Drivers typically see an increase in car insurance rates starting at age 65, according to CarInsurance.com data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that older drivers have higher fatal crash rates than those aged 35 to 54.
Even though rates may rise, seniors can still find good car insurance deals. Our guide will help find the most affordable rates for senior drivers in North Carolina and suggest other ways to save on your auto insurance premiums.
- The average cost of car insurance for a 65-year-old driver in North Carolina is $1,679 per year for a full coverage policy.
- According to CarInsurance.com’s research, a 70-year-old driver in North Carolina pays 4% more for full coverage than more for full coverage than a 65-year-old driver.
- Finding the cheapest car insurance for seniors over 70 becomes more important as rates increases significantly. For instance, a 75-year-old driver in North Carolina pays 5% more 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
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in North Carolina for drivers of different ages below.
- Overall cheapest car insurance for seniors over 60: 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
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
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
It 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.
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in North Carolina?
Insurance rates for older drivers tend to increase due to several factors. Statistics suggest that seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers, excluding teen drivers, 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.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“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.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In North Carolina, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,679 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $1,740.
CarInsurance.com found that 70-year-old drivers pay 4% more for full coverage than 65-year-old drivers in North Carolina, and 75-year-old drivers pay 5% more for a full coverage policy.
The table below shows the annual average rate increase for senior drivers by age in North Carolina for different coverage levels:
| 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 comp/coll deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage only
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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.
The rate increase will vary by insurance company, but North Carolina drivers can expect a 47% rise in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for going 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 |
Compare senior car insurance rates in neighboring states
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in North Carolina
A DUI is a major offense, and your insurance rates will rise significantly once it shows on your driving record. In most instances, your premium will double with a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com, in some states, rates can increase by 317% after the first DUI and up to 318% after a second.
Finding affordable coverage (or any coverage) will become more difficult after a DUI. Still, according to our data, these 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 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.
Typically, the premium increase remains for three to five years, making it essential to find an affordable insurer. According to our data, the following companies provide the cheapest car insurance for seniors in North Carolina after an accident.
| 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?
Auto insurance for seniors can be expensive, but there are ways to save. The following are easy ways to reduce your premiums:
- Shop around: Shopping regularly for car insurance – every six months or yearly around renewal time – can ensure you have the best price.
- Raise your deductible: Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you a bit of money every month – but make sure you have the necessary funds to cover the higher deductible.
- Ask about discounts: Discounts – bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed – are a great way to save on your car insurance. More on discounts below.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in North Carolina
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors reduce their insurance costs.
| 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, except teen drivers, shell out higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you are looking for an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and decide the amount of coverage to purchase. While shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and the discounts they offer.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use 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?
Based on our data, $331 offers the lowest state minimum auto insurance rates for seniors in North Carolina, at $331 yearly. North Carolina Farm Bureau and State Farm also provide affordable rates on state minimum coverage for seniors in North Carolina.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in North Carolina?
According to CarInsurance.com, Erie Insurance offers the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in North Carolina at $369 per year. North Carolina Farm Bureau and State Farm also offer inexpensive rates.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in North Carolina?
State Farm doesn’t offer a specific senior discount in North Carolina, but it provides several discounts that seniors can use to reduce their insurance rates. These include discounts for completing a defensive driving course, safe driving, being a long-term customer, bundling policies and vehicle advanced safety features.
Bottom line
Erie Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in North Carolina for a full coverage policy, based on a CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
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 July 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed July 2025.
Behind the rates: How we analyzed cheapest costs for seniors in North Carolina
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.
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