How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in North Carolina
Popular car insurance companies may be well known, but there isn’t a single provider that offers the best rates for every driver. To find the most affordable car insurance rates, you’ll need to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers.
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $44 | Lawrence, 42, Mill Spring, NC | Nissan Altima S | State Minimum | No |
| National General | $119 | Lottie, 38, Weldon, NC | Kia Optima Ex | State Minimum | Yes |
| National General | $71 | Andrew, 36, Charlotte, NC | Ford Escape Sel | State Minimum | No |
| Progressive | $60 | Nell, 51, Harrisburg, NC | Honda Odyssey Elite | State Minimum | No |
| Safeco | $267 | Christina, 62, Carolina Beach, NC | Kia Soul + | 50/100 | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina
To find out which insurance company offers the cheapest car insurance rates in North Carolina and throughout the country, Jerry surveyed 15,000 policyholders—the largest insurance shopping survey in the nation.
| Insurance Company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| National General | October 30, 2024 | 5 | “Cheap, professional, and very quick on sending me my id card” -Henry |
| Root | October 22, 2024 | 5 | “I love my insurance with Farm Bureau NC. I had Progressive in CA but went back when I moved to back to NC.” -Ellen |
| Amica | October 22, 2024 | 5 | “Saved me literally hundreds to switch, and didn’t take much time. Can’t get better than that.” -Ruby |
| Allstate | October 20, 2024 | 5 | “Allstate offers competitive rates as well as great perks for good drivers. “ -Annie |
| AAA | October 18, 2024 | 5 | “for roadside assistance and above average customer service. “ -Esther |
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.
The best way to find the coverage you need at the best price is to compare rates from multiple companies. Jerry offers a free app that streamlines this process, delivering quick quote comparisons and support from a network of over 100 licensed insurance agents.
Minimum liability and full coverage insurance requirements in North Carolina
As per North Carolina’s insurance laws, all drivers in North Carolina must carry the state’s minimum liability coverage along with uninsured motorist coverage. In an at-fault state like NC, full coverage can help protect your vehicle from damage.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in North Carolina
To legally drive and register a vehicle in North Carolina, you must purchase the state’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.
Do you need more than minimum coverage in North Carolina ?
North Carolina’s minimum liability coverage is fairly low, so you may want higher limits or additional coverage.
If an at-fault accident were to occur, you could be held liable for medical expenses and repairs that exceed the 30/60/25 limit. Serious injuries to another person or a totaled car could result in costs of more than $40,000.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in North Carolina
To protect yourself from the costs of repairing or replacing your car in the event of an at-fault accident, full coverage 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 customers obtain.
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $44 | Lawrence, 42, Mill Spring, NC | Nissan Altima S |
| State Minimum | Yes | National General | $119 | Lottie, 38, Weldon, NC | Kia Optima Ex |
| State Minimum | No | National General | $71 | Andrew, 36, Charlotte, NC | Ford Escape Sel |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $60 | Nell, 51, Harrisburg, NC | Honda Odyssey Elite |
| 50/100 | Yes | Safeco | $267 | Christina, 62, Carolina Beach, NC | Kia Soul + |
Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in North Carolina
After working with thousands of auto insurance policyholders in the Tar Heel State, we’ve found that the average cost of minimum liability coverage is $242 per month or $2,908 per year. The average cost of full coverage insurance is $174 per month or $3,144 per year in NC.
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, location, vehicle make and model, age, and claims history will all impact your rate.
Other types of North Carolina auto insurance
You might wish to bump up your coverage with some of the following options:
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Towing and labor
- Rental reimbursement coverage
- Gap coverage
- Non-owner car insurance
If you have a loan on a recently-purchased car: Think about adding gap insurance to your policy. If your vehicle is stolen or deemed a total loss, gap insurance will cover you if you owe more than the car is worth.
Learn more: Types of insurance
Car insurance premium by rating factors
Insurance companies in North Carolina 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 and drive in high-density cities. ZIP codes within the same city can also have an impact on your premium.
