Car insurance rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that Erie Insurance offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,082 per year.
This guide makes buying car insurance in North Carolina easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in North Carolina works and how much coverage you need.
- Erie Insurance provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in North Carolina, costing $1,082 per year.
- In North Carolina, insurance costs are influenced by various factors, including coverage limits, age, location, make/model of your vehicle and your driving history.
- Minimum liability coverage in North Carolina costs around $476 annually for limits of 30/60/25, while liability-only coverage costs $523 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- In North Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 49%, a DUI raising rates by 310%, and an at-fault accident by up to 69%.
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in North Carolina pay about $145 per month for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
Average cost of auto insurance in North Carolina by coverage level
In North Carolina, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in North Carolina are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 30/60/25 to drive legally.
Liability-only insurance is the least expensive coverage and meets the minimum legal requirements in North Carolina, but it doesn’t offer adequate protection.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
On the other hand, full coverage car insurance costs more but provides a lot more protection. It covers damage to your car in accidents, theft, natural events and animal collisions. If you have full coverage, you can be reassured that you’re well-protected.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in North Carolina for three different coverages.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $40 | $476 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $44 | $523 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $145 | $1,741 |
State minimum car insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, minimum car insurance requirements include $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 of property damage liability.
In North Carolina, you can get state minimum car insurance for $476 per year. However, this minimum coverage doesn’t offer enough protection. Drivers can add other types of insurance, such as comprehensive and collision, increase their liability limits and buy personal injury coverage for added protection.
Drivers in North Carolina must purchase the minimum required car insurance to operate their vehicles on the road.
Liability-only car insurance in North Carolina
The average cost of liability-only insurance in North Carolina is $523 for the coverage limits of 50/100/50, based on a recent data analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people’s property or for injuries to others in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your passengers’ medical expenses. It’s cheaper than full coverage insurance, but it won’t help if your own car is damaged or stolen.
Full coverage car insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, you can expect to pay around $1,741 per year for full coverage car insurance for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, with a deductible.
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Calculate the cost of car insurance in North Carolina
Insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. An affordable policy for someone in one area might be more expensive for someone living elsewhere.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of North Carolina have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
Use our simple tool to see how much you’ll have to pay for car insurance. Just type in your ZIP code, and you’ll get quotes for different coverage options quickly.
North Carolina Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
Estimate car insurance in North Carolina by car model
In North Carolina, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
For instance, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche, and Audi usually have higher insurance costs. Cars like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are often cheaper to insure.
Find out how much car insurance costs for your car make and model in North Carolina.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in North Carolina
Younger drivers and teenagers typically pay more for insurance than older, more experienced drivers. This is because teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents. In fact, teenagers are four times more likely to crash than drivers who are 20 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Insurers know that teenage drivers are less experienced and pose a higher risk, resulting in higher insurance premiums. North Carolina drivers between the ages of 30 to 60 typically enjoy the lowest average auto insurance rates, at about $1,716 annually.
North Carolina drivers aged 16-19 pay $2,193 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $3,909 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,005 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,716 per year in North Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $1,731 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in North Carolina
A history of DUI, speeding, or at-fault accidents often results in significant hikes in insurance premiums. In North Carolina, a DUI conviction lead to increased rates and you may see a rate hike of up to 310% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in North Carolina, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 49% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Here is how much your car insurance rate increases in North Carolina after driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 49% increase
- DUI conviction: 310% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 69% increase
But even with a traffic ticket, comparison shopping can save you money.
Car insurance cost in North Carolina for high-risk drivers
In North Carolina, if you’re a high-risk driver, you’ll pay more for car insurance. Factors such as past accidents, speeding tickets, and having a low credit score can increase your insurance costs.
High-risk drivers can lower their insurance premiums by comparing price quotes from different insurance companies. Each company offers different prices, so shopping around and finding the best deal that fits your needs is a good idea.
Use the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,839 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,878 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,935 |
| Nationwide | $3,118 |
| Progressive | $3,159 |
| Farmers | $3,186 |
| Geico | $4,441 |
| Allstate | $6,998 |
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Average car insurance cost in different states of U.S.
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Compare car insurance quotes in North Carolina
In North Carolina, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Compare the best car insurance options in North Carolina by getting quotes from different insurance companies.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in North Carolina, along with their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $309 | $345 | $1,082 |
| State Farm | $331 | $370 | $1,180 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $338 | $380 | $1,217 |
| Nationwide | $425 | $405 | $1,513 |
| Geico | $492 | $539 | $1,617 |
| Penn National Insurance | $493 | $547 | $1,872 |
| Farmers | $530 | $588 | $2,028 |
| Progressive | $530 | $588 | $2,028 |
| UTICA Grp | $695 | $768 | $2,070 |
| Allstate | $667 | $737 | $2,994 |
Car insurance rates by city in North Carolina
Newell is the most expensive city in North Carolina, with an average car insurance rate of $2,136 a year. Lake Junaluska is the cheapest city for North Carolina drivers at an average rate of $1,477 annually.
Car insurance premiums differ across cities in North Carolina and are influenced by traffic conditions. Cities with heavier traffic often experience more frequent accidents and insurance claims, which results in higher insurance costs.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
Below, you’ll see the average annual car insurance cost of major cities in North Carolina.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $875 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,000 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,064 |
| Nationwide | $1,350 |
| Geico | $1,438 |
| Penn National Insurance | $1,620 |
| Farmers | $1,756 |
| Progressive | $1,756 |
| Utica National Insurance Group | $1,929 |
| Allstate | $2,705 |
How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina per month?
In North Carolina, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $145 per month.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $40 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $44 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $145 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in North Carolina
The ideal car insurance company varies depending on what matters most to you. Some prioritize excellent customer service, even if it costs slightly more. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates. Some drivers also value the convenience of handling everything through a mobile app, while some prefer the personalized touch of a dedicated agent.
Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in North Carolina. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 30/60/25.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of North Carolina