- 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%.
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 learn how car insurance works in North Carolina and how much you need.
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, drivers pay an average of $145 monthly for full coverage car insurance, based on a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.
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.
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, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in North Carolina are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 30/60/25 to drive legally.
Liability-only insurance is the least expensive coverage and meets the minimum legal requirements in North Carolina, but it doesn’t offer adequate 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 costs more but provides a lot more protection. It covers damage to your car in accidents, theft, natural events and animal collisions. If you have full coverage, you can be reassured that you’re well-protected.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below, you will find the rates for car insurance in North Carolina for different coverage levels.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates | Annual rates |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $58 | $693 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $58 | $693 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $220 | $2,638 |
State minimum car insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, minimum car insurance requirements include $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 of 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 car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in North Carolina
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $523 in North Carolina for limits 50/100/50.
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.
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 costs can vary depending on where you live. An affordable policy for someone in one area might be more expensive for someone living elsewhere.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
As a result, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in North Carolina pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
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 ( Full - 100/300/100)
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Estimate car insurance in North Carolina by car model
Car insurers in North Carolina use the make and model of your car to determine your insurance rates. Cars deemed more expensive to repair, such as luxury cars and EVs, may raise your rates more than those that may cost less to fix.
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.
See how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your specific 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.
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.
North Carolina drivers aged 16-19 pay $2,193 more for insurance premiums than 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
If your driving record includes a DUI, speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, your rates will increase significantly. A DUI conviction in North Carolina can increase your premiums by up to 310% because insurers see you as a risky driver.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina, you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 49% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
Here is how much your car insurance rate increases in North Carolina after driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 49% increase
- DUI conviction: 310% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 69% increase
But even with a traffic ticket, comparison shopping can save you money.
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.
Luckily, there are ways for high-risk drivers to reduce their premium payments. Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great place to start, as each company will have its own rate structure tailored to 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
In North Carolina, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Compare the best car insurance options in North Carolina by getting quotes from different insurance companies.
Below are the details of North Carolina car insurance companies and their annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $519 | $519 | $1,460 |
| State Farm | $474 | $474 | $1,653 |
| Nationwide | $642 | $642 | $2,486 |
| Penn National Insurance | $650 | $650 | $2,713 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance | $666 | $666 | $2,719 |
| GEICO | $843 | $843 | $3,111 |
| Allstate | $1,058 | $1,058 | $4,342 |
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.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
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?
In North Carolina, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $145 per month.
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 | Monthly rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $58 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $58 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $220 |
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 April 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed April 2026.
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.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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