Key Takeaways
- Erie Insurance, State Farm, Progressive and Nationwide are the cheapest car insurance companies for most drivers in North Carolina, according to our research.
- Full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina costs $2,271 per year or $189 per month on average, according to our most recent analysis of data from Quadrant Information Services.
- The state-minimum coverage in North Carolina is $815 per year or $68 per month on average, ultimately making the state 6% cheaper than the national average of $869 per year.
We at the MarketWatch Guides team took an in-depth look at the best car insurance companies in the country, including national and regional North Carolina providers. We compared their coverage options, reputation and customer service, as well as whether they offer cheap car insurance in the Tar Heel State. Here’s what we discovered.
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Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina?
According to our rate data, Progressive offers both the cheapest full-coverage and minimum liability car insurance in North Carolina. However, State Farm, Nationwide and Erie Insurance are all worth considering.
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Rates
Car insurance rates vary due to several factors, like your age, driving history and credit score. The cheapest rates for you will vary depending on your situation. We’ve listed the lowest rates for each category of coverage and driver profile we researched.
Unless specified otherwise, rates are based on a 35-year-old driver with a clean driving history and good credit, since this profile excludes several rate-raising factors.
| Cheapest Coverage in North Carolina (by category) | Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability Coverage | Erie Insurance | $30 |
| Full Coverage | Progressive | $85 |
| Young Drivers (16 years old) | Progressive | $273* |
| Seniors (65 years old) | Progressive | $88* |
| After a Speeding Ticket | Progressive | $122* |
| After an Accident | Progressive | $122* |
| After a DUI | Progressive | $296* |
| Bad Credit | Progressive | $85* |
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Read more: Cheapest Car Insurance
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
The four cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina, according to our research, are as follows:
- Erie Insurance
- State Farm
- Progressive
- Nationwide
You can click on any of the providers above to learn more, or keep reading to see the state’s cheapest car insurance companies by size.
Cheapest Large Insurance Companies in North Carolina
Among large auto insurance companies in North Carolina, State Farm, Nationwide, Geico, Farmers and Progressive are the cheapest. Large insurers are ones that have written $4.5 billion or more in direct premiums for personal auto, according to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠. You’ll find the lowest rates on average from these companies in the Tar Heel State.
| Provider | North Carolina Rank | Minimum Coverage (Annual) | Full Coverage (Annual) | # of Discounts | Cost and Discounts Rating (Entire U.S.)* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $430 | $1,146 | 16 | 8.8 | Visit Site | |
| 2 | $541 | $1,925 | 10 | 9.3 | Visit Site | |
| 3 | $743 | $2,395 | 16 | 9.5 | Visit Site | |
| 4 | $642 | $2,047 | 15 | 7.3 | Visit Site | |
| 5 | $444 | $1,014 | 9 | 8.9 | Visit Site |
| Provider | North Carolina Rank | Minimum Coverage (Annual) | Full Coverage (Annual) | # of Discounts | Cost and Discounts Rating (Entire U.S.)* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $430 | $1,146 | 16 | 8.8 | Visit Site | |
| 2 | $541 | $1,925 | 10 | 9.3 | Visit Site | |
| 3 | $743 | $2,395 | 16 | 9.5 | Visit Site | |
| 4 | $642 | $2,047 | 15 | 7.3 | Visit Site | |
| 5 | $444 | $1,014 | 9 | 8.9 | Visit Site |
We reached out to Progressive and Farmers about their lower cost ratings and did not receive a response.
Read more: Largest Car Insurance Companies
Cheapest Midsize Insurance Companies in North Carolina
The cheapest midsize car insurance companies in North Carolina are Erie Insurance, North Carolina Farm Bureau and Penn National. J.D. Power defines midsize insurers as those that have written between $1 and $4.499 billion in direct premiums for personal auto. You can compare their average premiums and our cost ratings for each company below.
| Provider | North Carolina Rank | Minimum Coverage (Annual) | Full Coverage (Annual) | # Discounts | Cost and Discounts Rating (Entire U.S.)* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $363 | $1,136 | 11 | 9.6 | Visit Site | |
| 2 | $929 | $3,091 | 5 | 6.4 | Visit Site | |
| 3 | $815 | $2,582 | 7 | 7.1 | Visit Site |
| Provider | North Carolina Rank | Minimum Coverage (Annual) | Full Coverage (Annual) | # Discounts | Cost and Discounts Rating (Entire U.S.)* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $363 | $1,136 | 11 | 9.6 | Visit Site | |
| 2 | $929 | $3,091 | 5 | 6.4 | Visit Site | |
| 3 | $815 | $2,582 | 7 | 7.1 | Visit Site |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in North Carolina
Coverage level has a major impact on how much you will pay for car insurance. Many quotes from providers include estimates for minimum liability and full-coverage car insurance.Car insurance typically costs less in the Tar Heel State than the national average, which is $2,681 per year for full coverage and $893 per year for minimum liability.
