Updated: November 18, 2024
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Finding the best car insurance in North Carolina hinges on individual needs. MoneyGeek ranked North Carolina Farm Bureau highest overall, while Erie offers the leading minimum coverage policy. Nationwide is atop for families with teenagers.
For the upshot on savings, MoneyGeek also assessed the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina, prioritizing cost over service quality.
Best Car InsuranceNorth CarolinaBest Car Insurance in North Carolina
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in North Carolina based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in North Carolina.
North Carolina Farm Bureau stands out as the best car insurance company in North Carolina, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. Scored car insurers have MoneyGeek scores ranging from 59 to 92. This reflects MoneyGeek's baseline scoring system, and it is important to note that scores may vary for different driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system places considerable emphasis on customer satisfaction and affordability when evaluating insurers. Such dimensions are crucial to customers, highlighting the importance of a seamless experience and financial accessibility in the selection of an insurance provider. However, MoneyGeek's method also assigns significant weight to claims experience and offered coverages, ensuring that the final score reflects a balance across all vital aspects of insurance services. This multi-faceted approach aims to provide consumers with a robust evaluation of insurance options.
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | 92 | $531 |
| Erie | 92 | $631 |
| State Farm | 88 | $517 |
| Progressive | 84 | $612 |
| Nationwide | 80 | $869 |
| GEICO | 73 | $1,033 |
| Allstate | 69 | $1,306 |
| National General | 68 | $975 |
| Kemper | 59 | $1,538 |
MoneyGeek found that North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best option in North Carolina for best full coverage car insurance. Ranking closely alongside is Erie, with each showcasing impressive scores:
North Carolina Farm Bureau distinguishes itself with the highest MoneyGeek score due in large part to its unparalleled claims handling and strong customer satisfaction score. This balanced approach to service excellence and claims efficiency resonates well with policyholders looking for reliable full coverage car insurance.
In North Carolina, consumers have access to a myriad of options that cater to diverse cost and service preferences. To explore additional avenues for savings, MoneyGeek also evaluated the providers offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance in North Carolina, enabling well-informed decisions that suit various budgets.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling compared to other insurers.
Ranks No. 2 for cost with an average annual premium of $531 for full coverage.
Offers custom parts coverage, a rare and valuable coverage option.
Does not excel in customer service with a lower satisfaction score.
North Carolina Farm Bureau leads the pack with its high MoneyGeek score, propelled significantly by exceptional satisfaction and claims handling scores. This insurer ensures both common coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, reflecting its reliable and customer-focused service offerings.
Additionally, it boasts custom parts coverage, which is particularly valuable for drivers with enhanced vehicles, protecting those specialized investments. This coverage ensures that the special components of your car, from upgraded sound systems to custom wheels, are adequately insured against potential damage or theft.
With North Carolina Farm Bureau, customers can enjoy a seamless blend of high satisfaction, coming in strong at 34 (out of 35), and affordability, scoring 30 (out of 30), which contribute greatly to its overall score of 92. Its claims handling score is top-notch, rated a perfect 20 (out of 20), while its coverage and stability scores are 5 (out of 10) and 4 (out of 5), respectively.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in North Carolina for car insurance with a focus on customer service. With a superior blend of customer satisfaction, claims handling and stability, this company is a go-to for insured drivers seeking quality coverage and excellent service.
Erie sets itself apart with the highest score in customer satisfaction and a robust claims handling process, making it the top choice for North Carolinians in search of reliable car insurance. Although its annual premium is higher, this indicates that customers receive more consistent and dependable service, ensuring peace of mind when it matters the most.
In a market like North Carolina's, with a variety of companies offering different levels of customer satisfaction and claims experiences, selecting an insurer with excellent service becomes crucial. The aftermath of an accident is often stressful, and a company with strong customer service and efficient claims handling ensures smoother resolution of claims, less hassle and overall a more positive insurance experience for consumers.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Offers rare coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Does not excel in customer service.
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or OEM coverage.
With high marks in satisfaction and coverage, Erie stands out for its exceptional customer service and diverse offerings. It possesses both rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, marking a comprehensive approach to common coverages. The availability of new car replacement and accident forgiveness serves as added benefits for customers seeking additional layers of financial protection.
Erie excels in rare coverages that cater to specific needs: better car replacement, glass deductible modification and personal property insurance. Better car replacement can be a boon for drivers who experience total loss of their newer vehicles, offering a model one year newer.
