Updated: November 15, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
North Carolina drivers pay about $1,177 annually for full coverage car insurance, while the average annual cost of minimum coverage is $567.
Your credit history, age, driving record and preferred coverage level influence your premium. Location also affects the price, as some areas have higher accident or theft rates.
North CarolinaCar InsuranceCostsWhy Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed auto insurance rates in the state using the North Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services data.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina as of November 2024.
North Carolina's full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,177 annually. Knowing your state's average car insurance cost helps you assess the quotes you receive. Compare car insurance quotes to find an affordable plan that suits your needs.
Here's what you might pay for North Carolina auto insurance, from minimum to full coverage.
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,177 | $98 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $722 | $60 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $567 | $47 |
Car insurance in North Carolina is relatively affordable compared to the national average. The state average annual premium for minimum coverage is $567, below the national average of $628. Full coverage with a $1,000 deductible averages $1,177, lower than the national average of $1,358.
North Carolina's rates are moderate due to fewer uninsured drivers, less congested roadways, an effective state legal framework that helps reduce insurance fraud and a competitive insurance market.
Car insurance premiums vary greatly by company, even within a state. North Carolina Farm Bureau offers the most affordable full coverage at $531 annually, while Kemper is the most expensive at $2,105 annually.
To find the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina, review and compare offers from different providers for minimum and full coverage policies.
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $531 | $44 |
| Erie | $631 | $53 |
| State Farm | $714 | $59 |
| Progressive | $820 | $68 |
| Nationwide | $1,140 | $95 |
| National General | $1,345 | $112 |
| GEICO | $1,376 | $115 |
| Allstate | $1,933 | $161 |
| Kemper | $2,105 | $175 |
Car insurance costs in North Carolina depend on the selected coverage level. Minimum coverage costs around $47 per month, while full coverage with a $1,000 deductible is about $98 monthly. Though more expensive, full coverage insurance provides extensive protection.
Adding comprehensive and collision coverage increases premiums, but choosing a higher deductible can lower costs. The deductible applies separately to each claim.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $567 | $47 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $722 | $60 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $923 | $77 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,074 | $89 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,113 | $93 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,166 | $97 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,177 | $98 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,216 | $101 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,269 | $106 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,296 | $108 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,335 | $111 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,388 | $116 |
North Carolina's minimum car insurance requirements include $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matching these limits.
$30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This is the minimum coverage amount required in North Carolina for bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident.
$60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
North Carolina requires this minimum coverage for all persons injured in a single accident.
$25,000 for property damage liability per accident
This is the state minimum in North Carolina for the cost of property damage in an accident.
$30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
In North Carolina, this coverage protects against injuries caused by uninsured drivers per person.
$60,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
This state minimum coverage applies to all injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
$25,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage
This is the minimum amount required in North Carolina to cover property damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Your car insurance rates can vary depending on your location in North Carolina. The most affordable city for full coverage is High Point, at $807 per year, while the priciest is Fayetteville, at $1,103.
Your driving history, credit rating and chosen coverage level influence your car insurance rates. Local crime rates and traffic density also impact premiums.
| Cary | $821 | $431 |
| Charlotte | $1,088 | $583 |
| Durham | $816 | $426 |
| Fayetteville | $1,103 | $557 |
| Greensboro | $895 | $456 |
| High Point | $807 | $413 |
| Raleigh | $928 | $491 |
| Wilmington | $902 | $489 |
| Winston-Salem | $826 | $415 |
In North Carolina, younger drivers aged 22 to 29 pay the most, with annual premiums averaging $1,252. Costs decrease to $1,177 for drivers aged 30 to 59 and slightly increase to $1,180 for seniors aged 60 and over.
| 22-29 | $1,252 | $104 |
| 30-59 | $1,177 | $98 |
| 60 + | $1,180 | $98 |
Age and gender impact car insurance rates in North Carolina. Adding a 16-year-old male to a family policy costs an average of $2,598 annually. For those looking to secure their own policy, the average price is $3,244. A parent's or guardian's signature is often required to purchase car insurance for teens under 18.
The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for a 2012 model is $925, while a 2022 model costs $1,304. This increase is due to newer models' higher actual cash values, more expensive repairs and greater theft risk.
If you drive a newer model, secure comprehensive and collision insurance, which protects against theft, natural disasters and accidents.
| 2012 Vehicle | $925 | $77 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,304 | $109 |
The actual cash value (ACV) is a car's worth after subtracting depreciation, not the replacement cost. Insurance uses the ACV to determine your payment up to the policy's limit if your car is damaged or stolen. The ACV is critical to how much you get from insurance for a claim.
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina varies significantly based on the driver's record:
The type of driving offense impacts premiums. The more severe the violation, the higher the cost. These increased costs will persist if the violation is on your record. In North Carolina, a DWI can affect your rates for up to seven years.
The table below shows the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina for different driving infractions.
| Clean | $1,177 | $98 |
| At-fault Accident | $1,719 | $143 |
| Ticket | $1,832 | $153 |
| DUI | $4,610 | $384 |
The average car insurance cost in North Carolina varies significantly based on credit scores, with premiums ranging from $834 for excellent credit to $1,437 for poor credit. A good credit score (670 to 739) or excellent credit (740+) can lead to more affordable coverage.
| Excellent | $834 | $69 |
| Good | $931 | $78 |
| Fair | $1,062 | $89 |
| Below Fair | $1,215 | $101 |
| Poor | $1,437 | $120 |
Discover the key elements that impact the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina and how these factors could affect your rates.
To secure affordable car insurance in North Carolina, compare rates, opt for a higher deductible and utilize all possible discounts to lower premiums effectively.
Shop around
Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina. Research and evaluate different providers to secure the most affordable rates.
Maintain a clean driving record
A clean driving record is essential for lower premiums. Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can significantly decrease insurance costs, making policies more affordable for North Carolina drivers.
Consider your coverage needs
Carefully assess your coverage needs. Over-insuring can lead to unnecessary costs, while under-insuring may leave you vulnerable. Tailor your policy for a balance between protection and affordability.
Bundle insurance policies
Bundling car insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, can unlock discounts. Insurers often reward multi-policy holders with lower rates, reducing overall insurance expenses.
Ask for discounts
Take advantage of available discounts. Many insurers offer reduced rates for safe drivers, students with good grades and for installing anti-theft devices, contributing to a more affordable premium.
Choose a higher deductible
Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium. However, ensure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim. This strategy can lead to significant savings on your policy cost.
Improve your credit score
In North Carolina, a good credit score can influence your insurance rates. Improve your credit score to gain access to better insurance rate offers.
Find answers to your questions about the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina and how to reduce your rates.
North Carolina mandates a minimum of $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $60,000 per accident, alongside $25,000 for property damage liability per accident. Additionally, drivers must have $30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for uninsured/underinsured property damage. More details can be found here.
On average, full coverage auto insurance in North Carolina costs about $1,177 annually, or $98 monthly. For minimum coverage, the cost is approximately $567 per year, or $47 per month.
A 22-year-old in North Carolina typically pays an average of $1,252 per year ($104 monthly) for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible. For 100/300/100 liability only, the cost is about $757 annually ($63 monthly), and minimum coverage costs around $598 annually ($50 monthly).
For affordable car insurance in North Carolina, North Carolina Farm Bureau and Erie are top choices for minimum coverage, with average yearly premiums of $265 and $300, respectively. More information can be found here.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
