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Cheap car insurance in Columbia, South Carolina

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Click the pins on the map to see the average annual cost of car insurance per zip code. 

29201#$1,840#33.982484#-81.028098|29203#$1,944#34.0487644#-81.0459253|29204#$1,899#34.0351548#-80.9831458|29205#$1,793#33.9615448#-81.0000911|29206#$1,772#34.026415#-80.958995|29207#$1,807#34.0240436#-80.9456453|29209#$1,843#33.9765438#-80.9067563|29210#$1,848#34.046162#-81.106580|29212#$1,504#34.076232#-81.198752|29223#$1,843#34.092634#-80.919271|29229#$1,807#34.139526#-80.888209
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Why you can trust Rate Retriever

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: June 25th, 2024

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: June 13th, 2024

What's on this page?

Cheap car insurance companies in Columbia, SC

American National, USAA, and Auto-Owners Insurance are some of the best and cheapest car insurance companies in Columbia, SC.

However, you may find that another company is better for you based on your profile, vehicle, and coverage needs. It’s important to compare personalized rates at several insurance companies in Columbia to find the best price for the coverage you need.

Cheapest full coverage insurance in Columbia

Most drivers buy full coverage car insurance. This kind of insurance policy usually gives more protection than the minimum insurance required by law. It covers damage to your own vehicle if you are at fault for an accident, or if your vehicle is damaged by an animal, bad weather, or theft.

We use these limits for a full coverage policy:

  • $100k/$300k/100k for liability insurance 
  • $500k deductible for comprehensive and collision insurance 

Benefits of full coverage

  • More Protection: Covers a wide range of incidents, from accidents to theft. 
  • Peace of Mind: You’ll feel more secure knowing you’re covered in many situations. 
  • Financial Security: Helps you avoid big out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacement. 
  • Required for Loans/Leases: Often needed if you finance or lease your car.

Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in Columbia

Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for full coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in Columbia:

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Cheapest minimum car insurance in Columbia

Minimum coverage is the most basic and cheapest option but offers the least protection. Here’s what it includes in South Carolina:

Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident.

Property Damage Liability – $25,000 limit.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage – $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident.

Downsides of minimum coverage

  • Limited Protection: Only covers damage you cause to others. It doesn’t cover your own injuries or car damages if you’re at fault.  
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: You pay for your own repairs and medical bills. 
  • No Coverage for Non-Collision Events: Doesn’t cover things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage. 

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in Columbia

Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for minimum coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in Columbia:

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Local car insurance agents in Columbia

Local insurance agents offer a range of benefits for Columbia residents:

  • Local knowledge: They understand the specific needs and challenges in Columbia. 
  • Personalized service: They can customize your coverage to fit your individual needs. 
  • Ongoing support: They provide guidance and assistance, especially during the claims process. 

With our free tool, you can compare rates from top companies and then seamlessly connect with local agents who can help you secure the best policy for your needs. This way, you get the benefit of both competitive rates and personalized local service.

Factors that impact insurance cost in Columbia​

Location

Where you live is one of the biggest things insurance companies look at when deciding how much you’ll pay for car insurance.

Each state has its own car insurance laws, for both drivers and the insurance companies. Drivers must have a certain amount of insurance. Companies must get their rating plan, or how they use different factors to calculate their rates, approved by the state. So the state you live in has a big impact on the price you pay for car insurance.

However, even the city and zip code you live in can make a difference on your premium. The impact your zip code has on car insurance rates is influenced by several factors:

Population

  • Higher population density can lead to more traffic and accidents, affecting rates. Columbia’s population is 270,202.

Traffic Patterns

  • Heavy traffic and frequent accidents can increase insurance costs.

Crime Rates

  • Higher crime rates, including auto theft and vandalism, can result in higher premiums.

Uninsured Motorist

  • 10.9% of drivers in Columbia are uninsured, which can affect your rates.
Why does this matter?
  • Living in areas with lower crime rates and less traffic can reduce your insurance premiums. Understanding the impact of your location can help you make informed decisions about where to live and how it affects your insurance costs.

Driving record

Your driving history is one of the most critical factors. Accidents, traffic violations, and DUI/DWI offenses can substantially increase your premiums.

A clean driving record can save you a significant amount of money on car insurance. Insurance companies view safe drivers as less risky, leading to lower premiums. In South Carolina, even minor traffic violations can lead to increased premiums.

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Age

Younger drivers typically pay more due to their lack of driving experience. Insurers see younger drivers, especially those under 25, as higher risk. In South Carolina, younger drivers face higher premiums.

As you gain more driving experience and maintain a clean record, your rates should decrease.

Cheapest car insurance for teens in Columbia

Teenage drivers pay the most for car insurance in Columbia. Below, you’ll see the average cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old driver on their own policy in Columbia.

Cost of Car Insurance for Teen Drivers

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Credit score

In most states, car insurance companies can use credit score as a rating factor. Maintaining a good credit score can help you secure lower premiums. 

