Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina (October 2025)

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Updated: October 3, 2025

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Key Takeaways

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The cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina for most drivers are State Farm, Progressive and GEICO, offering average savings of up to 49%.

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Car insurance costs can be as low as $17 monthly for minimum coverage and $39 for full coverage policies on average in North Carolina.

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To find the cheapest car insurance, examine pricing trends and top insurers in North Carolina, leverage discount opportunities and compare estimates from different companies.

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Cheapest Liability Only Car Insurance in North Carolina?

State Farm offers the cheapest liability-only car insurance in North Carolina at $24 monthly or $288 annually, making it one of the most affordable options nationwide. North Carolina's competitive market keeps rates low compared to most other states.

Progressive ($35 monthly) and GEICO ($43 monthly) provide solid alternatives if State Farm isn't available in your area, while Nationwide ($42 monthly) and National General ($46 monthly) round out the top affordable options. North Carolina drivers benefit from multiple budget-friendly choices as of September 2025.

State Farm$24-49%
Progressive$35-38%
Geico$43-17%
Nationwide$42-9%
National General$46-5%

*These rates are for a 40-year-old with good credit, a clean driving record and a 2012 Toyota Camry across all ZIP codes in the state.

North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits. These higher requirements compared to many states mean baseline costs run higher but provide better protection than bare minimum states.

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GEEK SPEAK: MARK'S THOUGHTS ON LIABILITY-ONLY INSURANCE

North Carolina actually requires decent coverage limits compared to other states, so you're getting more protection than you might think. But here's the catch: those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal areas come with their own risks.

Mountain driving means more severe accidents, and coastal living means hurricane season can turn your car into expensive scrap metal. Without comprehensive coverage, you're betting against Mother Nature in a state that sees everything from ice storms to tropical cyclones.

The state's higher minimum requirements are smart, but consider whether they're enough when medical bills from serious accidents easily hit six figures.

Remember, the cheapest insurer isn't necessarily the best car insurance for your specific situation. If you're considering full coverage, scroll down to see the cheapest options for full coverage in North Carolina.

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$157
High
$109
Average
$68
Low

Rates updated:

Oct 14, 2025

Insurance Carrier
MoneyGeek Score
Average Monthly
Payment
1
State Farm

State Farm

96
/of 100
$68
2
Nationwide

Nationwide

92
/of 100
$83
3
Kemper

Kemper

75
/of 100
$92
4
GEICO

GEICO

75
/of 100
$110
5
Progressive

Progressive

76
/of 100
$143
6
Allstate

Allstate

63
/of 100
$157
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Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina

State Farm continues to lead North Carolina's insurance market, offering the cheapest full coverage at $56 monthly or $671 annually—maintaining the same dominance it shows in minimum coverage rates. This consistency makes State Farm a clear choice for North Carolina drivers seeking comprehensive protection at affordable rates.

Progressive ($61 monthly) follows closely behind, while GEICO ($86 monthly), Nationwide ($101 monthly), and National General ($102 monthly) complete the top five. North Carolina drivers enjoy multiple budget-friendly options for comprehensive coverage as of September 2025.

Geico$86$1,037
National General$102$1,218
Nationwide$101$1,207
Progressive$61$737
State Farm$56$671

*Rates for the categories above are based on a profile of a 40-year-old with good credit, a clean driving record and a 2012 Toyota Camry across all ZIP codes in the state. Young drivers refer to 16 to 25-year-olds, adults 26 to 64-year-olds and seniors 65+ years of age.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST CHEAP CAR INSURANCE IN NORTH CAROLINA

We've created additional guides below to help you in your search for the best and cheapest car insurance in North Carolina:

Compare the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for You

The tables above show overall winners, but your cheapest option depends on your specific situation. For example, Utica offers the lowest rates at $165 monthly for adult drivers with poor credit and an accident record who want 100/300/100 full coverage. Filter the table to match your exact situation:

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Gender:Female
Select
Coverage Level (Friendly):100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
Select
Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
State Farm$71$849-52%$-903
Progressive$80$955-45%$-797
Farm Bureau$130$1,564-11%$-187
Farmers$131$1,568-10%$-184
Penn National Insurance$138$1,657-5%$-94

*Young drivers refer to 16 to 25-year-olds, adults 26 to 64-year-olds and seniors 65+ years of age.

Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina by City

State Farm offers the most affordable minimum coverage rates in all 20 of North Carolina's largest cities, providing consistent pricing advantages across the state's diverse metropolitan areas. This comprehensive market presence reflects State Farm's competitive position throughout North Carolina as of October 2025.

Minimum coverage costs across North Carolina's major cities range from $19 to $32 monthly through State Farm. Apex residents enjoy the state's lowest rates at $19 monthly, while Charlotte drivers pay the highest premiums at $32 monthly. Mid-sized cities like Durham, Winston-Salem, and Chapel Hill maintain rates between $19 and $25 monthly, offering substantial savings compared to larger metropolitan areas.

ApexState Farm$19-58%$-43
AshevilleState Farm$20-54%$-39
BurlingtonState Farm$20-56%$-42
CaryState Farm$26-55%$-48
Chapel HillState Farm$20-49%$-33
CharlotteState Farm$32-51%$-54
ConcordState Farm$24-56%$-51
DurhamState Farm$24-50%$-40
FayettevilleState Farm$29-58%$-67
GastoniaState Farm$28-51%$-49
GreensboroState Farm$27-53%$-49
GreenvilleState Farm$25-57%$-56
High PointState Farm$26-53%$-49
HuntersvilleState Farm$21-59%$-51
JacksonvilleState Farm$21-60%$-51
KannapolisState Farm$24-56%$-51
RaleighState Farm$27-53%$-49
Wake ForestState Farm$22-55%$-45
WilmingtonState Farm$29-51%$-46
Winston-SalemState Farm$21-53%$-40

*The lowest rate referenced is for a minimum coverage policy for a 40-year-old with good credit and no driving violations.

Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina by Driver Age Group

We analyzed car insurance rates across North Carolina for three age groups: young drivers (16 to 25), adult drivers (26 to 64) and seniors (65+). Here are the providers that offer the best deals:

  • Young drivers can get the lowest rates from Progressive, starting at $54 per month
  • Adult drivers find the best deals with State Farm, with rates from $24 per month
  • Senior drivers see the most affordable coverage through Progressive, beginning at $35 per month

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in North Carolina

State Farm offers the cheapest minimum coverage for young drivers at $44 per month (about $532 annually), which is 55% below the state average. Progressive is another affordable option at $54 per month (about $643 annually), saving young drivers roughly 45% compared to the state average.

Drivers under 18 may have additional licensing requirements and restrictions. Consult your state's DMV for specific teen driver regulations.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
Select
Driving Record:Clean
Progressive$54$643-45%$-533
Farmers$75$895-24%$-281
Penn National Insurance$69$834-29%$-342
State Farm$44$532-55%$-644
National General$71$853-27%$-323

*The rates shown reflect individual policies. Younger drivers may qualify for lower premiums when added to a family policy instead of purchasing coverage on their own.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in North Carolina

State Farm provides the most affordable rates for adults, with minimum coverage averaging just $24 per month (around $289 annually), which is 52% cheaper than the state average. Progressive follows at $35 per month (about $425 annually), saving drivers about 30%.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
Select
Driving Record:Clean
Progressive$35$425-30%$-180
State Farm$24$289-52%$-316
Nationwide$44$523-14%$-82
Geico$45$536-11%$-69
Farm Bureau$44$526-13%$-79

Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in North Carolina

For seniors, State Farm again leads with minimum coverage at $29 per month (around $346 annually), about 50% less than the state average. Progressive is also budget-friendly at $35 per month (about $425 annually), saving seniors nearly 39% compared to typical premiums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
Select
Driving Record:Clean
Progressive$35$425-39%$-272
Farmers$50$599-14%$-97
Penn National Insurance$47$559-20%$-137
State Farm$29$346-50%$-350
Farm Bureau$48$573-18%$-124

Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in North Carolina

Your driving record greatly affects rates. Drivers with clean records pay the lowest premiums, while violations or accidents raise costs. Here are the cheapest options by record type:

  • Cheapest for Bad Credit: Utica from $67 per month
  • Cheapest With a DUI: National General from $71 per month
  • Cheapest With an Accident: State Farm from $30 per month
  • Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: State Farm from $41 per month
  • Cheapest With a Texting While Driving Violation: State Farm from $30 per month

Cheapest Car Insurance for Bad Credit in North Carolina

Utica offers the lowest rates for drivers with bad credit, with minimum coverage averaging $67 per month (around $803 annually), saving about 47% compared to the state average. National General comes next at $81 per month (about $967 annually), still offering drivers a 37% discount.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Driving Record:Clean
Utica Insurance$67$803-47%$-725
National General$81$967-37%$-562
Erie Insurance$93$1,119-27%$-410
Farm Bureau$99$1,193-22%$-335
Penn National Insurance$104$1,253-18%$-275

Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in North Carolina

National General provides the cheapest coverage for drivers with a DUI at $71 per month (about $857 annually), which is 62% below the state average. State Farm follows closely at $77 per month (around $925 annually), saving drivers nearly 59%.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
National General$71$857-62%$-1,414
State Farm$77$925-59%$-1,345
Progressive$128$1,532-33%$-739
Nationwide$159$1,912-16%$-358
Penn National Insurance$169$2,030-11%$-240

Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in North Carolina

Drivers with an accident on their record can find the lowest rates from State Farm, at just $30 per month (about $363 annually), saving about 58% compared to the state average. Progressive is the next best choice at $46 per month (around $554 annually), with savings of 35%.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
State Farm$30$363-58%$-493
Progressive$46$554-35%$-301
Farm Bureau$58$692-19%$-164
Penn National Insurance$61$731-14%$-124
Erie Insurance$65$775-9%$-80

Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket

State Farm again leads, offering minimum coverage at $41 per month (around $489 annually), which is 50% cheaper than the state average. GEICO is another good option at $63 per month (about $761 annually), saving drivers 22%.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
State Farm$33$391-55%$-485
Progressive$50$603-31%$-273
Utica Insurance$57$690-21%$-187
Nationwide$62$745-15%$-131
Farm Bureau$63$754-14%$-123

Cheapest Car Insurance With a Texting While Driving Violation

The cheapest rates for texting-while-driving violations come from State Farm, at $30 per month (about $363 annually), which is 56% below the state average. Progressive is second at $46 per month (around $554 annually), saving drivers about 33%.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:Adult Drivers
Select
Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
Select
Gender:Male
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
State Farm$30$363-56%$-465
Progressive$46$554-33%$-273
Nationwide$57$685-17%$-143
Farm Bureau$58$692-16%$-136
Penn National Insurance$61$731-12%$-96

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina

Finding low-cost insurance companies is just one part of getting the best car insurance rates in North Carolina. Here are proven ways to save the most on auto insurance.

  1. 1

    Compare insurers across the state

    Premiums in North Carolina vary by location. Drivers in larger metro areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro often pay more than those in smaller towns. To find the lowest rate, compare quotes from both national companies and North Carolina–based regional carriers.

  2. 2

    Know North Carolina’s coverage requirements

    The state requires 30/60/25 liability insurance ($30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage). North Carolina also mandates uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the same amounts, which provides added protection if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.

  3. 3

    Use discounts and safe-driver incentives

    Common discounts include bundling auto with home or renters insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, and completing an approved defensive driving course. Many insurers also offer savings for good students and for paying your policy in full.

  4. 4

    Match coverage to local risks

    • Urban drivers face higher risks of crashes and theft, making comprehensive and collision coverage worth the cost.
    • Coastal areas see hurricane and flood risks, which only comprehensive coverage will cover.
    • Rural drivers with older, lower-value vehicles may save by carrying liability-only coverage.
  5. 5

    Consider telematics programs

    Several insurers in North Carolina offer usage-based programs that track driving behavior such as speed, mileage, and braking. Safe drivers can earn significant discounts through these apps.

  6. 6

    Maintain strong credit and a clean record

    Insurers in North Carolina weigh both driving history and credit heavily when setting premiums. Building good credit and avoiding violations are among the most effective ways to keep costs down.

  7. 7

    High-risk drivers and the NCRF

    If you are unable to obtain coverage through the voluntary market, you can get a policy through the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NCRF). This guarantees access to liability coverage but usually at a higher price.

Risks of Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of 30/60/25. This means you need $30,000 for injuries to one person, $60,000 total for injuries in one accident and $25,000 for property damage coverage. But minimum coverage leaves you exposed to major financial risks:

    accident2 icon

    Vehicle damage if you're at fault won't be covered

    Without collision coverage, you'll pay all repair costs if you cause an accident. In North Carolina, average property damage claims hit $4,800 in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That money comes straight from your pocket with minimum coverage. Add collision coverage to protect against expensive repairs.

    hurricane icon

    Weather risks make damage to your car more likely and aren't covered

    North Carolina gets hit with severe weather that damages cars regularly. The state faces multiple billion-dollar weather disasters annually, with hurricanes, floods and severe storms frequently damaging thousands of cars. Basic coverage won't pay for weather damage. Add comprehensive coverage to protect against storms, flooding and other environmental hazards that frequently hit North Carolina.

    injury icon

    Bodily injury damage is more likely to be higher than the minimum limits

    North Carolina's minimum bodily injury coverage of $30,000 per person often isn't enough for serious accidents. Average bodily injury claims in North Carolina reach $20,000. With rising medical costs, consider increasing coverage to 50/100/50 for better financial protection against lawsuits.

    uninsured icon

    Not having uninsured motorist coverage opens you up to unexpected costs

    North Carolina has an uninsured driver problem, with 7.4% of drivers lacking insurance according to the Insurance Information Institute. If an uninsured driver hits you, you'll face steep out-of-pocket costs without uninsured motorist coverage. Legal action against uninsured drivers rarely recovers damages. Add uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself financially in these situations.

    handcuffs2 icon

    Vehicle theft damage is more likely and uncovered

    Car theft is a real problem in North Carolina, which ranks 10th nationally for auto theft, with rates increasing 10% in 2023 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Without comprehensive coverage, you get nothing if your car's stolen or damaged during a theft. The average stolen car claim tops $9,000, so adding comprehensive coverage is worth it in high-risk areas.

Minimum Coverage Requirements in North Carolina

To legally drive in North Carolina, all motorists must carry a minimum of 30/60/25 liability insurance. This includes $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage (liability coverage does not include a deductible). In addition, the state requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at the same limits, with underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage added when drivers choose higher liability limits.

These minimums keep you compliant with the law, but they may fall short after a serious accident. Considering higher coverage limits can provide stronger financial protection against medical expenses, repair costs, and lawsuits.

Coverage Type
Minimum Required Limit

Bodily Injury Liability

$30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability

$25,000 per accident

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Required at the same minimum limits (30/60/25)

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

Required when you purchase limits higher than the state minimum

Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina: Bottom Line

State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rates in North Carolina for most drivers and coverage types, according to our analysis. While the cheapest option is tempting, don't make price your only factor. Get as much coverage as you can afford to protect your finances when accidents happen.

Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina: FAQ

Below we answer common questions about finding affordable car insurance coverage that fits your North Carolina budget.

What are the cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina?

Who has the cheapest car insurance rates for young drivers in North Carolina?

Who offers the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors in North Carolina?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for bad credit?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with an accident?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with a DUI?

Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for those with a speeding ticket?

Should you buy the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina?

How We Found the Most Affordable Car Insurance in North Carolina

MoneyGeek collected auto insurance data from the North Carolina Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We analyzed quotes from 12 major insurers and reviewed more than 200 million rate comparisons across every residential ZIP code in North Carolina.

North Carolina Driver Profile

Our analysis started with a standard driver profile to find the cheapest rates:

  • 40-year-old male
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually
  • Good credit
  • Valid license
  • Currently insured
  • No claims history

We adjusted this sample profile, as specified, to find the cheapest option for various driver backgrounds.

Standard Coverage Levels in North Carolina

We compared car insurance companies in North Carolina that offer minimum and full coverage policies. We set the limits of the minimum coverage car insurance policy to the minimum amount required by law in North Carolina.

The minimum coverage liability limits in North Carolina are:

  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for property damage

For full coverage policy rates, we used the following liability limits:

  • $100,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 for property damage liability
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

Read Full Bio »
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