Best Car Insurance in North Carolina (2026)

Erie, GEICO, and Progressive are among the best car insurance companies in North Carolina for price, coverage options, and customer satisfaction.

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Carley Clark
Written byCarley Clark
Carley Clark
Carley ClarkInsurance Writer
  • 5+ years experience in personal finance writing

  • Personal finance blogger

Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. Carley learned how to translate complex financial data into actionable information even before she became a freelance writer – she was a revenue auditor for a Michigan-based casino.

She’s been a freelance writer since 2020, and her work has appeared in well-known brands including CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University. She’s been an Insurify contributor since August 2025.

When she’s not writing content that helps readers make informed insurance decisions, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog. 

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

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Best car insurance companies in North Carolina

North Carolina car insurance costs less than in most other states, but you should consider more than just price. Insurify analyzed 120+ insurers to find the best car insurance in North Carolina, weighing price, coverage options, and customer satisfaction.

Erie: Best overall

User Reviews
4.4
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$56/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$96/mo
Details
4.4
Best choice in North CarolinaBased on 543 verified driver reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service3.73.6
Discounts3.82.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in North Carolina for
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
Showing 6 reviews from North Carolina driversSee all 239 Erie Insurance reviews
Lauren
Verified Review
Excellent company and people there.
Excellent company until they canceled my policy following a three-car accident for which I was not at fault and received no citations.
Ethelbert
Verified Review
Current company has been great; however, rate increases have forced me to sign with new company.
My current insurance, which cancels for a new company policy tomorrow, has been great in terms of the people, customer service, and thoughtfulness.
Steve
Verified Review
Erie Insurance
Never had any problems. Premiums are high.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Erie Insurance has operated in North Carolina since 1991, working through independent agents in cities like Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. It earned the top customer satisfaction ranking in the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region.

Many of Erie’s policies include unique perks, like pet and personal item coverage, locksmith services, and auto glass repair.

Pros
  • Low average rates for liability coverage

  • Accident forgiveness available in North Carolina

  • Fewer-than-expected number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Cons
  • May find better full-coverage rates from other insurers

  • Poor reviews on Google Play

  • AM Best financial strength rating downgraded from A+ to A

Progressive: Best for affordability

JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.7 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$61/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$89/mo
Details
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in North Carolina for
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Showing 50 reviews from North Carolina driversSee all 8,861 Progressive reviews
Ainee Lynnette
Verified Review
They were good at times, but expensive at others, with no discount for loyalty.
I felt my insurance went up even for incidents that were beyond my control. I understand that with any use of my insurance, the premium will go up, but it went up for me even after I became a widow, and that was a double heartache because I couldn’t control that either. Otherwise, customer service was always pleasant, and the service was quick and seamless. I felt I could stay up to date through my app, which was helpful.
Timothy
Verified Review
They've Gone Downhill
They want you to submit your mileage and say they base rates on how much you drive. They tried to increase my policy three times. I told them to remove everything except liability because I'm going to find a new carrier and then go back to full coverage. They were trying to charge me way too much for a 2013 vehicle.
Taneka
Verified Review
Insurance
Great.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Progressive offers some of the lowest rates in North Carolina for both full coverage and liability coverage. The insurer provides several ways to save, including safe driving, multi-car, and pay-in-full discounts.

About two-thirds of North Carolina housing units are owner-occupied, according to U.S. census data, so you may save even more by bundling auto and homeowners insurance.

Pros
  • Safe driving discount through Snapshot telematics program

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)

  • Highly rated mobile apps

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Southeast region

  • Ranked second to last in J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

  • Roadside assistance towing capped at 15 miles (any further costs extra)

National General: Best for seniors

User Reviews
3.7
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
7 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$65/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$89/mo
Details
3.7
A solid option in North CarolinaBased on 1,467 verified driver reviews and ratings
National General's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.43.2
Customer service2.73.6
Discounts3.12.9
Policy transparency3.33.1
Value3.02.9
How drivers feel about National General

Drivers appreciate the quick and easy setup but are dissatisfied with the frequent and unexplained rate increases. Many find the customer service lacking and the claims process slow.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in North Carolina for
SR-22 insurance
Bundling discounts
Hard-to-insure drivers
Showing 28 reviews from North Carolina drivers
Gray
Verified Review
Poor
Ridiculous prices, and no kind of rebates or anything. Biggest waste of money.
Jesse
Verified Review
Don’t get National General
Don’t get National General because they’ll charge you half your renewal payment if you cancel before it ends, and they billed you after you canceled.
Vivian
Verified Review
Excellent care for car insurance needs!
Best price in Monroe, NC.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
599
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.25
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Almost 19% of North Carolina’s population is 65 or older, according to U.S. census data — and they may find cheap car insurance from National General. Senior drivers can also save with the company’s DynamicDrive program, which tracks driving habits and rewards safe driving with a discount.

Headquartered in North Carolina, National General has a network of more than 55,000 independent insurance agents.

Pros
  • More than 100 years in business

  • 24/7 claims reporting

  • Highly rated mobile apps

Cons
  • Ranked last in the J.D. Power customer and claims satisfaction studies

  • No senior discount advertised

  • Higher-than-expected number of complaints with the NAIC

Direct Auto: Best for high-risk drivers

A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$65/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$89/mo
Details
How drivers feel about Direct Auto

Drivers appreciate the insurer’s helpful customer service and easy-to-use website. But they dislike the frequent and significant rate increases, especially for those with clean driving records. Some also report difficulties with roadside assistance.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in North Carolina for
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
Showing 17 reviews from North Carolina driversSee all 524 Direct Auto reviews
Lori
Verified Review
Very Poor! Not Happy
Very expensive. I tried getting full coverage on all my vehicles, but for two of them they only put liability, which irritated me.
Phillip
Verified Purchase
Phillips Review
Good, but it should have a cheaper rate. It’s still too expensive for a senior citizen on disability and Social Security.
M
Verified Review
Dependable Company
Reasonably priced. Good customer service, easy to navigate site.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
Why we picked this company

Direct Auto, also based in North Carolina, provides coverage for drivers who other insurers consider too high risk, such as drivers with a driving while impaired (DWI) conviction on their record.

The company offers some of the lowest rates in North Carolina for drivers with a DWI and for drivers with poor credit. A local agent can help you file a DL-123 form, which North Carolina may require after a license suspension.

Pros
  • Non-owner car insurance available

  • Flexible payment plans

  • Safe driving discount available with DynamicDrive

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Southeast region

  • Negative Trustpilot rating

  • No rideshare insurance advertised

GEICO: Best for military members

User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$64/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$109/mo
Details
4.0
Best choice in North CarolinaBased on 19,911 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.82.9
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in North Carolina for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing 44 reviews from North Carolina driversSee all 8,016 GEICO reviews
Larry
Verified Review
Policy Cost Rip-Off
Won’t talk to you about your plan. Can’t explain why your policy costs consistently go up every four months.
Gerald
Verified Review
Check Pricing
The price goes up every 6 months.
Alton
Verified Review
I have a car and truck with them, so if they were bad, I wouldn’t have them taking care of my vehicles
I have a car and a truck with them, so if they were bad, I wouldn’t have them taking care of my vehicles. It’s the best insurance.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

North Carolina has the fourth-largest military and the eighth-largest veteran population in the U.S., as it’s home to bases like Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune.[2] GEICO’s founder initially created the company to provide auto insurance for military officers and federal employees. While the insurer now serves more drivers, it still offers a military discount of up to 15%.

Pros
  • High J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Southeast region

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)

  • Fewer-than-expected complaints with the NAIC

Cons
  • May find lower full-coverage rates from other insurers

  • Below-average ranking in J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study

  • Gap insurance not available

  • Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in North Carolina to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.

Average cost of car insurance in North Carolina

The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $69 per month for liability coverage and $115 per month for full coverage — well below the national monthly averages of $98 and $186. The state’s lower uninsured motorist rate may help keep costs down.

