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Car Insurance Columbia, SC (July 2023)

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Key Takeaways

  • When looking for auto insurance in Columbia, South Carolina, consumers can save an average of $138.
  • State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance in Columbia.
  • A divorced car owner will pay the highest car insurance premium in the city of Columbia.

How much does car insurance cost in Columbia?

The average annual cost of auto insurance in Columbia, South Carolina, is $1449. It costs less than the South Carolina average ($1690) and the national average.

Way.com is an amazing app for auto owners and your key to optimum insurance. With Way.com, you will uncover the finest coverage alternatives for your Columbia car insurance rates!

When looking for auto insurance in Columbia, South Carolina, consumers save an average of $138.

Columbia rates vs South Carolina and National Average

The epicenter of southern civilization is Columbia. You can't help but be in awe of the architecture every time you drive past the South Carolina State House, its gardens dotted with monuments. With affordable auto insurance in Columbia, South Carolina, you won't feel as awful even though the traffic may slow you down.

Finding inexpensive auto insurance has never been simpler. Instant estimates from auto insurance providers in Columbia, South Carolina.

Columbia Average (annual) South Carolina Average United States Average
$1449 $1690 $1557

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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Columbia

Rates for auto insurance might vary significantly from one company to another. USAA provides the most reasonable premiums in Columbia for the average motorist. Refer to the best insurance deals in Columbia, South Carolina, listed below.

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA $862
State Farm $1,0348
Allstate $1,075
Travelers $1,144
Nationwide $1,295
Progressive $1,495
MetLife $2,119

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance In Columbia

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA $438
State Farm $551
Allstate $568
Travelers $690
Nationwide $1,285
Progressive $790
MetLife $806

Columbia Auto Insurance Premiums by Age Group

Drivers in their 20s spend the least ($1911 annually) on car insurance in Columbia. The price difference for those in their 60s ($1332) is about $579

In Columbia, there is a $3051 difference in price between the car insurance rates paid by young drivers and those in their 20s. That shows the highest premium difference between any two age groups.

Age tier Average Yearly Rate
18-24 $2,141
25-34 $1,385
35-44 $1,241
55-64 $1,037
65+ $1,049

Columbia Auto Insurance Premiums by Marital Status

In many cases, characteristic like marital status affects how much car insurance costs. For example, married drivers in Columbia pay $135 less for auto insurance than single drivers. Evidence indicates they make fewer insurance claims, so married drivers often pay lower rates than their single counterparts.

Widowed people also pay far less in rates than single people do. Surprisingly, divorced drivers in Columbia pay higher rates than widower drivers do.

Marital Status Average Annual Rate
Single $1320
Married $1320
Divorced $1452
Widowed $1416

Columbia Auto Insurance Premiums by Gender

Gender is another factor in auto insurance pricing. For example, the annual difference in auto insurance premiums between men and women in Columbia is $33, with men paying more.

Gender Average Annual Rate
Female $1416
Male $1449

Columbia Auto Insurance Premiums by Driving Record

One of the greatest methods to keep your auto insurance prices low is to have a spotless driving record. Unfortunately, at-fault incidents, DUIs and DWIs, reckless driving tickets, and speeding tickets frequently increase rates.

Regarding car insurance, reckless drivers in Columbia pay the price, seeing their rates rise by $540 annually over the city average. In addition, a speeding ticket raises insurance rates by $291, while a DUI infraction raises premiums by $588 annually.

Incident/Violation Average Yearly Rate
DUI/DWI $2037
Reckless Driving $1989
At-fault Accident $2088
Speeding Ticket $1740

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia with a Violation

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia with a Speeding Ticket

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA $1,054
State Farm $1,128
Allstate $1,440
Nationwide $1,480
Travelers $1,496
Progressive $1,866

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia with an Accident

Company Average Annual Premium
State Farm $1,247
USAA $1,265
Travelers $1,556
Allstate $1,830
Nationwide $1,989
Progressive $2,464

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia with DUI

Company Average Annual Premium
State Farm $1,128
USAA $1,497
Allstate $1,532
Travelers $1,715
Progressive $1,894
Nationwide $2,381

Columbia Auto Insurance by Credit Rating

A variety of benefits always accompany good credit scores. They have a significant non-driving role in figuring out your auto insurance premiums. Many auto insurance companies utilize a credit-based auto insurance score to determine whether or not to accept you as a policyholder and, if they do, what premium you'll pay.

The amount of credit a driver has often significantly impacts how much their auto insurance will cost. Drivers in Columbia who raise their credit score from "Very Poor" (300-579) to "Exceptional" (800-850) can cut their insurance costs by as much as 58%.

You may be eligible for a reduction in the cost of your auto insurance if you move from the "Very Poor" credit category to the "Fair" credit tier.

