Teen drivers in North Carolina pay an average of $206 per month for full-coverage car insurance — significantly more than the statewide average of $114 for all drivers.
North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) can increase insurance costs after at-fault accidents and certain traffic convictions, making a clean driving record especially important for teen drivers.
North Carolina uses a graduated driver licensing system that limits when and how new drivers can drive.[1]
Cheapest car insurance for teens in North Carolina
Teen drivers pay among the highest auto insurance premiums of any age group because they’re new to driving and statistically more likely to be involved in crashes. During the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2024, North Carolina recorded 12,366 teen crashes, resulting in 2,327 teen injuries and 32 teen deaths, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.[2]
That elevated crash risk is one reason insurers charge young drivers more for coverage.
In North Carolina, the average teen pays $206 per month for full coverage and $125 per month for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data.
But there are ways to secure cheaper auto insurance coverage for young drivers. In most cases, parents can save hundreds of dollars each year by adding a teen to an existing family policy instead of purchasing separate coverage.
Here, you can see the average monthly premiums for teen drivers in North Carolina available from several insurers.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Full Coverage | Average Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $159 | $116 |
| Progressive | $170 | $112 |
| Erie | $171 | $102 |
| Direct Auto | $180 | $128 |
| National General | $185 | $132 |
| Liberty Mutual | $193 | $116 |
| GEICO | $203 | $117 |
| Travelers | $245 | $146 |
| Safeco | $245 | $144 |
| Dairyland | $287 | $133 |
| State Farm | $298 | $175 |
Best car insurance companies for teens in North Carolina
Price matters, but it’s just one factor when young drivers are looking for insurance.
Here, you’ll find a collection of the best insurers for teens in North Carolina based on Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores, available discounts, customer satisfaction, financial strength, and teen-focused features.
Progressive: Best overall value for teen drivers
| 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. | $62/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. | $94/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive offers some of the lowest full-coverage premiums for teen drivers in North Carolina, along with several features that can help families keep costs down over time. Its Snapshot usage-based insurance program, good student discount, and teen driver discount can all help lower costs for teens.
Cheap full-coverage premiums for North Carolina teens
Snapshot program rewards safe driving with more savings
Highly rated mobile app for managing policies and filing claims
Liability coverage isn’t the state’s cheapest
Snapshot may raise premiums for riskier driving habits
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southeast
Erie: Best for customer service and liability coverage
| 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. | $94/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
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.
Erie combines some of the state’s lowest average liability premiums with a strong reputation for customer service and claims satisfaction. Its Rate Lock feature can help families avoid premium increases unless they make certain policy changes, and the company offers accident forgiveness in many situations.
Cheap liability-only coverage for teens in North Carolina
Excellent J.D. Power customer satisfaction and claims ratings
Rate Lock helps protect against premium increases
Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Fewer digital tools than some national insurers
Must purchase coverage through a local independent agent
GEICO: Best for discounts
| 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. | $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. | $113/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
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.
GEICO pairs competitive pricing with one of the highest Insurify Quality Scores among insurers operating in North Carolina. The company also offers several discounts geared toward young drivers, including savings for good students, driver education, and, where eligible, defensive driving courses.
Competitive rates for teen drivers
High Insurify Quality Score (9.2/10)
Wide selection of discounts for students and safe drivers
Customer service is primarily digital
Fewer local agents than some competitors
Rates can increase substantially after violations
Best car insurance discounts for NC teens
Most North Carolina insurers offer discounts that can help offset the higher cost of insuring a teen driver. While savings vary by company, combining several discounts can significantly reduce premiums.
North Carolina teens and their parents should ask their insurer about these common discounts:
Good student discount: Many insurers offer good student discounts to North Carolina high school and college students who maintain at least a B average. Because North Carolina requires teens younger than 18 to remain enrolled in school and make adequate academic progress to keep their driving eligibility, many new drivers already meet one of the basic requirements for these discounts.[3]
Driver training discount: North Carolina requires teens younger than 18 to complete a state-approved driver’s education course before receiving a graduated driver’s license. While completing the course doesn’t automatically reduce insurance costs, some insurers also offer discounts for driver training or safe-driving programs, making it worthwhile to ask about available savings.
Usage-based insurance: Safe driving can pay off in multiple ways in North Carolina. Many insurers offer usage-based programs that reward safe driving habits. And avoiding accidents and moving violations can also help drivers avoid surcharges under the state’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan.[1]
Multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts: Families who insure multiple vehicles or bundle auto and homeowners or renters insurance often qualify for additional savings.
Automatic payments and paperless billing: Several insurers offer small discounts for enrolling in auto pay or choosing electronic documents.
Compare North Carolina Car Insurance Quotes
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Why is car insurance so expensive for teen drivers in North Carolina?
Teen drivers pay higher car insurance rates because their relative lack of driving experience makes them more likely to be involved in crashes compared to older drivers. In North Carolina, newly licensed drivers also face state-specific rating rules that can keep premiums elevated during their first several years behind the wheel.[4]
Since July 1, 2025, inexperienced-driver surcharges apply for up to eight years for drivers first licensed on or after that date, although the surcharge gradually declines as experience increases. In addition, North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) increases insurance costs after at-fault accidents and certain moving violations.[4]
Other factors affecting teen insurance rates include:
The vehicle the teen drives
Where the teen lives in North Carolina
Coverage limits and deductibles
Annual mileage
Whether the teen is added to a parent’s policy
Available discounts and telematics participation
Vehicle type and repair costs
Credit-based insurance scores (subject to statutory restrictions)
Whether a teen is insured on a family policy or individually
The state of North Carolina allows auto insurers to apply an “inexperienced operator surcharge” to premiums for drivers who’ve been licensed fewer than eight years.
