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8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Table of contents
Drivers in Wilmington pay an overall average of $78 per month for car insurance. The city’s rates are similar to North Carolina’s monthly average of $75 but less than the national average of $150 per month.
A midsize coastal city in North Carolina, Wilmington is a college town and travel destination. With a population of more than 117,000, it’s the eighth-largest city in the state.[1] Wilmington's higher car insurance costs are likely due to its average vehicle crime rate and severe weather risk from its coastal location.
Nationwide, Erie, and GEICO are the cheapest car insurance companies for Wilmington residents.
Liability insurance in Wilmington costs an average of $57 per month, and full coverage costs $98 per month.
Wilmington drivers pay a yearly average of $1,174 for full-coverage car insurance.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Wilmington
Car insurance costs vary based on your driving record, credit history, location, and numerous other rating factors. Every insurer weighs these categories differently, meaning the cheapest option can vary from one driver to the next.
Drivers in Wilmington can find the best rates from Erie, Direct Auto, and GEICO. Coverage from other large national insurers, like State Farm and Progressive, is also available but tends to cost more.
Insurance Company | 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. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Erie | 9.0 | $63 | $42 | Affordability |
GEICO | 9.0 | $72 | $48 | Discounts |
Direct Auto | 7.3 | $97 | $59 | High-risk drivers |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for affordability: Erie
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 /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. | $44/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. | $64/mo |
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.
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.
John
April 13, 2025
Happy with Erie Insurance
Karen W
April 12, 2025
Review of Erie Insurance and Their Reasonable Fees
Neal
April 12, 2025
Erie Insurance
Erie offers the cheapest rates for drivers in Wilmington. Drivers with a comprehensive policy receive complimentary glass repair, locksmith service, and coverage for personal items. Wilmington drivers can also take advantage of the company’s YourTurn telematics program, which tracks driving habits and rewards safe behavior through a mobile app.
Standardizes coverage that usually costs extra
Diminishing deductible each year
Only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Must work with an agent to buy a policy
Best insurer for discounts: GEICO
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 /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. | $50/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. | $74/mo |
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.
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.
Mel
April 14, 2025
Ratings
Johnny
April 14, 2025
No Communication
James
April 14, 2025
Unsatisfactory experience with GEICO
GEICO offers extensive discounts, and drivers can bundle multiple insurance policies, including home, business, and renters insurance, to further reduce coverage costs. It earned an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best, the highest level possible.
Offers affordable rates
Extensive list of discounts
Gap insurance not available
Doesn’t offer new-car replacement
Best insurer for high-risk drivers: Direct Auto
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. | 7.3 /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. | $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. | $101/mo |
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.
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.
Richard
April 14, 2025
Poor
Debra
April 13, 2025
High Cost
Maria
April 13, 2025
Too Expensive
Direct Auto provides coverage to all drivers but specializes in providing coverage for high-risk drivers with violations, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DWIs. Budget-conscious drivers can qualify for various discounts, and the company allows drivers to choose their payment due date. But customer complaints are higher than average, and drivers with clean records can usually find better coverage elsewhere.
Coverage for high-risk drivers
Some of the cheapest rates in Wilmington
Higher-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Limited extra coverage options
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Wilmington
Car insurance companies determine rates based on driver characteristics, including age, driving record, credit history, vehicle type, and location. Even though you can’t control some of those factors, you can still take steps to lower costs.
Here’s how to find cheap car insurance in Wilmington:
Ask about discounts. Most insurers offer various discounts that help reduce coverage costs. You might, for example, qualify for a good driver discount, loyalty discount, or mature driver discount. Ask insurance companies about qualification requirements as you shop for quotes.
Bundle your home and auto insurance. If you bundle your car insurance with homeowners, renters, or even life insurance, you could land a discount on your coverage.
Compare quotes. You can find the best rate when comparing quotes from multiple insurers. Knowing whether you’re getting a good deal is easier if you have numerous quotes.
Increase your deductible. The deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying when you file a claim under your policy's collision or comprehensive coverages. Higher collision and comprehensive deductibles equate to lower premiums, which can lower costs for car insurance. It’s essential to ensure you can still afford your deductible, though.
Keep a clean driving record. Drivers with clean driving records pay the lowest premiums. Do your best to drive safely and avoid traffic violations.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Wilmington: Nationwide
Liability car insurance meets North Carolina’s mandated insurance requirements. The policy covers the cost of vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers when you cause an accident. But it doesn’t pay for your own expenses.
Liability insurance in Wilmington costs an average of $57 per month. The following insurers offer the best liability-only insurance in Wilmington.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Nationwide | $44 |
Erie | $44 |
GEICO | $50 |
Travelers | $55 |
Allstate | $59 |
Dairyland | $60 |
Progressive | $60 |
Direct Auto | $61 |
Safeco | $62 |
National General | $67 |
Liberty Mutual | $71 |
State Farm | $72 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Wilmington: Nationwide
Full-coverage car insurance typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. If you cause an accident, it helps pay for vehicle repairs for you and the other driver. It also provides coverage for theft and most natural disasters.
Wilmington drivers pay a monthly average of $98 for full coverage. Here are the best full-coverage car insurance companies in Wilmington.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Nationwide | $64 |
Erie | $64 |
GEICO | $74 |
Travelers | $82 |
Allstate | $88 |
Progressive | $89 |
Direct Auto | $101 |
State Farm | $106 |
National General | $106 |
Safeco | $118 |
Liberty Mutual | $191 |
Dairyland | $212 |
Cheapest recent rates near Wilmington, North Carolina
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $44/mo for liability only and $61/mo for full coverage in Wilmington and other North Carolina cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Wilmington, North Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on April 2, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Wilmington, North Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on April 2, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in North Carolina
Drivers in North Carolina must have liability insurance, including bodily injury and property damage coverage, as well as uninsured motorist coverage in the same amounts. Drivers must also be able to show proof of insurance.
The specific coverage limits required in the state increase on July 1, 2025. The table below reflects the change in requirements:[2]
Coverage | Current Coverage Limits | Coverage Limits as of July 1, 2025 |
---|---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident | $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident | $50,000 per accident |
Uninsured motorist coverage | Equal to a policy’s bodily injury liability limits but no higher than $1 million | Equal to a policy’s bodily injury liability limits but no higher than $1 million |
Drivers can also add extra coverage if they want more thorough protection. Here are some policies you may want to consider:
Comprehensive coverage
If there’s damage to your vehicle due to something other than a collision, comprehensive insurance covers repair costs. Comprehensive covers vehicle theft, vandalism, fire, weather hazards, and falling objects.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for vehicle repairs if you hit another vehicle or stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Accident forgiveness
Accident forgiveness coverage helps ensure your rates won't increase following your first at-fault accident. You generally need to have at least three years worth of a clean driving record to qualify to buy this coverage.
Gap insurance
If your financed or leased vehicle gets totaled, you'll still be financially responsible for the balance of your auto loan or lease. Gap coverage can help pay off your remaining balance following an accident that totals your car.