Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Columbia

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406,175 Policies Sold

Columbia Car Insurance

^$ 27

/mo

Written by Sara Sam

Edited by Renee Martin

Why you can trust Way?

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

Table of Contents

How Much Is Car Insurance in Columbia

The car insurance rate in Columbia is $904 for a six-month policy, which is $75 higher than the higher than the state average. Root Insurance Company offers the lowest rates in the city at $370, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. Rates in Columbia can vary depending on your age, driving record, and coverage level, so not every driver will pay the same amount. Choosing a higher deductible, maintaining a clean driving history, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find better deals and save money over time.

Avg. Car Insurance in Columbia

$904

Avg. Car Insurance in South Carolina

$829

National Average

$1278

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Columbia

1st place: American National P&C

At $370 for a six month policy, American National P&C offers the cheapest auto insurance rates in the city.

2nd place: South Carolina Farm Bureau

South Carolina Farm Bureau offers auto insurance rates at $480 for a six-month policy, making it one of the cheapest to insure with.

3rd place: American National

American National offers auto insurance rates at $531 for six months, making it the third cheapest auto insurance company in Columbia.

Columbia Car Insurance Rates by Company

Based on our research, the cheapest car insurance company in Columbia, SC is American National P&C, offering policies at just $370 for a six-month term. This is followed by South Carolina Farm Bureau, which has an average six-month premium of $480.

At the higher end of the spectrum, Nationwide is the most expensive, with rates reaching $1469 for a six-month policy. Rates can vary widely by driver, but comparing quotes from multiple companies can help Columbia drivers find the best deals.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Columbia, SC

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National P&C	$370	$63
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$480	$80
American National	$531	$89
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$550	$92
American Family	$835	$142
Encompass	$861	$144
USAA	$952	$160
Auto-Owners	$971	$164
Travelers	$1004	$169
Progressive	$1055	$178
Farm Bureau	$1075	$183
Allstate	$1249	$210
State Farm	$1262	$213
Nationwide	$1469	$245

Key Takeaways

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in Columbia

The auto insurance costs in Columbia fall around $370 for six months.
The cheapest auto insurance company in Columbia is American National.
Teen drivers pay the highest rate in Columbia at $29 per month.

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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Columbia

Since car insurance is a critical requirement for owning a car, you must have minimum liability car insurance. The cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Columbia are given below.

American National provides the cheapest minimum car insurance coverage in Columbia. Their Average 6 Month Premium is $162. Nationwide is the most expensive at $751 for the same period.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in Columbia, SC

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National	$162	$27
American National P&C	$201	$34
Encompass	$240	$40
USAA	$246	$41
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$259	$44
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$291	$49
American Family	$356	$61
Progressive	$376	$63
Auto-Owners	$421	$71
Travelers	$447	$75
Farm Bureau	$453	$77
Allstate	$460	$77
State Farm	$564	$95
Nationwide	$751	$125

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Columbia

One might think that minimum coverage is only required when insuring your car insurance. However, having full coverage car insurance in any city is certainly a wise choice as it offers better coverage and protection. Our best pick for the cheapest auto insurance quotes in Columbia is American National P&C at $63 per month and $370 for six months.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in Columbia, SC

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National P&C	$370	$63
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$480	$80
American National	$531	$89
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$550	$92
American Family	$835	$142
Encompass	$861	$144
USAA	$952	$160
Auto-Owners	$971	$164
Travelers	$1004	$169
Progressive	$1055	$178
Farm Bureau	$1075	$183
Allstate	$1249	$210
State Farm	$1262	$213
Nationwide	$1469	$245

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Average Car Insurance in Columbia by Rating Factor

The car insurance rates for two people under the same ZIP code will mostly be different. This is mostly because insurance rates are calculated based on several rating factors. These rating factors include the driver's age, gender, marital status, driving and claims history, credit score, location, type of vehicle, and coverage levels.

I have a clean driving record. Why is my car insurance rate here in Columbia, SC increasing?

Despite maintaining a clean driving record, your car insurance rates in Columbia, South Carolina, may be increasing due to several external factors. South Carolina has experienced significant rate hikes recently, with average premiums rising by 25.5% in 2023, largely attributed to higher claims volumes and inflation.

