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Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina (2022)
Drivers in North Carolina pay rates starting at $43/mo. for car insurance.
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Written by
Amy Beardsley
Insurance Writer
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Edited by
Danny Smith
Insurance Writer
Danny is an insurance writer at Insurify. Specializing in auto insurance, he works to help drivers navigate the complicated world of insurance to find the best possible policy. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. You can connect with Danny on LinkedIn.
Reviewed by
Stephen DeFord
Licensed Insurance Agent at Insurify
Stephen DeFord is an insurance agent at Insurify's in-house agency. As a licensed agent, Stephen specializes in auto, home, and commercial insurance. Stephen helps customers navigate the complicated world of insurance shopping.
Data reviewed by
Konstantin Halachev
VP of Engineering
Konstantin has led data science and engineering projects across multiple domains: biology, travel and insurance. He loves finding data nuggets that help people.
Updated November 29, 2022
One of the best places to buy cheap car insurance, North Carolina ranks as the third-cheapest state for purchasing car insurance in the country. Drivers in the Tar Heel State spend an average premium of just $121 per month, according to our internal data. The national average car insurance rate, by comparison, is $233 per month. Drivers looking to save even more should make sure to compare quotes from the various car insurance companies in their area.
The beloved Blue Ridge Parkway lasts for 469 miles and includes stunning views of the Appalachian mountains and pastoral landscapes throughout North Carolina and Virginia.[1] The Highlands and Pisgah regions are located in North Carolina.
See More: Cheap Car Insurance No Deposit
Quick Facts
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $121/mo.
USAA is the cheapest top provider in North Carolina, with average rates of $79/mo.
The easiest way to cut car insurance costs is to compare quotes online.
Table of contents
- Best cheap car insurance in North Carolina: USAA
- Minimum car insurance requirements in North Carolina
- Tips for getting cheap car insurance in North Carolina
- How your driving record affects North Carolina car insurance rates
- How credit scores affect North Carolina car insurance quotes
- How your age affects your North Carolina car insurance rates
- North Carolina car insurance FAQs
Best cheap car insurance in North Carolina: USAA
1
USAA
Best Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina
The cheapest top car insurance provider in North Carolina is USAA, with average premiums of $79 per month. GEICO comes in second-cheapest at $93 per month. Both USAA and GEICO fall well below the state’s average rate. You can get affordable coverage from Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm, too — they all have a monthly quote of less than $140.
| Car Insurance Company | Insurify Composite Score | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 96 | $79 |
| GEICO | 88 | $93 |
| Allstate | 85 | $111 |
| Progressive | N/A | $113 |
| State Farm | 88 | $135 |
| Direct Auto | N/A | $63 |
| National General | 58 | $65 |
| Erie | 85 | $80 |
| Nationwide | 89 | $87 |
| Kemper Preferred | N/A | $90 |
| Travelers | 80 | $95 |
| American Family | 89 | $99 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $105 |
| State Auto | 76 | $121 |
| Safeco | 86 | $133 |
| Liberty Mutual | 82 | $155 |
| Farmers | 85 | $157 |
| Dairyland | N/A | $164 |
| Amica | N/A | $311 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Minimum car insurance requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina requires insurance for all motor vehicles operated or parked on state roadways. You must carry proof of insurance in your car at all times and have it available when:
Law enforcement requests it
You renew your vehicle registration
Your vehicle is involved in a car accident
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in North Carolina[2] are:
$30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury: As a major part of your liability insurance, bodily injury coverage covers medical bills for people other than the policyholder who are injured during an accident. North Carolina is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who is responsible for the collision is also responsible for paying for any resulting expenses, either through their car insurance provider or out of pocket.
$25,000 per accident for property damage: If authorities determine that an insured driver is at fault for an accident, this coverage pays for repairs to the property of the other involved parties. Additionally, property damage coverage can cover legal costs if the insured driver is involved in a lawsuit following the accident.
$60,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays for costs caused by a driver with little or no insurance after a car accident. In North Carolina, drivers are required to cover bodily injury and property damage with this coverage.
