Best car insurance companies in Raleigh
The best auto insurance company isn’t necessarily the most popular—so before you make a beeline to State Farm car insurance in Raleigh, take a moment to think. Whether it’s affordable rates, excellent customer service, or reliable claims processing, you need to know what you want before you can get it.
The most budget-friendly car insurance provider in town also depends on your driver profile. Factors like your age, vehicle type, and driving record, and more influence your insurance costs. Even if two drivers shared all three, they probably wouldn’t get the same State Farm car insurance quotes in Raleigh.
Jerry’s national insurance shopping survey—which asked over 15,000 verified policyholders to rate their providers—shows that the biggest names don’t always offer top-notch service or pocket-friendly prices. For example, the smaller Safeco outperformed both Allstate and Progressive car insurance in Raleigh, NC.
Jerry lets you browse both ratings and quotes, from AAA to USAA car insurance in Raleigh, NC. According to Jerry’s expert research, here’s what you’ll pay for the highest-rated coverage in North Carolina.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $28 | $126 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| State Auto | $31 | $119 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Nationwide | $31 | $90 | 4.3 | 4.7 |
| Safeco | $43 | $157 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| National General | $51 | $91 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Progressive | $52 | $126 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
| Allstate | $58 | $191 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
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.
How to find the cheapest car insurance in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina has been featured on many news pages for its booming tourism. According to Tourism Economics, those visiting Raleigh spent approximately $3.0 billion in 2022, prompting a 26% increase from 20211. However, despite its trendiness, Raleigh’s smaller population of 470,000 helps maintain relatively low car insurance rates for its residents.
In Raleigh, the typical minimum coverage car insurance policy costs about $41 per month or $495 per year. If you decide to go for a full coverage car insurance policy, you’ll have to pay around $113 per month or $1,358 per year.
On average, Raleigh drivers pay only 1% more for car insurance compared to the state average—however, when it comes to the national average, drivers in Raleigh pay approximately 57% less for car insurance. Here’s a more detailed breakdown on city, state, and national averages.
| Coverage type | Raleigh, NC | North Carolina | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $41 | $43 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $113 | $109 | $165 |
Jerry helps budget-conscious drivers in Raleigh shop for car insurance with free quotes and comparisons. Start by creating a detailed personal profile. Once all the applicable information is filled out, you can run dozens of tailored quotes from some of the top providers in your area.
Best cheap auto insurance quotes in Raleigh
Following North Carolina’s car insurance laws means buying liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. As for amounts, Jerry’s expert insurance agents recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 liability insurance paired with full coverage.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Raleigh
There are three essential types of insurance coverage for drivers in North Carolina, including Raleigh. They include:
- Liability car insurance pays for any bodily injuries or property damages you cause while driving.
- Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) pays the medical bills for you or your passengers after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver or a hit-and-run.
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) covers property damages caused by an uninsured driver at fault.
You also have to carry the right amount of each type of coverage. In North Carolina, the minimum coverage rule is 30/60/25 (plus 30/60 and 25):
- $30,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
- $30,000 of UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 of UM/UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
- $25,000 of UMPD per accident2
While the state minimum is relatively cheap in Raleigh, drivers can continue to lower their premium costs with these top insurers:
| Insurance provider | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Annual minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $28 | $337 |
| State Auto | $30 | $367 |
| Nationwide | $30 | $368 |
| Safeco | $42 | $511 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Raleigh?
Raleigh motorists should strongly consider raising their liability, UM/UIM, and UMPD limits. Based on data from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, the number of accidents from 2016 to 2021 increased from 267,494 to 276,026, with over 74,639 resulting in serious injuries3.
Keep in mind that North Carolina’s car accident laws make the at-fault driver responsible for paying the injured party’s bills. If your negligence causes a severe injury or results in a total loss, the total expenses could easily exceed $40,000—well beyond the 30/60/25 limit.