Glass deductible modification could save you money on out-of-pocket costs for glass repairs, making it a wise choice for accident-prone areas or long commutes. Personal property insurance extends protection to items inside the car, adding an extra sense of security for personal belongings during travel. With a satisfaction score of 45 (out of 45) and a coverage score of 16 (out of 20), Erie's commitment to customer needs is clear, reflecting its top-tier reputation in the insurance market.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in North Carolina for those seeking car insurance with minimum coverage. With affordability and reliable customer satisfaction as pivotal factors, Erie takes the lead.
Erie distinguishes itself with an outstanding balance of high marks in satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options among other factors. Particularly, it's the combination of strong customer satisfaction and claims processing efficiency that propels Erie to the forefront, qualifying it as the preferred provider for the minimum insurance required by law in North Carolina. The annual cost for Erie's minimum coverage policy is set at an affordable $300.
In North Carolina, while many insurers offer competitively priced minimum coverage car insurance, motorists should be wary of the potential risks. Opting for just the minimum required coverage could leave drivers exposed to significant financial burdens in the event of accidents that result in more damage or medical expenses than the bare minimum policy can cover. It's essential to balance the cost savings of lower premiums against the possible out-of-pocket expenses from inadequate coverage.
Offers better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Does not rank as the most affordable.
Erie leads with exceptional affordability and satisfaction, contributing significantly to its high MoneyGeek score of 92. Erie's average annual premium stands at an affordable $300, underscoring the value offered to the average driver. Customers can benefit from reasonably common discounts like air bags and rare discounts, such as anti-lock brakes.
Erie offers the four most common discounts: bundling, safe driving, multiple car and fortunately for families, the very rare young safe driver discount — showcasing its extensive range of discounts catering to diverse needs. Distant student is yet another useful discount for families with college-goers, helping to ease the financial burden of education. VIN etching, rare and valuable, provides savings for proactive security measures.
Affordability, scored at 38 (out of 40), is a standout for Erie, alongside a perfect satisfaction score of 25 (out of 25). These impressive scores, as well as its claims score of 17 (out of 20), coverage score of 8 (out of 10) and stability score of 4 (out of 5), confirm its robust position on MoneyGeek's ranking.
Driver age is a significant factor in car insurance rates in North Carolina, influencing costs, coverage options and discounts. MoneyGeek found that Nationwide, with a score of 94, offers the best car insurance for teens at an annual premium of $1,279. For young adults and seniors, Erie takes the lead with scores of 94 and 92, respectively, and more affordable annual premiums of $646 for young adults and $620 for seniors. These companies excel in satisfaction, affordability and claims handling, providing tailored insurance solutions for each age group.
Best for teens: Nationwide
Best for seniors: Erie
Best for young adults: Erie
MoneyGeek found that Nationwide is the best option in North Carolina for car insurance for teens. This assessment is based on a comprehensive scoring system that reflects customer satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and more.
Nationwide stands out primarily due to its exceptional customer satisfaction and claims handling processes. It offers a balance of quality service and economic value, which is important when considering insurance for young drivers. Despite Nationwide's superior score, it's noteworthy that the annual cost for a teen policy is significantly more affordable when they are added to a family policy, as opposed to purchasing their own.
For cheap car insurance for a teen in North Carolina, opting for a family policy can prove much more economical. Adding a teen to a car insurance policy in North Carolina, as in other states, can be much more expensive due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents. Insurers generally charge higher premiums for teens to offset the increased likelihood of claim payouts associated with this demographic.
Offers good student discount for savings on policies.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling, ensuring top-notch service.
Ranks No. 2 in affordability with an average annual premium of $1,279 for full coverage.
Does not excel in customer service with a satisfaction score of 33.
Lacks distant student and driver's education discounts.
Nationwide achieves its impressive MoneyGeek score of 93 primarily through exceptional satisfaction (32 out of 35) and coverage scores (10 out of 10). When it comes to young driver discounts, Nationwide offers the good student discount — worth noting for families with teens — though it does not have the distant student and driver's education discounts. However, Nationwide's strong scores in key areas like affordability, claims handling and stability ensure it remains a top choice regardless of discount variety.
Nationwide provides rare and valuable coverage options, such as identity theft coverage, which protects against the financial impact of identity fraud for all household members. Additionally, its total loss deductible waiver can be a financial safety net, sparing you the deductible costs if your car is a total loss after an accident. As for discounts, young drivers can benefit from the common good student discount as well as savings for automatic payments and if they bundle their auto insurance with home insurance.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in North Carolina for car insurance for seniors, boasting the highest MoneyGeek score.
Erie stands out primarily due to its superior satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are significant contributors to its overall MoneyGeek score. For a senior in North Carolina seeking a policy from Erie, the cost will likely be around $620 annually, which is a competitive rate considering the quality of coverage and service provided. To get cheap car insurance for a senior in North Carolina, one may expect to pay a bit more than younger adults, but the investment in a reliable policy can be invaluable.
