insurance car insurance

Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina for 2025

Direct Auto is generally the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina for both full coverage and minimum liability policies.
Updated May 14, 2025
Fact checked
Our trusted partners
+ MORE

Whether you live in the middle of Charlotte or along the beach in Emerald Isle, North Carolina is a beautiful state. And it's generally cheaper to live in North Carolina than in other states. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, North Carolina was the 23rd lowest-cost state in the country, which means 27 states are more expensive.

North Carolina's lower costs carry over to car insurance, too. Although the national average for full coverage car insurance with a clean record is $193, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina is $107 per month.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.
Compare car insurance rates in Ohio
See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes
By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Key takeaways

  • The average cost of full coverage car insurance for drivers with a clean record in North Carolina is $107 per month.
  • North Carolina requires all drivers to have liability policies.
  • State-minimum liability-only coverage for drivers with a clean record averages $62 per month.

How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, full coverage insurance — which includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage — averages $107 per month, compared to the national average of $193.

Avg. cost for full coverage Avg. cost for liability-only coverage Avg. full coverage cost for drivers with a DUI
$107/month $62/month $194/month
Avg. full coverage cost for teen drivers Avg. full coverage cost for seniors (70s) Avg. full coverage for driver with an at-fault accident
$189/month $87/month $176/month

Average cost of car insurance in North Carolina by provider

There are several auto insurance companies licensed to issue policies in North Carolina. Erie is generally one of the cheapest car insurance for both full coverage and minimum liability policies, as well as Nationwide.

Some companies, such as Allstate or Progressive, were significantly more expensive, charging hundreds more per year than Erie.

Provider Full coverage Minimum liability coverage
Allstate
$99/month $60/month
Erie $72/month $44/month
GEICO $83/month $50/month
Nationwide $72/month $44/month
Progressive $101/month $61/month
State Farm $119/month $73/month

Get Custom Quotes Today
State Farm Logo
See how much you could save today!
Average Rate:

Drivers who switch their auto insurance and save with State Farm save $764 on average!

How does credit score affect car insurance rates in North Carolina?

Although some states prohibit insurers from using credit information to determine car insurance premiums, North Carolina doesn't have that limitation.

Insurers in North Carolina can use your credit scores as the sole reason for discounting your premiums, so having good credit can help you save money.

The average premium for someone with a credit score of 750 or higher was $101 per month, compared to the average of $124 per month for drivers with poor credit.

Credit health Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649) $124/month
Average (650-699) $100/month
Good (700-749) $101/month
Excellent (750+) $101/month

Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in North Carolina

High-risk drivers are those who are more likely to have insurance claims than other drivers. A high-risk driver can be a new or teen driver, someone with past driving infractions, or someone with a history of at-fault accidents.

Whether you've been in a car accident, received a speeding ticket, or were convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you should expect your car insurance premiums to increase significantly. 

Violation Avg. annual full coverage premium before violation* Avg. annual full coverage premium after violation
At-fault accident $107/month $176/month
DUI $107/month $194/month
Speeding ticket $107/month $168/month

*Assumes clean driving record with good credit

Save On Your Auto Insurance
  • You could save up to $600 with some companies.
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes.
  • Fast, free, and easy way to shop for insurance.
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you.

Average rate:

How does age affect car insurance rates in North Carolina?

As is common in every state, young drivers in North Carolina pay substantially more for car insurance than other age groups. The average premium for teens is significantly higher than the state average of $107 per month.

Age Avg. full coverage annual premium
Teens $189/month
20s $129/month
30s $110/month
40s $101/month
60s $88/month

North Carolina car insurance rates by city

When it comes to your auto insurance premiums, where you live plays a role in determining what you pay. Urban areas tend to be more expensive, and living in cities with higher rates of theft or accidents will cause your premiums to increase.

City Avg. full-coverage premium
Fayetteville $125/month
Charlotte $137/month
Raleigh $112/month
Greensboro $109/month
Durham $112/month
Wilmington $110/month

NC's minimum car insurance requirements

In North Carolina, drivers must meet the following insurance requirements:

  • All vehicles registered in the state must have continuous liability coverage from an insurer licensed within the state. Out-of-state insurers aren't accepted.
  • Minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
    • $30,000 bodily injury for one person
    • $60,000 bodily injury for two or more people
    • $25,000 property damage

Keep in mind those are the state minimums for these coverage types. Depending on your circumstances, you may need more coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, and you may need to purchase comprehensive coverage or collision insurance, too.

How to save money on car insurance in North Carolina

To save money on North Carolina auto insurance, use these tips:

  • Shop around. Rates and available discounts vary by insurer, so it's smart to shop around and get car insurance quotes from multiple insurers. To get started, check out our picks for the best car insurance companies of 2025.
  • Bundle your coverage. Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts for those who have multiple insurance policies. For example, you may qualify for discounts on your car insurance if you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy with the same company.
  • Ask about discounts. You may qualify for additional discounts for paying your premiums for the year upfront, being a safe driver, or maintaining good grades.
  • Improve your credit. In North Carolina, having very good to excellent credit can help you secure a lower premium. Make all of your monthly payments on time, pay down credit card balances, and limit credit inquiries to potentially boost your credit score.
  • Adjust your deductible. In general, a lower deductible will cause your premiums to increase. Raising your deductible can give you a more affordable monthly premium.

FAQs

Is car insurance expensive in NC?

Car insurance in North Carolina is $1,275, compared to the national average of $1,582 for auto insurance rates. That's true for both liability-only coverage and full coverage insurance.

How much is car insurance per year in NC?

The average cost for full coverage insurance in North Carolina is $1,275 per year, and the average price for state-minimum coverage is $489 per year. 

How much you'll pay for car insurance in North Carolina will depend on several factors, including your age, driving history, and credit score. 

Data throughout provided by Insurify

Save On Your Auto Insurance
  • You could save up to $600 with some companies.
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes.
  • Fast, free, and easy way to shop for insurance.
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you.

Average rate: