Auto Insurance
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskTypically, drivers with a history of accidents pay higher insurance premiums. High-risk auto insurance quotes tend to be more expensive than quotes for drivers with clean records because insurers anticipate high-risk drivers will file more claims.
Comparing insurance quotes in North Carolina can help high-risk drivers find the cheapest insurance for their needs. With an average rate of $1,363, Nationwide provides the cheapest rates for those with poor records. However, several factors, such as your credit score and age, can impact your premium.
Best & CheapestAuto InsuranceHigh-RiskBest Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023
Cheapest for High-Risk Drivers - Allstate
Best for High-Risk Drivers - Nationwide
Cheapest After a DUI - Nationwide
Cheapest for Teen Drivers - Allstate
Cheapest for Bad Credit - GEICO
Some factors that classify high-risk drivers include having numerous traffic offenses and accidents, operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol or being a teen or young adult with limited driving experience.
If you're a high-risk driver in North Carolina, you’ll spend about 58% more for insurance than a driver with a spotless record. Since insurance companies may have to cover the cost of damaged property, legal defenses and medical expenses, high-risk drivers come with greater risks. In addition, irresponsible drivers are likely to file more claims than average.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?
High-risk drivers can be classified into different groups. Factors such as your age, gender and desired coverage levels may increase the price of your vehicle insurance premium, even if you have a spotless driving record.
Common high-risk driver groups include:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for High-Risk Drivers
MoneyGeek found that North Carolina’s cheapest high-risk insurance company is Nationwide. Its car insurance premiums cost an average of $1,363 per year.
MoneyGeek's Nationwide review rates the company's customer service, discounts and add-on auto coverages to help you decide whether Nationwide is the right provider for you.
SR-22 INSURANCE
North Carolina does not require drivers who have a DUI or have been ticketed for reckless driving to apply for SR-22 insurance. However, some states require that your insurance carrier file an SR-22 with the state proving your auto insurance meets the bare minimum requirements for high-risk coverage. Other common names for SR-22 insurance are "SR-22 Bond" or "Certificate of Financial Responsibility."
Best Car Insurance in North Carolina for High-Risk Drivers
MoneyGeek compared several insurers for high-risk drivers and found that the best overall in North Carolina is Nationwide, with a total score of 93 out of 100. The second-best option is State Farm, with a total score of 88 out of 100.
For a more thorough understanding of its services, MoneyGeek’s State Farm review investigates its typical costs, insurance options, and advantages and disadvantages.
1
State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:96
In North Carolina, State Farm charges high-risk drivers an average annual premium of $1,448, 57% more than drivers with clean records pay.
More About State Farm
State Farm has the greatest market share among U.S. insurers. It offers coverage alternatives like rideshare insurance, reimbursement for rental cars and roadside assistance. On the other hand, it does not provide OEM coverage.
Generally, it is a reasonably priced option for inexperienced and reckless drivers. It also ranks high among auto insurance providers in terms of financial stability.
2
State Farm
Score:96
In North Carolina, State Farm charges high-risk drivers an average annual premium of $1,448, 57% more than drivers with clean records pay.
More About State Farm
State Farm has the greatest market share among U.S. insurers. It offers coverage alternatives like rideshare insurance, reimbursement for rental cars and roadside assistance. On the other hand, it does not provide OEM coverage.
Generally, it is a reasonably priced option for inexperienced and reckless drivers. It also ranks high among auto insurance providers in terms of financial stability.
3
Nationwide
Score:40
High-risk drivers in North Carolina pay an average annual premium of $1,363 with Nationwide. This amount is 57% more than its rate for a driver with a good record.
More About Nationwide
Nationwide offers plenty of coverage options, including gap insurance, deductible modification and identity theft coverage. It also provides discounts on bundling several insurance policies, practicing safe driving and having an anti-theft system in your car.
Some areas of improvement include customer satisfaction and overall affordability.
4
Nationwide
Score:40
High-risk drivers in North Carolina pay an average annual premium of $1,363 with Nationwide. This amount is 57% more than its rate for a driver with a good record.