It is a misconception that car insurance for seniors is universally costlier than for their middle-aged counterparts. In fact, MoneyGeek's findings are based on rates for seniors in their 60s, demonstrating that competitive pricing is available. However, it is important to acknowledge with respect that seniors in their 70s and 80s may see higher premiums, reflecting the varying risk factors with advancing age.
Offers rental car and travel reimbursement coverage.
Ranks No. 1 for customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 4 for affordability with an average annual premium of $620.
Missing roadside assistance coverage.
Erie's remarkable MoneyGeek score of 93 can be largely attributed to perfect satisfaction (35 out of 35) and high affordability (28 out of 30) ratings. The company offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, which is useful for those requiring transportation after an accident. Despite not offering roadside assistance, Erie's scores in other vital categories make up for it. With an average annual premium of $620, Erie provides a senior driver discount, enabling older customers to enjoy additional savings.
Erie's coverage options are well-suited for seniors, including rental car and/or travel reimbursement. This means if you're ever in an accident and your car is in the shop, Erie will cover the costs of your rental car, ensuring that your daily life is not disrupted. The senior driver discount further demonstrates Erie's commitment to catering to the needs of seniors, delivering both affordability and security.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in North Carolina for car insurance for young adults, with the highest MoneyGeek score among the competitors.
Erie stands out as the top insurer for young drivers in their 20s, balancing affordability and customer satisfaction exceptionally well. The biggest contributors to Erie's high MoneyGeek score were the satisfaction and affordability metrics, indicating that customers are pleased with its service and price points.
For young adults seeking a policy from Erie, expect an annual cost of around $646, which is slightly more than what older age groups might pay. To find cheap car insurance for a young adult in North Carolina, one must consider that young drivers tend to face higher premiums due to their inexperience on the roads, a factor that statistically correlates with a higher likelihood of accidents and claims. This trend is consistent across various states, not just in North Carolina.
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 2 for claims handling.
Ranks competitively for cost.
Offers distant student and driver's education discounts.
Does not excel in customer service (score of 35).
Erie leads the industry with exemplary satisfaction and affordability, the key drivers behind its impressive MoneyGeek score of 94. While the company offers distant student and driver's education discounts for young, scholarly drivers, it lacks the good student discount — yet its strong performance in affordability, service and coverage compensates well. Though Erie provides common coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement, it's missing roadside assistance, a slight drawback considering the overall service provided.
Erie stands out with its repertoire of rare coverages that appeal to a broad range of customers. Better car replacement offers a unique safety net, promising a replacement car that is one model year newer with 15,000 fewer miles if your car is totaled. Its glass deductible modification coverage includes full window repairs without a deductible and a windshield replacement for a reduced price, providing peace of mind for unexpected damages.
Personal property insurance covers items in your vehicle, from laptops to luggage — a practical consideration for drivers who carry valuables. Together, these coverages exemplify Erie's commitment to covering not just the car, but the life within it.
MoneyGeek found that North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best option in North Carolina for drivers with offenses looking for car insurance.
North Carolina Farm Bureau stands out due to its excellent balance of affordability, claims handling and customer satisfaction, tailored specifically for those with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. Its robust performance across these categories underscores its ability to cater to high-risk drivers, making it the go-to choice with an annual premium cost of $1,118 for those in need of cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in North Carolina.
In North Carolina and other states, insurance rates tend to be higher for individuals with infractions like tickets, accidents or DUIs due to the increased risk they pose to insurers. This risk is statistically correlated with a greater likelihood of filing claims, leading to more substantial insurance costs to cover the heightened level of exposure faced by the insurer.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 1 for affordability.
Offers custom parts coverage, beneficial for customized vehicles.
Does not excel in customer service with a lower satisfaction score.
Lacks roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness.
North Carolina Farm Bureau achieves an impressive MoneyGeek score due to its stellar affordability and claims scores. Even though it lacks reasonably common coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness, its strong performance in key areas compensates for this. With an average annual premium of $1,118 and an affordability score of 30 (out of 30), it is a cost-effective option for those with driving offenses.
North Carolina Farm Bureau, without specific common or reasonably common coverages like rental car/travel reimbursement or new car replacement, offers exceptional service and value elsewhere. Those with a poor driving history may miss out on these specialized coverages but will find solace in the company's high satisfaction score of 34 (out of 35).
Its optimal claims handling score of 20 (out of 20) ensures a smooth, reassuring process following an incident, which, combined with competitively low premiums and a robust financial stability score of 4 (out of 5), makes it an overall top-ranking choice for drivers seeking reliability and affordability.