Below are the cheapest auto insurance options in North Carolina for both coverage types.
Cheap Minimum Liability Car Insurance in North Carolina
The cheapest liability car insurance for drivers in North Carolina is from Erie Insurance for $30 per month or $363 per year.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $30 | $363 |
| State Farm | $36 | $430 |
| Progressive | $37 | $444 |
| Nationwide | $45 | $541 |
| Farmers | $53 | $642 |
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Read more: Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in North Carolina
Progressive offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates on average in North Carolina, at a cost of $85 per month or $1,014 per year.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $85 | $1,014 |
| Erie Insurance | $95 | $1,136 |
| State Farm | $95 | $1,146 |
| Kemper | $157 | $1,886 |
| Nationwide | $160 | $1,925 |
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Read more: Cheapest Full-Coverage Auto Insurance
North Carolina Car Insurance Cost by Age
Compare average full-coverage rates for North Carolina drivers between 16 and 75 years old.
| Age | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $447 | $5,367 |
| 17 | $385 | $4,620 |
| 18 | $367 | $4,400 |
| 19 | $243 | $2,912 |
| 21 | $221 | $2,653 |
| 25 | $203 | $2,432 |
| 35 | $189 | $2,271 |
| 45 | $192 | $2,308 |
| 55 | $185 | $2,223 |
| 65 | $185 | $2,223 |
| 75 | $187 | $2,250 |
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in North Carolina
Young drivers typically pay much more for car insurance than adults, and this stands true for the Tar Heel State. The tables below show the cheapest full-coverage car insurance for young drivers aged 16 through 25 in North Carolina as well as estimated monthly and annual costs.
Read more: Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
We found that Progressive offers the cheapest rates on average for 16-year-old drivers in North Carolina at $273 per month on average.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $273 | $3,277 |
| Erie Insurance | $281 | $3,375 |
| State Farm | $327 | $3,922 |
| Nationwide | $455 | $5,456 |
| Farmers | $525 | $6,301 |
Read more: Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance estimates in the state for 17-year-old drivers at $202 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $202 | $2,419 |
| Erie Insurance | $228 | $2,742 |
| State Farm | $248 | $2,971 |
| Nationwide | $362 | $4,341 |
| Farmers | $400 | $4,798 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Progressive typically offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old North Carolina drivers at a cost of $183 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $183 | $2,193 |
| Erie Insurance | $210 | $2,515 |
| State Farm | $220 | $2,639 |
| Nationwide | $340 | $4,075 |
| Farmers | $367 | $4,405 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
19-year-old drivers in the Tar Heel State can find the cheapest rates through Progressive at an average cost of $88 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $88 | $1,061 |
| Erie Insurance | $132 | $1,587 |
| State Farm | $157 | $1,880 |
| Farmers | $178 | $2,135 |
| National General Insurance | $219 | $2,633 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
In North Carolina, Progressive offers the cheapest rates on average for 21-year-olds at $88 per month for a full-coverage policy.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $88 | $1,061 |
| Erie Insurance | $117 | $1,401 |
| State Farm | $153 | $1,831 |
| Farmers | $178 | $2,135 |
| Geico | $194 | $2,329 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds
Progressive also offers the cheapest car insurance estimates for 25-year-old North Carolinian drivers at $88 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $88 | $1,061 |
| Erie Insurance | $100 | $1,197 |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,653 |
| Farmers | $178 | $2,135 |
| Geico | $181 | $2,172 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for Seniors
Progressive provides the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for seniors with average annual rates of $1,061 for a full-coverage policy.