In South Carolina, credit score is a significant factor in determining insurance rates. Drivers with poor credit scores (580 and below) pay more than those with good credit scores (670-739). Those with excellent credit scores save the most on car insurance.

Gender

In most states, car insurance companies can use the sex described on your driver’s license as a rating factor. However, other factors – like your vehicle and driving record – tend to have a bigger impact on the price you pay for car insurance.

Average rates each gender pays for car insurance in Columbia:

Marital status

On average, married couples tend to save on car insurance. In Columbia, married drivers save -21.80% on car insurance when they combine their policies, compared to what they would spend on two individual policies. 

Vehicle type

The make, model, and age of your vehicle significantly affect your rates. Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and cars with poor safety ratings or high repair costs typically cost more to insure.

Choosing a vehicle with good safety ratings and lower repair costs can help you save on insurance premiums. In South Carolina, vehicles with higher theft rates or expensive repair costs will also have higher insurance premiums.

Annual mileage

The more you drive, the higher your risk of being in an accident. Higher annual mileage can lead to increased premiums.

Reducing your annual mileage can lower your risk profile and help you save on car insurance. In South Carolina, drivers with longer commutes or higher annual mileage can expect to pay more.

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Insurance coverage and deductibles

The amount of coverage you purchase and the deductibles you choose also affect your premiums. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles increase the cost. Balancing your coverage needs with affordable deductibles can help you save on premiums.

Claims history

If you have a history of filing insurance claims, insurers may view you as a higher risk and increase your premiums.

Maintaining a clean claims history can help you secure lower rates. In South Carolina, frequent claims can lead to higher premiums.

Discounts

Eligibility for discounts can also impact your rates. Common discounts include those for good drivers, multi-car policies, safety features on the vehicle, and completing defensive driving courses.

Taking advantage of available discounts can help you save money. Common discounts in South Carolina include bundling policies, having a clean driving record, or installing safety features in your vehicle are common.

How to save money on car insurance in Columbia, SC

As you can see insurance companies look at many factors – from the car you drive to your driving record – to decide how much you pay for insurance. This means that the cheapest company for you might be different than the cheapest company for your neighbor.

The best way to save on car insurance in Columbia, SC is to compare prices at leading insurance companies. Rate Retriever makes it easy for you to compare rates at each of the top companies in Columbia based on your unique driver profile.

Here are some tips to help you save:

Shop around

  • Rates can vary widely from one company to another. Use our free tool to compare rates from different insurance companies.

Bundle policies

  • Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle car insurance with other types of insurance, like home or renters insurance.

Clean driving record

  • Safe driving can earn you discounts on your premium.

Increase deductible

  • A higher deductible can lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.

Discounts

  • Insurance companies often offer discounts for multi-vehicle policies, completing a defensive driving course, or having certain safety features in your car.

Review coverage

  • Make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need. Adjust your policy to fit your current situation.

South Carolina car insurance laws

What auto insurance laws are in South Carolina?

The minimum car insurance requirements in South Carolina are: Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident. Property Damage Liability – $25,000 limit. Uninsured Motorist Coverage – $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident.

How long do you have to get insurance in South Carolina?

Typically, you will be granted 30 days to get car insurance for a new car in SC.

What is the fine for not having car insurance in South Carolina?

Driving without insurance is against the law in SC. If you are convicted of driving without insurance, you will be subject to fines from $100-$550 for the first offense.

Columbia zip codes evaluated

When analyzing Columbia rates, we used the following zip codes:

29201, 29203, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29207, 29209, 29210, 29212, 29223, 29229

Methodology

Rate Retriever rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. This data comes from the rating plans insurance carriers submit to each state’s department of insurance. Rating plans detail how each carrier calculates premiums using factors such as location, age, gender, and driving record, and they ensure that insurance premiums are both fair and competitive. 

For the data on this page, we made the following assumptions: a 35-year-old single male with a clean driving record and Good credit score, driving a 2023 RAV4.  

These rates are not actual quotes and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your rates can vary significantly based on your unique driver profile. 

Sources

US Census data

Insurance Information Institute – Uninsured Motorists

Can I change my commercial insurance coverage as my business grows?

Yes, you should regularly review and adjust your coverage as your business evolves to ensure that all new risks are adequately covered.

How do I file a claim on my commercial insurance policy?

The process typically involves notifying your insurer as soon as possible, providing documentation of the loss or damage, and working with an adjuster to assess the claim.

Does my small business need commercial auto insurance?

If your business owns, leases, or operates vehicles, commercial auto insurance is necessary to cover liabilities associated with vehicle accidents.

Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance mandatory?

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is mandatory in most states for businesses with employees. It provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured on the job.

What is General Liability Insurance?

General Liability Insurance covers your business against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that could arise from your business operations.

What is the difference between commercial and personal insurance?

Personal insurance protects individuals and their personal assets, such as homes, vehicles, and belongings, covering risks like property damage and personal liability. Common types include auto, homeowners, and health insurance. Commercial insurance, on the other hand, is designed for businesses. It covers risks related to business operations, such as property damage, liability, employee-related risks, and more. Examples include General Liability, Commercial Property, and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

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