South Carolina Auto Insurance Minimum Liability Coverage Limits, Costs

South Carolina auto insurance rates have increased by 17% over the last year. In spite of this, rates are still below the national average by $200 per year. With increased costs, you may be looking for ways to lower your premium on your auto insurance policy. By understanding those things that can increase your rate, you can avoid these factors and lower your South Carolina auto insurance costs.

First of all, you need to have the minimum coverage required by South Carolina law. South Carolina follows a tort system, so someone must be found at fault in an accident and that person's insurance company is responsible for the damages. Because of this, you must carry $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in Bodily Injury Liability, $25,000 in Property Damage Liability, $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury, and Uninsured Motorist Property Damage in the mount of $25,000.

Having the minimum amount of coverage is vital to maintaining a good driving record. Having a negative driving record is one of the main reasons that auto insurance rates go up. Driving records become negative due to speeding tickets, parking violations, license suspensions, and being in an accident without proper coverage. If you avoid all of these things and maintain a clean driving record, you will be more likely to find cheap auto insurance.

Your credit score can also impact the South Carolina auto insurance rates that you are offered. While insurance companies cannot use your credit score alone to deny you coverage or give you a higher rate, they can combine this consideration with other factors to make a decision. Because of this, it is important to use your credit wisely, pay bills on time, and budget your income. Also, be sure to check your credit score regularly to make sure there are not any errors that can affect your score.

Even the car you choose to drive is going to affect your South Carolina auto insurance costs. Though you may have always dreamed of driving a certain type of vehicle be sure you are ready to pay the price of getting that beauty on the road. For example, red vehicles increase rates as do sports cars and sports utility vehicles. Driving a foreign car, rare car, or a car that is costly to replace also will increase your monthly South Carolina auto insurance premium.

You can find affordable South Carolina auto insurance. Just make some conscious decision in your car and insurance buying processes. As long as your policy meets the minimum amounts required by law, there are several things within your control you can do to find the cheapest rate possible.