COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina auto insurance rates increased slightly in 2006, but remained on average lower than most national rates.

A study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners showed that South Carolina drivers paid an average of $756 on auto insurance in 2006, the most recent figures available.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service said in a news release Wednesday that the 2006 rates were about $3 higher than in 2005, but $61 cheaper than the national average.

South Carolina was in the middle of neighboring states that ranged from a low of $596 in North Carolina to a high of $1,069 in Florida.

The rates in the current study do not include the impact of a state law that took effect Jan. 1, 2007, mandating increased minimum coverage for South Carolina drivers.

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