Find the Best Car Insurance Quotes & Options in North Carolina
The average rate for car insurance in North Carolina currently is just $986 per year. This is quite a bit below this year's national average cost of $1,311 annually. In fact, North Carolina overall ranks number 44 for the nation's most expensive car insurance rates. So, drivers who live in the state should have no trouble building a car insurance policy that includes every kind of coverage they need.
A North Carolina independent insurance agent can help you assemble the right kind of car insurance policy for your needs. They'll get you set up with all the coverages necessary to help you feel better equipped behind the wheel. But first, here's a deep dive into North Carolina car insurance requirements and more.
Best Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
There's no use wasting time shopping for car insurance from subpar North Carolina companies. We made this list to help you find the best car insurance in the state and broke it down by category and type.
We've found the best North Carolina car insurance companies overall, for minimum liability, full coverage, young drivers, and drivers with an accident history. Start by checking out these top-rated North Carolina car insurance companies.
- Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company Overall: Erie
- Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Minimum Liability: Nationwide
- Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Full Coverage: Erie
- Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers: Nationwide
- Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Accident History: Erie
A North Carolina independent insurance agent can help you find the best car insurance company and policy for you.
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company Overall: Erie
The winner for the best North Carolina car insurance company overall is Erie Insurance. Erie provides some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in all of North Carolina. For full coverage from Erie, you'll only pay about $716 per year in North Carolina
Founded in 1925, Erie has almost a century of experience in the industry today. The carrier now has more than 5 million insurance policies in force. Erie offers coverage in 12 states and DC.
Over time, Erie has been named the 12th largest auto insurer in the US, the 11th largest home insurer in the US, and the 12th largest business insurer in the US. The carrier is also a Fortune 500 Company and has been on the list for 20 years. AM Best also awards Erie an “A+” or "excellent" rating in financial strength.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Car Insurance Policy | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Car Insurance Policy |
| $60 | $716 |
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Minimum Liability: Nationwide
The winner for the best North Carolina car insurance company for minimum liability coverage is Nationwide. Nationwide lets drivers buy just the state's required coverage at a highly affordable rate. A minimum liability-only policy from Nationwide averages about $301 annually in North Carolina.
First started in 1925, Nationwide has been around for almost a century now. The insurance company has greatly expanded from a small car insurance company to one of the largest carriers and financial services companies across the globe.
AM Best puts Nationwide in the $2 billion or greater financial size category. AM Best also rates Nationwide an "A+" or superior for financial strength. Further, Nationwide got a score of 829 out of 1,000 points on a recent J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.
| Average Monthly Premium Insurance Cost: Minimum Liability Policy | Average Annual Premium Insurance Cost: Minimum Liability Policy |
| $25 | $301 |
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Full Coverage: Erie
The winner for the best North Carolina car insurance company for full coverage is Erie Insurance. Erie allows drivers to build a "full coverage" auto policy while still keeping affordable rates. A full coverage car insurance policy from Erie averages about $716 annually in North Carolina.
Founded in 1925, Erie has almost a century of experience in the industry today. The carrier now has more than 5 million insurance policies in force. Erie offers coverage in 12 states and DC.
Over time, Erie has been named the 12th largest auto insurer in the US, the 11th largest home insurer in the US, and the 12th largest business insurer in the US. The carrier is also a Fortune 500 Company and has been on the list for 20 years. AM Best also awards Erie an “A+” or "excellent" rating in financial strength.
| Average Monthly Full Coverage Insurance Cost: Full Coverage Policy | Average Annual Full Coverage Insurance Cost: Full Coverage Policy |
| $60 | $716 |
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers: Nationwide
The winner for the best North Carolina car insurance company for teens and young drivers is Nationwide. Nationwide allows drivers with teens on their auto insurance policies to maintain affordable premiums. A car insurance policy for young drivers and students from Nationwide averages about $1,464 per year in North Carolina.
First started in 1925, Nationwide has been around for almost a century now. The insurance company has greatly expanded from a small car insurance company to one of the largest carriers and financial services companies across the globe.