North Carolina car insurance requirements for teen drivers
Like all motorists, teen drivers in North Carolina must carry at least the state’s minimum required liability auto insurance to drive legally:[5]
Coverage Type | Minimum Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident | ✔ |
| Property damage liability | $50,000 | ✔ |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Same as liability limits | ✔ |
| Underinsured motorist coverage | Included with policies meeting state requirements | ✔ |
| Comprehensive coverage | Varies | Optional |
| Collision coverage | Varies | Optional |
Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage that you cause to others. Comprehensive and collision coverage protect your own vehicle and are generally required if you’re financing or leasing a car.
North Carolina also uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Teens progress through a Level 1 limited learner permit, a Level 2 limited provisional license, and a Level 3 full provisional license before earning an unrestricted license. This helps young drivers gain experience gradually.
Consequences for teens driving without insurance in North Carolina
Driving without insurance in North Carolina can result in license plate revocation, civil penalties, reinstatement fees, and possible suspension of vehicle registration. Driving uninsured can also make insurance more expensive later if it results in traffic violations or an at-fault crash, both of which can lead to higher premiums under North Carolina’s rating rules.
How to get cheaper car insurance for teen drivers in North Carolina
Although teen insurance is expensive, families have several ways to reduce costs.
The most effective strategy is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Companies weigh teen drivers differently, and the difference between the highest and lowest quote can amount to hundreds of dollars annually.
To save money on a teen auto policy, you can also:
Stay on a parent’s policy whenever possible
In North Carolina, adding a teen to an existing family policy is typically much less expensive than purchasing a separate policy. Parents may also qualify for multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and other discounts that can help offset the higher cost of insuring a young driver.
Maintain good grades and ask about good student discounts
Many insurers serving North Carolina offer discounts to full-time students who maintain at least a B average (or equivalent). Combining a good student discount with other savings opportunities can significantly reduce a teen driver’s premium.
Enroll in a telematics or safe-driving program
Many insurers in North Carolina offer optional programs that track driving habits like speed, braking, acceleration, and mileage. Teens who consistently demonstrate safe driving may qualify for lower premiums over time.
Choose a vehicle with lower repair costs and strong safety ratings
The vehicle being insured heavily influences insurance premiums in North Carolina. An older sedan or compact SUV with good crash-test ratings typically costs less to insure than a luxury, sports, or high-performance vehicle.
Keep a clean driving record
Avoiding speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions is especially important under North Carolina’s Safe Driver Incentive Plan, which can increase premiums after violations.
Find Affordable Car Insurance for NC Teens
Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies
Should your teen be on your policy or buy their own?
Adding a teen to an existing family policy is generally less expensive than getting the teen their own policy in North Carolina. Individual policies generally cost significantly more because insurers can’t spread risk across multiple experienced drivers.
North Carolina law also generally requires parental or guardian consent before a person younger than 18 can purchase an insurance policy independently. A separate policy may make sense if a teen owns a vehicle titled solely in their name or if they no longer live with their parents and aren’t attending school.
Here, you can see how average rates compare for an 18-year-old driver in North Carolina.
Policy Type | Average Monthly Cost | Average Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Teen on family policy | $133 | $1,596 |
| Teen on own policy | $175 | $2,100 |
| Difference | $42 | $504 |
Cheap car insurance for teen drivers in North Carolina FAQs
Shopping around is one of the best ways for North Carolina families to find affordable coverage for young drivers. As you begin your search, the answers to these common questions can help.
What’s the cheapest insurance for a first-time driver?
Erie has the lowest average liability-only premium for first-time teen drivers in North Carolina, according to Insurify data. Erie offers the state’s cheapest average liability-only coverage. Comparing quotes from several insurers is still the best way to find the lowest rate for your specific situation.
Is $200 per month for car insurance bad?
Not necessarily. Teen drivers in North Carolina pay an average of $206 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data. The amount you pay depends on factors like your age, vehicle, location, driving record, and coverage level.
Can a 16-year-old get car insurance on their own in NC?
Generally, no. Minors younger than 18 typically need a parent or legal guardian to provide consent before purchasing an insurance policy. Most teens are instead added to a parent’s existing auto insurance policy.
How much car insurance does a new driver need?
North Carolina requires liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage. Drivers with newer or financed vehicles should also consider comprehensive and collision coverage for better financial protection.
How can you get affordable car insurance if you’re younger than 25?
Young drivers can often lower premiums by staying on a parent’s policy, maintaining good grades, completing driver’s education, participating in a usage-based insurance program, driving a lower-cost vehicle, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers at each renewal.
Sources
- NC DOI. "Teen drivers in NC."
- North Carolina Department of Transportation. "Teen Drivers: Start the Conversation."
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. "Driver Eligibility."
- North Carolina Department of Insurance. "Teen Drivers."
- North Carolina DMV. "Liability Insurance."
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
- 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.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)