Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina (Find Savings With These 10 Companies in 2024)
The top pick overall for the best and cheapest car insurance in North Carolina is Progressive, with USAA and Geico also offering competitive rates, including comprehensive insurance coverage.
Our comprehensive analysis, based on thousands of unbiased policyholder reviews, reveals these companies provide excellent customer service and reliable claims handling.
| Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
#1 | $13 | A+ | UBI Discount | Progressive |
 |
#2 | $18 | A++ | Military Drivers | USAA |
 |
#3 | $29 | A++ | Cost Savings | Geico |
 |
#4 | $32 | B | Student Savings | State Farm |
 |
#5 | $35 | A | Occupational Discount | Liberty Mutual |
 |
#6 | $36 | A | Costco Members | American Family |
 |
#7 | $42 | A | Safe Drivers | Farmers |
 |
#8 | $43 | A++ | Unique Coverage | Travelers |
 |
#9 | $47 | A+ | Accident Forgiveness | Nationwide |
 |
#10 | $72 | A+ | Claims Satisfaction | Allstate |
Whether you're a teen driver, a married couple, or a senior, our guide helps you navigate the insurance landscape to find the most affordable and dependable options.
See if you’re getting the best deal on car insurance by entering your ZIP code above.
What You Should Know
- Progressive is the top pick for car insurance in North Carolina at $13/month
- Find the best and cheapest car insurance in North Carolina tailored to your needs
- Compare top insurers to save on North Carolina auto insurance
On this page:
- Progressive: Top Overall Pick
- USAA: Best for Military Drivers
- Geico: Best for Cost Savings
- State Farm: Best for Student Savings
- Liberty Mutual: Best for Occupational Discount
- Best for Costco Members
- Farmers: Best for Safe Drivers
- Travelers: Best for Unique Coverage
- Nationwide: Best for Accident Forgiveness
- Allstate: Best for Claims Satisfaction
- Comparative Overview of Car Insurance Rates and Discounts by Company
- Affordable Teen Car Insurance Options in North Carolina
- Cost-Effective Car Insurance for Married Couples in North Carolina
- Affordable Senior Car Insurance Providers in North Carolina
- Lowest Car Insurance Rates by Area in North Carolina
- Highest Car Insurance Premium Areas in North Carolina
- Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
- Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina
- Strategies to Reduce Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina
- Clearsurance's Methodology for Evaluating North Carolina Car Insurance Companies
- Understanding Car Insurance in North Carolina
#1 – Progressive: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Progressive insurance customer reviews highlight it as offering some of the most affordable and top-quality car insurance in North Carolina.
- Wide Range of Discounts: Numerous discounts available for North Carolina drivers, including multi-policy and safe driver discounts.
- User-Friendly Technology: Easy-to-use mobile app and online tools for managing policies and claims in North Carolina.
Cons
- Higher Rates for Poor Credit: Drivers with poor credit in North Carolina may face higher premiums.
- Limited Local Agents: Fewer local agents in certain North Carolina areas, which might be inconvenient for some.
#2 – USAA: Best for Military Drivers
Pros
- Low Rates: As per our USAA customer reviews, the company offers very competitive rates for military families in North Carolina.
- Excellent Customer Service: Known for top-tier customer service and high satisfaction ratings in North Carolina.
- Strong Financial Stability: Reliable financial strength ensures prompt claims payments.
Cons
- Limited Local Agents: Fewer local agents compared to other providers, which can be a drawback for those preferring in-person service.
- Membership Restrictions: Only available to military members and their families, limiting accessibility.
#3 – Geico: Best for Cost Savings
Pros
- Affordable Rates: Discover our best and cheapest car insurance companies, known for some of the cheapest car insurance rates in North Carolina.
- Good Customer Service: High ratings for customer service and claims handling in North Carolina.
- Easy Online Access: Strong online presence and mobile app for convenient policy management.
Cons
- Limited Personal Interaction: More focused on online and phone service, which might not suit all North Carolina customers.
- Potential Rate Increases: Rates can increase after initial policy period or due to claims.
#4 – State Farm: Best for Student Savings
Pros
- Strong Agent Network: Extensive local agent network in North Carolina for personalized service.
- Good Customer Satisfaction: Following our State Farm insurance customer reviews, the company has high ratings for customer service and claims satisfaction in North Carolina.
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Wide range of coverage options available for North Carolina drivers.
Cons
- Higher Premiums: Can be more expensive than some competitors for North Carolina drivers.
- Limited Discounts: Fewer discounts compared to other providers, which might limit savings.
#5 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Occupational Discount
Pros
- Customizable Policies: Flexible coverage options tailored to North Carolina drivers' needs.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: Significant savings for bundling auto with home or other policies.
- Strong Financial Ratings: Within our Liberty Mutual insurance customer reviews, you'll find that the company is a reliable entity with strong financial stability.
Cons
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Variable customer satisfaction ratings in North Carolina.
- Higher Premiums for Young Drivers: Can be more expensive for younger North Carolina drivers.
#6 – American Family: Best for Costco Members
Pros
- Personalized Service: Explore our American Family insurance customer reviews highlighting the strong local agent presence in North Carolina.
- Competitive Rates: Affordable rates for various driver profiles in North Carolina.
- Good Discounts: Offers a variety of discounts to North Carolina customers.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Not as widely available in all North Carolina areas.
- Average Online Tools: Online and mobile tools are less advanced compared to some competitors.
#7 – Farmers: Best for Safe Drivers
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage: Wide range of coverage options for North Carolina drivers.
- Good Discounts: Take a look at our article on genius ways to save money, which includes numerous discounts available, such as for safe drivers and multi-policy holders.
- Strong Agent Support: Extensive local agent network in North Carolina.
Cons
- Higher Rates: Can be more expensive compared to other insurers in North Carolina.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Variable customer satisfaction ratings in North Carolina.
#8 – Travelers: Best for Unique Coverage
Pros
- Flexible Coverage Options: Customizable policies to fit North Carolina drivers' needs.
- Strong Financial Ratings: View our Travelers Companies, Inc. customer reviews to see why they are considered a reliable company with strong financial stability.
- Good Online Tools: User-friendly website and mobile app for managing policies.
Cons
- Average Customer Service: Customer service ratings are not as high as some competitors in North Carolina.
- Limited Discounts: Fewer discounts compared to other insurers, potentially limiting savings.
#9 – Nationwide: Best for Accident Forgiveness
Pros
- Good Customer Service: See our Nationwide customer reviews for insights into their high ratings for customer service and claims handling in North Carolina.
- Strong Financial Stability: Reliable company with strong financial ratings.
- Wide Coverage Options: Comprehensive coverage options for North Carolina drivers.
Cons
- Higher Premiums: Can be more expensive for some North Carolina drivers.
- Limited Discount Opportunities: Fewer discounts available compared to other insurers.
#10 – Allstate: Best for Claims Satisfaction
Pros
- Strong Agent Network: Extensive local agent network in North Carolina for personalized service.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Wide range of coverage options available for North Carolina drivers.
- Good Discounts: Offers various discounts, including for safe driving and multiple policies.
Cons
- Higher Rates: Premiums can be higher compared to other insurers in North Carolina.
- Mixed Customer Reviews: In line with our Allstate customer reviews, you will find variable customer satisfaction ratings in North Carolina.
Comparative Overview of Car Insurance Rates and Discounts by Company
Finding the most affordable car insurance can be a crucial task, especially for those looking for both minimum and full coverage options. Different insurance companies offer a variety of rates depending on the type of coverage selected. This comparison highlights the most cost-effective insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage. To further optimize your savings, you might also consider researching "what are the cheapest cars to insure" impacting overall affordability.
The table presents monthly car insurance rates for minimum and full coverage across various companies, factoring in different demographic considerations such as age, driving history, and location.
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $72 | $169 |
| American Family | $36 | $83 |
| Farmers | $42 | $99 |
| Geico | $29 | $69 |
| Liberty Mutual | $35 | $82 |
| Nationwide | $47 | $111 |
| Progressive | $13 | $32 |
| State Farm | $32 | $77 |
| Travelers | $43 | $100 |
| USAA | $18 | $44 |
When searching for the most economical car insurance options, Progressive stands out with the lowest rates for both minimum coverage at $13 and full coverage at $32. USAA is another affordable option, offering minimum coverage for $18 and full coverage for $44. Geico also provides competitive rates, with minimum coverage at $29 and full coverage at $69. These companies consistently offer some of the best rates available, making them ideal choices for cost-conscious drivers.
