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

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.

Compare car insurance quotes now

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 provide	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.

Josh Damico

VP Insurance Operations, 18+ Years Experience in Insurance

A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.

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

"I’ve had nothing but a great experience with National General! The customer service staff is very amazing and they’re easy to contact—also, I feel as if I have the best deal for my car insurance!"

Ashanti

| Verified Jerry Customer

Lower my car insurance too!

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

Compare car insurance costs in other states

Virginia car insurance

South Carolina car insurance

West Virginia car insurance

Maryland car insurance

Delaware car insurance

Kentucky car insurance

Georgia car insurance

Ohio car insurance

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.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Raleigh?

Allowed (with applicable limitations): Driving experience, marital status, zip code, credit history, occupation, employment status, insurance history.

Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Gender, age, education.

Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in Raleigh:

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 motorists 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

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

MORE:

How different kinds of cars affect your car insurance rates

Finding cheap car insurance in Raleigh: Hear from real drivers

Everyone can find lower car insurance rates—it’s just about knowing where to start. With Jerry, you can search dozens of customized quotes from some of the best car insurance companies in the industry. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what real Jerry customers had to say about their experience with the app:

I was able to get the same insurance for much less, and had lots of help dealing with my old carrier. Fair pricing and easy process, would recommend. Left old carrier after almost ten years for this one.

Barrett

Very simple—they get things done and customer service is great.

Zahra

It gave me the low price that I was looking for!

Shanihya

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.

Compare car insurance quotes now

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.

MORE:

11 Ways to lower car insurance

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.

MORE:

How to choose a car insurance deductible

FAQ

How much is car insurance in Raleigh, NC?

Raleigh car insurance costs an average of $41 per month or $495 per year for the minimum coverage required in North Carolina. It costs about $113 per month or $1,358 per year to buy

full coverage

in the city.

Why is car insurance so expensive in North Carolina?

The reasons why car insurance is so expensive in North Carolina include the state's population density, traffic patterns, and frequency of accidents. Plus, the Old North State is experiencing an increase in severe weather events, which leave high property damages in their wake.

Who’s offering the cheapest car insurance?

No single provider offers the cheapest car insurance to every driver, but Jerry recommends you start your search with

State Auto

. According to our survey—which asked over 15,000 verified policyholders to rate their insurer—

State Auto

’s policy costs scored a winning 4.9 out of 5.0.

What’s the cheapest car insurance for new drivers in North Carolina?

The cheapest car insurance for new drivers in North Carolina is state minimum coverage, which costs an average of $1,388 per year for drivers aged 18-21. The minimum coverage may be cheaper, but it’s not recommended; a

full-coverage auto insurance policy

will pay for any mistakes a new driver can make.

How much is the average car insurance per month in North Carolina?

The average car insurance costs $75 per month in North Carolina, totaling about $911 per year. More specifically, you’ll pay about $42 per month (or $510 per year) for minimum coverage and $109 per month (or $1,312 per year) for

full coverage

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes and conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). All average quote data is based on rates for single drivers with a clean record and a single car between the ages of 35 and 65.

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.

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.

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://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://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

Meet our experts

Jasmine Kanter

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

Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

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.

Josh Damico

Head Of Insurance Operations

18+ Years Experience in Insurance

Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.

*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.