The cost of car insurance in North Carolina varies significantly depending on the type and amount of insurance coverage you buy, your location, age and driving history. Erie Insurance offers the cheapest rates at $1,082 a year for full coverage.
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.
- 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?
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 give you a head start in budgeting for your coverage. It’s important to consider that premium costs vary from person to person and will depend largely on the make/model of your car, your driving record and other factors.
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 50/100/50 to legally drive.
Liability-only policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
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.
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
North Carolina laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $50,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $50,000 for property damage liability.
The state minimum coverage in North Carolina costs $476 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. North Carolina drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.
Drivers in North Carolina must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
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.
This policy covers the cost of damages caused to others but not damages to the policyholder’s vehicle or passengers. While it is less expensive than a full coverage plan, liability-only insurance does not protect against an accident or theft of the insured vehicle.
Full coverage car insurance in North Carolina
The average annual premium in North Carolina is $1,741 for a full coverage policy with 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.
Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in North Carolina
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
Insurance companies assess various factors, such as crime rates, traffic conditions, car theft incidents and population density, to evaluate the level of risk in different areas and determine car insurance premiums.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of North Carolina have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.
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 instance, Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi are some of the most expensive cars to insure. Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are among the cheapest cars 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
As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.
Car insurance companies know teen drivers are less experienced and riskier to insure. North Carolina drivers aged 30 to 60 have the lowest average auto insurance rates 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
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 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.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on 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, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in North Carolina for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers in North Carolina pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.
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
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 are the details of North Carolina car insurance companies and their 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 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.
Other factors that can affect rates include the number of uninsured drivers, the cost of repairs and medical bills and the crime rate in the city.
The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for North Carolina’s largest cities.
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?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in North Carolina costs $145 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
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
When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.
It’s really important to figure out what you need and find the best insurance policy for your car without breaking the bank while driving in North Carolina.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed June 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed June 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.
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