State Farm offers the cheapest liability-only car insurance in North Carolina at $24 monthly or $288 annually. Progressive ($35 monthly) and GEICO ($43 monthly) provide solid low-cost alternatives if State Farm isn't available in your area, while Nationwide ($42 monthly) and National General ($46 monthly) round out the most affordable options.
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina (October 2025)
Updated: October 29, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina for most drivers are State Farm, Progressive and GEICO, offering average savings of up to 49%.
Car insurance costs can be as low as $17 monthly for minimum coverage and $39 for full coverage policies on average in North Carolina.
To find the cheapest car insurance, examine pricing trends and top insurers in North Carolina, stack discount opportunities and compare estimates from different companies.
Cheapest Liability Only Car Insurance in North Carolina?
| 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 requires 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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$157
High
$109
Average
$68
Low
Rates updated:
Nov 02, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  State Farm | 96 /of 100 | $68 |
| 2 |  Nationwide | 92 /of 100 | $83 |
| 3 | Kemper | 75 /of 100 | $92 |
| 4 |  GEICO | 75 /of 100 | $110 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 76 /of 100 | $143 |
| 6 |  Allstate | 63 /of 100 | $157 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina
State Farm also has the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $56 monthly or $671 annually. 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.
| 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.
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:
Adult Drivers
Female
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Good
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.
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.
| Apex | State Farm | $19 | -58% | $-43 |
| Asheville | State Farm | $20 | -54% | $-39 |
| Burlington | State Farm | $20 | -56% | $-42 |
| Cary | State Farm | $26 | -55% | $-48 |
| Chapel Hill | State Farm | $20 | -49% | $-33 |
| Charlotte | State Farm | $32 | -51% | $-54 |
| Concord | State Farm | $24 | -56% | $-51 |
| Durham | State Farm | $24 | -50% | $-40 |
| Fayetteville | State Farm | $29 | -58% | $-67 |
| Gastonia | State Farm | $28 | -51% | $-49 |
| Greensboro | State Farm | $27 | -53% | $-49 |
| Greenville | State Farm | $25 | -57% | $-56 |
| High Point | State Farm | $26 | -53% | $-49 |
| Huntersville | State Farm | $21 | -59% | $-51 |
| Jacksonville | State Farm | $21 | -60% | $-51 |
| Kannapolis | State Farm | $24 | -56% | $-51 |
| Raleigh | State Farm | $27 | -53% | $-49 |
| Wake Forest | State Farm | $22 | -55% | $-45 |
| Wilmington | State Farm | $29 | -51% | $-46 |
| Winston-Salem | State 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 cheapest rates from Progressive, starting at $54 per month
- Adult drivers find the lowest rates 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:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
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:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
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:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
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:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
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:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
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:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
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:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
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:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
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.
- 1Compare quotes from North Carolina insurers
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.
- 2Consider increasing your deductible
Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 will save you 14% on average in North Carolina. Make sure you have enough money to cover your deductible if you get into an at-fault collision.
- 3Get the right coverage
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.
If you have an older vehicle, you may not need comprehensive and collision, which will lower your rate. - 4Maintain 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 lower your car insurance in North Carolina.
- 5Use discounts and safe-driver incentives
Common discounts in North Carolina 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.
- 6Consider 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.
- 7High-risk drivers and the NCRF
If you are unable to get coverage through the voluntary market, you can get a policy through the North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NCRF). This guarantees access to liability coverage but at a higher price.
Risks of Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina
The lowest minimum coverage leaves you exposed to major financial risks. Here is what you should consider when shopping for the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina:
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 wallet with minimum coverage. Add collision coverage to protect against expensive repairs.
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.
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.
Not having uninsured motorist coverage opens you up to unexpected costs
In North Carolina 7.4% of drivers lacking insurance according to the Insurance Information Institute. If an uninsured driver hits you, you'll have 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.
Vehicle theft damage is more likely and uncovered
North Carolina 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.
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: FAQ
Below we answer common questions about finding affordable car insurance coverage that fits your North Carolina budget.
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates for young drivers in North Carolina?
Progressive provides the most affordable rates for young drivers in North Carolina, with monthly premiums starting at $54.
Who offers the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors in North Carolina?
Senior drivers in North Carolina can find affordable coverage through Progressive, which offers monthly minimum coverage rates averaging $35 for drivers 65 and older.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for bad credit?
Utica provides the most affordable rates for bad-credit drivers in North Carolina, with monthly premiums averaging $65 for minimum coverage and $115 for full coverage.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with an accident?
State Farm offers the most budget-friendly car insurance for North Carolina drivers with an accident, with rates starting at $30 per month.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with a DUI?
State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance after a DUI in North Carolina. Rates start at $77 per month ($924 annually) for minimum coverage and $183 per month ($2,195 annually) for full coverage.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for those with a speeding ticket?
After getting a speeding ticket, State Farm provides the lowest rates in North Carolina: $33 monthly for minimum coverage and $76 for full coverage.
Should you buy the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina?
While saving money on car insurance is tempting, make sure your policy provides sufficient coverage for major accidents. State Farm offers the best balance of affordability and reliable coverage 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, 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance." Accessed November 2, 2025.
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists." Accessed November 2, 2025.
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Climate at a Glance." Accessed November 2, 2025.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Vehicle Thefts Surge Nationwide in 2023." Accessed November 2, 2025.