Read more: Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors
Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for Both 65- and 75-Year-Olds
Progressive offers the cheapest rates for North Carolina drivers in their 60s and 70s at an average of $88 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $88 | $1,061 |
| Erie Insurance | $96 | $1,150 |
| State Farm | $102 | $1,225 |
| Nationwide | $167 | $2,006 |
| Farmers | $178 | $2,135 |
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Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina for High-Risk Drivers
If you have poor credit or a speeding ticket, car accident or DUI on your record, insurers may view you as high risk and charge you more for coverage. On average, Progressive provides the cheapest overall car insurance rates for those with bad driving records or credit scores in the state of North Carolina. The sections below provide monthly and annual average full-coverage rates for drivers who fall into one of these categories.
Read more: Best Cheap Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With Poor Credit
Progressive offers the cheapest rates for North Carolina drivers with poor credit at an average cost of $85 per month or $1,014 per year.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $85 | $1,014 |
| Erie Insurance | $139 | $1,665 |
| Farmers | $171 | $2,047 |
| Nationwide | $208 | $2,497 |
| Penn National Insurance | $215 | $2,582 |
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Read more: Car Insurance for Bad Credit
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket
North Carolina drivers with a speeding ticket can find the cheapest rates with Progressive at $122 per month or $1,468 per year for a full-coverage policy.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $122 | $1,468 |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,658 |
| Erie Insurance | $153 | $1,833 |
| Nationwide | $233 | $2,791 |
| Farmers | $249 | $2,986 |
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Read more: Speeding Ticket Car Insurance
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a Recent Accident
In North Carolina, Progressive offers the cheapest rates for drivers with an accident on their record at an average of $122 per month or $1,468 per year.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $122 | $1,468 |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,658 |
| Erie Insurance | $153 | $1,833 |
| Farmers | $249 | $2,986 |
| Kemper | $252 | $3,021 |
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Read more: What Is Accident Forgiveness Coverage?
Cheapest North Carolina Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
Progressive offers full-coverage auto insurance for those with a DUI in the Tar Heel State at an average of $296 per month or $3,550 per year.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $296 | $3,550 |
| State Farm | $316 | $3,787 |
| Erie Insurance | $343 | $4,111 |
| Kemper | $455 | $5,464 |
| National General Insurance | $568 | $6,817 |
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Read more: DUI vs. DWI
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina
There are a few ways drivers can save on car insurance in North Carolina. First, know what factors impact your rates. Then, take advantage of any discounts you’re eligible for.
Read more: How To Save Money on Car Insurance
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes North Carolina
When getting a car insurance quote from a provider, companies use a variety of factors to determine your rates.
The most significant factors that insurers use to determine car insurance costs in North Carolina include:
- Your age
- Your location
- The gender listed on your driver’s license
- Your driving history
- Your credit score
- Your marital status
- The make, model, year and mileage of your vehicle
- The deductible you choose
Read more: Compare Car Insurance
Car Insurance Discounts in North Carolina
The table below compares some of the car insurance deals and discounts available from our top providers in the Tar Heel State, which we’ll discuss in further detail below.
| North Carolina Car Insurance Discounts | Erie Insurance | State Farm | Progressive | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-policy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-vehicle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Safe driver | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Student | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Defensive driving | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Driver training | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| New vehicle | ✓ | |||
| Car safety equipment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Here are more details about the standard auto insurance discounts:
- Multi-policy: Bundle two or more insurance policies with the same company, such as home and auto insurance.
- Multi-vehicle: Insure multiple cars with the same provider.
- Military: Whether you’re an active military member or veteran, you can save money.
- Senior: Policyholders who are 55 and older are eligible for these discounts.
- Homeowners: Those who own a home may qualify for this discount.
- Good student: College and high school students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses are eligible for savings.
- Good driver: Drivers with a clean driving record (no at-fault accidents, DUIs or speeding tickets in the last three years) can save money.
- Defensive driving: Those who take a defensive driving course tend to qualify for this discount.
- Driver training: Taking a driver education training course may qualify you for discounts.
- New car: Drivers who purchase a new car (typically three model years or newer) can save on premiums.
- Safe car: If your vehicle has safety features like anti-theft technology then you may be eligible for discounts.
- Paperless: Opt to receive your documents through email for savings.
- Pay-in-full: If you pay off your policy in full upfront, you may save money.
Read more: Car Insurance Discounts
Best Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina
The cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina are Erie Insurance, State Farm, Progressive and Nationwide, according to our research. Below, we go into further detail on each company’s offerings, reputation, customer ratings and history.
#1 Erie Insurance
Best for Basic Insurance Coverage
9.2/10
Erie Insurance Overview
Erie Insurance has been in business for about a century. Even though it’s only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C., it’s one of the top 15 largest auto insurers in the U.S. according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This demonstrates its popularity among consumers.
