Car Insurance in North Carolina
- State Farm offers the cheapest liability insurance at $37/mo
- Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance at $69/mo
Enter your ZIP code to start your search for North Carolina car insurance:
The Zebra works with 100+ insurance partners to connect you with the best coverage in North Carolina at the right price.
About The Zebra's recommendations
Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as a licensed insurance professional and content strategis…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 5 years of experience in the insurance industry
Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Professional Risk Consultant (PRC)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
Car insurance quotes in North Carolina
Securing affordable car insurance in North Carolina is more manageable than in many other states, with the average full coverage policy costing around $733 for six months — 37% cheaper than the national average.[1] However, 44% of North Carolinians still feel they are paying too much for car insurance.[2]
Cheapest liability coverage in NC
- State Farm offers the cheapest liability coverage in North Carolina at $37/mo.
Cheapest full coverage in NC
- Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage in North Carolina at $69/mo.
Best customer service in NC
- Erie Insurance scored 718 (7.6% above average) in J.D. Power's latest study — the highest in North Carolina.[3]
Cheap liability insurance in North Carolina
The average cost of a six-month liability insurance policy in North Carolina is $340. For our user profile, State Farm offers the most affordable liability coverage in the state.
For affordable car insurance, minimum liability coverage is often a popular choice. While it meets legal requirements, it’s important to consider the potential risks, as minimal coverage offers more limited protection. Check the table below for a good starting point if you’re looking for budget-friendly coverage in North Carolina.
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $219 | $37 |
| Progressive | $250 | $42 |
| GEICO | $293 | $49 |
| Erie | $314 | $52 |
| Nationwide | $439 | $73 |
| Utica National Ins Group | $445 | $74 |
| Allstate | $488 | $81 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
According to our data, 38% of North Carolina drivers insure their vehicles with liability coverage only. The North Carolina Department of Insurance requires minimum liability limits of 50/100/50, representing bodily injury coverage per person and per accident, as well as property damage. Additionally, NC requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same levels, ensuring protection in case you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance.
For more details, check out our page covering the specifics of North Carolina car insurance limits and laws.
In North Carolina, state law mandates that every auto policy include UM/UIM coverage at limits matching your liability levels. Unlike many states where this is optional, North Carolina generally prevents you from rejecting this protection.[5]
While this ensures you're covered if hit by a driver with little or no insurance, it can also make minimum policies slightly more expensive since the coverage is mandatory.
Renata Balasco, Insurance writer with 5+ years experience
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| Company | Liability Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Utica National Ins Group | $445 | $881 |
| State Farm | $219 | $449 |
| Progressive | $250 | $412 |
| Penn National | $302 | $690 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $296 | $636 |
| Nationwide | $439 | $1,094 |
| MetLife | $331 | $591 |
| GEICO | $293 | $649 |
| Erie | $314 | $740 |
| Allstate | $488 | $1,204 |
| Allied | $283 | $788 |
Source: The Zebra
Cheap full coverage insurance in North Carolina
In 2026, a 6-month full coverage policy in North Carolina costs $733. The state’s contributory negligence law likely influences the decision of 62% of North Carolina drivers to opt for full coverage.[2][4] Under this law, being even slightly at fault in an accident can prevent you from recovering damages, making comprehensive protection more appealing.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $412 | $69 |
| State Farm | $449 | $75 |
| GEICO | $649 | $108 |
| Erie | $740 | $123 |
| Utica National Ins Group | $881 | $147 |
| Nationwide | $1,094 | $182 |
| Allstate | $1,204 | $201 |
Source: The Zebra
Local insights
Drivers near you in North Carolina weigh in
"NC Farm Bureau has been fair to us for the last 8 years and if you have a new car (less than 5 years old and clean history thus far) they have an amazing 'repair or replace' option."
- Reddit user r/Raleigh
"NC Farm Bureau is the best. My husband was on USAA and had a bad experience when his car was totaled (uninsured drunk driver), and he swapped all his coverage over once we got married."
- Reddit user r/Northcarolina
Find the best coverage and price in North Carolina with The Zebra.
What are the best car insurance companies in North Carolina?
We recognized Erie Insurance as one of the top car insurance providers in North Carolina based on a combination of customer feedback, third-party ratings from J.D. Power and AM Best, and a thorough review of their coverage options and discounts.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Erie Insurance , through a comparison of other highly-rated insurance companies in North Carolina.
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Car insurance in popular North Carolina cities
Rates can vary significantly depending on the city you live in. Factors such as traffic density, crime rates, and even local weather patterns can influence your premium. To help you better understand what to expect, here’s a breakdown of what the average driver pays for car insurance in some of North Carolina’s largest cities.
Source: The Zebra
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Source: The Zebra
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Meet our team of experts— ready to help you through your insurance journey.
With a 10-year career in the insurance industry, Jordan brings a wealth of experience in property and casualty insurance. He has experience in both c…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Life, Health and Variable Annuities
- 10+ insurance experience
Blake joined The Zebra in 2021 after a 5-year career at GEICO, where he started as a producer selling auto, property, cycle, RV, and boat policies be…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty
- 7+ years insurance experience
Erica began at The Zebra in 2020 as a Licensed Service Agent, bringing six years of insurance experience from her career at Progressive where she spe…
Credentials
- Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
- 10+ years in the insurance industry
North Carolina auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
Driving history plays a big part in how much you pay for insurance coverage in North Carolina. Those with a recent at-fault accident will almost always see higher rates, as insurers will see you as being higher risk.
Source: The Zebra
Source: The Zebra
Note: Many minor violations result in the same 1-point SDIP increase under NC law.
The Zebra's guide to North Carolina car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
For high-risk drivers in North Carolina with serious infractions like a DUI or reckless driving, the consequences extend far beyond fines — they can significantly impact your car insurance. These violations often lead to higher premiums, potential policy cancellations, and challenges in finding coverage.
Understanding North Carolina's insurance requirements is crucial for staying on the road legally. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the essentials, from mandatory coverage to the penalties for non-compliance, helping you navigate the complexities of high-risk auto insurance in the state.
North Carolina DUI laws
A DUI offense in North Carolina can increase your annual car insurance premium drastically. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in North Carolina
Those with a DUI or DWI violation in North Carolina must consider insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,725 | $287 |
| State Farm | $1,960 | $327 |
| Erie | $2,740 | $457 |
| GEICO | $3,301 | $550 |
| Utica National Ins Group | $4,044 | $674 |
| Nationwide | $4,148 | $691 |
| Allstate | $6,268 | $1,045 |
Source: The Zebra
There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
North Carolina SR-22 insurance
The state of North Carolina does not utilize the SR-22. Instead, the state operates on a system called the Safe Driver Incentive Plan. This plan assigns a certain amount of "insurance points" based on the seriousness of the infraction. Drivers will see a corresponding percentage increase to their rates. For instance, driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08 amounts to 12 points and a 340% rate increase.
Finding cheap auto insurance with a serious traffic infraction in North Carolina might require some research, but it often pays off in the end.
Find an affordable policy in North Carolina in minutes!
How have car insurance costs in North Carolina changed?
North Carolina’s auto insurance market has experienced notable ups and downs in recent years, with premiums shifting alongside economic conditions, regulatory changes, and evolving risk factors. Rates have seen periods of sharp increases, often tied to rising claim costs and broader inflation trends, as well as occasional slowdowns or declines.
This kind of volatility highlights why it pays to shop around—insurance prices can vary widely depending on timing, market conditions, and individual factors, making regular comparison one of the easiest ways for drivers to avoid overpaying.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,466 |
| 2025 | $1,533 |
| 2024 | $1,236 |
| 2023 | $1,164 |
| 2022 | $1,148 |
| 2021 | $1,067 |
| 2020 | $1,011 |
| 2019 | $1,003 |
| 2018 | $968 |
| 2017 | $1,796 |
| 2016 | $1,562 |
| 2015 | $1,885 |
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
North Carolina car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding North Carolina auto insurance.
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Data Methodology. The Zebra
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Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
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2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power.
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After an Accident. NC Department of Insurance.
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Vehicle Insurance Requirements. North Carolina Department of Transportation
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN NC
What do I do if I am hit by another driver and they refuse to provide me their insurance information?
Good rates with Penn, but how about claims?
Can you explain mixed reviews on Direct Auto service?
Should I still shop around if things are fine?
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
