If you've recently moved to Myrtle Beach or you're shopping around for car insurance, you've probably noticed something: rates here aren't exactly cheap. In fact, the average driver in Myrtle Beach pays about $185 per month for car insurance—roughly 26% higher than the national average. Before you chalk it up to living in a beach town, it's worth understanding exactly what's driving those premiums up and what you can do about it.
The truth is, Myrtle Beach presents some unique challenges when it comes to auto insurance. Between the seasonal tourist influx, unfamiliar drivers navigating local roads, and coastal weather risks, insurance companies see this area as higher risk. But here's the good news: once you understand what factors are influencing your rates, you can make smarter decisions to keep your costs manageable.
What You'll Actually Pay for Car Insurance in Myrtle Beach
Let's start with the numbers. Most Myrtle Beach drivers pay somewhere between $1,250 and $2,000 per year for car insurance, though full coverage policies can run higher—especially if you're financing a newer vehicle. That works out to roughly $104 to $167 per month on the low end, but many residents report paying closer to $185 to $194 per month when they factor in comprehensive and collision coverage.
Your actual rate depends on dozens of factors—your age, driving record, credit score, the car you drive, and where exactly in Myrtle Beach you live. Neighborhoods along Kings Highway or near the entertainment districts tend to see higher premiums because of increased traffic density and accident frequency. Meanwhile, areas farther from the beach and main tourist corridors may qualify for slightly lower rates.
And if you thought 2024 rates were high, brace yourself: South Carolina saw a 31% increase in car insurance premiums this year, largely driven by weather-related claims. Living on the coast means you're more exposed to hurricanes and tropical storms—risks that insurance companies price directly into your policy.
How Tourist Season Affects Your Insurance Rates
Here's something most people don't realize until they've lived in Myrtle Beach for a while: tourist season doesn't just mean crowded beaches and restaurant waits—it also means a dramatic spike in car accidents. From May through September, Myrtle Beach's population swells, and traffic volume can hit 150,000 vehicles per day during holidays and peak weekends. That's a lot of cars, many driven by people who have no idea where they're going.
Unfamiliar drivers are more likely to make mistakes—missed turns, sudden lane changes, running red lights, or slamming on the brakes because they're distracted by the scenery. Rear-end collisions along Kings Highway are especially common during summer months. Add in some impaired driving incidents near entertainment districts, and you've got a recipe for higher claims frequency across the board.
Insurance companies know all this, and they adjust their rates accordingly. Even if you're a safe driver who's never filed a claim, you're sharing the road with thousands of tourists who might not be as cautious. That collective risk gets baked into everyone's premiums. It's frustrating, but it's also why comparing quotes and asking about discounts becomes so important in a high-risk area like Myrtle Beach.
Coastal Weather and Hurricane Risks
Living on the South Carolina coast comes with undeniable perks, but it also means you're in hurricane country. Since 1857, South Carolina has been hit by 42 recorded hurricanes, and the frequency of severe weather events has been increasing. When a hurricane rolls through, it's not just homes that take a beating—cars parked outside can suffer flood damage, wind damage, or get hit by flying debris.
This is where comprehensive coverage becomes critical. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage—things like flooding, hail, falling trees, or wind damage. If you're financing your car, your lender will require it. But even if you own your vehicle outright, skipping comprehensive coverage in Myrtle Beach is a gamble. One major storm could total your car, leaving you on the hook for the full replacement cost.
Unfortunately, the 31% rate increase South Carolina saw in 2024 was largely fueled by weather-related claims. Insurance companies paid out massive sums after recent storms, and they're recouping those losses through higher premiums. Coastal residents feel this impact more acutely than people in inland areas, where weather risks are lower.
Golf Cart Insurance: A Myrtle Beach Specialty
If you live in or near a resort community in Myrtle Beach, there's a decent chance you own a golf cart. They're incredibly popular for getting around neighborhoods, running quick errands, or cruising to the beach. But here's what catches a lot of people off guard: if you're driving that golf cart on public roads, South Carolina law requires you to carry liability insurance.
You need at least $50,000 in liability coverage for personal injury and property damage, and you'll also need to register your golf cart with the South Carolina DMV (which costs $5 and is valid for five years). Golf cart insurance is surprisingly affordable—many policies start around $75 per year—but it's legally required, and driving without it can result in fines or worse if you're involved in an accident.
The good news? Many insurance companies offer multi-vehicle discounts if you bundle your car and golf cart policies together. This can help offset some of Myrtle Beach's higher auto insurance costs while ensuring you're covered on all fronts.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs in Myrtle Beach
Yes, Myrtle Beach has higher-than-average car insurance rates. But that doesn't mean you're powerless. There are several ways to bring your premium down without sacrificing coverage.
First, shop around. Rates vary wildly between insurance companies, and what one carrier charges for full coverage could be hundreds of dollars more than another. Get quotes from at least three to five insurers, and don't just focus on price—look at coverage limits, deductibles, and customer service ratings too.
Second, ask about discounts. Common ones include multi-vehicle discounts (if you're insuring more than one car or a golf cart), good driver discounts, defensive driving course discounts, and bundling discounts if you combine your auto and homeowners or renters insurance with the same company. Even a 10-15% discount can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
Third, consider raising your deductible. If you can afford to pay $1,000 out of pocket in the event of a claim instead of $500, your monthly premium will drop. Just make sure you've got that deductible amount saved in an emergency fund so you're not caught off guard if something happens.
Finally, maintain a clean driving record. Tickets, accidents, and claims all push your rates higher. In a high-risk area like Myrtle Beach, staying claim-free is one of the most effective ways to keep your premiums in check over the long term.
Getting Started with Car Insurance in Myrtle Beach
Car insurance in Myrtle Beach is more expensive than the national average, but understanding why helps you make smarter decisions. Tourist traffic, coastal weather risks, and local accident patterns all contribute to higher premiums. The key is to compare quotes, maximize discounts, and make sure you're carrying the right coverage—especially comprehensive protection if you live near the coast.
If you're ready to find the best rate for your situation, start by gathering quotes from multiple insurers. Look for companies familiar with Myrtle Beach's unique risks—they'll be better equipped to offer competitive rates and advice tailored to coastal living. And if you own a golf cart, don't forget to ask about bundling options to save even more.