The company performed well for customer satisfaction in the Southeast region of the U.S. (which calculates data from North Carolina among other states in this region). This performance was monitored in J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠, where Erie earned a score of 676 out of 1,000. This was above the regional average score of 663 and placed Erie in fifth place overall.
Industry Standing
J.D. Power regional rating: 676/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A+
BBB rating: A+
Read more: Erie Insurance Review
#2 State Farm
Best Customer Experience
9.2/10
State Farm Overview
As the largest auto insurer in the nation according to the NAIC, State Farm is known for its high customer satisfaction ratings and affordability. It’s also a great option for North Carolina drivers, with affordable rates for most driver profiles and a wide variety of discount opportunities.
A strong discount opportunity is State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save™ usage-based insurance program, which monitors a person’s driving habits on the road and can award a discount of up to 30% if that person scores well.
In terms of customer satisfaction, State Farm received a score of 673 out of 1,000 in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, which was good for seventh place in the Southeast region.
Industry Standing
J.D. Power regional rating: 673/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating:A++
BBB rating:C-
Read more: State Farm Insurance Review
Compare: Erie Insurance vs. State Farm
#3 Progressive
Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers
9.4/10
Progressive Overview
Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance rates for just about every North Carolina driver profile. It’s also our pick as Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers due to its highly-rated and easy-to-use telematics and pricing tools.
Progressive came in just below average in the Southeast region of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. However, the company’s A rating from the Better Business Bureau shows that it responds well to customer complaints.
Industry Standing
J.D. Power regional rating: 637/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A+
BBB rating:A
Read more: Progressive Insurance Review
Compare: Progressive vs. State Farm
#4 Nationwide
Best for Usage-Based Insurance
9.2/10
Nationwide Overview
Nationwide is one of the cheapest providers in North Carolina for both young drivers and senior drivers. The insurance titan even offers usage-based insurance through its SmartMiles® program. SmartMiles® is a great option for those who don’t commute or drive frequently, as it allows you to pay per mile on top of a base rate.
Nationwide also has a basic usage-based program called SmartRide®. It’s worth noting that the company also has the highest score for customer satisfaction in the Usage-Based Insurance category in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. In this same study, Nationwide also put up a strong score of 669 in the Southeast region of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, beating the regional average.
Industry Standing
J.D. Power regional rating: 669/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A
BBB rating: A+
Read more: Nationwide Insurance Review
Compare: Nationwide vs. State Farm
Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina is $189 per month or $2,271 per year, according to our data. This makes North Carolina car insurance about 15% cheaper than the national average cost of $2,681 per year.
Read more: Average Car Insurance Cost
North Carolina Auto Insurance Costs by City
While insurance rates vary state-to-state, they also vary within states. Regions of North Carolina have differing population density, climate and more. For example, someone living in Asheville may pay different rates than their friend living in Greensboro, even if all other factors are the same.
The table below shows the average car insurance rates for different cities in North Carolina.
| City in North Carolina | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $162 | $1,944 |
| Cary | $160 | $1,920 |
| Chapel Hill | $150 | $1,797 |
| Concord | $182 | $2,184 |
| Charlotte | $219 | $2,622 |
| Durham | $171 | $2,057 |
| Fayetteville | $214 | $2,571 |
| Gastonia | $208 | $2,499 |
| Greensboro | $184 | $2,204 |
| Hickory | $175 | $2,094 |
| Jacksonville | $178 | $2,135 |
| Kernersville | $160 | $1,914 |
| Mooresville | $177 | $2,119 |
| Raleigh | $183 | $2,192 |
| Thomasville | $169 | $2,031 |
| Wake Forest | $174 | $2,085 |
| Wilmington | $165 | $1,981 |
| Wilson | $202 | $2,424 |
| Winston-Salem | $162 | $1,949 |
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Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in North Carolina by ZIP
Typically, more densely populated areas will have higher insurance costs than rural areas due to the increased chance of accidents, theft and vandalism. Below, you can get personalized cheap auto insurance quotes for your location in North Carolina.