Credit Score Average Yearly Rate
Very Poor $2910
Fair $1719
Good $1449
Very Good $1338
Exceptional $1218

Columbia Auto Insurance by ZIP Code

The location of your home in Columbia will also affect how much you pay for auto insurance. Because some neighborhoods offer a larger risk to insurance companies, residents of specific Columbia ZIP codes pay more for auto insurance than motorists in other locations.

For instance, the volume of traffic, population density, and theft and vandalism rates differ by ZIP code.

Zip Code Annual Premiums
29201 $1966
29203 $2077
29204 $1997
29205 $1916
29206 $1851
29207 $2100
29208 $2063
29209 $1935

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What would increase your car insurance rate in Columbia?

Insurance companies use geography and driver characteristics variables to calculate the auto insurance price in Columbia.

Drivers can influence some of these elements to reduce the likelihood of paying high rates, but others are beyond their control and must be prepared properly.

Auto insurance rates in Columbia also depend on where you live and drive. Drivers who reside in areas with a high risk of theft or vandalism may have to pay a higher premium for auto insurance.

Insurers take highway traffic density into account when setting rates since higher traffic densities increase the hazards associated with driving. For instance, Columbia's constant bumper-to-bumper traffic can raise the risk of accidents.

Insurance companies respond by increasing premiums if this increases auto insurance claims.

Auto theft statistics in Columbia

Colombia's car theft rate decreased by 22%, from 91 instances per 100,000 people the year before to 70.5 crimes per 100,000 in 2020.

Auto insurance requirements in Columbia

To lawfully drive a car in South Carolina, drivers must maintain a certain level of auto insurance.

South Carolina is also an at-fault state, which means that any damages that occur from an accident are the responsibility of the driver who was determined to be at blame.

According to South Carolina law, you are not permitted to seek compensation from another person when you are at least partially responsible for an accident.

Here is the bare minimum of insurance you must have if you drive in South Carolina:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability coverage of $25,000
  • Uninsured motorist coverage equal to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

It is always a good idea to buy more auto insurance than the legal minimum if you can.

You can be responsible for any expenses above your policy's limitations if you ever get into an accident that causes significant damage.

Insurers must present you with optional coverages, but you are not forced to select them. One such optional coverage is underinsured motorist's coverage.

Ensure you have examined rates from many providers before purchasing Columbia, South Carolina, auto insurance. Enter your ZIP code above to obtain free auto insurance quotes for Columbia, South Carolina.

Accidents Statistics in Columbia

Even while car accidents are a regrettably inevitable part of the time spent driving, accident rates differ from city to city and state. For example, car accidents per driver in South Carolina's cities put Columbia drivers fourth overall.

As far as our research shows, about 15.87% of drivers in Columbia have been in an accident.

Tips for Driving Safely in Columbia

An obvious issue is rush hour. Traffic slows considerably between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. and when it's time to leave work between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. Avoid the renowned "Malfunction Junction," often known as the intersection of Interstates 20 and 26. This stretch of the highway is notorious for car troubleshooting, auto accidents, and the rubbernecking that goes along with it.

On your route to or from work, if you pass any schools, you will find queues of cars. They can also significantly slow down traffic in some regions.

If you are traveling close to a school between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., depending on the school, during the regular pickup times, you might want to take an alternative route because many parents get in the car line early.

The good news is that the school personnel is highly skilled at keeping that automobile queue moving until the last bell has rung.

Any time of day or night, animals and wildlife will dart onto highways. Residential areas and congested roadways are both vulnerable to their presence.

18-wheelers frequently use the interstates here. Be aware of the roadside littered with tire debris from blown-out tires. Its unexpected appearance could seriously harm your car.

Driving Conditions in Columbia, South Carolina

  • Average Rain Amount - 4.4 mm
  • Average Cloud Cover - 72%
  • Max Wind Gusts - 15 km/h

INSURANCE AGENT EXPERTS

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Principal

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Anthony Luu

Anthony Luu

Sr. Director of Insurance Operations

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Ezra Peterson

Ezra Peterson

Sr. Director of Insurance

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Danny Herrera

Danny Herrera

Head of Commercial Insurance

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Auto Insurance Data Methodology

The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.

Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.

These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com

FAQs

Is car insurance expensive in Columbia, SC?

In Columbia, South Carolina, car insurance is reasonably priced. South Carolina has an average annual car insurance premium of $1449, less than the national average. However, your state of residence is not the only element affecting your auto insurance cost.

Is SC a no-fault state?

The no-fault statute is not in force in South Carolina. Instead, it uses a comparative negligence at-fault methodology. This means you may claim the driver who caused your accident if you bear less than fifty percent of the blame.

What is considered full coverage insurance in Columbia, SC?

Full coverage insurance in South Carolina is typically characterized as a plan that offers more liability protection than the minimum required by the state, which is $25,000 per person for physical injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

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