- Is auto insurance required in North Carolina?
- How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
- North Carolina car insurance rates by company
- North Carolina car insurance costs by coverage level
- North Carolina car insurance by driver profile
- North Carolina car insurance rates by age group
- How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina per month?
- North Carolina car insurance discounts
- Car insurance requirements in North Carolina
- Car insurance rates in North Carolina by model year
- Compare auto insurance rates by city in North Carolina
- Car insurance premium trends in North Carolina
- Methodology
- Compare North Carolina car insurance rates with other states
Is auto insurance required in North Carolina?
Car insurance is required by law in North Carolina. The state legal minimum has been increased for 2025. The new requirements are:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per incident for bodily injury
- $50,000 per incident for property damage
- Uninsured Motorist and Uninsured motorist property damage
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $1,741 annually for full coverage. However, these rates vary considerably based on factors like age, coverage levels, driving record and the make and model of the vehicle.
For example, younger drivers and males pay higher insurance rates, as do drivers with poor driving records.
North Carolina drivers who only want to carry the minimum car insurance can expect to pay an average of $476. However, collision and comprehensive coverages aren't included, so any damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident would be paid out of pocket.
"While most of us are reviewing our household budgets to see where we may be able to cut corners, your car insurance policy shouldn't be one of them. If you are considering saving money buying a liability-only auto insurance policy, the minimum legal coverage in most states, think first about what it will cost you when you need to file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. for any injuries or damage to your vehicle other than those of the other victims when you cause a crash," says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, a nonprofit consumer insurance information organization.
| Average annual premium | $1,741 |
| Average monthly premium | $145 |
North Carolina car insurance rates by company
Every car insurance company sets car insurance rates differently. Some focus more on age, while others pay closer attention to driving records. That's why car insurance rates in North Carolina can differ greatly from one company to another.
The table below compares average North Carolina car insurance rates from top-rated companies for different coverage levels. On average, Erie Insurance is the cheapest car insurance company in North Carolina.
| Company | State minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Allstate | $667 | $737 | $2,994 |
| Utica National Insurance Group | $695 | $768 | $2,070 |
North Carolina car insurance costs by coverage level
The cheapest option in North Carolina is usually minimum car insurance. But even if you raise the limits, it still won't cover you or damage to your car. Full coverage costs more, but it includes collision and comprehensive insurance, which helps pay for damage to your car from accidents or events like bad weather.
Check out North Carolina car insurance costs by coverage level below.
| State minimum car insurance | $476 |
| Liability-only car insurance | $523 |
| Full coverage car insurance | $1,741 |
North Carolina car insurance by driver profile
Car insurance companies consider your driving record when deciding your rates because it shows how likely you are to file a claim. If you have a DUI, several accidents, or a history of reckless driving, your insurance rates will be much higher.
In most states, your credit history also affects how much you pay for car insurance. Studies show that drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file a claim instead of paying for damages themselves.
In North Carolina, drivers with DUI pay the highest rates. This table shows average car insurance rates in North Carolina for other driver profiles.;
| Profile groups | Average annual premium | Annual premium for profile | $ Increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $1,741 | $2,933 | $1,192 | 68% |
| Bad credit | $1,741 | $2,886 | $1,145 | 66% |
| Careless driving | $1,741 | $2,420 | $679 | 39% |
| Claims | $1,741 | $1,751 | $10 | 1% |
| DUI | $1,741 | $7,346 | $5,605 | 322% |
| Reckless driving | $1,741 | $3,131 | $1,390 | 80% |
| Speeding | $1,741 | $2,561 | $820 | 47% |
| Texting ticket | $1,741 | $2,420 | $679 | 39% |
North Carolina car insurance rates by age group
Age has a big effect on car insurance rates. In North Carolina, younger drivers with less experience usually pay the most. As drivers get older and gain more experience, their rates usually go down.
The table below shows the average car insurance rates in North Carolina based on age.
| Age group | Full coverage car insurance |
|---|---|
| Teens (16-19) | $3,909 |
| Young Adults (20-24) | $2,029 |
| Adults (25-60) | $1,737 |
| Seniors (65-75) | $1,731 |
How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina per month?