AM Best puts Nationwide in the $2 billion or greater financial size category. AM Best also rates Nationwide an "A+" or superior for financial strength. Further, Nationwide got a score of 829 out of 1,000 points on a recent J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Young Drivers | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Young Drivers |
| $122 | $1,464 |
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Company for Accident History: Erie
The winner for the best North Carolina car insurance company for drivers with accident history is Erie Insurance. Erie allows drivers with accidents on their records to maintain affordable coverage. A car insurance policy for drivers with accident history averages about $1,089 annually from Erie.
Founded in 1925, Erie has almost a century of experience in the industry today. The carrier now has more than 5 million insurance policies in force. Erie offers coverage in 12 states and DC.
Over time, Erie has been named the 12th largest auto insurer in the US, the 11th largest home insurer in the US, and the 12th largest business insurer in the US. The carrier is also a Fortune 500 Company and has been on the list for 20 years. AM Best also awards Erie an “A+” or "excellent" rating in financial strength.
| Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Drivers with Accident History | Average Annual Insurance Cost: Drivers with Accident History |
| $91 | $1,089 |
North Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
The state of North Carolina requires all drivers to be equipped with at least the mandatory car insurance coverages before they're allowed to drive legally. Failure to get at least the state minimum car insurance can result in fines, jail time, license suspension, or worse. These are North Carolina's mandatory car insurance types and amounts:
- Bodily injury liability: In North Carolina, this coverage is required in the amounts of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Coverage pays the costs of medical treatment to another driver and their passengers after an accident you're at fault for.
- Property damage liability: In North Carolina, this coverage is required in the amount of $25,000 per accident. Coverage pays the costs of repairs to a third party's personal property, like a vehicle, fences, etc., if you damage it with your car.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: In North Carolina, this coverage is required in the amount of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. Coverage can reimburse you for damages to your vehicle or medical treatments if another driver causes a collision and doesn't have any or enough insurance of their own.
Some optional car insurance types in North Carolina are:
- Personal injury protection: Can cover your own medical expenses after an accident you're at fault for.
- Gap coverage: Can cover the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you owe on your remaining vehicle loan after a collision.
- Roadside assistance: Can cover the cost of towing services if you break down on the side of the road.
- Comprehensive: Can cover expenses after incidents other than collision, including those with large animals, windshield breaks, and more.
- Collision: Can cover damage to your own vehicle after an accident you're at fault for.
- Rental car reimbursement: Can cover the cost of a rental car after a covered accident.
A North Carolina independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the car insurance coverage you need.
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Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina currently is about $986 per year. Compared to most of the country, resident drivers in North Carolina save quite a bit of money on their coverage. In fact, North Carolina overall ranks as the seventh-least expensive state for car insurance.
However, the cost of your policy can vary depending on your driving history, your credit score, your exact location, and other factors. A full coverage auto policy in North Carolina starts at about $716 per year from affordable carriers like Erie.
Average North Carolina Car Insurance Costs By City
Your car insurance rate is also dependent on the city you live in, due to various local factors such as weather risks, crime and traffic rates, and car values. In North Carolina, drivers in the town of Burlington only pay about $736 annually for car insurance, which is the lowest rate in the state. However, drivers in the town of Fayetteville pay about $1,645 annually for coverage, which is the highest rate in the state.
Finding Car Insurance Discounts in North Carolina
No matter which city you live in, you may be able to save some serious money on your car insurance thanks to discounts. Though these car insurance discounts vary by carrier, many are commonly offered by most car insurance companies. Be on the lookout for these common car insurance discounts in North Carolina.
- Student driver discounts: If your policy has a student driver on it, you may earn this discount.
- Anti-theft devices: If your vehicle is equipped with security devices like an alarm, you may earn this discount.
- Safe driver discounts: If you've maintained a clean driving record, you may earn this discount.
- Military discounts: If you're an active or retired military member, you may earn this discount.
- Paperless billing: If you sign up for paperless billing statements, you may earn this discount.