Additionally, Columbia's high urban population density, raised auto theft rates, and frequent natural disasters contribute to increased insurance costs.

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in Columbia

It is quite evident why teen drivers pay the highest car insurance rates in any city. Their lack of experience and increased accident rates make them a highly risky category. However, as you grow older, your car insurance rates will decrease. So, it is better to not have separate policies for teens; instead, add them to their parents' policies.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Based on Age Group

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Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in Columbia,SC

If you are planning to get a car insurance policy for your teenage dependent, American National P&C provides the cheapest car insurance in the Columbia at $39 per month. At $174 for a six-month premium, American National offers the most expensive rate for teen drivers.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National P&C	$233	$39
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$337	$58
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$370	$61
American Family	$401	$69
Travelers	$1638	$276
Farm Bureau	$1936	$329
USAA	$2013	$339
Allstate	$2227	$375
Auto-Owners	$2415	$407
Progressive	$3030	$510
State Farm	$3205	$540
Nationwide	$3794	$645
American National	$174	$29

Teen Car Insurance Rates in SC by Age

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score & Driving History

Similar to your driving history, your financial history also plays a key role in determining your auto insurance rates. A low credit score would mean a lapse in payment and increased chances of filing claims, which results in higher auto insurance rates. Therefore, the higher the credit score, the lower the car insurance rates will be.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit

For those with poor credit scores in Columbia, South Carolina Farm Bureau is the cheapest car insurance provider. At $486 for a six-month premium, they offer the best rates in the city. The most expensive auto insurance rate for drivers with bad credit in Columbia is State Farm, offering rates of around $5458 for six months.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$486	$81
American National P&C	$680	$116
American Family	$777	$130
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$815	$138
USAA	$1134	$189
Travelers	$1405	$237
Progressive	$1457	$245
Allstate	$1781	$300
Farm Bureau	$1929	$322
Nationwide	$2220	$377
Auto-Owners	$2720	$453
State Farm	$5458	$928

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Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in Columbia

Both accidents and the resulting increase in insurance rates are often beyond our control. When you’re involved in an accident, you become riskier to insure, consequently increasing the rates. In Columbia, SC, accidents can lead to significant hikes in your premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in Columbia

The cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Columbia include American National and American National P&C, offering $207 and $266, respectively. Nationwide is an expensive provider with an average six-month premium of $2117.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National	$207	$35
American National P&C	$266	$45
Encompass	$298	$50
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$330	$57
American Family	$370	$61
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$421	$72
Auto-Owners	$874	$147
USAA	$881	$148
Travelers	$894	$150
Farm Bureau	$991	$167
Progressive	$1282	$216
State Farm	$1398	$235
Allstate	$2000	$337
Nationwide	$2117	$360

Columbia Car Insurance Rates by Violation

Here is a list of driving violations that can increase your car insurance rates in Columbia SC. For example, the car insurance in Columbia after a DUI increases to $758 for a six month policy. While the rate increases by $330 for a six-month policy in the case of a speeding ticket.

Columbia auto insurance quotes by violations

Accident/Violation	Avg. 6 Mo Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
None	$1308	$218
One Med/PIP claim	$1308	$222
Not-at-fault accident	$1379	$230
Two Med/PIP claims	$1392	$237
One comp claim	$1398	$233
Two comp claims	$1444	$245
Failure to wear a seat belt	$1495	$250
Child safety restraint	$1528	$259
Driving without lights	$1528	$255
Failure to show documents	$1541	$262
Failure to yield	$1586	$265
Failure to stop at a red light	$1592	$270
Driving too slowly	$1638	$273
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit	$1638	$279
Speeding in school zone	$1638	$273
At-fault accident - less than $1000	$1645	$280
In 65 MPH zone	$1645	$274
Driving with expired registration	$1651	$281
Following too closely	$1651	$275
Illegal turn	$1651	$281
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit	$1651	$275
Wrong way/wrong lane	$1651	$281
Cell phone violation	$1658	$276
Texting while driving	$1658	$282
Improper passing	$1664	$277
Operating a vehicle without permission	$1664	$283
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit	$1664	$277
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit	$1664	$283
Passing school bus	$1690	$281
Open container	$1703	$290
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000	$1878	$313
At-fault accident - greater than $2000	$1878	$319
Refusal to submit to a chemical test	$2039	$340
DUI	$2066	$351
Reckless driving	$2117	$353
Driving with a suspended license	$2123	$361
Racing	$2130	$355
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run	$2202	$374

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Way Tip

Avoid Having A DUI On Your Driving Record.

