- The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $2,638 a year or $220 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in North Carolina costs around $693 annually for limits of 50/100/50, while liability-only coverage costs $693 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- Progressive provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in North Carolina, costing $1,460 per year.
- In North Carolina, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 47%, a DUI raising rates by 330%, and an at-fault accident by up to 68%.
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 Progressive offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,460 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?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in North Carolina pay $220 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
See how rates change in North Carolina based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in North Carolina pay the most — about $511 a month or $6,136 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $246 monthly or $2,946 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $220 monthly or $2,634 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $324 monthly or $3,883 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $370 a month or $4,438 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $396 monthly or $4,756 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 50/100/50 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.
In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in North Carolina for three different coverages.
| 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
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.
In North Carolina, you can get state minimum car insurance for $693 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 insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in North Carolina
The average cost of liability-only insurance in North Carolina is $693 for the coverage limits of 50/100/50, based on a recent data analysis by CarInsurance.com.
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 $2,638 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.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, 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)
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
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
As drivers age, their auto insurance premiums change – with younger and teen drivers paying higher rates than experienced drivers. The crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than that of drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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 $2,536 annually.
Drivers aged 16-19 pay $3,600 more for car insurance than North Carolina drivers aged 30-60 per year.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $6,136 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,873 yearly for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged adult drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,536 annually in North Carolina.
- For senior drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older can expect to pay $2,634 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 330% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in North Carolina, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 47% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 47% increase
- DUI conviction: 330% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 68% 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
In North Carolina, drivers deemed high-risk face higher car insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Factors such as past accidents, traffic infractions and low credit scores significantly affect premium costs.
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 this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
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.
Start your search for the best car insurance policy in North Carolina by getting quotes from several insurers for comparison.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in North Carolina and their average 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
Fayetteville is North Carolina’s most expensive city for car insurance at an average cost of $2,844 annually. Cary is the state’s least expensive city, with an average car insurance rate of $2,351 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 $220 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
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.
Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed March 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed March 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 50/100/50.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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