North Carolina also follows contributory negligence law, which means you can’t recover compensation after a crash if you were partially at fault. Tort litigation can drive up premiums, so this system may help keep accident lawsuits out of the courts and rates low.

The state’s insurance commissioner has also kept rates in check. The Rate Bureau, which represents North Carolina’s insurance companies, requests annual increases, but the insurance commissioner can approve or reject them.[3]

In 2025, the Rate Bureau requested a rate increase of nearly 23%, but the commissioner negotiated it down to just 5%. Insurify projects that North Carolina’s average annual premium will increase by less than 2% by the end of 2026.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina

Liability policies average $69/mo. in the Tar Heel State

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4.7 out of 5 based on 16,210 reviews
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ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

How to get the best car insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina car insurance requirements increased in July 2025, so it’s a good time to review your coverage.[4] The following tips can help you choose the best car insurance in North Carolina:

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/6a92eb6099/insurify-icons-auto-green-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Meet North Carolina’s minimum-coverage requirements

    As of July 2025, you must carry at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $50,000 in property damage liability coverage. New and renewed policies must also include uninsured motorist coverage.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/6519b02a6d/weather-96x96-orange_042-heavy-rain.svg

    Consider North Carolina’s weather risks

    Hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms are common across North Carolina. Comprehensive coverage (also called other-than-collision coverage) can pay for storm damage to your vehicle, which liability insurance won’t cover.[5]

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/4aa0bc9150/contact-us-96x96-yellow_040-contact-form.svg

    Keep a clean driving record

    The North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan rewards safe driving with lower premiums. At-fault accidents and violations, on the other hand, can result in higher auto insurance rates.[6]

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/8329623678/money-96x96-blue_025-online-money.svg

    Compare quotes

    Rates for identical coverage can vary between companies — especially for young drivers — so shopping around can help you find the best price. You can check whether a company or agent is properly licensed by calling the North Carolina Department of Insurance directly.

Best car insurance in North Carolina FAQs

Before choosing a policy, the information below covers which car insurance companies in North Carolina have the lowest rates and the highest customer satisfaction.

  • Which car insurance companies offer the best rates in NC?

    North Carolina drivers may find the best full-coverage rates with Progressive, at $89 per month. Erie offers the lowest liability insurance rates, averaging $56 monthly. Each company has its own rating model, though, so your actual premium can vary. Compare quotes and auto insurance discounts from multiple companies to find the best deal.

  • Which car insurance companies in NC have the best customer reviews?

    Erie and GEICO had the highest customer satisfaction rankings in the Southeast region, which includes North Carolina, according to the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

  • What are the best car insurance companies in North Carolina?

    The right insurer for you depends on your coverage needs and budget. That said, Erie, Direct Auto, GEICO, National General, and Progressive are among the best car insurance companies for average rates, coverage options, and customer satisfaction.

Sources

  1. Jdpower.com. "2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study."
  2. North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "What We Do."
  3. North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Commissioner Causey explains rate making process in new video."
  4. North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Changes to the Rating of Automobile Insurance Policies, Effective July 1, 2025."
  5. North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Basic and Miscellaneous Auto Coverages."
  6. North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Safe Driver Incentive Plan."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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 500+ 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Carley Clark
Written byCarley ClarkInsurance Writer
Carley Clark
Carley ClarkInsurance Writer
  • 5+ years experience in personal finance writing

  • Personal finance blogger

Carley Clark is a freelance financial writer based in Michigan. Carley learned how to translate complex financial data into actionable information even before she became a freelance writer – she was a revenue auditor for a Michigan-based casino.

She’s been a freelance writer since 2020, and her work has appeared in well-known brands including CNN Underscored, GOBankingRates, and FinanceBuzz. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Spring Arbor University. She’s been an Insurify contributor since August 2025.

When she’s not writing content that helps readers make informed insurance decisions, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and going for walks with her dog. 

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

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Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 16,210 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
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