The bottom line: A full-coverage auto insurance policy with double or triple the minimum liability, UM/UIM, and UMPD limits provides the best protection for your wallet.
Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Raleigh
Repairing or replacing your vehicle could cost thousands of dollars unless you have a full-coverage auto insurance policy. Unlike liability insurance—which pays for other people’s medical expenses and property damages—full coverage is for your benefit.
In North Carolina, full coverage car insurance includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for vehicle repairs or a replacement after impact with another vehicle or stationary object.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for vehicle repairs or a replacement after extreme weather incidents, theft, and other non-accident-related damages.
Although a full coverage policy is not mandated in North Carolina, it’s not entirely optional for everybody—most lenders will ask you to buy collision and comprehensive coverage if you lease or loan your vehicle. If you’re seeking a more robust policy, these providers typically offer cheaper than average rates for full coverage:
| Insurance provider | Monthly full coverage cost | Annual full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $90 | $1,085 |
| National General | $90 | $1,088 |
| Kemper | $109 | $1,311 |
| State Auto | $119 | $1,432 |
Average cost of car insurance in Raleigh
Raleigh car insurance costs about $77 per month and $926 per year on average. Minimum coverage starts at $41 per month (or $495 per year), while full coverage goes up to $113 per month (or $1,358 per year).
Compared to the national average, these numbers are relatively cheap. However, drivers still pay slightly more than the state average. Here are a few things that make Raleigh car insurance rates a mixed bag:
- Average traffic: Raleigh is the 104th most-congested city in the US, with commuters losing about 14 hours every year to traffic.4
- Deadly driving: There were approximately 68,877 crashes in Raleigh in 2021, with around 110 resulting in fatalities. As a result, Raleigh was ranked the 10th city in North Carolina for crashes in 20215.
- Extreme weather: While Wake County suffers occasional hurricanes and storms, it has little to fear from tornadoes and earthquakes.6
- Good driving manners: Raleigh took the middle place on Consumer Affairs’ list of cities with the worst drivers—not the worst, but with room for improvement.7
- Growing population: Raleigh’s population has skyrocketed by nearly 70% since 2020, which increases the number of drivers on the road and car accidents.8
- Motor vehicle thefts: North Carolina’s motor vehicle theft rate has climbed an astonishing 49% since 2015, a trend which prompts insurers to raise prices on comprehensive coverage.9
Average cost of car insurance in Raleigh by ZIP code
Auto insurance providers in Raleigh need your ZIP code to know exactly how much traffic, crime, and extreme weather your neighborhood experiences. All three will affect your auto insurance rates.
Jerry researched how living in the three cheapest/most expensive ZIP codes in Raleigh can affect your average annual premiums:
| ZIP code | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 27613 | $58 |
| 27608 | $61 |
| 27616 | $65 |
| 27601 | $93 |
| 27699 | $108 |
| 27605 | $137 |
Car insurance quotes in Raleigh by rating factors
When providers calculate your insurance premiums, they look at your driver profile, which comprises rating factors such as:
- Your credit score: A high credit rating generally leads to lower rates because it indicates you paid your bills on time.
- Your driving record and claims history: Insurance companies charge higher premiums if you have a history of accidents or tickets on your record.
- Your location: Your rates change depending on whether you live in a rural area, an urban one, or a neighborhood prone to theft or car accidents.
- Your mileage: If you use your car to commute to work, expect to pay higher insurance premiums.
- Your vehicle make and model: Luxury, high-performance, and sports cars usually come with higher costs for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Raleigh after driving violations
Your North Carolina driving record—and any driver violation points on your driver’s license—tells car insurance companies how likely you are to get into trouble or file a claim. If you commit repeated small violations (or several serious ones), you’ll be branded a high-risk driver and subject to sky-high insurance rates.
