Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte, North Carolina (Nov 2024)

Written by R.E. Fulton and 2 others
Dec 2, 2024
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Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte, North Carolina (Nov 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance in Charlotte

On average, auto insurance in Charlotte costs about $88 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $137 per month for full coverage insurance. Charlotte drivers pay 5% less than the North Carolina average.

Each month, Jerry helps thousands of wise car insurance shoppers in Charlotte compare and buy car insurance easily and efficiently. Here are some of the cheapest Charlotte car insurance quotes we found.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Dairyland $242 27 28262 Hyundai Sonata Se State Minimum Yes
Progressive $92 51 28208 Jeep Commander 50/100 No
National General $89 25 28215 Honda Odyssey Exl 50/100 Yes
Progressive $186 53 28212 Dodge Journey Se 100/300 Yes
Dairyland $244 57 28208 Honda Accord Lx 100/300 Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Charlotte

To find out which insurance company offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Charlotte (and throughout the country), Jerry surveyed 15,000 policyholders—the largest insurance shopping survey in the nation.

Here’s what we found: There isn’t a single provider that offers the best rates for every driver, which makes sense considering the plethora of factors and formulas that make car insurance rates vary person-to-person and insurer to insurer.

The best way to pin down the most affordable car insurance rates is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers. Rates aren’t all there are to consider either—claims handling and customer service practices matter, too!

State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, and Liberty Mutual are each popular insurers in Charlotte. But the right insurer for you will depend on both personal preferences and details like your age and driving history. Here’s a look at how Charlotte drivers rated some popular insurers on a scale of 0 to 5.

Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Progressive4.44.13.54.4
USAA4.33.74.84.3
State Farm4.23.34.74.3
Geico4.13.73.74.2
Liberty Mutual3.93.23.73.8

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Charlotte

As per North Carolina’s insurance laws, all drivers in Charlotte must carry the state’s minimum liability coverage along with uninsured motorist coverage. In an at-fault state like NC, full coverage can help better financially protect your vehicle from damage.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Charlotte

To legally drive and register a vehicle in Charlotte, you must purchase North Carolina’s minimum liability coverage requirements—at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $25,000 in property damage liability per accident.

This sequence of coverage is commonly referred to as 30/60/25 and will cover you up to those limits if you’re at fault for another driver’s injuries or property damage in an accident.

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Charlotte?

North Carolina’s minimum liability coverage is fairly low, so Charlotte drivers may want to consider higher limits or additional coverage.

It’s not uncommon for another driver’s medical expenses or a totaled car to result in costs of more than $40,000 after an accident—which can easily exceed that 30/60/25 limit.

The bottom line: To keep yourself and your wallet protected, you should consider full coverage insurance, 50/100/50 liability coverage, or 100/300/100 liability coverage.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Charlotte

To protect yourself from the costs of repairing or replacing your car in the event of an at-fault accident, full coverage car insurance is your best—and only—option.

Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage:

  • Collision coverage deals with the cost of fixing or replacing your car after an accident
  • Comprehensive coverage kicks in if your car is stolen or damaged by a non-collision incident

Lenders typically require collision and comprehensive coverage for a leased vehicle.

The table below shows some recent examples of the cheapest full coverage policies that Jerry’s agents helped our Charlotte customers obtain.

Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
State Minimum Yes Dairyland $242 27 28262 Hyundai Sonata Se
50/100 No Progressive $92 51 28208 Jeep Commander
50/100 Yes National General $89 25 28215 Honda Odyssey Exl
100/300 Yes Progressive $186 53 28212 Dodge Journey Se
100/300 Yes Dairyland $244 57 28208 Honda Accord Lx
Last Updated Nov, 2024

The best way to find the coverage you need at the best price in Charlotte is to compare rates from multiple companies. Jerry, a top insurance agency, offers a free app that streamlines this process, delivering quick quote comparisons and support from a network of over 100 licensed insurance agents.

Average cost of car insurance in Charlotte

After working with thousands of auto insurance policyholders in Charlotte, we’ve found that the average cost of minimum liability coverage is $88 per month or $1,056 per year. The average cost of full coverage insurance in Charlotte is $137 per month or $1,650 per year.

Average car insurance expenses can help you estimate potential insurance costs—but each driver’s insurance premium will be different. Your coverage type, driving history, zip code, vehicle make and model, age, and claims history will all impact your rate.

