Sumter Car Insurance
Find the right car insurance policy for you.
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Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
There are a lot of drivers on the roadways in and around Sumter, South Carolina. As a vehicle owner, you are at risk of financial damages if you are involved in a collision. A solid auto insurance policy can protect your finances by providing coverage for a number of hazards you may face. Car insurance is required in Sumter, but overpaying for it is not. Our Independent Insurance Agents can help you find an affordable car insurance policy that is customized to fit your coverage and budgetary needs. Find an agent near you to learn more and to start comparing quotes from a variety of highly-rated insurers.
- National average cost per year: $1,311
- South Carolina average cost per year: $1,210
- 31st most expensive auto premium in the U.S.
The good news for those looking to buy a car insurance policy is that average rates in South Carolina are lower than the national average. Of course, your particular rates in Sumter may be higher or lower than the numbers shown above, as they are calculated based on a number of different factors including but not limited to the following:
- The make, model and year of your car
- Your personal driving record
- Your age, sex, and marital status
- The amount of coverage you are purchasing
- The amount of your deductible
- Your credit rating
Because so much is taken into account when determining auto insurance rates, comparison-shopping in Sumter can help you find the best price for your coverage.
South Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
- Bodily injury liability: required
- Property damage liability: required
- Personal injury protection (PIP): not required
- Uninsured motorist coverage: not required
- Minimum liability limits: 25/50/25
- Coverage up to $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $25,000 for one individual, and $25,000 coverage for property damage.
Failure to carry insurance that meets these requirements can result in fines of $400 to $1,000 and can lead to incarceration and suspension of your driver's license. Simply put, foregoing coverage is not worth the risk. These state-mandated minimums can protect your finances in the event of a car accident, but if you are responsible for a serious accident that results in significant injuries or fatalities, you could be responsible for damages that greatly exceed these coverage limits. For that reason, it may be a good idea to purchase coverage that exceeds these minimum requirements. An agent can help you determine how much to buy.
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Number of Uninsured Motorists in South Carolina
- Number of uninsured U.S. drivers: 12.6%
- Number of uninsured South Carolina drivers: 7.70%
While the number of uninsured drivers on South Carolina’s roads is lower than the national average, it is still a lot of people. Uninsured motorist coverage can protect you if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes you injuries or property damage. Without this coverage, you would need to go after the offending driver on your own, and you would have a difficult, if not impossible, time collecting compensation.
Number of Auto Thefts in South Carolina
- National number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
- Number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles: 3.49
The rate of car theft in South Carolina exceeds the national average but is slightly lower in Sumter. In recent years, there were 128 car thefts reported in this city. That equates to about 3.13 thefts per 1,000 vehicles. These rates are taken into account when calculating your insurance rates in Sumter. By supplementing your car insurance policy with comprehensive, or “other than collision,” insurance, you can receive compensation if your car is stolen or if it is damaged while not being driven.
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Find a Great Sumter Car Insurance Policy
Nobody wants to pay more than they have to for car insurance. But if you purchased your coverage without getting quotes from any other insurance companies, chances are you are doing just that. That is why savvy car owners turn to our Independent Insurance Agents for help when they are ready to buy a policy. Independent Insurance Agents make comparison-shopping easy by doing the legwork for you. Because they can work with a variety of reputable insurance companies, they can quickly provide you with a selection of auto insurance quotes that you can compare.
Find an agent with an office in Sumter today to learn more about your car insurance options.