When looking for car insurance in North Carolina, it's important to know the discounts offered by various top providers. This can significantly affect your premiums and overall satisfaction with your coverage. Below is a table listing some of the leading insurance companies and the discounts they offer:
As seen in the table, each insurance provider offers a variety of discounts. These can be categorized into several types, such as discounts for safe driving, having multiple policies with the same provider, or for students who maintain good grades. Understanding these options can help you make an informed decision when selecting car insurance in North Carolina.
Affordable Teen Car Insurance Options in North Carolina
North Carolina Farm Bureau company offers the cheapest auto insurance coverage for female teen drivers, Geico offers the cheapest auto insurance policy for male teen drivers, illustrating effective strategies on how to get cheap car insurance.
The table presents monthly car insurance rates for 18-year-old male and female drivers in North Carolina, highlighting how demographics such as age and gender influence insurance costs.
| Insurance Company | Female (Age 18) | Male (Age 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $97 | $236 |
| American Family | $102 | $139 |
| Farmers | $204 | $214 |
| Geico | $102 | $102 |
| Liberty Mutual | $83 | $83 |
| Nationwide | $108 | $108 |
| Progressive | $104 | $104 |
| State Farm | $61 | $61 |
| Travelers | $133 | $133 |
| USAA | $64 | $72 |
These rates are based on profiles for 18-year-old male and female drivers in North Carolina. The car used was a 2015 Honda Civic EX. We used the minimum car insurance state limits. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in North Carolina will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Cost-Effective Car Insurance for Married Couples in North Carolina
Most popular car insurance companies for married couples, offers the cheapest average auto insurance rates for married couples in North Carolina. Married couples are often seen as more stable in insurance terms, and they may be more likely to combine policies like auto and homeowners insurance. The penalties for a less than perfect driving record and rewards for married couples can vary substantially.
The table presents monthly car insurance rates for married couples in North Carolina, considering demographics such as age, marital status, driving history, and credit score.
| Insurance Company | Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $75 |
| American Family | $43 |
| Farmers | $54 |
| Geico | $25 |
| Liberty Mutual | $36 |
| Nationwide | $48 |
| Progressive | $17 |
| State Farm | $46 |
| Travelers | $45 |
| USAA | $27 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old married couple with two drivers and two vehicles on a policy. The cars used were two 2015 Toyota Highlander LEs. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 coverage limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The drivers had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and they both have a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as coverage per person in North Carolina will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Affordable Senior Car Insurance Providers in North Carolina
Geico provides the cheapest average car insurance for senior rates for both male and female senior drivers in North Carolina out of the five most popular insurers in the state. Keep in mind, rates are generally lower for seniors. They're more likely to have experience and a clean record. They also have more financial factors going in their favor.
The table showcases monthly car insurance rates for senior drivers aged 65 in North Carolina, considering demographics such as age, gender, driving history, and credit score.
| Insurance Company | Female (Age 65) | Male (Age 65) |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $70 | $70 |
| American Family | $34 | $34 |
| Farmers | $41 | $41 |
| Geico | $30 | $29 |
| Liberty Mutual | $34 | $34 |
| Nationwide | $46 | $46 |
| Progressive | $13 | $13 |
| State Farm | $32 | $32 |
| Travelers | $41 | $41 |
| USAA | $18 | $18 |
These rates are based on profiles for 65-year-old male and female drivers. The car used for each was a 2015 Toyota Camry LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The drivers had zero incidents within the past three years and a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in North Carolina will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Lowest Car Insurance Rates by Area in North Carolina
On average, the cheapest area in North Carolina for car insurance is the Alexander area. Car insurance rates in North Carolina vary by location just like claim rates, crime rates, and many other factors insurance companies have to consider. Car insurance based on average rates for single adults, along with insurance ratings and reviews for each provider.
The table presents monthly car insurance rates for various areas in North Carolina, considering demographics such as age, marital status, driving history, and credit score.
| City | Rates |
|---|---|
| Alexander | $83 |
| Swannanoa | $83 |
| Weaverville | $82 |
| Canton | $81 |
| Whittier | $80 |
| Sylva | $80 |
| Candler | $78 |
| Cherokee | $77 |
| Arden | $75 |
| Leicester | $74 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old single adult with one driver and one vehicle on a policy. The car used was a 2015 Toyota Highlander LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 policy limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The driver had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and had a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in North Carolina will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Highest Car Insurance Premium Areas in North Carolina
On average, the most expensive area in North Carolina for auto insurance is Newell. Car insurance rates in North Carolina vary based on factors such as car accident frequency, driving behavior, and crime rates, as well as how does my credit score affect my insurance premium.