North Carolina DMV information
The North Carolina DMV is a critical resource for drivers from the mountains to the coast. Here, you can register your car, transfer your title, get license plates, change your address, or apply for or renew your driver’s license. Dozens of offices are located throughout the state, and many services are available online.[2]
Public transportation in North Carolina
North Carolina drivers don’t have to rely solely on their cars to get around. An intercity bus service supported by the state shuttles riders across different regions, including South Carolina and Virginia. And 15 North Carolina cities have dedicated bus services within the city limits, with other county services providing rural transportation. Some cities, such as Charlotte, also offer limited commuter-rail service.
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Tips for getting cheap car insurance in North Carolina
When shopping for North Carolina auto insurance, the best way to find the cheapest rates is by comparing quotes online. With online quote-comparison tools, you can compare multiple insurers online and get a personalized list of car insurance quotes from the top insurance providers in North Carolina.
You may also qualify for certain insurance discounts, such as:
Good student discount
Loyalty discount
Safe driver discount
Paying in full, rather than monthly
Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in North Carolina
If you live in North Carolina, you can opt to carry liability-only auto insurance, which pays for expenses related to injuries and damage to the other party’s car if you cause an accident. Each state sets its own minimums for how much liability insurance it requires drivers to carry. Liability-only insurance can make sense if:
You have a low-value vehicle.
You can afford to repair or replace your car out of your own pocket.
Getting the cheapest insurance possible is your top priority.
For a higher level of protection, you can choose full-coverage insurance, which includes basic liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damages to your car, even if you’re at fault for an accident. Comprehensive pays for damages caused by events out of your control, like vandalism, weather, and animals. Auto lenders and leasing companies typically require drivers to carry full coverage on a car they’ve financed.
You may also opt for full coverage if:
You have a high-value vehicle.
You wouldn’t be able to afford to repair or replace your car out of pocket.
Your car’s actual cash value (the payout you’d likely get if your car is totaled) exceeds your annual premium to carry full coverage.
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in North Carolina by policy type.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $56 | $93 |
| Travelers | $51 | $95 |
| USAA | $47 | $79 |
| Allstate | $66 | $111 |
| American Family | $59 | $100 |
| Amica | $187 | $311 |
| Dairyland | $67 | $164 |
| Direct Auto | $63 | $63 |
| Erie | $44 | $81 |
| Farmers | $94 | $157 |
| Kemper Preferred | $60 | $90 |
| Liberty Mutual | $66 | $155 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $54 | $105 |
| National General | $65 | $65 |
| Nationwide | $75 | $87 |
| Progressive | $68 | $113 |
| Safeco | $70 | $133 |
| State Auto | $61 | $121 |
| State Farm | $81 | $135 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How your driving record affects North Carolina car insurance rates
Your driving history is the factor that most influences your car insurance costs. Good drivers — whose records are free of serious traffic violations like speeding tickets or reckless driving — tend to get the best car insurance rates in North Carolina. But infractions like driving under the influence or at-fault accidents can significantly increase insurance costs.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina based on driving and accident history.
See More: High-Risk Car Insurance North Carolina
| Car Insurance Company | Clean Record | At-Fault Accident | With a DUI | Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | $87 | $176 | $353 | $158 |
| Farmers | $71 | $143 | $286 | $128 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $81 | N/A | $110 |
| State Farm | $81 | $164 | $329 | $147 |
| Travelers | $89 | $94 | $126 | $136 |
| Allstate | $97 | $197 | $393 | $176 |
| Amica | $273 | $551 | N/A | $493 |
| Dairyland | $162 | $182 | $98 | $161 |
| Direct Auto | $58 | $77 | $78 | $83 |
| Erie | $217 | $439 | N/A | $393 |
| GEICO | $137 | $278 | $555 | $249 |
| Kemper Preferred | $87 | $85 | $67 | $83 |
| Liberty Mutual | $145 | $191 | N/A | $202 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $89 | $139 | $111 | $152 |
| National General | $59 | $71 | $52 | $84 |
| Progressive | $99 | $200 | $400 | $179 |
| Safeco | $123 | $147 | $197 | $185 |
| State Auto | $99 | $187 | N/A | $238 |
| USAA | $118 | $239 | $478 | $214 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
SR-22 insurance in North Carolina
An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It refers to a certificate that proves you have the minimum coverage required by the state. However, North Carolina doesn’t require an SR-22 form. Instead, you’ll provide a printed copy of your insurance policy, a North Carolina Certificate of Insurance (FS-1), or a DL-123 insurance form from a North Carolina insurance company.[3]
How credit scores affect North Carolina car insurance quotes
North Carolina law allows insurance companies to use your credit score as a factor in setting your insurance rates. Generally, people with excellent or good credit scores can qualify for lower car insurance premiums than people with average or poor credit scores. But your score can’t be the sole reason an auto insurer cancels your coverage.[4]
| Credit Tier | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Excellent | $91 |
| Good | $108 |
| Average | $118 |
| Poor | $183 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
See More: Bad Credit Car Insurance North Carolina
How your city affects North Carolina insurance quotes
North Carolina drivers pay different auto insurance rates depending on various factors, but location can be very influential. The average cost of auto insurance in Fort Bragg is higher than anywhere else in the state, partly because it has the largest population of any Army base in the U.S. And with more people on the road, car accidents are more likely to occur.
