The Great Insurance Showdown: Who has the cheapest car insurance?

Doug Stockman • April 8, 2025

Let's ditch the click bait. Cheapest is not always the lowest cost.

do i have enough
TL;DR: The Great Insurance Showdown - Finding True Value, Not Just "Cheapest"
  • "Cheapest" is a myth: No single insurance company is always the lowest due to varied risk calculations.
  • Factors matter: Driving record, location, vehicle, age, credit, and coverage levels all impact premiums.
  • Higher limits = lower long-term costs: Skimping on coverage can lead to massive out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
  • Shop around and bundle: Independent agencies like Select Source can compare multiple quotes and find discounts.
  • Focus on value, not just price: Optimal coverage and service are more important than the absolute lowest premium.

The Great Insurance Showdown: Unmasking the "Cheapest" Champion (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
 
Ah, the age-old question that plagues every budget-conscious driver: "Which insurance is the cheapest?" At Select Source Insurance, we hear this daily, and honestly? It's a bit like asking, "Which flavor of ice cream is the best?" It depends! (And sometimes, you want a weird mix of flavors that no one else understands.)

Let's ditch the clickbait and dive into the real deal about finding the most affordable car insurance. The cheapest may not be the lowest cost.


The Myth of the "Cheapest" Company

There's no single insurance company that consistently offers the lowest rates for everyone. Why? Because insurance companies are like an actual snowflake, as no snowflakes are exactly the same, each one calculates risk differently. They consider a dizzying array of factors, including:

Your Driving Record: Speeding tickets? Accidents? Yeah, those don't help. Make sure there aren't any errors on your record.
Your Location: City dwellers often pay more than rural residents due to higher traffic density like Spartanburg or Greenville.
Your Vehicle: A flashy sports car? Expect higher premiums. A sensible sedan? You're in a better spot. And is your car make and model one that is stolen more often than others. Are car parts easily available and is the cost low.
Your Age and Experience: Young drivers typically pay more, but even seasoned drivers can see fluctuations.
Your Credit Score: In South Carolina, like most states, a good credit score translates to lower premiums.
Coverage Levels: Minimal coverage? Lower premium. Doesn't always mean "lowest cost". Maximum coverage? Higher premium. 

Why Should I carry higher limits? Cheapest may not be the lowest cost.

Alright, picture this: you've just turned your beloved sedan into a not-so-beloved bumper car, and unfortunately, it's your fault. Now, if you have selected South Carolina state minimum liability limits or other lower limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, your insurance coverage is as thin as a slice of deli ham, prepare for a financial rollercoaster. Your insurance company might politely wave goodbye after covering their limit, leaving you to foot the rest of the bill for damages to others or for yourself. We're talking medical expenses that could rival a hospital's annual budget, and property damage that might make a demolition crew blush. Suddenly, your assets become a hot commodity, with the injured party's lawyer eyeing your savings, your house, and possibly your prized collection of vintage rubber ducks. So, while you might have saved a few bucks on premiums, you may now be paying for everyone's pain and suffering, just because you went with "cheap" rates. It's a humbling and painful experience. Are the cheapest rates really the best?


So, What Can You Do?

Instead of chasing the elusive "cheapest" company, focus on these strategies:

Shop Around (and Let Us Help!): This is where independent agencies like Select Source Insurance shine. We don't represent just one company. We have access to multiple competitive insurers, allowing us to compare quotes and find an optimal deal.
Bundle Your Policies: Insuring your car and home or renters' policy with the same company often results in significant discounts.
Increase Your Deductible: A higher deductible means lower premiums, but make sure you can comfortably afford it.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Drive safely, avoid tickets, and keep your claims history clean.
Improve Your Credit Score: Pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low.
Take Advantage of Discounts: Ask about discounts for safe driving, good grades (for students), driver's training, and more.
Review Your Policy Regularly: Your circumstances change, and so should your insurance. Review your policy annually to ensure you're still getting the best value. Have drivers moved out of your house and no longer drive your vehicles?


The Bottom Line: It's About Value, Not Just Price

"Cheapest" doesn't always equal "best." You want a policy that offers adequate coverage at a reasonable price. Sometimes, paying a little more for better coverage and service is worth it in the long run. Another way to think about it is trying to optimize the price and coverage so there is enough to pay for other's damages and your own.

At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help you navigate the complexities of car insurance and find a policy that fits your budget and needs. We'll shop around, compare quotes, and explain your options in plain English.

Don't waste time searching for the mythical "cheapest" insurance. Contact us today for a free quote at 864-585-8318 or Auto Insurance Quote Request Online and let us do the legwork for you! We'll find you the best value, not just the lowest price.