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North Carolina Car Insurance Rates vs. Other States
It’s typically cheaper to get car insurance in North Carolina than in many other states. Below, you can compare average annual rates for North Carolina vs. other states.
| State | Average Annual Minimum-Liability Premium | Average Annual Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $572 | $2,048 |
| Alaska | $506 | $2,116 |
| Arizona | $956 | $3,127 |
| Arkansas | $589 | $2,398 |
| California | $736 | $3,040 |
| Colorado | $750 | $3,010 |
| Connecticut | $1,179 | $2,699 |
| Delaware | $1,288 | $3,364 |
| District of Columbia | $870 | $2,636 |
| Florida | $1,605 | $3,795 |
| Georgia | $1,256 | $2,907 |
| Hawaii | $455 | $1,581 |
| Idaho | $463 | $1,588 |
| Illinois | $823 | $3,054 |
| Indiana | $557 | $1,949 |
| Iowa | $456 | $1,994 |
| Kansas | $683 | $2,421 |
| Kentucky | $1,072 | $2,545 |
| Louisiana | $1,497 | $4,357 |
| Maine | $456 | $1,460 |
| Maryland | $1,261 | $2,943 |
| Massachusetts | $759 | $2,620 |
| Michigan | $1,299 | $4,067 |
| Minnesota | $752 | $2,463 |
| Mississippi | $563 | $2,140 |
| Missouri | $752 | $2,613 |
| Montana | $517 | $2,368 |
| Nebraska | $545 | $2,252 |
| Nevada | $1,665 | $3,870 |
| New Hampshire | $594 | $1,766 |
| New Jersey | $1,408 | $3,034 |
| New Mexico | $608 | $2,335 |
| New York | $2,221 | $4,112 |
| North Carolina | $815 | $2,271 |
| North Dakota | $490 | $2,029 |
| Ohio | $511 | $1,660 |
| Oklahoma | $710 | $3,256 |
| Oregon | $1,161 | $2,408 |
| Pennsylvania | $893 | $3,909 |
| Rhode Island | $1,084 | $2,921 |
| South Carolina | $959 | $2,519 |
| South Dakota | $443 | $2,590 |
| Tennessee | $707 | $2,237 |
| Texas | $960 | $3,156 |
| Utah | $968 | $2,451 |
| Vermont | $366 | $1,539 |
| Virginia | $726 | $2,070 |
| Washington | $661 | $2,110 |
| West Virginia | $617 | $2,308 |
| Wisconsin | $561 | $2,003 |
| Wyoming | $303 | $1,794 |
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North Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements
North Carolina law requires drivers to carry liability car insurance. This covers other drivers and their cars in accidents you cause. North Carolina drivers need to purchase the following state minimum required coverage and coverage limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage: $25,000 per accident
North Carolina Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements
If you own a business vehicle, you’re required to have commercial auto insurance. Coverage limits depend on the weight of the vehicle and its use.
For passenger vehicles:
- Transports 1 to 15 people: $1.5 million combined single limit (CSL)
- Transports 15 or more people: $5 million CSL
- School buses: $1 million to $1.5 million CSL
- Taxis: 100/300/50
For vehicles carrying household goods:
- 26,000 pounds or less: 100/300/50
- Over 26,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL
Cheapest Auto Insurance in North Carolina: The Bottom Line
In this article, we reviewed the auto insurance companies with the cheapest coverage in the Tar Heel State. We also looked at the average cost of car insurance and coverage requirements in North Carolina. North Carolina’s rates are lower than the national average, and Erie is the best cheap car insurance company in the state.
Whether you’re shopping around for first-time car insurance coverage or looking to change your provider, the best thing you can do is compare car insurance quotes. Each provider weighs factors differently, so you’ll likely find varying rates depending on the company.
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Cheap Car Insurance North Carolina: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about cheap car insurance in North Carolina:
The cheapest car insurance quotes in North Carolina are offered by Erie Insurance, State Farm, Progressive and Nationwide. However, your age, driving history and more may affect your overall cost.
Car insurance in North Carolina generally costs around $189 per month for full coverage. That’s less than the national average, which sits at $223 per month.
No, car insurance is not very expensive in North Carolina. While drivers in the Tar Heel State pay $2,271 per year for full coverage, the national average is much higher at $2,681 annually.
North Carolina drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance and in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, you’ll need $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Insurance follows the car in North Carolina, as in most states. In other words, your policy will cover damages after an accident caused by your car even if you weren’t driving it at the time.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost and Discounts (25% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities are both taken into consideration.
- Industry Standing (20% of total score): Our research team considers market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Experience (15% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
- Availability (10% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements score highest in this category.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 130+ companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at [email protected].
