Cheap Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina (Top 10 Companies for 2025)

The leading providers for cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina comes from State Farm, USAA, and Progressive, with rates starting at $39/month.

State Farm stands out as the best SC insurance company overall for combining affordability with comprehensive options for high-risk drivers. When compared to other providers, State Farm won’t increase rates nearly as high for DMV points vs. insurance points on your license.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

In this guide, we break down the monthly high-risk auto insurance rates and highlight key discounts offered by the cheapest high-risk insurance companies in South Carolina, providing you with a clear view of your options.

Start comparing affordable insurance options by entering your ZIP code above into our free quote comparison tool today.

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#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Comprehensive Protection: State Farm offers extensive coverage options, which is beneficial for high-risk drivers in South Carolina who need robust protection against potential liabilities.
• Broad Network: With a wide network of agents and repair shops, high-risk drivers in South Carolina can easily access services and support. Learn more in our State Farm review.
• Strong Local Presence: State Farm’s established presence in South Carolina can provide high-risk drivers with personalized assistance and localized support.

Cons

• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: State Farm might have fewer discount options available specifically for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.
• Poor Financial Strength: A.M. Best recently downgraded its financial ratings, so State Farm isn’t the most reliable high-risk auto insurance company in South Carolina.

#2 – USAA: Best for Excellent Service

Pros

• Exceptional Customer Service: USAA is known for its excellent service, which can be particularly beneficial for high-risk drivers in South Carolina who might require frequent assistance.
• Tailored Coverage for Military Families: High-risk drivers in South Carolina who are military members or their families can benefit from specialized coverage options and support.
• Strong Financial Stability: USAA’s financial stability ensures that high-risk drivers in South Carolina are backed by a reliable insurer. Discover our USAA review for a full list.

Cons

• Eligibility Restrictions: USAA’s services are only available to military families, which means high-risk drivers in South Carolina who are not eligible may need to look elsewhere.
• High-Risk Rate Increases: Even with excellent service, high-risk drivers in South Carolina might face higher premiums due to their risk profile.

#3 – Progressive: Best for Innovative Discounts

Pros

• Creative Discount Programs: Progressive offers innovative discounts to help high-risk drivers in South Carolina lower their insurance costs, which you can read more about in our review of Progressive.
• Flexible Payment Options: Progressive provides flexible payment plans, which can be useful for high-risk drivers in South Carolina managing their budgets.
• Usage-Based Insurance: With programs like Snapshot, high-risk drivers in South Carolina can potentially lower their premiums based on their driving behavior.

Cons

• Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Despite discounts, high-risk drivers in South Carolina may still face higher base rates with Progressive.
• Discount Eligibility Limits: Some innovative discounts might not be available to all high-risk drivers in South Carolina, depending on their specific risk factors.

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#4 – Allstate: Best for Broad Network

Pros

• Wide Network of Agents: Allstate’s broad network ensures high-risk drivers in South Carolina have easy access to agents and support services.
• Extensive Repair Shop Network: A large network of approved repair shops can benefit high-risk drivers in South Carolina needing quick and reliable repairs.
• Variety of Coverage Options: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can choose from a range of coverage options to best suit their needs. Read our Allstate review to learn what else is offered.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for High-Risk Profiles: Allstate may charge higher premiums for high-risk drivers in South Carolina compared to less risky drivers.
• Discount Availability: Some discounts may not be as accessible for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, potentially limiting savings.

#5 – American Family: Best for Comprehensive Plans

Pros

• Broad Coverage Options: American Family offers comprehensive plans that can provide thorough protection for high-risk drivers in South Carolina.
• Flexible Coverage Levels: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can tailor their coverage to fit their specific needs and risk level, which you can check out in our American Family review.
• Discounts for Safe Driving: American Family provides discounts for safe driving habits, which can benefit high-risk drivers in South Carolina who improve their driving behavior.

Cons

• Premiums for High-Risk Drivers: High-risk drivers in South Carolina may face higher premiums with American Family due to their risk profile.
• Discount Limitations: Certain discounts may be limited for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, impacting their ability to reduce costs.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Flexible Options

Pros

• Discounts for Bundling: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can lower premiums by bundling auto insurance with home or renters insurance through Farmers.
• Multiple Policy Discounts: Farmers offers more discounts to high-risk drivers in South Carolina than other companies. Get a full list of Farmers auto insurance discounts.
• Occupational Rewards: High-risk drivers who are first responders, federal employees, or members of approved organizations can earn additional discounts on SC auto insurance.

Cons

• Low Claims Satisfaction: Farmers has the worst insurance customer satisfaction in the region, and most SC high-risk drivers find better service elsewhere.
• Limited Discounts for High-Risk Drivers: While Farmers offers discounts, high-risk drivers in South Carolina might find fewer opportunities for savings compared to other providers.

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#7 – Geico: Best for Online Tools

Pros

• Discount Opportunities: Geico offers various discounts that can help high-risk drivers in South Carolina reduce their insurance costs. Read more in our review of Geico.
• User-Friendly Tools: Geico’s online tools make it easy for high-risk drivers in South Carolina to manage their policy and access quotes.
• Highly-Rated Mobile App: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can easily manage policy changes and claims from their phones or tablets.

Cons

• Coverage Limitations: Some high-risk drivers in South Carolina might find Geico’s coverage options less comprehensive compared to other providers.
• Customer Service Variability: The quality of customer service can vary, which may be a concern for high-risk drivers in South Carolina who need more frequent support.

