10+ years writing on personal finance topics
Host of the Mental Health and Wealth podcast
Melanie is a blogger, author, and speaker specializing in personal finance and debt management. She’s also the author of the blog and book “Dear Debt.”
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
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 November 21, 2024
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Lancaster drivers pay an overall average of $237 per month for car insurance — more than the statewide average of $224 per month and the nationwide monthly average of $154. 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.
USAA, Auto-Owners, and State Farm offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster.
For Lancaster residents, the overall annual cost for car insurance averages $2,846.
On average, Lancaster drivers pay $294 per month for full coverage, higher than the national average of $204.
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.
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 ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | 9.3 | $101 | $57 | Discounts |
USAA | 9.4 | $91 | $52 | Military members |
Auto-Owners | 8.5 | $98 | $55 | Cheap rates |
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.
Best insurer for discounts: 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. | $60/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. | $106/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
State Farm is a large insurer offering low liability-only and full-coverage rates in Lancaster. The company offers a variety of discounts, including good student and safe driving options. State Farm is the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, and consistently earns higher-than-average scores for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power's Auto Insurance Studies.
Many bundling options
Personalized service via insurance agents
Provides insurance for many different cars and drivers
Poor customer Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
Doesn’t offer as many discounts as some competitors
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Best insurer for military members: 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. | $55/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. | $96/mo |
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.
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.
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Not Good for Claims
Martin
November 11, 2024
Price Shopping
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Disappointing and inflexible service
USAA has the most affordable liability coverage in Lancaster and offers a variety of discounts. But only active-duty military members, veterans, and their families qualify for coverage.
Low rates for both liability and full coverage
Multiple discounts
Easy-to-use mobile app
Only available to military members, veterans, and their families
Poor customer BBB ratings
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Best insurer for cheap rates: Auto-Owners
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
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. | 8.5 /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 |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service, competitive initial rates, and professional agents but dislike the frequent price increases and complicated claims process.
Debra
November 3, 2024
Excellent
Scotty
November 2, 2024
They are a bunch of crooks. My policy has increased every single time, and I've only had one small claim.
Dana
October 31, 2024
Average
Civilian drivers looking for cheap car insurance in Lancaster may find what they need with Auto-Owners. The company offers the second-lowest rates in the city, but doesn't limit its membership to the military community, as USAA does. Auto-Owners list more than a dozen discounts on its website, including for students and teens, for having a car with safety features, and for a good claims history.
Three different teen discounts
Roadside assistance available
Gap coverage available
Poor customer ratings on BBB website
Low rating on Trustpilot
Not available in every state
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.
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 $180 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.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
USAA | $55 |
Auto-Owners | $59 |
State Farm | $60 |
GEICO | $65 |
Nationwide | $89 |
Allstate | $94 |
Safeco | $102 |
Travelers | $102 |
Progressive | $109 |
State Auto | $124 |
Direct Auto | $161 |
Dairyland | $172 |
National General | $172 |
Liberty Mutual | $196 |
The General | $201 |
AssuranceAmerica | $235 |
Bristol West | $243 |
GAINSCO | $253 |
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 $294 for full-coverage policies. Here are the cheapest full-coverage car insurance options in Lancaster.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
USAA | $96 |
Auto-Owners | $103 |
State Farm | $106 |
GEICO | $114 |
Safeco | $151 |
Nationwide | $157 |
Allstate | $166 |
Progressive | $174 |
Travelers | $178 |
Root | $209 |
State Auto | $216 |
National General | $259 |
Direct Auto | $268 |
AssuranceAmerica | $302 |
Liberty Mutual | $326 |
Dairyland | $364 |
The General | $402 |
Bristol West | $431 |
GAINSCO | $452 |
Cheapest recent rates near Lancaster, South Carolina
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $57/mo for liability only and $101/mo for full coverage in Lancaster and other South Carolina cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Lancaster, South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Lancaster, South Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
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]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
Uninsured motorist coverage | Same as above, 25/50/25 with $200 deductible |
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.
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.
