How Much Is Car Insurance in North Carolina? (October 2024)


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Updated: October 10, 2024

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In North Carolina, drivers pay about $1,185 annually for full coverage car insurance. The average annual cost for minimum coverage is $567.

Your credit history, age, driving record and preferred coverage level influence your premium. Location also affects the price, as some areas have higher accident or theft rates.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed auto insurance rates in the state using the North Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services data.

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These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina as of October 2024.

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Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina

North Carolina's full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,185 annually. Knowing your state's average car insurance cost helps you assess the quotes you receive. Compare car insurance quotes to find an affordable plan that suits your needs.

Here's what you might pay for North Carolina auto insurance, from minimum to full coverage.

100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,185Average Monthly Premium$99
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$722Average Monthly Premium$60
State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$567Average Monthly Premium$47

Why Are Car Insurance Rates Moderate in North Carolina?

Car insurance in North Carolina is relatively affordable compared to the national average. The average annual premium for state minimum coverage in North Carolina is $567, cheaper than the national average of $619. The average annual premium for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible in North Carolina is $1,185, less expensive than the national figure of $1,337.

North Carolina's rates are moderate due to fewer uninsured drivers, less congested roadways, an effective state legal framework that helps reduce insurance fraud and a competitive insurance market that helps keep premiums low.

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by Company

Car insurance premiums can vary greatly by company, even within a state. North Carolina Farm Bureau offers the most affordable full coverage at $531 annually, while Kemper is the most expensive at $2,105 annually.

To find the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina, review and compare offers from different providers for minimum and full coverage policies.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
North Carolina Farm BureauAnnual Premium$531Monthly Premium$44
ErieAnnual Premium$631Monthly Premium$53
State FarmAnnual Premium$714Monthly Premium$59
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$820Monthly Premium$68
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,140Monthly Premium$95
National GeneralAnnual Premium$1,345Monthly Premium$112
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,442Monthly Premium$120
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,933Monthly Premium$161
KemperAnnual Premium$2,105Monthly Premium$175
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by Coverage Level

Car insurance costs in North Carolina depend on the selected coverage level. Minimum coverage costs around $47 per month, while full coverage with a $1,000 deductible is about $99 monthly. Though more expensive, full coverage insurance provides extensive protection.

Adding comprehensive and collision coverage increases premiums, but choosing a higher deductible can lower costs. The deductible applies separately to each claim.

State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$567Average Monthly Premium$47
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$722Average Monthly Premium$60
300/500/300 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$923Average Monthly Premium$77
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,081Average Monthly Premium$90
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,121Average Monthly Premium$93
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,174Average Monthly Premium$98
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,185Average Monthly Premium$99
100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_collAverage Annual Premium$1,225Average Monthly Premium$102
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,277Average Monthly Premium$106
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 DedAverage Annual Premium$1,304Average Monthly Premium$109
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,344Average Monthly Premium$112
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,396Average Monthly Premium$116

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the minimum car insurance requirements include $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matching these limits.

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    $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person

    This is the minimum coverage amount required in North Carolina for bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident.

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    $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

    North Carolina requires this minimum coverage for all persons injured in a single accident.

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    $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

    This is the state minimum in North Carolina for the cost of property damage in an accident.

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    $30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person

    In North Carolina, this coverage protects against injuries caused by uninsured drivers per person.

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    $60,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

    This state minimum coverage applies to all injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

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    $25,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage

    This is the minimum amount required in North Carolina to cover property damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by City

Your car insurance rates can vary significantly depending on your location in North Carolina. The most affordable city for full coverage is High Point at $807 per year, while the priciest is Fayetteville at $1,103.

Your driving history, credit rating and chosen coverage level influence your car insurance rates. Local crime rates and traffic density also impact premiums.

CaryFull Coverage Annual Premium$821Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$431
CharlotteFull Coverage Annual Premium$1,088Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$583
DurhamFull Coverage Annual Premium$816Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$426
FayettevilleFull Coverage Annual Premium$1,103Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$557
GreensboroFull Coverage Annual Premium$895Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$456
High PointFull Coverage Annual Premium$807Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$413
RaleighFull Coverage Annual Premium$928Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$491
WilmingtonFull Coverage Annual Premium$902Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$489
Winston-SalemFull Coverage Annual Premium$826Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$415

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by Age

In North Carolina, younger drivers aged 22 to 29 pay the most, with annual premiums averaging $1,259. Costs decrease to $1,185 for drivers aged 30 to 59 and slightly increase to $1,186 for seniors aged 60 and over.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
22-29Average Annual Premium$1,259Average Monthly Premium$105
30-59Average Annual Premium$1,185Average Monthly Premium$99
60 +Average Annual Premium$1,186Average Monthly Premium$99

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina for Teens

Age and gender impact car insurance rates in North Carolina. Adding a 16-year-old male to a family policy costs an average of $2,598 annually. For 16-year-olds looking to secure their own policy, the price is higher at $3,244 per year. A parent's or guardian's signature is often required to purchase car insurance for teens under 18.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Gender:
Gender:Male
16Added to Family Policy Premium$2,598Individual Premium$3,244
17Added to Family Policy Premium$2,601Individual Premium$2,648
18Added to Family Policy Premium$2,060Individual Premium$2,189
19Added to Family Policy Premium$1,327Individual Premium$1,350
20Added to Family Policy Premium$1,374Individual Premium$1,323
21Added to Family Policy Premium$1,206Individual Premium$1,174
22Added to Family Policy Premium$1,166Individual Premium$1,158
23Added to Family Policy Premium$1,193Individual Premium$1,137
24Added to Family Policy Premium$1,175Individual Premium$1,121
25Added to Family Policy Premium$1,080Individual Premium$1,031

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina for New Cars

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for a 2012 model is $925, while a 2022 model costs $1,304. This increase is due to newer models' higher actual cash values, more expensive repairs and greater risk of theft.

