Charleston Auto Insurance

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Charleston has a unique culture and diverse demographics. This thriving city is home to many top notch companies that offer Charleston car insurance. Charleston, South Carolina residents can find affordable, quality auto insurance that provides the coverage required. By following a few simple tips, you can find a car insurance policy in Charleston that works for you.

You Can Find Charleston Auto Insurance That Meets State Requirements

Each state has requirements that must be met in order to be in compliance with the law. South Carolina follows a tort system. This means that in an accident, someone must be found at fault. Once someone is found at fault, that person and their insurance company is responsible for covering the costs of the accident. A tort system also allows the at fault person to be sued by the victim. This is especially true if the person is uninsured.

Because it is a tort state, there are minimum insurance requirements. This helps to ensure that the person at fault has enough coverage to pay for damages to a person or property. Bodily injury liability in the amount of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is required. For property damage liability, $25,000 in coverage is required. Also required is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. For uninsured motorist property damage, $25,000 per person is required.

Just because these amounts are the minimum limits required by law, does not mean it is enough coverage. If you have a newer vehicle, a vehicle that is costly to replace, or have a loan out for your vehicle, you should add additional coverage. This ensures that you are not left with some out of pocket coverage once your insurance company has paid. When choosing coverage, you will need to choose a deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be.

Local Charleston Auto Insurance Agencies

There are many local insurance agencies that work within the Charleston area. Having a local agent to work with, gives you instant access to an agent and company when a need arises or when a claim needs to be filed. A local agency also allows you to build a relationship with an agent who can assist you with any questions you may have throughout the term of your policy.

C.T. Lowndes and Company is one of the reliable Charleston offices that offer auto insurance. Lowndes and Company has been serving the Charleston area since 1850. This local company is a member of the Professional Insurance Agent group as well as the Professional Insurance Agents of South Carolina which both require members to adhere to strict guidelines.

Another company that offers local car insurance in the Charleston area is First Acceptance Corporation. With over 25 offices statewide, it is easy to find an agent ready to meet your needs. First Acceptance has a variety of policies to meet the specific needs of Charleston residents and agents meet with clients at their offices or at your home.

Anderson Insurance Associates is a local company with two large offices in Charleston. Each office has several qualified, knowledgeable agents who can advise you concerning your auto insurance needs. They realize that a good insurance policy is one that covers you in an accident and provides the financial backing to allow you to not be caught of guard. Anderson agents are ready to offer great customer service and answer any questions you may have.

You will need to look at rates and premiums, service and benefits, and company history when comparing these choices. One simple way to start the process is with an online quote tool. These are usually free devices that let you submit the same data one time. Then several insurers who service the Charleston area will get back to you with their policy offers. Some will be local businesses, others will not.

National Companies Offering Charleston Auto Insurance

Local companies have a lot to offer Charleston residents, but national companies have advantages as well. National companies have a large number of members, so their prices may be lower. National companies also can offer easy online transactions and claim services. Going with a national company can give you the peace of mind that you are working with a reputable company that has stood the test of time.

Though national companies don’t always offer the customer service that local companies can offer, they are able to give competitive rates. Phone wait times may be longer and some of your services may have to be done through an automated system, but claim service is usually quick with a national company. Some national companies that offer coverage in the Charleston area are Geico, Allstate, Nationwide, and State Farm.