A DUI can increase your car insurance rates—by $5,000 to $10,000 over five years. Speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents also raise rates, staying on your record for 3–5 years, while DUIs/DWIs can impact you longer.

Car Insurance Rates in Columbia after a DUI

There may have been times when you drank but chose not to drive—a smart and responsible decision, as most states treat DUIs as a serious offense. Your car insurance rates can double after a DUI charge, making it harder to find affordable coverage in Columbia.

The cheapest car insurance premiums in Columbia are offered by American National P&C at $298 for a six-month policy. However, it can be as expensive as $253 with companies like American National.

Columbia car insurance quotes with a DUI

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National P&C	$298	$50
American Family	$311	$52
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$317	$53
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$661	$112
Farm Bureau	$919	$155
Travelers	$1010	$170
USAA	$1068	$180
Progressive	$1075	$181
State Farm	$1418	$239
Allstate	$1579	$266
Auto-Owners	$2059	$343
Nationwide	$2810	$477
American National	$253	$43

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

One of the easiest ways to save money on car insurance is to stay within the speed limit. After a speeding violation, the cheapest car insurance premiums in Columbia are offered by American National P&C at $266. However, it can be as expensive as $1787 with companies like Nationwide for a similar six-month premium.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia after Speeding ticket

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
American National P&C	$266	$45
South Carolina Farm Bureau	$298	$50
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$330	$55
American Family	$376	$64
USAA	$894	$149
Auto-Owners	$938	$159
State Farm	$1029	$173
Travelers	$1042	$175
Farm Bureau	$1165	$194
Progressive	$1218	$205
Allstate	$1469	$247
Nationwide	$1787	$304

Car Insurance Price Trends in Columbia, South Carolina

Car insurance rates in Columbia have fluctuated due to factors such as state regulations, inflation, and changing driving habits.

The average cost of full coverage in the Columbia rose by $213 in January compared to $190 of December. In other words, there has been an increase by $23 when you compare January and December.

The average cost of liability insurance in the Columbia rose to $65 in January, compared to $63 in December. This represents an increase of $2 when comparing January and December.

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Average Car Insurance Cost in Columbia by ZIP Code

The crime rate, the number of accidents, and the probability of natural calamities all determine the car insurance rates in different neighborhoods in the Columbia. At $903 for a six-month policy, insuring your car at 29208 is the cheapest in the city.

Zip Code	Average 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
29208	$903	$151
29207	$930	$156
29229	$1039	$174
29206	$948	$159
29205	$966	$162
29209	$984	$165
29210	$1003	$168
29204	$948	$159
29203	$1003	$168
29225	$903	$151
29202	$903	$151
29212	$975	$163
29223	$1030	$172
29201	$957	$160

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance in Columbia?

The car insurance in Columbia is $27 per month, which is lower than the national average.

What is the cheapest car insurance in Columbia?

The cheapest car insurance in Columbia is $63 per month for full coverage.

How much is car insurance in Columbia for teenagers?

Car insurance for teenagers costs $233 per 6 months. The rates for teen drivers are higher due to their lack of experience as drivers.

What's the average cost of car insurance in Columbia?

The average cost of car insurance is $829 for a six-month policy. It will cost around $152 per month to insure your car in Columbia.

Is car insurance expensive in Columbia?

Car insurance can be expensive in Columbia if your rating factors are not favorable. However, with a clean driving record and good credit score, car insurance rates in Columbia can be affordable.

What is the best car insurance in Columbia, SC?

The best car insurance company in Columbia SC is American National P&C, offering $370 for a six-month policy.