Here are some violations that providers watch out for, and how each can impact your premiums:
- At-fault accidents
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving with a suspended driver’s license
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
Cheap car insurance in Raleigh after a speeding ticket
In North Carolina, over 24% of fatal crashes in the state were due to speeding10. While the consequences of a North Carolina speeding ticket depend on the severity of the offense, they all have one thing in common—they’ll significantly raise your car insurance rates.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | $99 | 29% |
| 6-10 | $148 | 92% |
| 11-15 | $164 | 113% |
For lower premiums, consider enrolling in telematics programs. Drivers who display good driving habits—such as cautious braking, following the speed limit, and careful turns—can earn discounts and rewards on their car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance in Raleigh after a DUI
Between 2021 and 2022, approximately 22.8% of fatal crashes in North Carolina were caused by drunk drivers11. As a result, a DUI charge in North Carolina leads to hefty fines, jail time, and a substantial increase in your annual premiums.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| DUI | $122 | 61% |
If you have a DUI on your driving record, you can achieve cheaper rates by completing a North Carolina DMV-approved defensive driving course. Upon completion, drivers are eligible to have up to 3 points removed from their driving record—and you could even become qualified for discounts!
Cheapest car insurance in Raleigh after an at-fault accident
North Carolina is an at-fault state, so if you cause a car accident, your insurance company must pay the damages. It passes these costs to you in the form of increased monthly premiums. Here’s how much you could pay, on average, for car insurance in Raleigh after an at-fault accident:
| Driving record | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $120 | 56% |
To keep rates low after an at-fault accident, start by shopping for car insurance with different providers. By comparing rates across several insurers, drivers can find the best deals for their profile—especially if they use Jerry.
Cheapest car insurance in Raleigh after other driving violations
Many other driving violations can raise your insurance costs, including careless driving, reckless driving charges, or driving without insurance. This is how your rates may change depending on the type of infraction or violation you have on your record:
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Defective equipment | $136 |
| Failure to obey signal | $170 |
| Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle | $187 |
| Illegal turn | $201 |
| Other major | $496 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Raleigh by age
New drivers typically pay higher car insurance premiums than seasoned ones because they’re more likely to be involved in car accidents. Teen drivers pay especially high rates, at least until they turn 25.
Afterward, drivers can look forward to declining insurance costs until they turn 75. At that point, rates tend to increase once again. Both groups of drivers need to look out for discounts and compare quotes to find the most cost-effective car insurance coverage for their age.
Cheap car insurance in Raleigh for young drivers
Statistically, drivers between 16 and 19 years old have a high risk of getting into a car accident. In fact, there were 13,973 reported crashes in 2021 involving teens in North Carolina. Of those crashes, 3,184 resulted in injuries and 36 were fatal12.
While North Carolina is taking steps to decrease the number of teen accidents in the state, being a young driver, or having a young driver on your policy, can still impact your car insurance rates. On average, here’s how much young motorists pay for coverage in Raleigh:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | $116 | $230 |
| 22-25 | $71 | $147 |
Comparing car insurance quotes for teen drivers can help you find low rates. You might also want to consider adding full coverage insurance to your policy to cover the mistakes of an inexperienced driver.
