Cheapest Auto Insurance in Summerville, South Carolina (2025)
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Summerville, with monthly liability-only rates as low as $72.
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Car insurance in Summerville averages $235 monthly. This is higher than the state average of $206 and the national average of $144.
Two key elements could be driving up these rates: the city’s high population density and accident frequency. Summerville is South Carolina’s seventh-largest city and had 1,535 collisions in 2021 (the most recent data available), or 4.2 per day.1
Comparing car insurance quotes from multiple insurers can help you find affordable coverage in Summerville.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Summerville
In a city with higher-than-average insurance costs, the following three stand-out companies are affordable and offer quality service. Keep in mind that the right insurer for you hinges on your personal needs and situation.
Best insurer for the military community: USAA
Best insurer for local agent relationships: Auto-Owners
Best insurer for families with young drivers: State Farm
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Summerville
Factors like your driving history and vehicle type affect your car insurance rates. But your ZIP code and local trends, including traffic patterns and crime rates, can also influence premiums significantly.
To reduce the amount you pay, try these strategies:2
Bundle policies. Combine auto insurance with other policies, like home insurance or renters insurance, to potentially lower your overall costs.
Consider higher deductibles. Increase your deductible to lower your premiums. Just make sure you’re comfortable paying your deductible amount out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Review coverage needs annually. Review and adjust your insurance policy regularly to fit your current situation.
Shop around. Compare quotes from at least three auto insurance companies to find the best rate for your situation.
Drive safely. Maintain a clean driving record to qualify for discounts.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Summerville: USAA
Liability-only car insurance is the most basic form of auto coverage. It includes protection for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. But it doesn’t pay for your injuries or damages to your vehicle.
In Summerville, liability-only car insurance averages $203 per month. It’s an affordable choice for customers seeking essential coverage without the added cost of comprehensive or collision insurance.
The table below provides a snapshot of average liability-only insurance rates, giving insight into what Summerville drivers might expect to pay.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Summerville: USAA
Full-coverage car insurance offers more than basic liability insurance protection. While it includes liability coverage, you also get comprehensive and collision insurance. This broader protection pays for damages to your car, making it a good idea if you have a newer vehicle. If you lease or finance your car, your leasing company or lender will require you to have full coverage.
Summerville drivers pay $267 per month for a full-coverage policy, on average.
The table below shows different rates for full-coverage car insurance in Summerville.
Car insurance requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a fault-based system. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for causing the accident is on the hook for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and other losses.
In addition to liability coverage, the state also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance. South Carolina insurers are legally required to offer underinsured motorist coverage as well, but you don’t have to purchase it.3
If you need to show proof of insurance, such as at a traffic stop or after an accident, digital proof is valid. Still, you may want to carry a physical copy of your auto insurance card in the event digital access isn’t available.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance recommends purchasing more than the minimum auto insurance. Here are some optional insurance coverages to consider:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
An “incident” in terms of car insurance means an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, DUI, or other traffic infraction on your driving record. Incidents indicate a higher risk of future claims, making them red flags for insurers. Your rates may go up to offset the increased risk, depending on the severity of the event.4
The table below shows how different driving incidents can affect your insurance rates.
Average cost of car insurance by age
Your car insurance bill will fluctuate with age. Teen drivers have the least experience and pay the highest rates. Costs generally go down around age 35. But after age 70, premiums rise again for senior drivers to offset their increased traffic fatality rate.
Look at the chart below to see how average monthly car insurance quotes change from one age group to the next.
Summerville car insurance quotes by credit tier
In South Carolina, insurers can consider credit history when setting your car insurance quote. It can’t be the only factor, but poor credit can potentially lead to more expensive premiums. On the other end of the spectrum, excellent or good credit scores could result in more favorable rates.
Summerville drivers with poor credit scores pay nearly 87% more, on average, for auto coverage than people with excellent credit.