| City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Asheboro | $107 |
| Asheville | $94 |
| Cary | $78 |
| Chapel Hill | $96 |
| Charlotte | $127 |
| Concord | $103 |
| Durham | $104 |
| Elizabeth City | $80 |
| Fayetteville | $129 |
| Fort Bragg | $166 |
| Gastonia | $103 |
| Greensboro | $104 |
| Greenville | $153 |
| High Point | $119 |
| Jacksonville | $140 |
| Raleigh | $100 |
| Wilmington | $101 |
| Winston Salem | $92 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How your age affects your North Carolina car insurance rates
Because insurers generally equate age with experience level, your age will significantly affect how much you pay for car insurance. New drivers, who tend to be teens or people in their early 20s, typically pay more for insurance than drivers 25 and older.
The following table gives a high-level view of how age can affect insurance rates.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Quotes for younger drivers
Multiple other factors influence how much drivers in each age group will pay for car insurance. Some increase rates for one age group more than another, while others impact all age groups evenly.
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers younger than 30. On average, younger drivers under 25 tend to pay the highest car insurance premiums by age group. Young, inexperienced drivers find monthly rates for full-coverage car insurance as low as $70 with National General, $72 with Direct Auto, $98 with Kemper Preferred, and $126 with Travelers.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $78 | $227 | $234 | $450 |
| Progressive | $80 | $142 | N/A | $287 |
| Travelers | $59 | $126 | $141 | $229 |
| Dairyland | $78 | $204 | $208 | $424 |
| Direct Auto | $70 | $72 | $76 | $135 |
| Kemper Preferred | N/A | $98 | N/A | N/A |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $78 | $147 | $190 | $251 |
| National General | $72 | $70 | $72 | $131 |
| Nationwide | N/A | $128 | N/A | N/A |
| Safeco | $97 | $191 | $190 | $368 |
| State Auto | $68 | $145 | N/A | $213 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Quotes for middle-aged drivers
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers between 30 and 59. Middle-aged drivers in North Carolina spend between $101 and $124 per month on average, but premiums vary by individual and auto insurer. The cheapest options for liability insurance include $43 per month from Midvale Home & Auto, $46 per month from Travelers, and $55 per month from Kemper Preferred.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $56 | $123 | $144 | $231 |
| Progressive | $58 | $109 | N/A | $171 |
| Travelers | $46 | $87 | $87 | $171 |
| Dairyland | $56 | $135 | $135 | $261 |
| Direct Auto | $58 | $59 | $75 | $105 |
| Kemper Preferred | $55 | $90 | N/A | $179 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $43 | $89 | $110 | $159 |
| National General | $60 | $62 | N/A | $111 |
| Nationwide | $69 | $87 | N/A | $167 |
| Safeco | $59 | $111 | $132 | $207 |
| State Auto | $57 | $112 | N/A | $195 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Quotes for senior drivers
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers 59 and older. Senior drivers tend to earn the lowest average rates by age group in the state of North Carolina, paying between $76 and $92 per month. Travelers offers the cheapest liability-only insurance option at $48 per month, and the cheapest option for full-coverage insurance is $56 per month from Direct Auto.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $51 | $104 | $139 | $96 |
| Progressive | $51 | $68 | N/A | $67 |
| Travelers | $48 | $74 | $66 | $73 |
| Dairyland | $55 | $115 | $123 | $114 |
| Direct Auto | $57 | $56 | $58 | $54 |
| Kemper Preferred | $57 | $83 | N/A | $82 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $41 | $74 | $105 | $65 |
| National General | $54 | $55 | N/A | $52 |
| Nationwide | $62 | $67 | N/A | $68 |
| Safeco | $53 | $89 | $107 | $83 |
| State Auto | $68 | $109 | N/A | $93 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
North Carolina car insurance FAQs
Based on Insurify data and research, USAA is the cheapest top car insurance provider in North Carolina, with average monthly rates of $79. GEICO and Allstate also provide affordable quotes, at $93 and $111 per month on average. But your cost depends on your driving history, age, and other important factors.
