Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates, Quotes, Agents & Reviews
Zimlon, through its research, found that car owners in Charleston, SC, can avail multiple discounts on car insurance by taking various factors into consideration. These factors are explored in detail by Zimlon in the analysis below.
The cheapest car insurance premium in Charleston, South Carolina, is $255: A Zimlon survey
A recent survey of car insurance policies in Charleston, South Carolina, shows that the cheapest premium of $255 is offered by United Services Automobile Association to 25- to 65-year-old married men. The study shows that premiums are influenced by drivers’ backgrounds and driving records. The cheapest premiums offered to all cohorts were analyzed and were found to range from $255 to $963. Among the cheapest premiums offered USAA Casualty Insurance Company offers the most expensive one at $963. It is offered to single men under the age of 25.
The difference between the cheapest and median premiums is from $684 to $2,398. The cohort comprising single men under the age of 25 years can save the most by investing in the right company, since the price difference between the median and cheapest premiums is the largest for this cohort, at $2,398. The median policy for this group of drivers is provided by LM Insurance Corporation at $3,361. The most expensive premium is offered by Unitrin Auto and Home Insurance Company, at $11,346.
For married men under the age of 25 , the most expensive premium is offered by Unitrin Auto and Home Insurance Company, at $10,733. Our study shows that this group of drivers has the second highest probability of being involved in an accident. However, buyers can save up to $8,086 by choosing a company with rates below or equal to the median premium, $2,647.
Our study shows that 4 of the 7 driver cohorts analyzed were offered the cheapest premiums by USAA Casualty Insurance Company, while 3 were offered the second cheapest premiums by the same company. Unitrin Auto and Home Insurance Company offers the most expensive premiums for all 7 of the driver segments.
The following graph compares premiums across companies in Charleston, SC.
The following table compares the car insurance premiums offered by key companies in Charleston, SC. It also lists the names of the companies and the differences between the median and cheapest or most expensive rates.
| Cohort | Cheapest Car Insurance Companies | Second Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Charleston, SC | Median Car Insurance Companies in Charleston, SC | Second Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Charleston, SC | Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Charleston, SC | Difference between Cheapest and Median Prices | Difference between Most Expensive and Median Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single female drivers aged below the age of 25 years | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($843) | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($858) | GARRISON PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE CO. ($2,849) | ESURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY ($7,970) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($9,502) | $2,006 | $6,653 |
| Single male drivers below the age of 25 years | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($963) | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($980) | LM INSURANCE CORPORATION ($3,361) | AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE COMPANY ($10,491) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($11,346) | $2,398 | $7,985 |
| Single female drivers between the age of 25 and 65 years | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($261) | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($280) | USAA GENERAL INDEMNITY CO ($945) | ESURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY ($3,182) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($3,350) | $684 | $2,405 |
| Single male drivers between the age of 25 and 65 years | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($292) | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($313) | STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INS CO ($1,033) | ESURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY ($3,148) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($3,674) | $741 | $2,641 |
| Married male drivers below the age of 25 years | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($628) | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($639) | ALLSTATE NORTHBROOK INDEMNITY COMPANY ($2,647) | PROGRESSIVE NORTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY ($7,297) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($10,733) | $2,019 | $8,086 |
| Married male drivers between the age of 25 and 65 years | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($255) | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($273) | METROPOLITAN DIRECT PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INS. CO. ($972) | ESURANCE INSURANCE COMPANY ($2,856) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($3,489) | $717 | $2,517 |
| Married female drivers below the age of 25 years | USAA CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY ($557) | UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION ($566) | SOUTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE COMPANY ($2,227) | LM INSURANCE CORPORATION ($7,094) | UNITRIN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE COMPANY ($8,793) | $1,670 | $6,566 |
Factors that can influence the cost of car insurance in Charleston, SC are listed below. It is imperative to understand these factors in order to reduce the cost of car insurance. It is also essential to strike a balance between the cost of insurance and the coverage requirements.
- Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates
- Charleston, SC Auto Insurance for Different Deductible
- How the Age of Driver Affects Insurance Rates in Charleston, SC
- Multi Vehicle Insurance Savings in Charleston, SC
- How Credit Score Affects Car Insurance Rates in Charleston, SC
- How DUI Affects Auto Insurance Premiums in Charleston, SC
- Top Auto Insurance Agents Near Charleston, SC
- How Driving Violations Affect Auto Insurance Rates in Charleston, SC
- Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Discounts on Anti Theft Feature
- Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Company Reviews
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rate Comparisons with Neighboring Locations | Back to Top
The following table compares the cost of insurance in Charleston, SC with that of other cities in and around Charleston.
| Charleston | Johns Island | North Charleston | West Ashley | Hanahan | Charleston Central | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Insurance Rates | $1,070 | $1,566 | $1,117 | $1,539 | $1,512 | $1,778 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates vary Based on Deductibles in Neighboring Cities | Back to Top
The following table makes a comparison of the variation in car insurance rates in and around Charleston, SC based on the change in deductibles. A higher deductible leads to a decrease in the cost of car insurance.
| Location | Low Deductible ($500) | High Deductible ($1000) |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $1,733 | $1,464 |
| Charleston County | $1,820 | $1,537 |
| Charleston Central | $1,366 | $1,154 |
| West Ashley | $1,176 | $994 |
| Johns Island | $2,335 | $1,972 |
| Sullivan's Island | $1,714 | $1,448 |
| Hanahan | $1,159 | $979 |
| North Charleston | $1,188 | $1,003 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates Based on the Age of the Driver | Back to Top
Teenagers in Charleston, SC usually pay a much higher car insurance rate compared to the rest of the state as they are generally considered to be less responsible behind the wheel. Middle-aged drivers are likely to pay lower car insurance premiums if they are considered to be safer drivers by insurance companies.
| Age of Driver | Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Teens | $3,472 |
| 20 Years | $1,375 |
| 30 Years | $1,059 |
| 40 Years | $1,019 |
| 50 Years | $944 |
| 60 Years | $957 |
| 70 Years | $1,114 |
Charleston, SC Car Insurance Discounts for Multi-Car Insurance | Back to Top
Car owners in Charleston, SC can obtain discounts if they insure multiple vehicles with the same insurer. The average savings one can obtain are as follows:
| Number of Cars | Auto Insurance Cost | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Vehicles | $1,840 | $300 |
| 3 Vehicles | $2,761 | $449 |
| 4 Vehicles | $3,681 | $599 |
Savings on 2 Vehicles bundle:$300
Savings on 3 Vehicles bundle:$449
Savings on 4 Vehicles bundle:$599
Charleston, SC Post- DUI Auto Insurance Rates | Back to Top
Driving Under Influence (DUI) can be an added burden on your wallet. The cost of auto insurance will go up post-DUI. The below graph does a comparison of auto insurance rates before and after DUI in and around Charleston, SC.
| Location | Average Insurance Cost | Post DUI Insurance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $1,070 | $1,617 |
| Charleston County | $1,578 | $2,384 |
| Charleston Central | $1,778 | $2,687 |
| West Ashley | $1,539 | $2,325 |
| Johns Island | $1,566 | $2,366 |
| Sullivan's Island | $2,534 | $3,829 |
| Hanahan | $1,512 | $2,285 |
| North Charleston | $1,117 | $1,688 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates Based on Credit Score | Back to Top
Car insurance companies can use the Credit Score of car drivers to determine car insurance rates. Car drivers with good credit can avail of substantial discounts on car insurance rates.
| Credit Score | Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Exceptional (800-850) | $918 |
| Excellent (740-799) | $1,048 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,115 |
| Average (580-669) | $1,455 |
| Poor (300-579) | $1,745 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Agents | Back to Top
Car owners can obtain quotes from multiple auto insurance companies. Comparing different quotes can help identify the cheapest auto insurance provider best suited for their coverage needs.