In Charlotte, insurance rates for minimum liability coverage typically start at around $88 per month while full coverage can cost closer to $137 per month. That said, costs can vary hundreds of dollars based on each driver’s specific profile.

Average cost of car insurance in Charlotte by zip code

Because accident rates and crime and theft statistics can vary by location within the same city, different zip codes in Charlotte may see different rates. If your neighborhood files more claims than others, insurers may flag your zip code as “high risk” and increase rates accordingly.

Here are some car insurance quotes Charlotte drivers received in different neighborhoods.

Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
28202$84$178
28205$71$154
28206$108$158
28208$90$146
28209$91$133
28210$57$133
28212$66$155
28213$69$153
28214$83$141
28215$106$164
28216$87$167
28217$85$183
28226$83$168
28227$81$145
28262$94$181
28269$40$139
28270$105$146
28273$75$144
28277$80$143
28278$77$147

Car insurance quotes in Charlotte by rating factors

Insurance companies in Charlotte use multiple factors to determine your car insurance rate:

  • Your driving record and claims history: Safe drivers with clean driving records and zero insurance claims are typically quoted the lowest rates.
  • Where you keep and drive your car: Rates are usually higher for those who live in areas with higher crime rates and more claims filed. This can vary by zip code within the same city.
  • The kind of car you have: Minimum liability insurance and full coverage are more costly for high-tech, luxury, high-performance, and sports cars.
  • How you use your car: If you only use your vehicle for leisurely driving, your car insurance rates will be lower than if you drive to and from work daily.
  • Your credit score: A higher credit score can bring down your rates.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Charlotte after driving violations

Your driving history—including any tickets or accidents—will impact your auto insurance premium. A history of violations or at-fault accidents can indicate a higher risk level, which will result in higher rates. Some typical traffic violations that can impact your rates include:

  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accidents
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving with a suspended license

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte after speeding ticket

Not all speeding violations are the same; after all, driving 20 mph over the speed limit is more serious than 6 mph over the speed limit.

While having a speeding ticket on your record will usually leave you with a more expensive premium, shopping around for auto insurance quotes can still help you find the best rates for your situation.

Jerry has helped many Charlotte drivers find cheaper rates on car insurance—even with tickets on their records!

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding 6-10 Progressive $230 25 28262 Hyundai Elantra N Line State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Major Progressive $236 39 28215 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited S 50/100 No
Speeding Violation-Minor National General $46 26 28269 Kia Forte Lx State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Major National General $513 24 28217 Chevrolet Malibu Ls 50/100 Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Dairyland $56 25 28210 Hyundai Accent Se State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte after DUI

With a DUI on your driving record, most insurance companies in Charlotte will quote you higher-than-average rates. To secure the best rate after a DUI offense, it’s important to gather quotes from various providers.

Jerry frequently helps drivers score savings on their auto insurance after a DUI.

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte after an at-fault accident

Insurance companies use your history of at-fault accidents to assess your risk level. Recent at-fault accidents or numerous claims can significantly raise your premiums.

North Carolina is an at-fault state. If you were deemed at-fault in a collision, your car insurance rates could skyrocket by as much as 15%—possibly more.

Jerry has still helped Charlotte drivers save on car insurance with at-fault accidents on their driving record.

Accident type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Not At Fault Progressive $186 53 28212 Dodge Journey Se 100/300 Yes
Not At Fault Dairyland $191 33 28212 Ford Escape Se State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $236 39 28215 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited S 50/100 No
Not At Fault National General $46 26 28269 Kia Forte Lx State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Dairyland $165 27 28273 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overl State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte after other driving violations

Speeding tickets and DUIs are serious, but they aren’t the only violations that can increase your car insurance premiums. Reckless or careless driving, driving without insurance, or driving without a valid license can all hike up your car insurance rates in Charlotte, too.

Browse the table below to see how Jerry has helped drivers save on their car insurance after serious violations.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Suspension National General $440 27 28269 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Lar State Minimum Yes
Failure To Observe A Safety Zone National General $394 28 28211 Kia Forte Lx State Minimum Yes
Ticket Violation Not Listed Progressive $691 28 28205 Subaru Forester 2.5I State Minimum No
Defective Equipment Progressive $390 33 28278 Toyota Camry Base State Minimum No
Other Minor Dairyland $177 37 28278 Bmw X4 Xdrive 28I State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Charlotte by age

Young drivers with minimal driving experience tend to pay higher premiums, even with a clean driving record. Senior drivers in their mid-70s also face higher insurance rates.

