Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
But that doesn’t mean seniors can’t find good deals on car insurance. Our guide will help you find the cheapest rates for seniors in North Carolina and learn other ways to save on auto insurance premiums.
- In North Carolina, a 65-year-old driver can expect to pay an average of $1,679 annually for full coverage car insurance.
- In North Carolina, a 70-year-old driver’s car insurance rates are 4% more for full coverage than for a 65-year-old driver.
- A 75-year-old driver in North Carolina pays 5% more a full coverage policy than a 65-year-old driver.
- Reviewing and comparing car insurance quotes every six months or at renewal can help you find the most affordable rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in North Carolina
Here are the most affordable full coverage car insurance rates in North Carolina for drivers of different ages:
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Erie Insurance, $97 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Erie Insurance, $88 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Erie Insurance, $99 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Erie Insurance, $104 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in North Carolina
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below, find the cheapest car insurance rates in North Carolina from major insurers for three coverage levels: state minimum, liability-only with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage with 100/300/100 limits.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in North Carolina?
As drivers age, car insurance typically becomes more expensive. This is largely because statistics reveal that seniors, on average, are more involved in accidents than younger drivers, excluding teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Despite decades of driving experience, older drivers face age-related problems like hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medication and other health concerns that make driving more challenging.
According to the CDC, drivers aged over 70 have higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes compared to those aged 35-54. NHTSA data also shows that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, marking a 26% increase since 2011.
In addition, seniors are more likely to require medical care, even after a less severe accident, and expensive hospital bills will increase the insurance cost.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
According to an analysis by CarInsurance.com, rates start to climb for most senior drivers in their mid-60s and continue to increase from then on.
In North Carolina, the average cost for a full coverage policy is $1,679 for a 65-year-old and $1,740 for a 70-year-old.
In North Carolina, 70-year-old drivers pay 4% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-olds pay 5% more for a full coverage policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
Find below the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in North Carolina by age and different coverage limits.
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $476 | $521 | $1,679 |
| 70 | $490 | $536 | $1,740 |
| 75 | $502 | $548 | $1,775 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in North Carolina
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance premiums regardless of age. Insurers value statistics, and the data show that drivers who have tickets are more likely to be involved in accidents that might lead to claims.
While the increase will vary by the insurance company, according to CarInsurance.com, North Carolina, drivers can expect their rates to go up 47% after a speeding ticket that is 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,613 | $134 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,647 | $137 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,661 | $138 |
| Nationwide | $1,920 | $160 |
| Geico | $2,353 | $196 |
| Progressive | $2,837 | $236 |
| Farmers | $2,856 | $238 |
| Allstate | $4,001 | $333 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in North Carolina
A DUI is a serious driving violation; your insurance rates will soar once it hits your driving record. In most cases, your insurance premium will double if you have a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com in some states, the increase can be as much as 317% after your first DUI. If you manage to rack up a second DUI, the increase could be as much as 318%.
Getting affordable coverage (or any coverage) becomes challenging after a DUI, but our data show the companies below are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in North Carolina:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $4,299 | $358 |
| Erie Insurance | $4,430 | $369 |
| Nationwide | $5,089 | $424 |
| Geico | $6,656 | $555 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $6,955 | $580 |
| Progressive | $7,524 | $627 |
| Farmers | $7,656 | $638 |
| Allstate | $10,839 | $903 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by state for senior drivers
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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 Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in North Carolina
Just like a ticket or DUI, having an accident on your driving record will push up your insurance rates. The increase will vary by insurance company but according to our data, drivers should expect their premium to jump 67% with one at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
The increase will typically stay in place for three to five years, so it’s important to find the most affordable insurance company. Our data shows that the following insurers offer the cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in North Carolina.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,660 | $138 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,694 | $141 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,710 | $143 |
| Nationwide | $2,612 | $218 |
| Progressive | $2,917 | $243 |
| Farmers | $2,938 | $245 |
| Geico | $3,359 | $280 |
| Allstate | $5,089 | $424 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in North Carolina?
While auto insurance for seniors can be costly, there are ways to save. Here are some simple steps to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Comparing car insurance quotes every six months or annually around renewal time can help you find the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: By increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, you can reduce your monthly premiums. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts, such as bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and years of being licensed, are excellent ways to reduce your car insurance costs. Learn more about discounts below.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in North Carolina
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors lower their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 1% |
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 2% |
| Days advanced purchase | 9% |
| Education | 14% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 6% |
| Homeowner | 3% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 14% |
| Marital status | 7% |
| Multi policy | 8% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 2% |
| Payment type | 6% |
| Primary use | 19% |
| Profession | 10% |
| Safety devices | 1% |
| Telematics | 11% |
| Years insured | 14% |
| Years licensed | 48% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in North Carolina
Senior drivers pay higher premiums than young adult drivers (excluding teens, of course). To find an affordable policy, assess your needs and determine the right amount of coverage.
When comparing insurance options, consider the cost, customer service and discounts offered. Search for the best auto insurance companies with affordable rates and user-friendly websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in North Carolina
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in North Carolina?
According to our data, Erie Insurance offers the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in North Carolina at about $331 a year, on average. North Carolina Farm Bureau and State Farm also scored high when it comes to cheap state minimum insurance coverage for seniors in North Carolina.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in North Carolina?
Erie Insurance has the cheapest liability car insurance coverage for senior drivers in North Carolina at an average annual premium of $369. North Carolina Farm Bureau and State Farm also offer cheap liability insurance rates to seniors in North Carolina, based on CarInsurance.com data analysis.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in North Carolina?
State Farm does not currently offer a senior discount in North Carolina, but it does offer quite a few deals that seniors can use to lower their premiums. This includes discounts for taking a defensive driving course, a safe driving discount, long-term customer, bundling and discounts for advanced safety features on your vehicle.
Bottom line
Erie Insurance is the cheapest for senior drivers in North Carolina. To find the best car insurance rates, seniors should shop around and compare quotes online from various insurers. They can also qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of coverage.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional Resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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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