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13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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Matthew Gross is an insurance editor at Insurify. He aspires to help readers make more informed decisions through well-crafted content. Matthew’s background in journalism and SEO taught him the value of keeping readers at the core of his work. Prior to Insurify, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Illinois State University.
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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Table of contents
North Carolina drivers typically pay less than the U.S. national average for auto insurance. Drivers in the Tar Heel State spend an average of $59 per month for a liability-only policy, compared to the nationwide average of $105 per month.
Car insurance rates in North Carolina have fallen in the past few years. As of February 2025, the average cost for a full-coverage policy is $1,110 per year, compared to an average of $1,338 in 2024. Thanks to the state’s low traffic volume and vehicle theft rates, North Carolina has some of the cheapest car insurance in the U.S.
Let’s explore rates for different types of drivers and how you can save money on your auto insurance.
The average monthly cost of a full-coverage policy in North Carolina is $92.
Drivers with a DUI in North Carolina pay an average of $136 per month for car insurance.
North Carolina drivers with excellent credit pay an average of $73 per month for a full-coverage policy, while drivers with poor credit pay $88 per month.
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
How much you spend on car insurance in North Carolina depends on the type of policy you purchase. Full-coverage policies include comprehensive and collision coverage and cost more than a liability-only policy. The average cost of a full-coverage policy is $92 per month, or $1,110 per year. A liability-only policy costs an average of $59 per month, or $704 annually.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to make sure you get the coverage you need at the best price.
How North Carolina car insurance rates have changed over the past two years
To find car insurance rates in North Carolina and the U.S. over the last two years, download our data here.
The average price for full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina rose to $1,300 in 2024, up significantly over rates from just a few years ago. Full-coverage rates also rose nationally, though they remain more expensive than in North Carolina.
See how North Carolina car insurance prices have changed over the past two years below.
Average North Carolina Car Insurance Rates Over the Past Two Years
Average North Carolina car insurance rates by city
Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for car insurance. When setting rates, insurers consider factors like crime, weather, and traffic patterns.[1] Living somewhere with high car theft rates can increase your premium, and residing somewhere with very little traffic can lower it. Rates can vary even within the same state.
The following table illustrates how much rates can vary across different cities in North Carolina, according to Insurify data.
City | Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote |
---|---|---|
Chapel Hill | $46 | $78 |
Asheville | $47 | $76 |
Cary | $51 | $81 |
Wilmington | $57 | $98 |
Durham | $57 | $95 |
Jacksonville | $57 | $85 |
High Point | $62 | $92 |
Greensboro | $62 | $94 |
Raleigh | $62 | $96 |
Greenville | $63 | $92 |
Fayetteville | $68 | $106 |
Gastonia | $71 | $103 |
Charlotte | $73 | $118 |
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Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina (2025)
Average North Carolina car insurance rates by age and gender
Drivers younger than 25 typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers. Younger drivers — especially teens — usually pay higher premiums because they have less experience and are more likely to be involved in an accident.
Gender also influences rates. Male drivers usually pay higher premiums than female drivers because they have higher accident rates. But as drivers age and gain experience, the gap narrows, and other factors like driving history and location become more significant in determining rates.
The table below shows the average rates by age for male and female drivers in North Carolina, according to Insurify data.
Age | Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote |
---|---|---|
16 | $114 | $188 |
18 | $99 | $164 |
20 | $68 | $112 |
25 | $63 | $103 |
30 | $58 | $94 |
40 | $55 | $90 |
50 | $51 | $83 |
60 | $47 | $78 |
70+ | $46 | $76 |
Age | Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote |
---|---|---|
16 | $112 | $184 |
18 | $97 | $160 |
20 | $66 | $110 |
25 | $61 | $101 |
30 | $56 | $92 |
40 | $53 | $88 |
50 | $50 | $81 |
60 | $47 | $76 |
70+ | $46 | $82 |
Average cost to insure popular vehicles in North Carolina
The car you drive also affects your auto insurance rates. Cars with expensive repair or replacement costs can also cost more to insure.
