South Carolina auto insurance
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Reduce road risks with South Carolina car insurance
With over 3 million licensed drivers in the state, South Carolina roads see a lot of traffic. With an average commute time in the state of 25 minutes one way, residents rely on personal vehicles to a high degree. All of this driving poses the risk of accidents that can cause property damage and medical bills in the case of injury. For these reasons and more, you need good South Carolina auto insurance to reduce your risk of major expenses.
Common perils of driving in South Carolina
A high number of fatal traffic crashes as a result of speeding puts South Carolina at the top of risky states for drivers. According to one analysis, almost half the crashes in the state stem from speeding behaviors. The state also ranks high for most traffic deaths per capita.
Just as significantly, traffic crashes that cause property damage and personal injuries in the state occur frequently. In one recent year, a traffic collision occurred every 3.7 minutes in the state, with property damage crash happening every 5.2 minutes and an injury accident every 13.6 minutes. According to a five-year average of collisions in South Carolina:
• About 140,000 collisions occur annually.
• Approximately 1,000 people die in collisions each year.
• Nearly 2,400 crashes involving serious injury happen each year.
• About 100,000 crashes involving property damage occur each year.
The primary reason for all types of crashes in the state comes down to driver error in over 90% of accidents. The most common causes of accidents (in descending order) include driving too fast for road conditions, failing to yield the right of way, improper lane changing and following too closely. While safe driving practices can prevent some accidents, the frequency of accidents makes South Carolina auto insurance a necessity.
Average cost of insurance in South Carolina
As one of the state’s licensed drivers, you probably hope to find an affordable auto insurance policy. With the state's average monthly premiums coming in at $255 a month, this becomes crucial to make ends meet. South Carolina ranks as the 16th most expensive state for auto insurance; residents pay a little more than the national average for auto insurance, which stands at $235 a month.
Fortunately, you do have some control over the premiums you pay. By comparing South Carolina auto insurance quotes, you can look for the best prices for your needs. When you use our VIU by HUB online tool, you have access to a variety of top-rated insurance carriers in an easy-to-use format.
The right South Carolina auto insurance policy
With limited options for public transportation in the state, most people rely on a personal vehicle to get around. Each person or household has unique requirements when it comes to the most appropriate auto insurance. Knowing what you need will help you get the best policy.
By eliminating unnecessary coverages and keeping the most beneficial products, you can pay reasonable premiums while still getting protection from an array of risks. Minimum requirements
All South Carolina drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. This protects all drivers in the state from the cost of collisions. The minimum limits for Basic Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage are set at 25/50/25. This translates to $25,000 for Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 for Bodily Injury per accident and $25,000 for Property Damage.
Carrying only the minimum South Carolina auto insurance could expose you to large expenses in the event that you cause injury or property damage to a third party. Consider purchasing limits higher than these minimum limits for increased protection from loss.
Optional coverages
Adding Collision Coverage to your policy will pay for damage to your vehicle regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive Coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by things other than collision, such as a cracked windshield, fire, vandalism, theft or extreme weather. These two coverages make sense if you own a newer vehicle. And if you have a car loan, the lender will likely require you to have these coverages.
The cost of a policy with optional coverages can vary significantly across insurance providers, so it makes sense to compare South Carolina auto insurance quotes. By using our VIU by HUB online tool, you can make an informed decision on your next policy.
Factors that impact South Carolina auto insurance premiums
In general, the more auto insurance you carry, the higher your monthly premiums will be. If you have low deductibles, high liability limits, full coverage and multiple vehicles, you will likely pay more than the average rate. In addition, the following factors also impact your monthly costs:
• Your driving history.
• The value of your vehicle or vehicles.
• The vehicle garaging location.
• Your age and gender.
• Your credit score.
To protect your interests, it always makes sense to compare South Carolina auto insurance quotes. You can do this anytime with VIU by HUB, especially if you’re looking to make changes to your policy or if your policy is up for renewal.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Transportation
South Carolina Department of Public Safety