South Carolina auto insurance costs rose in national survey

COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina&#39;s drivers have been paying more for auto insurance, an annual survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners says. <br> <br> The average spending on auto insurance rose about $20 between 1999 and 2000 to $612.07. That&#39;s still less than the $655.33 average in 1998. <br> <br> The increase between pushed the state&#39;s average auto insurance spending rate to the nation&#39;s 31st highest in 2000, up from 34 in 1999. <br> <br> Rates are still low compared to Georgia, where the average consumer spent $674.12 in 2000. <br> <br> But the state&#39;s rates are higher than North Carolina where the average insurance cost was $563.66. <br> <br> The national average for 2000 was $686.71.