Cheap car insurance in Raleigh for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 25-44 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with minimum coverage rates seemingly rising again for drivers 45-54.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 26-34 | $52 | $121 |
| 35-44 | $41 | $93 |
| 45-54 | $43 | $91 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheap car insurance in Raleigh for senior drivers
Unfortunately, a lifetime of good driving habits can’t offset the rate increase older motorist experience. Senior drivers are more likely to get into car accidents and more likely to suffer severe injuries, too. Here’s what senior motorists pay, on average, for their car insurance policies in Raleigh:
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $39 | $81 |
| 65+ | $49 | $76 |
The best car insurance for seniors offers low-mileage discounts and savings for safe driving—and it always pays to compare quotes.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Raleigh based on insurance history
A car insurance lapse is any gap in your insurance history, i.e., a period of time when you didn’t have coverage. It doesn’t necessarily mean you drove uninsured, but insurance providers worry that it could have been caused by skipping payments or renewals, so they usually charge higher rates. Take a look at the average rate for coverage for a driver in Raleigh with a lapse on their record:
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $98 | 27% |
Cheap car insurance quotes for drivers with poor credit
Like the majority of other states, North Carolina car insurance providers use credit scores to calculate your car insurance rates. A good credit rating doesn’t necessarily make a good driver, but statistically, bad credit drivers make more frequent car insurance claims
The data shows that drivers with a high credit score in Raleigh (over 700) pay about 115% less than drivers with a low credit score (below 600).13
| Credit rating | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| < 600 | $90 |
| 601-699 | $76 |
| 700+ | $71 |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Raleigh for popular cars
The cheapest cars to insure have low repair costs, strong anti-theft measures, and high safety ratings. Not only are they inexpensive to fix or replace, but they also pose a lower risk of getting stolen or giving their occupants severe injuries.
But it’s not always the case. Check out some of the average rates for the most popular vehicles in Raleigh:
| Popular vehicle | Monthly coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $26 |
| Honda CR-V Sport | $55 |
| RAM 1500 Sport | $56 |
| Toyota Camry | $57 |
How to lower car insurance costs in Raleigh
1. Shop around and compare quotes
To guarantee the lowest costs, you must compare many car insurance quotes. Experts recommend going insurance shopping every six months and comparing prices from at least three providers.
Drivers can condense hours of research into a few minutes by using a quote comparison app like Jerry. Jerry collects and compares free quotes from top providers, showing you some of the cheapest rates for the type of insurance coverage you’re after.
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Every provider offers drivers a way to save money, but they don’t all offer the same car insurance discounts. You’ll have to call and ask your insurance company if they offer discounts like:
- Auto and home insurance bundles: You could also be eligible for a bundling discount if you combine two or more insurance products from the same company, such as homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance.
- Defensive driver discounts: North Carolina drivers over 55 can cut costs by completing a state-approved defensive driver course.
- Good student discounts: Full-time high school or college students with a B average or better may be eligible for discounts on their insurance.
- Telematics discounts: Drivers who install a telematics device in their car can rack up savings for safe driving behaviors.
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
Drivers with a full-coverage policy can reduce their rates by choosing a higher deductible. Just be sure you select an amount you can comfortably afford in the event of an accident.
FAQ
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How much is car insurance in Raleigh, NC?
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Why is car insurance so expensive in North Carolina?
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What’s the cheapest car insurance for new drivers in North Carolina?
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How much is the average car insurance per month in North Carolina?
Sources
- https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/raleigh/Raleigh_Tourism_Economic_Impact_2022_CLIENT_9f6b508d-3b61-4cfd-afb0-f9ec61b6a739.pdf ↩︎
- https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/insurance-requirements/Pages/default.aspx ↩︎
- https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2021%20Crash%20Facts.pdf ↩︎
- https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2021%20Crash%20Facts.pdf ↩︎
- https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2021%20Crash%20Facts.pdf ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Raleigh-North-Carolina.html ↩︎
- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/worst-drivers-in-america.html ↩︎
- https://www.city-data.com/city/Raleigh-North-Carolina.html ↩︎
- https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend ↩︎
- https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2021%20Crash%20Facts.pdf ↩︎
- https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2021%20Crash%20Facts.pdf ↩︎
- https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/driving-safety/Pages/teen-driver-safety.aspx ↩︎
- https://consumerfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Official-CFA-Credit-Score_2023-FINAL-REPORT.pdf ↩︎
Jasmine Kanter is a non-fiction writer specializing in comprehensive content that\\\\\\\’s accessible to beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Since joining the Jerry team, Jasmine has penned over 300 articles on car insurance requirements, driving tips, and car maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry, Jasmine worked as a graphic designer, storyboard artist, and French customer service representative. She enjoys collecting hobbies and babysitting ducks in her spare time.
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
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.