MoneyGeek found that Kemper is the best option in North Carolina for new drivers looking for car insurance.
Kemper is the top scorer because of its leading performance in several critical areas compared to its competitors. Significantly, MoneyGeek's evaluation prioritized insurers offering new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, essential for new vehicle owners.
Kemper's impressive MoneyGeek score results from its strong satisfaction, claims handling and stability, which play substantial roles in the overall assessment. Kemper's annual premium of $1,701 reinforces the notion that investing in an insurer with new or better car replacement can lead to financial savings in case of an accident. This is because these coverages ensure you are compensated for a new vehicle, rather than the depreciated value of your car, making higher premiums a wise exchange for potentially greater coverage.
Ranks No. 2 in customer satisfaction.
Ranks low in customer service with a score of 28.
Kemper earns a high MoneyGeek score, thanks to its perfect affordability score of 30 (out of 30) and top-tier satisfaction score of 28 (out of 35). Kemper offers new car replacement coverage — a boon for those with new vehicles seeking extra protection, albeit as an optional upgrade. The average annual premium for Kemper is approximately $1,701.
With their new car replacement coverage, Kemper stands out by offering a safeguard for drivers who want to ensure their investment is protected. In the event of a total loss, policyholders won't just receive the depreciated value of their car but rather the cost of a brand-new model. This eliminates the financial sting that can come with accidents involving recent purchases. While this coverage may be an additional cost, for drivers who value assurance and a swift return to normalcy post-accident, it offers substantial peace of mind.
MoneyGeek found that North Carolina Farm Bureau is the best option for military car insurance in North Carolina, providing top-notch service and affordability.
Although USAA is a highly regarded insurer for military personnel, it did not win in North Carolina based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability.
North Carolina Farm Bureau stands out notably in the region, with the greatest contributing factors to the MoneyGeek score being its high satisfaction and affordability scores. This amalgamation of customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness makes it a brilliant choice for those seeking value in their car insurance, especially with an annual premium of just $531. Military drivers who prioritize rates might want to explore the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for military drivers.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for affordability.
Offers rare coverage for customized parts of the car.
Does not excel in customer service with a score of 34.
North Carolina Farm Bureau's outstanding MoneyGeek score can be attributed to its high marks in customer satisfaction and claims handling. With an average annual premium of $531, it offers excellent value for its insurance services. North Carolina Farm Bureau provides coverage options that cater to the essential needs of drivers.
It offers liability insurance, which covers expenses related to injury and property damage to others in an accident you cause. North Carolina Farm Bureau also supports its members with comprehensive and collision insurance – staples for vehicle protection against a variety of incidents. The company's customer satisfaction (33 out of 35) and claims handling (20 out of 20) scores are particularly notable, reflecting its commitment to providing responsive, respectful service and efficient claims resolution, which are essential components to customers' peace of mind.
In North Carolina, the hallmark of premier car insurance firms lies in a trifecta of advantages: competitive pricing, robust financial health and an unwavering commitment to superior customer service. MoneyGeek's diligent research streamlines this knowledge for you, identifying these leaders in the industry. Should you opt to delve into personal research, be prepared to embark on at least four key steps to ensure a well-rounded evaluation.
In North Carolina, exceptional customer service is vital for car insurance companies to ensure customer loyalty and trust. Prospective policyholders should utilize resources like JD Power and the NAIC for independent evaluations of insurers' service records. Erie stands out with a MoneyGeek customer satisfaction score of 45 (out of 45) and a claims score of 24 (out of 30), signifying top-tier service in the state.
Comparing quotes in North Carolina is essential for finding affordable car insurance without compromising on service quality. Drivers should conduct thorough research to identify the most cost-effective options tailored to their individual profiles. MoneyGeek's analysis reveals Erie as the leading choice for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $300, offering a balance of price and quality.
The scope of coverage offered by car insurers is a crucial consideration for policyholders to ensure comprehensive protection. Consumers should investigate which insurers provide the coverages that align with their needs. According to MoneyGeek, Nationwide, Progressive and Allstate all offer three out of the four most important coverages, each with a coverage score of 10, indicating a robust range of options.
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is paramount to minimize the risk of claim payment failures due to financial instability. Policyholders should research insurers' financial strength. State Farm and GEICO have both received a perfect stability score of five from MoneyGeek, reflecting the highest financial strength rating of A++ from A.M. Best, ensuring exceptional reliability.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Erie is determined to be the best for cheap car insurance in North Carolina, with an annual premium of $300 for a minimum coverage policy and a MoneyGeek score of 92. Minimum coverage policies may not cover all expenses in an accident, but it's possible to find affordable full coverage policies with adequate shopping.
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.