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte for young drivers

Teen drivers from ages 16 to 19 typically pay the highest rates for car insurance in Charlotte. This is because teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents due to their limited driving experience.

It’s therefore a good idea to ensure teen drivers have the protection of full coverage insurance—especially if they’re driving a newer vehicle. To keep those teen car insurance rates lower, consider keeping young drivers on a parent or guardian’s policy.

Cheapest car insurance in Charlotte for senior drivers

Although they have a wider range of driving experience, senior drivers are more likely to get into car accidents that result in serious injuries and high medical bills. For this reason, older drivers may see a rise in their insurance rates once they reach 70 to 75 years old.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Charlotte based on insurance history

Whether you are currently insured—and have been consistently insured over time—can impact your car insurance rates. Any lapse in your insurance coverage can lead to higher premiums.

Jerry sends helpful payment reminders to qualifying customers to ensure on-time payments and avoid coverage lapses.

Uninsured customers and drivers with lapses in coverage can still find savings on their new policies with Jerry.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Charlotte for drivers with poor credit

In North Carolina, insurance companies use credit scores as a risk predictor for policyholders. While your credit rating isn’t a direct indicator of your driving habits, statistics show that individuals with low credit scores are more likely to file claims than those with high credit scores.

Jerry’s data shows that the average car insurance rate for drivers with credit scores over 750 is lower than rates for drivers with credit scores below 550.

Here’s how drivers with low credit scores saved with Jerry.

Credit Range
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
660-750 Dairyland $242 27 28262 Hyundai Sonata Se State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $92 51 28208 Jeep Commander 50/100 No
660-750 National General $89 25 28215 Honda Odyssey Exl 50/100 Yes
550-659 Progressive $186 53 28212 Dodge Journey Se 100/300 Yes
<550 Dairyland $244 57 28208 Honda Accord Lx 100/300 Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Insurance providers take your vehicle’s make and model into account when determining your car insurance rate. High-tech features, safety technology, pricey parts, and the likelihood of theft will contribute to either raising or lowering your premium.

Popular car models in Charlotte include:

  • Ford F-150
  • Chevy Silverado
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota Camry
  • Dodge RAM 1500

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Popular Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Toyota Camry L Progressive $403 19 28213 State Minimum No
Toyota Camry L Progressive $692 18 28216 50/100 Yes
Toyota Camry Base Progressive $390 33 28278 State Minimum No
Toyota Camry National General $75 33 28215 State Minimum Yes
Ford F-150 Dairyland $161 27 28277 100/300 Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Charlotte

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Each insurance company uses different methods to calculate your premium—methods that shift and change with time, too! Because of this, the best strategy for securing the most affordable rates is to compare quotes from at least three different insurers and shop for new quotes every six months.

Luckily, Jerry can take all the hard work out of this process. In just 45 seconds, Jerry analyzes quotes from a pool of over 55 top insurers to pinpoint the best premiums available to you. Even better: Jerry provides this service completely free of charge!

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

You can also shop for car insurance discounts as you shop for car insurance quotes. Most insurers have several discounts available, the most common of which include:

  • Bundling home and auto insurance: You can usually take a percentage off multiple insurance types by purchasing policies through the same insurer. This also typically works with auto and renters insurance.
  • Good student discounts: Drivers who are full-time students in high school or college with a B average or better may luck out with lower car insurance rates.
  • Telematics discounts: Some insurers use telematics apps to track your driving practices and offer discounts for safe driving—or even just signing up!
  • Defensive driver discounts: If you’re over 55, you can often cut costs on your premiums by completing a state-approved defensive driver course.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

To make your monthly payments more manageable, it may make sense to increase your deductibles for your comprehensive and collision coverage. This is especially true if you tend to drive safely or if your personal savings could accommodate higher out-of-pocket repair costs.


FAQ

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MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
R.E. Fulton
  • Licensed Insurance Agent

R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Lina Zhang

Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.

Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.

Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.

Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.