#8 – Travelers: Best for Financial Strength

Pros

• Financial Strength: Travelers has a superior A++ rating from A.M. Best and can reliably cover high-risk auto insurance claims in South Carolina.
• Solid Coverage Options: South Carolina high-risk drivers can benefit from solid coverage options and support during the claims process.
• Flexible Policy Terms: Travelers offers flexible policy terms that can cater to the needs of high-risk drivers in South Carolina. For a complete list, read our Travelers review.

Cons

• Poor Customer Satisfaction: Travelers high-risk car insurance in South Carolina is rated below average for claims and customer service.
• Discount Availability: Discount options might be more limited for high-risk drivers in South Carolina, affecting their overall savings.

#9 – Nationwide: Best for Diverse Discounts

Pros

• Variety of Discounts: Nationwide offers diverse discount options, which can benefit all types of high-risk drivers in South Carolina looking to lower their insurance costs.
• Bundling Opportunities: Drivers who insure multiple drivers and vehicles or bundle home and auto coverage can earn discounts on SC high-risk auto insurance.
• Tailored Coverage Plans: Nationwide provides coverage plans that can be tailored to the specific needs of high-risk drivers in SC. Learn how in our Nationwide review.

Cons

• Less Competitive Rates: In some cases, Nationwide’s rates for high-risk drivers in South Carolina may not be as competitive as those offered by other top insurers.
• Discount Limitations: Not all discounts may be accessible to high-risk drivers in South Carolina, potentially limiting overall savings.

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#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Policies

Pros

• Customizable Coverage: Liberty Mutual offers customizable policies, allowing high-risk drivers in South Carolina to tailor their insurance to their specific needs.
• Flexible Payment Plans: High-risk drivers in South Carolina can benefit from flexible payment options to manage their insurance budget. Find out more in our Liberty Mutual review.
• Discounts for Safety Features: Liberty Mutual provides discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features, which can help lower SC high-risk insurance costs.

Cons

• Higher Costs for High-Risk Drivers: Liberty Mutual has the most expensive South Carolina high-risk auto insurance on this list.
• Complex Policy Options: The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for some high-risk drivers in South Carolina, leading to potential confusion in choosing the right policy.

Comparing South Carolina Auto Insurance Rates for High-Risk Drivers

In South Carolina, auto insurance for high-risk drivers varies widely. We found that State Farm is the cheapest with monthly rates starting at $39 for minimum coverage and $95 for full coverage.

South Carolina High-Risk Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider

Progressive and USAA also offer low rates. Liberty Mutual is the most expensive, with minimum coverage at $137/month and full coverage at $333/month.

Selecting the right auto insurance is key for high-risk drivers in SC to balance costs and coverage. While lower rates are appealing, ensure you also consider coverage value and service quality. Choose a provider that offers affordability and comprehensive protection and compare rates and discounts from top insurers to find the best fit.

High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina Can Impact Their Auto Insurance Rates

Your driving record is one of the top seven factors that affect auto insurance rates. If you’re a high-risk driver with accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, expect your South Carolina insurance costs to go up.

What about the other factors impacting your rates? Keep an eye on these key elements to save money on high-risk car insurance where you can:

• Credit Score: In South Carolina, insurers often use credit scores to gauge risk. A lower credit score can lead to higher insurance rates, as it’s believed to correlate with a higher likelihood of filing claims.
• Vehicle Type and Usage: The make, model, and age of your vehicle, along with how much and where you drive, influence rates. High-risk drivers with expensive or high-performance vehicles and high annual mileage may face higher premiums.
• Location: Your ZIP code can affect your SC insurance costs due to factors like local crime rates, traffic density, and accident frequency. High-risk drivers living in areas with higher accident rates may see increased premiums.

If you choose to carry more than the South Carolina minimum auto insurance requirements, you’ll pay more per month. Opting for lower coverage limits or higher deductibles can affect your premium. High-risk drivers might be advised to adjust these variables to get lower rates, but you may not be adequately covered in the event of a claim.

Understanding the key factors that influence auto insurance rates for high-risk drivers in South Carolina is essential for managing your premiums effectively.

Read More: How Credit Score Affects Auto Insurance Rates

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Best Insurance Discounts for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

High-risk drivers in South Carolina can access various discounts from top auto insurers. Allstate offers discounts for safe driving and early signing.

American Family and State Farm provide savings for safe driving, good students, and multiple policies. Travelers also offers multi-policy discounts and savings for getting early quotes, while USAA offers discounts for defensive driving and vehicle storage.

Even high-risk drivers can earn safe driving discounts by improving their habits over time. Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive offer multiple policy discounts, with additional savings for defensive driving, homeowners, or using specific apps. Nationwide provides discounts for safe and accident-free driving. Learn how to get a good driver auto insurance discount.

More Ways to Lower Auto Insurance Rates for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

Finding affordable auto insurance as a high-risk driver in South Carolina can be challenging, but several strategies can help reduce your rates. Improving your driving record by avoiding accidents and taking defensive driving courses can qualify you for lower premiums. Compare multiple auto insurance quotes using online tools to find the best rate.

Adjusting coverage, increasing deductibles, and seeking discounts for safe driving, bundling, and low mileage can reduce costs. Also, choose a safer vehicle and maintain continuous coverage to improve your risk factors and lower your rates.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers

Find Affordable Auto Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in South Carolina

Get cheap auto insurance for high-risk drivers in South Carolina starting at $39/month with providers like State Farm, USAA, and Progressive. Other notable companies include Allstate, American Family, and Geico.

To lower high-risk auto insurance costs, improve your driving record, compare quotes, adjust coverage, and seek discounts for bundling policies. Check out our list of auto insurance discounts to ask for to get the most savings.

Factors like driving history, credit score, and vehicle type significantly impact rates.Then, enter your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool to see which companies have the cheapest rates in your area.

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