By Doug Stockman October 27, 2025
The TL;DR (No Cap) Car insurance isn't some cheugy boomer paperwork. It’s about protecting your present and future bag. It’s what turns a life-altering financial disaster into a manageable Tuesday. Think of your insurance agent as your hype squad. We're here to explain the tea on deductibles, coverage limits, and make sure you're not paying for a policy that’s mid. The Bottom Line: Don’t simp for a cheaper premium that leaves you exposed. Get the right coverage. Secure your whip. Protect your peace. That's true main character energy. The Tea on Car Insurance: Why Do I Need to Drop Stacks on Something I(hopefully) Won't Even Use? Hey besties. Let's be real. Nobody is stoked about spending their hard-earned cash on car insurance. It feels like one of those things your parents—bless their hearts, they're kind of cheugy—keep telling you is "essential." You’re probably thinking, "Big Yikes, is this even a vibe? Why do I need to drop stacks on something I (hopefully) won't even use?" We get it. You're trying to save your bag, maybe finally afford that drip, or just keep that avocado toast habit alive. But hear us out, because don't simp for cheaper premium, because life without car insurance is seriously not the vibe, and honestly? That’s some major delulu behavior. 🚗 Scenario 1 : You're on Vibe Check Street and Things Go Sideways Picture this: You’re cruising, the playlist is absolutely slapping, and you're feeling like the main character. Then, BAM! A chaotic squirrel runs into the road, you swerve, and now your bumper is looking kinda… mid (or worse, completely busted). Without car insurance, that little "oopsie" instantly becomes a gigantic L. You are now personally funding the body shop, which is an express ticket to Brooksville (population: you). If you have a loan, your lender is going to be shook—and not in a good way. The Insurance Slay: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you can low-key just file a claim. You pay your deductible (which is usually much smaller than a whole repair bill), and your insurance company steps in and says, "Bet." Suddenly, that Big Yikes situation is just a minor inconvenience, not a financial dumpster fire. You're winning, which is a big fat W. 💥 Scenario 2 : It Wasn’t You, It Was Karen Okay, so let’s say you are driving perfectly. You have that rizz behind the wheel. But then, some absolute NPC runs a stop sign and totals your whip. What about your car? If the other person has terrible insurance (or, yikes, none), and you only have basic liability, your car is toast, or is it? Would you be getting ghosted by your savings account? The Insurance Slay: If you went for Uninsured(required)/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (which is a total flex), your policy steps up to pay for your stuff (up to the limits) when the other driver is broke or capping about their coverage. You get your ride fixed, you avoid being salty, and you keep the good vibes rolling. What if it is your fault? This is where your Liability Coverage is the real MVP. Legally, you need this at a bare minimum. It means if you are at fault for an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages (car repairs, medical bills, etc., up to the policy limits) so that they don't drag you in court and take your house money. Do you have the right limits? Ready to stop being delulu and get a quote that actually slaps? Hit us up. We'll make it quick, easy, and not at all cheugy. Bet! "Yo, need to scoop a quote for car insurance. What's the tea on the cheapest rates for my whip?" Our clients live in Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Inman, Duncan, Roebuck, Moore, Lyman and the general upstate.
But it wasnt my fault
By Doug Stockman September 25, 2025
Ugh, My Rate Went Up for a Not-at-Fault Accident? It's the ultimate insurance head-scratcher. You're driving along, minding your own business, and then BAM! Some other driver turns your day into a metal-crumpled mess. But wait, it's not your fault! The police report says so, the other driver's insurance company agrees, and you're feeling pretty good about the whole thing. You and the other driver are not hurt and now your car is fixed. Then you get your renewal notice. Your heart sinks. Your insurance rate has gone up. But…why? Didn't we just establish that you were the innocent bystander in this whole debacle? It's a frustrating, perplexing situation that feels about as fair as getting a parking ticket for a car you don't even own. At Select Source Insurance, we hear this question a lot. We get it, it's maddening. So let's try to demystify this insurance riddle together, one slightly-less-maddening explanation at a time. The Crystal Ball of Risk Insurance companies are essentially professional fortune-tellers. They use all sorts of data to predict who is most likely to file a claim in the future. The "riskier" you appear, the more you're likely to pay for insurance. A not-at-fault accident, while not your fault in the traditional sense, can still be a blip on their risk radar. Here's what they're seeing: You're on the road more. If you're involved in an accident, even if it's not your fault, it indicates you're spending time on the road where these things happen. The more you drive, the higher the chance of being in an accident, even if you are the world's most defensive driver. Driving Habits: Even if you're not at fault, an accident can be a sign of unsafe driving habits. Consider this common scenario: you're following a car too closely, and they suddenly hit their brakes. You manage to stop in time, but the car behind you doesn't, resulting in a rear-end collision. While you may not be considered at fault, your decision to tailgate created a domino effect, leading to the crash. This is just one of many examples of how a lack of attention to safe driving practices can contribute to an accident. Stand Alone: This one incident, in and of by itself, may not impact the rate that much, but if another incident similar or different it will have more impact on the rate. The insurance company starts to see a pattern. The "Luck" Factor. Some insurance companies use a more statistical approach. They see that you've been in an accident, and their data might show that people who have been involved in one accident, even a not-at-fault one, are slightly more likely to be involved in another. It's not a judgment on your driving skills, but a cold, hard, and somewhat comical statistical reality. The Cost of Doing Business. Even in a not-at-fault claim, your insurance company might still have to pay for things. They might cover the rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or towing until they're reimbursed by the other driver's insurance. These costs, however small, are still part of a claim, and claims affect rates. The Solution: We Can Help! So, what's an innocent driver to do? The good news is, you're not stuck. This is precisely where being an independent insurance agency like Select Source Insurance makes all the difference. We aren't tied to a single insurance company. We work with a whole bunch of them! If one company decides to punish you for being a victim of circumstance, we can shop around for you. We can find a different insurance company that has a more favorable view of not-at-fault accidents. Think of us as your personal insurance matchmaker. We know which companies are more forgiving and which ones are more likely to raise rates for even the smallest claim. Our job is to find you a policy that offers great coverage without making you pay for someone else's mistake. The Bottom Line Yes, it's a bit ridiculous that your rates can go up for a not-at-fault accident. It's one of those bizarre insurance quirks that makes you want to shake your fist at the sky. But it's not a dead end. Give us a call. We'll do the shopping and negotiating for you. Let us find you a rate that reflects your driving, not someone else's.
Car Tax Refund
By Doug Stockman August 21, 2025
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.