| Agent Name | Company | Agent Address | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Street Agency | Liberty Mutual Independent | 557 KING ST STE D, CHARLESTON, 29403 | (843) 408-4232 |
| Billy Swails | State Farm | 1047 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, 29464-3155 | 843-884-5149 |
| Robert S Schirmer | Nationwide | 1312 Bowman Road, Mt Pleasant, 29464-3387 | (843) 881-4707 |
| Larry Davis | State Farm | 7741 Dorchester Rd Ste A, N Charleston, 29418-2172 | 843-552-2992 |
| Ryan Khan | State Farm | 4952 Centre Pointe Dr Ste 108, N Charleston, 29418-6993 | 843-740-5003 |
| Bill Frehse | State Farm | 515 Folly Rd, Charleston, 29412-3008 | 843-762-2005 |
| C T Lowndes & Company | Liberty Mutual Independent | 966 MCCANTS DR, MT PLEASANT, 29464 | 843-884-3159 |
| C T Lowndes & Company | Liberty Mutual Independent | 966 MCCANTS DR, MT PLEASANT, 29464 | 843-884-3159 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates can Increase Based on Driving Violations | Back to Top
Auto insurance rates tend to increase depending on the type and number of driving violations. The driving violations can stay on the record for a considerable amount of time leading to higher auto insurance rates. The severity of the driving violation and place of residence will determine how long the violation stays on record.
| Driving Violation | Cost Increase | Total Insurance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Without Headlights | +$47 | $1,117 |
| Driver's Failure In Showing Documents | +$104 | $1,174 |
| Driving With An Expired Registration | +$110 | $1,180 |
| Driving At A Considerably Slow Pace | +$232 | $1,302 |
| Using A Cellphone While Driving | +$245 | $1,315 |
| Running A Red Light | +$249 | $1,319 |
| Speeding | +$262 | $1,332 |
| Driving A Vehicle Without The Required Permission | +$333 | $1,403 |
| Driving With An Expired/Suspended License | +$721 | $1,791 |
Charleston, SC Auto Insurance Rates Based on Anti-Theft Feature | Back to Top
Cars that are equipped with safety devices are less prone to thefts. As a result, auto insurance companies provide a considerable amount of discounts to vigilant car owners. The discounts vary depending on the type and number of safety devices installed.
| Anti Theft Feature | Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Audible Alarm | $1,027 |
| Active Disabling Device | $1,027 |
| Tracking Device | $1,006 |
| Passive Disabling Device | $995 |
Latest Auto Insurance Reviews in Charleston, SC | Back to Top
State FarmI have had very good experience with my car insurer State Farm. I have a local agent I can call or visit if I have a question, concern, or claim.
ProgressiveI use to have state farm and have a very similar policy at a better price, They offer everything I need and want in a policy. I like to pay a bit more for a better, lower out of pocket cost.
State FarmI pay no more then $100 for my deductible and my premium is low to which makes if super affordable.
NationwideCustomer service is always very good. They are easy to speak with on the phone, explain the policy and are very quick to handle paperwork
AllstateMy car insurance company Access auto insurance is having better premiums than other car insurance companies.Access is having high claim values for motor accident cases.
State FarmIt's about the professional service too ...Great customer service.No one department/location knows what is going in another department.
ProgressiveI have the second to last best policy for my car, the prices they offer tend to be on the high side and it is a lot more complicated and expensive for younger driver to get it.
American National Property And Casualty CompanyThe local office is very small, maybe 3 employees, they are very friendly and love the help people. Even when I have had to call the corporate office they were still nice and willing to help out.
21st Century Auto InsuranceThis company did a good job of making me feel like an individual and like they had my best interests at heart. They took the time to listen to me and make me feel valued.
NationwideThankfully, I've never had to really use my insurance to pay for repairs on my car, however it's nice knowing I have a comprehensive policy.
Haulers InsuranceWhat I like about this insurance company is that the premiums are low and it is simple to add additional vehicles to our existing policy by simply calling our agent.
GeicoThey are all very similar, I have recently switched and I do not see a difference