More About Nationwide
Nationwide offers plenty of coverage options, including gap insurance, deductible modification and identity theft coverage. It also provides discounts on bundling several insurance policies, practicing safe driving and having an anti-theft system in your car.
Some areas of improvement include customer satisfaction and overall affordability.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
If your auto insurance premiums are too high for your budget, you may be able to reduce those costs in other ways. For instance, you can apply for car insurance for those with low income in North Carolina that satisfies the state's minimum criteria, or you might want to think about getting pay-per-mile insurance if you don't drive very frequently.
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for Drivers With a DUI
MoneyGeek determined that Nationwide offers the most affordable auto insurance for North Carolina drivers with a DUI, with an annual premium of $2,209 on average. Drivers with a DUI typically pay higher premiums than drivers with a clean driving record.
Members of the military and their families may also find more reasonable rates for drivers with a DUI through USAA.
LOOK-BACK PERIODS
A look-back period is the window of time a DUI remains on your driving record. Look-back periods can be long or permanent to discourage drivers from committing multiple DUI offenses. North Carolina drivers convicted of DUI face a look-back period of 7 years, and a third or subsequent DUI in this state qualifies as a felony.
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for Teenage Drivers
Due to their inexperience and likelihood to file claims, teen drivers frequently pay higher premiums. However, some providers offer discounts to teens who finish safe driving courses or meet high GPA requirements. State Farm provides the most affordable insurance in North Carolina for young drivers at an average yearly rate of $1,595.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Even though it may be more expensive, MoneyGeek recommends buying full coverage rather than the minimal amount of auto insurance for teens because higher coverage limits can provide greater financial protection in the event of a major crash. You can compare prices across insurance companies that offer the lowest auto insurance for students and explore potential discounts for additional savings.
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for Drivers With Bad Credit
Auto insurance quotes for persons with bad credit are significantly higher than for those with good credit scores. According to MoneyGeek, GEICO offers the least expensive auto insurance for people with poor credit in North Carolina, with a $535 yearly rate.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
You can get auto insurance if your credit score is below average. If you are unhappy with your current auto insurance coverage, comparing quotes in your state may help you find a cheaper alternative that fits your needs.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, MoneyGeek found that car insurance for high-risk drivers costs 54% to 61% more than a policy for drivers with a good driving history.
Auto insurance for high-risk drivers is often much more costly. Because drivers with a poor driving history are more likely to be involved in serious collisions, insurance firms charge them higher premiums to cover these risks. You can reduce the cost of your high-risk premium by taking a defensive driving course and constantly obeying driving laws.
Annual Car Insurance Cost in NC for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers
Annual Premium
Low-Risk Driver
$983Annual Premium
High-Risk Driver
$2,501In North Carolina, high-risk drivers pay:$1,518 more
This is 154% more expensive.
MoneyGeek’s North Carolina auto insurance calculator can provide a personalized estimate based on your gender, credit score, driving history and other criteria. However, the price of your auto insurance coverage may be higher or lower than the estimate, depending on your situation.
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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in North Carolina if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?
Due to the voluntary nature of the insurance market, certain North Carolina vehicle insurance providers may decline to cover you if they feel it would be too costly. You can contact the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) if this occurs. AIPSO is a non-profit company that offers insurance services to anyone who meets the state's eligibility conditions through the auto insurance residual market.
North Carolina Automobile Insurance Plan
The North Carolina Reinsurance Facility (NCRF), which was initially founded in 1973, is the state residual market plan in North Carolina. It serves those unable to get auto insurance through conventional means. Since it was established, NCRF's market share for auto insurance in North Carolina has averaged 25%.
Office Hours
N/A
Email
membership@ncrb.org
Phone
(919) 783-9790
Fax
N/A
Mailing Address
2910 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616
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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting high-risk auto insurance in North Carolina can be challenging if you don't know where to begin. MoneyGeek answers frequently asked questions about high-risk insurance providers in North Carolina to assist you.
Methodology
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.
To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- AIPSO. "AIPSO Plan Sites." Accessed September 16, 2022.
- Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. "National Drunk Driving Statistics Map." Accessed September 16, 2022.
- NCRF. "North Carolina Reinsurance Facility." Accessed September 16, 2022.