Car insurance in North Carolina costs between $48 and $153 per month on average, depending on whether you choose minimum or full coverage. North Carolina drivers pay significantly less than the national average, thanks largely to the state’s regulated rate bureau system, which helps keep premiums stable and competitive. The exact amount you pay will depend on your driving history, age, location, and the insurance company you choose.
Whether you’re a new driver shopping for your first policy or an existing driver wondering if you’re overpaying, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about car insurance in NC, from state requirements to the cheapest companies available.
| Coverage Type | NC Average (Annual) | NC Average (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | $579 – $644 | $48 – $54 |
| Full Coverage | $1,446 – $1,831 | $121 – $153 |
Source: bankrate.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
The beautiful state of North Carolina is home to many wonderful things, from the birth site of the Krispy Kreme donut to incredible golf courses. It’s also one of the top ten most populous states in the U.S., which means a ton of drivers that need great car insurance.
If you’re looking to switch policies, save money, or get your first car, it’s time to dive into all things North Carolina car insurance. Keep reading for all the information you need to find the best policy for you, so that when you hit the road with your “First in Flight” license plate, you do so with full confidence.
Let’s get started.
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| Coverage | Minimum Limit | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $50,000 | Medical costs for one person injured in an accident you cause |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $100,000 | Total medical costs for all injuries per accident you cause |
| Property Damage Liability | $50,000 | Damage to the other driver’s vehicle or property |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $50,000 / $100,000 | Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance (required in NC) |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $50,000 | Covers your vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver |
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
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| City | Avg. Monthly Range | Avg. Annual Range |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $130 – $170 | $1,560 – $2,040 |
| Raleigh | $90 – $110 | $1,080 – $1,320 |
| Durham | $90 – $110 | $1,080 – $1,320 |
| Greensboro | $85 – $105 | $1,020 – $1,260 |
| Winston-Salem | $85 – $105 | $1,020 – $1,260 |
| Fayetteville | $90 – $120 | $1,080 – $1,440 |
| Wilmington | $80 – $100 | $960 – $1,200 |
| Rural Areas | $70 – $90 | $840 – $1,080 |
Source: thezebra.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
The great thing about car insurance is that you can pick and choose your coverage depending on your priorities. First, we’ll explore the main buckets of coverage that you’ll encounter, and then we’ll show you optional coverage that can help you personalize your policy to you.
Here are the main coverage options when it comes to car insurance in North Carolina:
But that’s not all. You can pick and choose from the above, as long as you’re meeting state minimum requirements, and then add even more coverage to your main policy. This helps customize your policy to your budget, vehicle needs, and priorities.
Some added coverage options include:
These are just some of the options available to you. Many insurers offer varying versions of these, and some might offer fewer or more options. Deciding what’s important to you will be an important part of building the right car insurance policy for you and your ride.
| Insurance Company | Min. Coverage / Year | Full Coverage / Year |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $380 – $450 | $950 – $1,200 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $390 – $470 | $900 – $1,150 |
| GEICO | $400 – $520 | $980 – $1,300 |
| State Farm | $430 – $550 | $1,050 – $1,400 |
| Nationwide | $450 – $580 | $1,100 – $1,500 |
| Progressive | $460 – $600 | $1,150 – $1,600 |
| Allstate | $500 – $650 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
Source: thezebra.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
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| Driver Profile | Estimated Annual Range | Why Rates Differ |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Driver (16–19) | $3,000 – $5,000+ | Highest risk group; limited driving experience |
| Young Driver (20–25) | $1,600 – $2,500 | Higher risk than adults; rates drop as experience grows |
| Adult Driver (26–60) | $1,400 – $1,900 | Standard risk profile; best rates with clean record |
| Senior Driver (65+) | $1,600 – $2,400 | Slightly elevated risk; rates vary by health/vision factors |
| After 1 At-Fault Accident | $1,900 – $2,800 | Accident surcharges typically last 3–5 years |
| After DUI/DWI | $3,500 – $5,500 | Major violation; can increase premiums by 300%+ |
| Poor Credit Score | $2,400 – $3,800 | NC allows credit scoring; low credit = higher premiums |
| Excellent Credit Score | $1,200 – $1,600 | Best rates available; clean record + good credit |
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Who doesn’t love to save money? We’ve rounded up the best ways to save on car insurance costs, so you have more money in your pocket to do the things you love, like hitting the green for a round or exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Here’s how to save on car insurance in NC:
By using these tips, you could save hundreds of dollars a year on car insurance. When it comes to saving money on insurance, the ball is completely in your court.
There’s no shortage of options for finding car insurance, but you’re better off with some rather than others. Here are some of the top insurance providers in North Carolina that might be a good fit for your car insurance needs:
But as always, make sure to compare quotes and coverage before making your decision. Some providers also offer perks like mobile apps or more discounts, so be sure to factor in what’s most important to you.
Ready to bite the bullet and find car insurance? It’s easier than you might think. Start by contacting your insurance agent and talking through your options, or click here for access to free quotes fast. You’ll be behind the wheel before you know it!
Remember: if a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Choose a reputable provider with a good history of claims payment and great coverage options. It’s all fun and games until an accident happens and you’re stuck footing the bill.
Insurance is there to help you, and so is ConsumerCoverage. We’ve got you covered.
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No. North Carolina is one of a small number of states, along with California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, that bans insurance companies from using gender as a rating factor. Your rates are based on your driving record, age, vehicle, location, and credit score instead.
The North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) is a state-regulated organization that sets baseline insurance rates for all insurers operating in NC. This system limits extreme rate variation between companies and helps keep premiums stable compared to states with unregulated markets. However, individual insurers can still apply different discounts and surcharges, which is why comparing quotes remains important.
Driving without insurance in North Carolina is illegal and can result in a 30-day license plate revocation, a $50 civil penalty, a $50 plate restoration fee, and a $50 insurance activation fee. Repeat violations carry higher penalties and potential driver’s license suspension.
Full coverage, which adds collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy, is generally worth considering if your vehicle is worth more than $5,000–$10,000 or if you are financing or leasing your car. In North Carolina, full coverage costs roughly $1,400–$1,831 per year on average, compared to under $650 for minimum coverage. The price difference is often justified by the protection it provides against at-fault accidents and non-collision events like theft, hail, or flooding.
The most effective strategies for finding cheap car insurance in NC are: comparing quotes from multiple insurers, maintaining a clean driving record, bundling auto and home policies, raising your deductible, and taking advantage of available discounts. Using a comparison tool that shows multiple live quotes side by side is the fastest way to find savings.
Explore state-by-state car insurance trends to understand where drivers pay less on average.
Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.
