News Summary
A recent report by Way.com highlights how driving records significantly affect car insurance rates in South Carolina. Walhalla emerges as the cheapest city for liability coverage, with American National offering the lowest premium at $25 per month. The analysis also shows how traffic violations can increase insurance costs, emphasizing the importance of a clean driving record. With varying average premiums across cities, residents must navigate their options wisely to secure affordable automobile insurance.
South Carolina residents seeking cheaper car insurance options can find rates significantly affected by their driving records, with traffic violations leading to increased premiums, according to a new report by Way.com’s data team. The analysis reveals varying average monthly premiums across different cities in the state, highlighting Walhalla as the cheapest place for liability coverage.
American National offers the most affordable liability coverage in South Carolina, charging only $25 per month. For those purchasing full coverage insurance, American National also provides the lowest rates at $57 per month. These rates significantly undercut many competitors in the market.
Other affordable options for liability insurance include American National P&C at $31, USAA at $36, Encompass at $37, and South Carolina Farm Bureau at $40. For full coverage, after American National P&C, the other cheap alternatives are South Carolina Farm Bureau at $74, American National at $83, Auto-Owners Insurance Co at $85, and American Family at $129.
The average monthly premiums for car insurance differ significantly throughout South Carolina. The city with the lowest average premium is Walhalla, where drivers pay around $132 monthly. Other cities with low premiums include Salem at $133, Newry at $134, Seneca at $134, and West Union with an average of $134 as well. In contrast, cities with the highest premiums are Miley and Crocketville, where the average cost is $198 per month, followed closely by Canadys at $195, Estill at $190, and North Charleston at $189.
Impact of Traffic Violations on Premiums
Traffic violations have a pronounced effect on auto insurance rates in South Carolina. A clean driving record typically yields an average premium of $202. However, the presence of violations can raise premiums significantly. For example, a not-at-fault accident raises the average rate to $213. Other notable increases include:
- Failure to wear a seat belt: $231
- Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over the limit: $253
- Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over the limit: $257
- DUI: $319
- Reckless driving: $327
- Driving with a suspended license: $328
- Leaving the scene of an accident or hit and run: $340
Background Context
The data revealing these insights was gathered from both public and internal sources, hinting at a comprehensive view of the auto insurance market in South Carolina. As consumers continue to navigate the insurance landscape, understanding these rates and factors affecting them, such as city location and driving history, is crucial for making informed decisions about coverage. With a combination of affordable options and the impact of driving records, South Carolina residents have various considerations to weigh when shopping for car insurance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Santa Fe New Mexican: Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
- AOL News: Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
- Watauga Democrat: Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina
- Tribune Ledger News: Car Insurance Rates in South Carolina
- Insurify: Car Insurance Insights by State
- Wikipedia: Car Insurance
- Google Search: Car Insurance South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Insurance
- Google Scholar: Car Insurance South Carolina
- Google News: Car Insurance South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