It’s easy to see why drivers like some of the most popular vehicles in the Tar Heel State. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are practical and fuel-efficient, making them ideal for families and daily commuters.
The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series are known for their towing capacity and durability, appealing to drivers needing robust work vehicles. The Tesla Model Y attracts consumers interested in electric vehicles with cutting-edge technology and performance.
To show you how your choice of vehicle influences your auto insurance premium, check out the average monthly quotes for some of the most popular vehicle types in North Carolina, according to Insurify data.
Vehicle | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Toyota RAV4 | $87 |
Chevrolet Silverado | $95 |
Honda CR-V | $80 |
Ford F-Series | $89 |
Tesla Model Y | $157 |
How your driving record affects car insurance rates in North Carolina
Insurance companies consider your driving record when evaluating how risky you are to insure. Insurers are more likely to offer you lower rates if you don’t have any speeding tickets, car accidents, or DUIs on your record.
Drivers in North Carolina with an incident on their record pay an average of $108 per month, and drivers with a DUI see their average monthly rate increase to $136.
The table below shows average rates for drivers with an incident on their record, according to Insurify data.
Driver Record | Average Monthly Quote | % Increase Compared to Good Drivers |
---|---|---|
With accident | $121 | 39% |
With speeding ticket | $116 | 36% |
With DUI | $136 | 46% |
Insurers use your credit history to determine your likelihood of filing a claim. Some states don’t allow insurance companies to use your credit history in pricing, but North Carolina does.[2]
Drivers with excellent credit pay the lowest average monthly rates for car insurance in North Carolina, averaging $53 per month for liability-only insurance and $84 for full coverage. But drivers with poor credit have higher rates, paying an average of $81 for liability-only insurance and $106 for full coverage.
The table below shows the average rates by credit history for North Carolina drivers, according to Insurify data.
Credit TierAverage Monthly Liability-Only QuoteAverage Monthly Full-Coverage QuoteExcellent $51 $84 Good $53 $87 Fair $53 $87 Poor $65 $106 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 to lower your insurance costs in North Carolina
If you’re struggling to find car insurance that works for your budget, consider these money-saving tips:
Buy the right car
Insurance premiums depend on your vehicle’s safety rating, repair costs, and theft risk. Before purchasing a car, research how much it’ll cost to insure the make and model you’re interested in. Sometimes, buying a cheaper car can also help you save money on your insurance.
Raise your deductible
Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible if you need to file a claim.
Bundle multiple insurance policies
Many car insurance companies offer discounts when you combine your auto policy with a home, renters, or life insurance policy.
Ask about discounts
Ask an insurance agent about potential discounts for things like defensive driving courses, good grades, or alumni groups.
Shop around
Premiums can vary between insurers, so get quotes from at least three different companies to find out which offers the right coverage for the best price. Make sure you compare the same coverage to get an idea of which insurer can offer you the best deal.
North Carolina average car insurance cost FAQs
If you’re still searching for the right car insurance plan, the answers to these common questions from drivers can give you more insight into car insurance in North Carolina.
The amount you pay for car insurance in North Carolina depends on the type of coverage you choose. Full-coverage policies provide more protection but come at a higher cost, averaging $1,110 per year. Minimum-coverage policies are more affordable, with an average price of $704 annually.
Erie offers the cheapest car insurance rates in North Carolina, with an average cost of $42 for liability-only coverage.
In North Carolina, full-coverage car insurance averages $92 per month. Minimum-coverage policies are more affordable, at around $59 per month.
Erie, Nationwide, and Travelers are some of the best car insurance companies in North Carolina that offer cheap rates. But you should compare quotes from different insurers to find the coverage for your needs at the best price.
North Carolina requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, and $25,000 in property damage liability.[3] Drivers also must have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Experian. "Which States Prohibit or Restrict the Use of Credit-Based Insurance Scores?."
- North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
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During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
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)
Matthew Gross is an insurance editor at Insurify. He aspires to help readers make more informed decisions through well-crafted content. Matthew’s background in journalism and SEO taught him the value of keeping readers at the core of his work. Prior to Insurify, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Illinois State University.
)
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.