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.
We’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the right car insurance in North Carolina. The team at CarInsurance.com has done all the hard work by researching and analyzing insurance prices for different kinds of drivers.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in North Carolina works and how much coverage you need.
- The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $1,741 a year or $145 per month, based on our data analysis.
- 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.
- Erie Insurance provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in North Carolina, costing $1,082 per year.
- 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?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in North Carolina pay $145 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you budget effectively for your coverage. Remember that insurance premiums can differ significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving history.
See how rates change in North Carolina based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in North Carolina pay the most — about $326 a month or $3,909 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $169 monthly or $2,029 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $144 monthly or $1,731 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $214 monthly or $2,562 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $244 a month or $2,932 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $259 monthly or $3,112 annually.
Average cost of auto insurance in North Carolina by coverage level
In North Carolina, the cost of car insurance can vary depending on how much coverage you purchase. North Carolina drivers need at least the minimum insurance coverage limits of 30/60/25 to legally drive.
Liability-only insurance policies are the most affordable option and provide the minimum coverage required in North Carolina. However, they don’t offer much 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 is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.
Full coverage car insurance comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below are the North Carolina car insurance costs for three different coverage levels.
[table_1_rates_by_coverage_annual_monthly]
State minimum car insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for 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 be aware of the minimum car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in North Carolina
Liability-only car insurance costs $523 in North Carolina for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
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.
When it comes to car insurance, experts recommend opting for full coverage with the highest liability limits you can afford. It includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible. Full coverage car insurance protects you from unexpected events on the road. with a deductible.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in North Carolina
Insurance rates can differ depending on your ZIP code because what’s affordable in one area might be expensive in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
This means that residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in North Carolina have to bear greater financial burdens than those in areas with lower risks.
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.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in North Carolina
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Liability - Minimum)
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 example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle 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.
Auto insurance companies understand that teenage drivers typically have less experience and pose a higher risk to insure. In North Carolina, drivers aged 30 to 60 enjoy the lowest average auto insurance premiums, at $1,716 annually.
Car insurance for drivers aged 16-19 costs $2,193 more annually than North Carolina 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
Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In North Carolina, a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 310% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.
If you get caught speeding in North Carolina, your car insurance rates will increase by 49% when you renew your policy. Typically, you’ll pay the increased premiums for three years. But how much your rates go up can vary depending on the laws in your state, the insurance company you’re with, and your driving history.
Here’s a breakdown of how much your car insurance rate goes up in North Carolina following driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 49% increase
- DUI conviction: 310% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 69% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, comparing quotes can still help you save 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.
Fortunately, high-risk drivers have several options to lower their insurance premiums. A good first step is to shop around and compare quotes, as each insurance provider has a unique rate structure designed to meet individual needs.
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.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in North Carolina
Drivers in North Carolina can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in North Carolina by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in North Carolina and their average annual premiums.
[table_2_avg_annual_rates_by_company]
Car insurance rates by city in North Carolina
Newell is North Carolina’s most expensive city for car insurance at an average cost of $2,136 annually. Lake Junaluska is the state’s least expensive city, with an average car insurance rate of $1,477 annually.
Car insurance costs differ from city to city in North Carolina, mainly because of traffic congestion. Cities with more traffic usually see more accidents and insurance claims, which makes insurance more expensive.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
Find below the average annual car insurance cost for drivers in some of North Carolina’s major cities.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina per month?
Car insurance in North Carolina costs an average of $145 a month for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100.
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.
On the other hand, paying for car insurance in full at renewal time can often result in a discount. Ultimately, your best option will depend on your needs and circumstances.
[table_3_rates_by_coverage_monthly]
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in North Carolina
There’s no one best car insurance for everyone. Some drivers are willing to pay a bit more for outstanding customer service, some want the lowest rates, others prefer carriers who can handle claims and payments through mobile apps and some prefer agents.
Ultimately, understanding your needs to find the best policy at the most competitive price is critical. Shop around for a good deal that provides peace of mind when hitting the open road in North Carolina.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2025.
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.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs
