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MoneyGeek’s research indicates that, on average, Nationwide is the cheapest car insurance company in Wilmington for full-coverage and state-minimum policies, along with coverage for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.

However, Erie ranked as the best overall company in the city by delivering a balance of affordability and service quality.

MoneyGeek Logo Iconbestauto insuranceWilmington
2023

The Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Wilmington

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Wilmington

MoneyGeek researched the most affordable options for drivers looking for a full coverage policy in Wilmington. On average, the cheapest providers are:

  • Nationwide: $583 per year
  • State Farm: $606 per year

In Wilmington, Nationwide offers the cheapest auto insurance policies, on average — approximately 70% less expensive than comparable coverage offered by Progressive, the most expensive company in the city.

A full-coverage policy includes comprehensive and collision insurance. Prices vary, depending on the amount of liability coverage you select.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wilmington
Full Coverage 100/300/100
  • Company
    100/300/100per year
  • 1.
    Nationwide
    $583
  • 2.
    State Farm
    $606
  • 3.
    Erie
    $664
  • 4.
    North Carolina Farm Bureau
    $689
  • 5.
    GEICO
    $801
  • 6.
    Travelers
    $828
  • 7.
    Allstate
    $936
  • 8.
    MetLife
    $992
  • 9.
    Progressive
    $993

For this guide, MoneyGeek collected average rates for a 40-year-old male driver in Beaumont seeking a full-coverage policy, as detailed on our methodology page.

Usually, full coverage is more expensive than a policy that only meets state minimums. However, since a full-coverage plan includes comprehensive and collision insurance, it offers added value and protection.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage helps you pay for its repairs or replacement in the event of costs resulting from theft, fire and other damages.
  • Collision Coverage: With this coverage, you’re covered against the cost of vehicle damage in case of an at-fault accident.

If you have an older car, a full-coverage policy may cost more than the value of the vehicle. A driver of an older car can consider a minimum coverage policy or liability-only coverage, in this case.

Compare Car Insurance Rates in Wilmington

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

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Cheapest Car Insurance in Wilmington for Minimum Coverage

Drivers looking for the cheapest auto insurance options in Wilmington can consider policies that only meet state minimums. MoneyGeek's research indicated that Wilmington's most affordable companies for minimum coverage, on average, are:

  • Nationwide: $305 per year
  • State Farm: $354 per year

Nationwide’s coverage is the cheapest in Wilmington, at an average of $224 less than comparable policies offered by Metlife, the most expensive company in the city.

While a minimum coverage policy costs less, it does not include comprehensive and collision insurance. With this policy, you will likely not be fully covered in case of an accident.

The following table offers some insight into how rates change with different levels of coverage.

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Wilmington
State Minimum

In North Carolina, drivers must have an auto insurance policy with at least 30/60/25 in liability limits and 30/60 in uninsured motorist coverage limits. Minimum coverage offers the cheapest available option in the city.

However, while a minimum coverage policy can help you save up on your monthly insurance costs, you would have to pay more yourself in case of an accident. For example, following an accident where the other party’s medical bills are $50,000, the insurance company will only pay up to $30,000, leaving you to pay $20,000 out of pocket.

North Carolina Minimum Liability Requirements

  • Item
    Description
  • Bodily Injury and Property Damage
    $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. A more protective level is 100/300/100.
  • Uninsured Motorist
    $30,000 per person, $60,000 per incident and $25,000 for property damage. The minimum coverage may not be enough if you're in a serious accident.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wilmington if You Have Driving Violations

Driving violations like a speeding ticket, DUI or an at-fault accident can significantly increase your car insurance costs. MoneyGeek researched the cheapest car insurance companies in Wilmington based on the following type of violation:

  • Cheapest After a Speeding Ticket: Nationwide, $843 per year
  • Cheapest After an At-Fault Accident: State Farm, $904 per year
  • Cheapest After a DUI: Nationwide, $2,185 per year

Drivers who have a poor driving record can get cheaper car insurance rates by improving their records over time. These individuals can also benefit by shopping around to compare quotes from different insurance companies.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Wilmington With a Violation
Speeding Ticket

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Wilmington

Wilmington$788
NC$841
U.S.$1,424

The average car insurance rate in Wilmington is lower than the state average and almost half the national average. Drivers in the city pay an average of $788 per year. This amount is $6.3% less than the state average and a whopping 44.7% less than the national average.

Personalized Quotes to Get You the Cheapest Car Insurance in Wilmington

Car insurance rates in Wilmington vary per person depending on various factors. These include your location, age, credit score, driving experience and coverage level. While the average cost of car insurance in the city is $788 per year, your rates may be higher or lower depending on the above factors. Comparing quotes regularly across multiple insurers will help you secure the best rates, discounts and coverage.

Compare Car Insurance Rates in Wilmington

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

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The Best Car Insurance Companies in Wilmington

MoneyGeek’s research for the best car insurance in Wilmington involved analyzing average rates, claims scores and user satisfaction ratings.

According to the findings, the best car insurance companies in Wilmington are:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100

Based on our unique rating system, the insurers that had the lowest average scores include Allstate with 28 out of 100 and Metlife with 39 out of 100.


1
State Farm
Score:92

4.8/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In Wilmington, State Farm had the highest affordability score and also tied first on the satisfaction scale. Policyholders pay an average of $606 per year for a car insurance policy and can add rideshare insurance to their policies.

More About State Farm

State Farm had significantly high scores across all categories, making it the best auto insurance company in Wilmington. The insurer allows policyholders to add rideshare insurance to their policies, which ensures that their personal policy remains active as they work for a ridesharing company.

State Farm even provides roadside assistance, which covers the cost of mechanical labor and towing, among other expenses incurred after a breakdown.

You may also purchase rental car and or travel reimbursement coverage which caters to the cost of renting a car or transportation when your car is no longer drivable after damage.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review
2
Nationwide
Score:91

4.7/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Nationwide had the second-highest MoneyGeek score in Wilmington. The insurer ranked highly on affordability, financial stability and customer satisfaction. Policies cost about $583 per year, and customers may get total loss deductible waiver coverage.

More About Nationwide

Nationwide offers seven different additional coverage options in Wilmington aside from standard coverage. The insurer’s total loss deductible waiver pays the deductible of your collision and comprehensive coverage if your car is totally damaged after an accident.

If any member of your household falls victim to identity theft or fraud, the identity theft expense reimbursement will cover the expenses to a maximum of $25,000.

Nationwide also offers accident insurance coverage that prevents your premiums from increasing if you get involved in an at-fault accident after being accident-free for at least three years.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide auto Insurance Review
3
Erie
Score:88

4.3/5

Affordability

5/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

4
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Score:86

4.3/5

Affordability

4.5/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

5
GEICO
Score:76

3.5/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

6
Travelers
Score:58

2.4/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

7
Progressive
Score:50

1.9/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

8
MetLife
Score:39

1.1/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

9
Allstate
Score:28

0.4/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Average Cost of Car Insurance by Postal Code

Average car insurance costs in Wilmington vary based on the ZIP code. Neighborhoods that record more car thefts, accidents and other similar occurrences always have higher car insurance rates. However, rates don’t vary much in Wilmington.

For instance, drivers living at ZIP code 28412 pay an average of $787 per year, while those at ZIP code 28403 pay $2 more, at $789 per year.

  • Zip Code
    State Minimumper year
  • 28412
    $787
  • 28403
    $789

Factors That Impact Insurance Costs in Wilmington

In addition to individual driver needs and history, location-specific factors like the percentage of uninsured motorists and the rate of car thefts also contribute to car insurance rates in Wilmington. How Wilmington ranks compared to the 300 most populous cities in the United States can have a significant impact on premium costs.

accident2 icon
Most Accidents With Fatalities230th/300
handcuffs2 icon
Most Car Thefts62nd/300
uninsured icon
Most Uninsured Motorists by State48th/50
insurance2 icon
Personal Injury Protection RequiredNo
rain icon
Most Annual Rainfall19th/300
umbrella icon
Most Rainy Days78th/300

About MoneyGeek Team


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The MoneyGeek editorial team has decades of combined experience in writing and publishing information about how people should manage money and credit. Our editors have worked with numerous publications including The Washington Post, The Daily Business Review, HealthDay and Time, Inc., and have won numerous journalism awards. Our talented team of contributing writers includes mortgage experts, veteran financial reporters and award-winning journalists. Learn more about the MoneyGeek team.