- 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 on a daily basis.
Cheapest North Carolina car insurance after a driving violation
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.
Cheapest car insurance for North Carolina drivers with a speeding ticket
There are varying levels of speeding that incur more serious repercussion with higher levels:
- 1-5 mph over limit
- 6-10 mph over limit
- 11-15 mph over limit
- 16-20 mph over limit
- 21+ mph over limit
A speeding ticket on your driving record will typically affect your car insurance rates. See how Jerry has helped drivers with speeding tickets find lower insurance rates.
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1-5 | Safeco | $143 | Cecilia, 29, Lillington, NC | 100/300 | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Major | Progressive | $119 | Todd, 26, Kings Mountain, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Major | National General | $361 | Leonard, 24, Raleigh, NC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 1-5 | Progressive | $294 | Nell, 29, Morrisville, NC | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $293 | Gussie, 22, Pleasant Hill, NC | State Minimum | No |
Cheapest auto insurance in North Carolina after a DUI
With a DUI on your driving record, most insurance companies 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.
North Carolina SR-22 insurance
In most states, high-risk drivers must file an SR-22 after a serious violation like a DUI. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you carry at least the minimum required insurance.
In North Carolina, high-risk drivers need to file a DL-123 to get their license reinstated instead. You usually need a DL-123 filings are usually required for the following reasons:
- DUI or DWI conviction
- Driving without insurance
- Repeated traffic violations within a short period
- Multiple at-fault collisions
Cheapest North Carolina auto Insurance 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.
|
Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $60 | Nell, 51, Harrisburg, NC | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Safeco | $267 | Christina, 62, Carolina Beach, NC | 50/100 | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | National General | $175 | Augusta, 24, Jacksonville, NC | 50/100 | Yes |
| Not At Fault | National General | $188 | Lester, 32, Charlotte, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With Injury | Safeco | $143 | Cecilia, 29, Lillington, NC | 100/300 | Yes |
FAQ
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Is Utah an at-fault state?
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in North Carolina
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 North Carolina.
Browse the table below to see how Jerry has helped drivers save on their car insurance after serious violations.
|
Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Minor | Safeco | $352 | May, 26, Rose Hill, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Improper Passing | National General | $201 | Kate, 31, Charlotte, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Failure to show documents | Dairyland | $64 | Alfred, 31, Concord, NC | State Minimum | No |
| Improper Passing | Progressive | $64 | Marcus, 34, Greensboro, NC | State Minimum | No |
| DUI | Progressive | $437 | Johanna, 37, Tabor City, NC | State Minimum | No |
How to find cheap North Carolina car insurance after a car insurance lapse
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.
Cheapest North Carolina car insurance 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.
|
Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550-659 | Progressive | $44 | Lawrence, 42, Mill Spring, NC | Nissan Altima S | State Minimum | No |
| 550-659 | National General | $119 | Lottie, 38, Weldon, NC | Kia Optima Ex | State Minimum | Yes |
| 660-750 | National General | $71 | Andrew, 36, Charlotte, NC | Ford Escape Sel | State Minimum | No |
| 750+ | Progressive | $60 | Nell, 51, Harrisburg, NC | Honda Odyssey Elite | State Minimum | No |
How to find cheap auto insurance in North Carolina for your 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 typically face higher insurance rates.
Cheapest North Carolina car insurance for young drivers
Teen drivers from ages 16 to 19 typically pay the highest rates for car insurance in North Carolina.
Teen drivers are more likely to get into accidents due to their limited driving experience, so it’s a good idea to ensure they have full coverage insurance—especially if they’re driving a newer vehicle.
Cheapest North Carolina car insurance 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.
Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
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 North Carolina include:
- Ford F-150
- Chevy Silverado
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota Camry
- Dodge RAM 1500
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | Progressive | $202 | Ray, 23, Rocky Mount, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Ram 1500 Big Horn | National General | $153 | Sylvia, 29, Raleigh, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Ltz | Progressive | $581 | Theodore, 22, Belhaven, NC | 50/100 | Yes |
| Ford F-150 | Dairyland | $257 | Flora, 27, Concord, NC | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Ltz | Progressive | $433 | Robert, 37, Hollister, NC | 100/300 | Yes |
LEARN MORE: How to get car insurance before buying a car
Car insurance cost for new vs. old car
Newer vehicles typically include pricier parts, updated tech, and savvy safety features that make them more expensive to insure than older cars.
On average, full cover insurance for a vehicle 10 years or older costs$1,972 in North Carolina. Newer vehicles of four years or less average $1,530 for full coverage.
North Carolina cheapest car insurance by location
Population density, accident rates, crime and theft statistics, and weather patterns in your town or city all affect your premiums. Your ZIP code can even cause variation.
Scan the table below to see how Jerry Insurance Agency helps drivers in different North Carolina cities find affordable rates.
|
City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mill Spring, NC | Lawrence | Progressive | $44 | Nissan Altima S | State Minimum | No |
| Weldon, NC | Lottie | National General | $119 | Kia Optima Ex | State Minimum | Yes |
| Charlotte, NC | Andrew | National General | $71 | Ford Escape Sel | State Minimum | No |
| Harrisburg, NC | Nell | Progressive | $60 | Honda Odyssey Elite | State Minimum | No |
| Carolina Beach, NC | Christina | Safeco | $267 | Kia Soul + | 50/100 | Yes |
| Elizabeth City, NC | Mattie | National General | $204 | Nissan Kicks S | State Minimum | Yes |
| Jacksonville, NC | Augusta | National General | $175 | Tesla Model 3 | 50/100 | Yes |
| Charlotte, NC | Lester | National General | $188 | Gmc Acadia Sle | State Minimum | Yes |
| Lillington, NC | Cecilia | Safeco | $143 | Chevrolet Impala Ls | 100/300 | Yes |
| Marion, NC | Maria | Progressive | $43 | Dodge Journey Se | State Minimum | No |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in North Carolina
There are more than a few ways you can lower your insurance expenses in North Carolina. Take a look at these suggestions from Jerry’s team of licensed insurance agents:
- Shop around: Collect and compare quotes from different providers.
- Bundle policies: For a multi-policy discount, bundle your car insurance with homeowners insurance.
- Ask about discounts: You may be eligible for insurance discounts, such as good student discounts, good driver discounts, discounts for completing a defensive driving course, low mileage discounts, safe driver discounts with the use of a telematics app, discounts for anti-theft devices, etc.
- Raise your deductible: Increase your deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Improve your credit: Higher credit scores typically result in lower insurance rates.
Why does car insurance cost this much in North Carolina
The following factors can result in higher-than-average insurance premiums in North Carolina:
- High population rates: North Carolina is home to over 10 million people.4
- Uninsured drivers: 7.4% of drivers in North Carolina are uninsured, which is fairly high compared to their population count.
- Expensive healthcare: High healthcare costs in North Carolina impact car insurance rates.
- Higher highway density: North Carolina is filled with drivers that frequently crowd roads and highways.
- Car theft rates: In 2021, 20,520 vehicles were stolen in North Carolina.
FAQ
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Is car insurance cheaper in North Carolina?
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Who has the best cheap car insurance in North Carolina?
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What is he minimum car insurance required in North Carolina?
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Do you need insurance required in North Carolina?
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Can you car get towed for no insurance in North Carolina?
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Does insurance follow the car or the driver in North Carolina?
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What does full coverage car insurance consist of in North Carolina?
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Can you have out-of-state car insurance in North Carolina?
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Can you have both PIP and MedPay in North Carolina?
Sources
- https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/bill/no-insurance-while-drivingtow-vehicle-0 ↩︎
- https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/faqs-about-auto-insurance ↩︎
- https://getjerry.com/ ↩︎
- https://www.dodgejones.com/med-pay.html ↩︎
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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.
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.
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.