Drivers with clean records should look to State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive for low rates. But National General and Nationwide typically offer cheaper premiums if you’ve had an at-fault accident or a speeding ticket.
Accidents, DUIs, and speeding tickets can increase car insurance rates. But the state is in the top 10 safest according to the number of accidents, which is good for your auto insurance premiums.
Some things that affect rates are out of your control. For example, North Carolina drivers can expect an increase in premiums thanks to supply chain issues and inflation. The average increase was 7.9%, and the new rates went into effect on June 1, 2022.[5]
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $121. However, it’s much less expensive than the neighboring state of South Carolina, where drivers pay an average of $250 per month for coverage.
But the recent supply chain issues and the effects of inflation are driving costs up even more. The North Carolina Insurance Commissioner approved an average 7.9% rate increase as of June 1, 2022. You’ll want to watch your car insurance bill for more details, and make sure you ask about discounts to lower your costs.
Some of the top-rated providers offering coverage in North Carolina fall in the top-10 rankings, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). Based on Triple-I’s reports, State Farm takes the number one spot.[6] The company also ranked highly in Insurify’s research, placing in the top five insurance providers by price for minimum coverage and full coverage.
If you’re a member of the military community, however, your best option is likely USAA. It ranks highly in Insurify studies overall and for drivers with a less-than-perfect driving record. The company is in the number one spot, according to U.S. News and World Report, while State Farm comes in second place.
North Carolina requires drivers to maintain certain car insurance coverages. However, you don’t need personal injury protection (PIP) — it doesn’t make the list of required coverages, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance.[7]
If you’re looking for coverage for medical bills following an accident, you’ll want to consider medical payments coverage. Sometimes called MedPay, it’s an optional insurance coverage that protects you and any family members while driving or if they’re hit while not in a car.
Yes, North Carolina requires car insurance. Motor vehicle laws in the state require minimum liability protection of $30,000 for bodily injury for each person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You must also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Bodily injury liability pays for damages to other people for things like medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Property damage liability covers other people’s automobiles or other property. Finally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver doesn’t have insurance (or doesn’t have enough).
North Carolina insurance policies follow the car and not the driver. So, if your friend borrows your car and is in an accident, you’d first file a claim with your car insurance policy. Depending on the severity of the accident, your coverage may not be enough. In that case, the injured party could file a claim against the actual driver during the crash.
Most insurance policies protect everyone living under the same roof, so not everyone needs a car insurance policy in their own name. But in the example above, your insurance policy would cover your friend even if they didn’t carry their own car insurance.
Full-coverage car insurance is a common requirement for financed vehicles, but the state doesn’t require it. Full-coverage car insurance includes liability insurance as well as collision and comprehensive insurance protection.
The liability portion of full coverage takes care of North Carolina’s minimum insurance requirements. Comprehensive and collision help cover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged. It makes sense to pay higher premiums to get full coverage if your car is worth a lot, but if your car isn’t worth much, full coverage may not be worth it.
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Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Service's database of auto insurance rates. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
Sources
- National Park Service. "Blue Ridge Parkway." Accessed November 19, 2022
- The Official North Carolina DMV Website. "Online Services." Accessed September 9, 2022
- The Official North Carolina DMV Website. "Proving Liability Insurance." Accessed September 9, 2022
- NC Department of Insurance. "A Consumer's Guide to Insurance Companies' Use of Credit Information." Accessed September 9, 2022
- WFMY News. "Insurance rates go up, experts answer your questions." Accessed September 9, 2022
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Insurance company rankings." Accessed September 9, 2022
- NC Department of Insurance. "A Consumer's Guide to Automobile Insurance." Accessed September 9, 2022