The average monthly cost of car insurance in North Carolina depends on how much coverage you pick. Minimum coverage is the cheapest, while full coverage gives you more protection for a higher price.
| Coverage level | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $40 |
| Liability Only - 50/100/50 BI/PD | $44 |
| Full Coverage - 100/300/100 BI/PD - 500 Comp/Coll | $145 |
North Carolina car insurance discounts
Which car insurance discounts are available and how much savings drivers can expect depend on the state and the company. So, savings may vary considerably from company to company in North Carolina.
Check out the available car insurance discounts in North Carolina below and see how much you can save on average.
| Discount type | Premium before discount | Premium after discount | $ Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | $1,895 | $1,877 | $18 |
| Anti-Theft Device | $1,895 | $1,882 | $13 |
| Daily Commute | $1,895 | $1,863 | $32 |
| Days Advanced Purchase | $1,895 | $1,719 | $176 |
| Education | $1,895 | $1,724 | $171 |
| Electronic Funds Transfer | $1,895 | $1,789 | $106 |
| Homeowner | $1,895 | $1,836 | $59 |
| Loyalty - Years Renewal With Company | $1,895 | $1,656 | $239 |
| Marital Status | $1,895 | $1,790 | $105 |
| Multi Policy | $1,895 | $1,749 | $146 |
| Paperless/Electornic Documents | $1,895 | $1,855 | $40 |
| Payment Type | $1,895 | $1,776 | $119 |
| Primary Use | $1,895 | $1,543 | $352 |
| Profession | $1,895 | $1,807 | $88 |
| Safety Devices | $1,895 | $1,882 | $13 |
| Telematics | $1,895 | $1,678 | $217 |
| Years Insured | $1,895 | $1,633 | $262 |
| Years Licensed | $1,895 | $995 | $900 |
Car insurance requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina requires drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance, including:
- 30/60/25 in liability coverage to help pay for injuries and property damage you cause in an accident.
Keep in mind that the minimum coverage required by North Carolina is just the bare minimum. Experts suggest raising your limits and adding extra coverage like collision and comprehensive to better protect yourself. Having enough coverage can give you peace of mind while driving.
| State minimum requirements | 30/60/25 |
| State minimum car insurance | $476 |
| Liability-only car insurance | $523 |
| Full coverage car insurance | $1,741 |
Car insurance rates in North Carolina by model year
The car you drive also impacts car insurance rates in North Carolina. For example, newer cars usually cost more to fix because they have pricey parts like collision warning systems, cameras and anti-theft features.
Take a look below to see how the car's model and age can change car insurance rates in North Carolina.
| Company | Style | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $1,082 |
| GEICO | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $1,526 |
| Nationwide | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $1,796 |
| Farmers | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,010 |
| Progressive | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,010 |
| Allstate | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,934 |
Compare auto insurance rates by city in North Carolina
Auto insurance rates vary not just by state, but also by city. Cities have different levels of risk based on factors like accident rates, claim costs, weather and more. That means where you live in North Carolina will impact what you pay. Below, we've gathered North Carolina car insurance rates by city for comparison.
| City | Annual insurance premium |
|---|---|
Apex | $1,549 |
Bessemer City | $1,979 |
Charlotte | $1,824 |
Raleigh | $1,703 |
Car insurance premium trends in North Carolina
Car insurance rates change regularly, influenced by changes in the cost of repairs, claim rates and other factors. Recent years have seen car insurance rates rise across the country, but not every state has seen the same increases.
We've tracked car insurance premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. trends in North Carolina to show you how things have changed and help you prepare for potential changes in the future. Take a look at the chart below.
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Data Systems in late 2023 for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Base rates were fielded based on a 40-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit, driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Additional rates were fielded for multiple driver profiles including tickets, accidents and various credit tiers. Coverage levels include state minimum, 50/100/50 liability only, and full coverage at 100/300/100 liability limits with $500 deductibles. Rates were fielded from 34,588 ZIP codes and 170 insurance companies.
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