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 $243 per month for liability-only coverage and $397 for full coverage. The following table compares how a speeding ticket affects car insurance rates for Lancaster drivers.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $55 | $70 |
Auto-Owners | $59 | $76 |
State Farm | $60 | $76 |
GEICO | $65 | $83 |
Nationwide | $89 | $114 |
Allstate | $94 | $120 |
Safeco | $102 | $132 |
Travelers | $102 | $131 |
Progressive | $109 | $138 |
State Auto | $124 | $170 |
Direct Auto | $161 | $205 |
Dairyland | $172 | $219 |
National General | $172 | $220 |
Liberty Mutual | $196 | $269 |
The General | $201 | $261 |
AssuranceAmerica | $235 | $299 |
Bristol West | $243 | $311 |
GAINSCO | $253 | $347 |
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 $251 for liability insurance and $409 for full coverage. Below, you can compare rates for Lancaster motorists with clean driving records versus those with at-fault accidents.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $55 | $73 |
Auto-Owners | $59 | $79 |
State Farm | $60 | $79 |
GEICO | $65 | $87 |
Nationwide | $89 | $120 |
Allstate | $94 | $125 |
Safeco | $102 | $135 |
Travelers | $102 | $137 |
Progressive | $109 | $146 |
State Auto | $124 | $180 |
Direct Auto | $161 | $219 |
Dairyland | $172 | $227 |
National General | $172 | $229 |
Liberty Mutual | $196 | $278 |
The General | $201 | $273 |
AssuranceAmerica | $235 | $306 |
Bristol West | $243 | $323 |
GAINSCO | $253 | $322 |
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 $287, and full coverage is $468. Below are the cheapest car insurance options if you have a DUI in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $55 | $89 |
Auto-Owners | $59 | $96 |
State Farm | $60 | $97 |
GEICO | $65 | $105 |
Nationwide | $89 | $144 |
Allstate | $94 | $152 |
Safeco | $102 | $153 |
Travelers | $102 | $165 |
Progressive | $109 | $177 |
State Auto | $124 | $201 |
Direct Auto | $161 | $261 |
Dairyland | $172 | $279 |
National General | $172 | $279 |
Liberty Mutual | $196 | $318 |
The General | $201 | $326 |
AssuranceAmerica | $235 | $381 |
Bristol West | $243 | $394 |
GAINSCO | $253 | $410 |
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 $148 per month for liability-only car insurance coverage. To find the most competitive car insurance for seniors, review the insurance companies and rates below.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $77 | $44 |
Auto-Owners | $81 | $47 |
State Farm | $82 | $46 |
GEICO | $91 | $52 |
Nationwide | $117 | $66 |
Progressive | $125 | $79 |
Safeco | $129 | $87 |
Allstate | $133 | $75 |
Travelers | $139 | $80 |
State Auto | $161 | $92 |
National General | $198 | $131 |
Direct Auto | $208 | $125 |
AssuranceAmerica | $228 | $177 |
Liberty Mutual | $273 | $164 |
Dairyland | $290 | $137 |
The General | $325 | $163 |
Bristol West | $345 | $194 |
GAINSCO | $378 | $212 |
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 $237 per month for coverage, the table below features some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Lancaster for teen drivers.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $168 | $96 |
Auto-Owners | $181 | $104 |
State Farm | $190 | $108 |
GEICO | $191 | $109 |
Nationwide | $286 | $162 |
Safeco | $302 | $204 |
Allstate | $309 | $175 |
Progressive | $319 | $200 |
Travelers | $336 | $192 |
State Auto | $400 | $230 |
Direct Auto | $510 | $307 |
National General | $530 | $352 |
AssuranceAmerica | $578 | $449 |
Liberty Mutual | $584 | $351 |
Dairyland | $614 | $290 |
The General | $668 | $334 |
Bristol West | $759 | $428 |
GAINSCO | $814 | $456 |
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.
Rates by Credit Tier
Is car insurance more expensive in Lancaster?
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Lancaster is $294 per month, much higher than the national average of $204 and the state average of $279.
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.
City ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Charleston | $314 | $202 |
Columbia | $304 | $190 |
Greenville | $269 | $168 |
Lexington | $262 | $166 |
Myrtle Beach | $231 | $162 |
North Charleston | $349 | $217 |
Rock Hill | $270 | $184 |
Summerville | $311 | $206 |
Lancaster car insurance FAQs
Finding the best car insurance can be difficult. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about auto insurance in Lancaster.
How much is car insurance in Lancaster?
Car insurance in Lancaster costs $237 per month, on average. Drivers in the city pay $294 per month for full-coverage insurance and $180 per month for liability coverage. Your exact rate will depend on your insurer, driving record, age, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster?
USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster, with monthly liability rates as low as $55. Auto-Owners and State Farm also offer affordable coverage, with respective monthly liability rates of $59 and $60.
But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on many factors, such as your age, ZIP code, the type of car you drive, and the coverage levels you choose.
What are the best car insurance companies in Lancaster?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 8.5 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in Lancaster. Of the insurers Insurify has rate data for, other top Lancaster auto insurers include State Farm and USAA.
Do you need personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in South Carolina?
No. Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance isn’t required in South Carolina.
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."
- South Carolina Department of Public Safety. "SC Laws Relative to Impaired Driving."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores."
Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, "Dear Debt." Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt. Her work has appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast. She lives in Los Angeles and enjoys jazz music, traveling, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and partner.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
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.