- Other discounts: If you belong to a union, group, or the government, or are a teacher, you may earn an extra discount.
An independent insurance agent in North Carolina can help find any car insurance discounts you qualify for.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance Quote in North Carolina
A North Carolina independent insurance agent can help you find the best car insurance quote in your area. Local independent insurance agents in North Carolina know exactly which carriers offer the best blend of car insurance costs and coverage. They'll present you with only the best options. Working together with a local agent can save you both time and money when shopping for car insurance.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in North Carolina
Filing a car insurance claim in North Carolina doesn't have to be difficult or confusing after an already stressful event has occurred. In fact, filing a car insurance claim only requires a few simple steps. Follow this guide if you ever have to file an auto insurance claim.
- Report any accidents: You'll want to call the police right away to report any traffic accidents.
- Seek medical help fast: You'll also want to get medical help for any injured parties ASAP.
- Call your North Carolina agent: Your North Carolina independent insurance agent can offer any help you need with the claims process and update their records regarding your coverage.
- Schedule a rental car: If your car insurance includes coverage for a rental vehicle, you can arrange for one directly through them.
- Schedule an evaluation: You'll also need to have an insurance adjuster from your carrier evaluate your vehicle's damage so they can determine your claim amount.
A North Carolina independent insurance agent can handle the entire car insurance claims process for you. If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, keep this guide handy if you ever have to file a car insurance claim.
How does your city measure up to the national average?
National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min
National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year
National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year
| City | Commute time (min) | Auto theft rate per 1,000 | Annual insurance cost |
| Asheville | 17.9 | 5.75 | $738 |
| Burlington | 21.1 | 2.61 | $736 |
| Cary | 23.3 | 0.45 | $1,102 |
| Chapel Hill | 19.8 | 0.59 | $1,054 |
| Durham | 22.9 | 2.7 | $1,416 |
| Fayetteville | 19.3 | 1.84 | $1,645 |
| Greensboro | 21.2 | 3.31 | $1,267 |
| Greenville | 18.3 | 1.21 | $877 |
| Hickory | 19.6 | 3.61 | $1,260 |
| High Point | 20.8 | 3.53 | $1,279 |
| Raleigh | 24 | 1.57 | $1,118 |
| Rocky Mount | 21.5 | 2.03 | $1,067 |
| Wilmington | 18.6 | 2.07 | $1,298 |
| Winston-Salem | 20.9 | 2.96 | $1,150 |
North Carolina Car Insurance FAQs
In North Carolina, the average current rate of car insurance is about $986 per year or $82.17 per month.
North Carolina requires all resident drivers to at least be equipped with the following types and amounts of car insurance by state law:
- $30,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability
- $30,000 of uninsured motorist coverage per person, $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 of uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident
What your North Carolina car insurance covers depends on what you put into your policy. You're at least required by state law to carry bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Currently, 6.5% of North Carolina drivers are uninsured. This is only half of the current US average, which is 13% of all drivers in the country.
Our research found that Erie and Nationwide are the best car insurance companies in North Carolina currently. We selected these winners based on customer reviews, policy options and costs, discounts offered, official ratings, and more.
No, North Carolina is actually known as an "at-fault" or "tort" state for car insurance. This means that the victim in a car accident will go through the at-fault driver's car insurance to get reimbursed for damages.
Car insurance follows the car in North Carolina. This means that if someone who didn't have car insurance borrowed a car from someone who did have an auto insurance policy, they would be covered under the policy of the vehicle's owner.
Driving without car insurance in North Carolina can result in fees of between $50 and $150. Driving without car insurance is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor by the state of North Carolina. Those found guilty of this offense can serve jail time or be ordered to face a 45-day probation.
No, North Carolina is not one of the few US states that allows drivers to self-insure their vehicles. You'll need to purchase car insurance from a local carrier if you live and drive in North Carolina.
Do You Know What Your Car Insurance Covers in North Carolina?
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https://www.motor1.com/products-services/auto-insurance/automobile-self-insurance/
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