If you drive a newer model, it's wise to secure comprehensive and collision insurance, which protects against theft, natural disasters and accidents.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
2012 VehicleAnnual Premium$925Monthly Premium$77
2022 VehicleAnnual Premium$1,304Monthly Premium$109
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ACTUAL CASH VALUE

The actual cash value (ACV) is a car's worth after subtracting depreciation, not the replacement cost. Insurance uses the ACV to determine your payment up to the policy's limit if your car is damaged or stolen. The ACV is critical to how much you get from insurance for a claim.

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by Driving Record

The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina varies significantly based on the driver's record:

  • With an at-fault accident: $1,735 per year; $145 per month
  • With a ticket: $1,845 per year; $154 per month
  • With a DWI: $4,652 per year; $388 per month

The type of driving offense impacts premiums. The more severe the violation, the higher the cost. These increased costs will persist if the violation is on your record. In North Carolina, a DWI can affect your rates for up to seven years.

The table below shows the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina for different driving infractions.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
CleanAverage Annual Premium$1,185Average Monthly Premium$99
At-fault AccidentAverage Annual Premium$1,735Average Monthly Premium$145
TicketAverage Annual Premium$1,845Average Monthly Premium$154
DUIAverage Annual Premium$4,652Average Monthly Premium$388

Average Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina by Credit Score

The average car insurance cost in North Carolina can vary significantly based on your credit score, with premiums ranging from $834 for excellent credit to $1,437 for poor credit.

Your credit score is a key factor insurers use to determine your rate, where a good score could mean more affordable coverage. A good credit score ranges from 670 to 739, while excellent credit is 740 and above.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 w/ $1000 Deductible
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
ExcellentAnnual Premium$834Monthly Premium$69
GoodAnnual Premium$931Monthly Premium$78
FairAnnual Premium$1,062Monthly Premium$89
Below FairAnnual Premium$1,215Monthly Premium$101
PoorAnnual Premium$1,437Monthly Premium$120
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina

Discover the key elements that impact the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina and how these factors could affect your rates.

  • Age and driving experience: Younger drivers often face higher insurance premiums due to inexperience, while mature drivers benefit from lower rates as they gain years of driving without major incidents.
  • Driving record: A clean driving record with no accidents or violations can lead to more affordable insurance rates, indicating responsible driving behavior to insurers.
  • Credit score: In North Carolina, your credit score can significantly influence your car insurance rates, with higher scores generally leading to more favorable premiums.
  • Location within North Carolina: Urban areas with denser traffic can increase insurance costs due to the increased risk of accidents, theft and vandalism.
  • Vehicle type: Your car's make, model and year can affect insurance rates. Luxury and sports cars generally incur higher premiums due to costlier repairs and replacements.
  • Coverage type: Your selected coverage level, including collision insurance and comprehensive insurance, impacts your premium. Higher coverage limits lead to higher costs.
  • Claims history: Drivers with a history of filing numerous claims may be considered a higher risk, which can result in increased insurance rates.
  • Marital status: Married drivers may receive lower car insurance rates as they are statistically found to be involved in fewer accidents compared to single drivers.
  • Annual mileage: The less you drive, the lower your risk of accidents, which can lead to reduced insurance rates. Higher annual mileage can mean higher premiums.
  • State minimum coverage: Opting for minimum coverage can be the most affordable option, but it may not provide comprehensive protection against accidents or damage.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance in North Carolina

To secure affordable car insurance in North Carolina, compare rates, opt for a higher deductible and utilize all possible discounts to lower premiums effectively.

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    Shop around

    Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina. Research and evaluate different providers to secure the most affordable rates.

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    Maintain a clean driving record

    A clean driving record is essential for lower premiums. Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can significantly decrease insurance costs, making policies more affordable for North Carolina drivers.

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    Consider your coverage needs

    Carefully assess your coverage needs. Over-insuring can lead to unnecessary costs, while under-insuring may leave you vulnerable. Tailor your policy for a balance between protection and affordability.

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    Bundle insurance policies

    Bundling car insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, can unlock discounts. Insurers often reward multi-policy holders with lower rates, reducing overall insurance expenses.

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    Ask for discounts

    Take advantage of available discounts. Many insurers offer reduced rates for safe drivers, students with good grades and for installing anti-theft devices, contributing to a more affordable premium.

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    Choose a higher deductible

    Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium. However, ensure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim. This strategy can lead to significant savings on your policy cost.

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    Improve your credit score

    In North Carolina, a good credit score can influence your insurance rates. Improve your credit score to gain access to better insurance rate offers.

FAQ: Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina

Find answers to your questions about the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina and how to reduce your rates.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in North Carolina?
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in North Carolina?
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in North Carolina?
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina?