How Much Is Car Insurance in North Carolina? (2023 Averages)
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Insurance costs may vary depending on a driver's driving record and the chosen coverage levels. Drivers in North Carolina, for example, pay an average of $841 per year for auto insurance, while those with a minimum coverage policy only pay around $436 per year. If you have a traffic violation on your record or add a young driver to your policy, this annual average increases to $1,193 and $2,060, respectively.
Your rates are also affected by the provider you choose to insure your car. In North Carolina, full coverage insurance from Nationwide costs roughly $600 a year, whereas the same premium from Progressive costs an average of $1,084 annually.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, age most significantly affects prices, over coverage level, driving record and credit score. Your coverage level is the second-most important factor.
MoneyGeek breaks down average car insurance costs in North Carolina by the most significant elements. To find out more about the rates for your particular profile, you can look up the average costs of car insurance.
Average Costs of Car Insurance in North Carolina
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- DriverAverage Annual PremiumAverage Monthly Premium
- The Average Driver$841$70
- Drivers Buying Minimum Coverage$436$36
- Adding a Young Driver$2,060$172
- Drivers With a Violation$1,193$99
- Drivers With Poor Credit$1,024$85
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Why Are Car Insurance Rates Cheap in North Carolina?
Car insurance rates vary depending on the state due to factors such as traffic density, vehicle thefts and the rates of uninsured motorists.
Compared to the national average, North Carolina car insurance rates are one of the cheapest in the country. The state's low rate of uninsured drivers and low incidences of vehicle theft and natural disasters in North Carolina help to keep rates low.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina: Full Coverage vs. Minimum Coverage
North Carolina car insurance rates largely depend on the amount of coverage you buy. The average cost of a 100/300/100 full coverage policy, as defined in MoneyGeek’s methodology, is $841 per year, while a minimum coverage policy costs $436 per year. You will pay an average of $405 more yearly in North Carolina for full coverage with comprehensive and collision insurance.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina by Coverage Level
In North Carolina, the most affordable option for car insurance is the required state minimum policy.
If you're buying auto insurance, note that you can increase your liability coverage to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. These numbers represent your policy's liability coverage limits. For example, 50/100/50 refers to:
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident
- $50,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident
Comprehensive and collision coverage are included in full coverage insurance. In addition to the standard liability coverage that covers third-party expenses, this also covers damage to your vehicle.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina By Company
In North Carolina, car insurance rates also vary significantly depending on the insurer. The cheapest option in North Carolina for both a minimum coverage car insurance policy and a full coverage policy is Nationwide. For current and former members of the military, USAA is also an affordable option.
The most expensive option for a minimum coverage policy is Metlife, while Progressive has the highest costs for a full coverage policy.
Average Annual Costs of Car Insurance in North Carolina - By Company
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- CompanyMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
- $301$600
- $357$650
- $383$716
- North Carolina Farm Bureau$390$737
- $427$825
How Much Is Car Insurance in North Carolina by Age?
Age ranks as one of the most significant factors affecting North Carolina car insurance rates. On average, a 40-year-old in North Carolina will pay $841 per year for car insurance. A 16-year-old, however, will pay an average of $2,060 for their own car insurance policy in the state.
Since young drivers and first-time drivers are considered a high-risk category due to inexperience, car insurance rates for these drivers are similarly high. However, to save on car insurance costs, young drivers can save by joining their parent’s car insurance policy.
Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina - By Age
How Does Driving History Affect Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina?
Drivers in North Carolina with poor driving records will pay higher rates for car insurance than individuals with clean records. If you have a speeding ticket on your record, you will pay an average of $1,193 yearly for car insurance — $351 more than a driver with a clean driving record. These costs increase significantly with the severity of the violation on your record.
Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina - By Driving History
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- Driving ViolationAnnual Premium
- Safe Driver$841
- Speeding Ticket$1,193
- At-Fault Accident$1,345
- DUI$3,397
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Credit Scores and the Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina
Individuals in North Carolina with excellent credit scores pay lower premiums than drivers with poorer credit scores. If you have an excellent credit score, you will pay up to $84 less yearly compared to someone with a good credit score.
A driver with a poor credit score in North Carolina will pay an average of $1,024 yearly for car insurance, while a driver with a good credit score will pay up to $219 less at $805 per year. Drivers with poor credit scores can still research affordable car insurance options for drivers with bad credit.
Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina - By Credit Score
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- Credit ScoreAnnual Premium
- Excellent$721
- Good$805
- Fair$875
- Below Fair$934
- Poor$1,024
How Much Is Car Insurance in Your City?
While car insurance rates typically vary depending on the state, rates can also vary greatly within the state. On average, cities with high populations or incidences of accidents and car thefts will typically have higher car insurance rates.
In North Carolina, Winston-Salem is the cheapest city for car insurance at an average cost of $718 per year — up to 14% cheaper than the state average. Fayetteville is the most expensive city for car insurance in North Carolina at $940 yearly, reaching 11% higher than the state average.
Average Costs of Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina - By City
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- CityAnnual Premium
- $723
- $939
- $776
- $940
- $797
- $777
- $844
- $788
- $718
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Car Insurance Rates
MoneyGeek provides additional information on car insurance in North Carolina by answering some frequently asked questions.
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