The table shows monthly car insurance rates for the most expensive areas in North Carolina, considering demographics such as age, marital status, driving history, and credit score.
| City | Rates |
|---|---|
| Newell | $137 |
| Fort Bragg | $128 |
| Pope Army Airfield | $127 |
| Bunnlevel | $127 |
| Spring Lake | $127 |
| Hope Mills | $126 |
| Raeford | $126 |
| Fayetteville | $125 |
| Cumberland | $123 |
| Fair Bluff | $122 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old single adult with one driver and one vehicle on a policy. The car used was a 2015 Toyota Highlander LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The driver had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and had a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in North Carolina will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina requires drivers to have two main coverages: liability (both bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage) and uninsured motorist coverage. Liability insurance protects you in the event you are at fault in an accident and cause damage to another person's property or injure someone.
North Carolina has minimum coverage amounts for drivers, detailed below, but it's important to consider purchasing higher limits to protect you in the event of a costly accident. This will raise your insurance premium, but it could save you thousands out of pocket after a serious accident. Additional policies to consider include non-owner car insurance and gap insurance.
North Carolina is an at-fault accident state. This means that the driver who caused the motor vehicle accident is responsible for covering the damage caused by the wreck. This includes medical expenses and damage to the other vehicle.
In addition to the required coverages, North Carolina drivers also can purchase collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
North Carolina state minimum requirements:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury; $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Bodily injury liability provides coverage for injuries sustained by the other vehicle's driver and passengers if you are held responsible for an accident. This coverage also kicks in to defend you in the event of any bodily injury claims.
Property damage liability provides coverage in the event you damage someone else's property in a car accident. This is most commonly the other vehicle, but also could be things like a home or fence.
Uninsured motorist coverage offers protection in the event you are injured or your car is damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. According to 2015 data from the Insurance Information Institute, just 6.5 percent of North Carolina drivers are uninsured.
While this is the fourth lowest percentage of any state in the country — the national average is 13 percent — this coverage also protects you against uninsured out-of-state drivers. If you're hit by one of these drivers, though, a little uninsured motorist coverage can go a long way.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina
When searching and comparing auto insurance quotes from the best companies in North Carolina, it can be frustrating trying to understand how your insurance rates are calculated. While there is no exact formula that each car insurance company uses when providing you a quote, there are many factors that do contribute to the price you pay for your insurance. Among the factors that car insurers consider are:
- Driving Record & Mileage
- Age, Gender, & Marital Status
- Your Car’s Make, Model, and Year
- Location
- Amount of Car Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest misunderstandings when it comes to insurance rates is that the history of drivers in your area also contributes to how much you pay. For instance, even if you go two years without an accident, if there were a lot of accidents near you recently, your rates and the average cost in your area could still go up. Why does that happen?
Insurance companies disperse risk across all policyholders so that when it comes time to pay a claim, they have enough money to payout. But imagine a scenario where they only raised rates for drivers with an accident, emphasizing the importance of understanding when to file a car insurance claim.
For drivers who had an expensive claim, drivers simply wouldn't be able to afford the raised rates that are based on how much their insurer had to pay after an accident. So instead, insurance companies slightly increase rates across the board to offset the costs, though of course, the at-fault driver may see a larger increase.
Strategies to Reduce Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina
At the end of the day, we'd all like to have affordable car insurance policies from one of the best North Carolina auto insurance companies. Most of us want low rates, great customer service, and reliable coverage in one. While you never want to sacrifice quality to save a couple of dollars, there are some different ways you can lower your car insurance premium.
Here are five ways you may be able to lower your car insurance rates:
- Bundle your car insurance with other policies.
- Consider raising your deductibles.
- Pay your car insurance policy in full.
- Try usage-based car insurance.
- Shop for better insurance rates.
By implementing these strategies, you can potentially save a significant amount on your car insurance premiums. Regularly reviewing your policy and exploring different options can help ensure you're getting the best possible rate.
Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record and taking advantage of safe driver discounts can further reduce your premiums. It's also wise to keep updated on any changes in state regulations that might affect insurance rates.
Clearsurance's Methodology for Evaluating North Carolina Car Insurance Companies
Consistent with its mission towards greater transparency, Clearsurance does not keep its rating and ranking formulas in a black box. Our algorithm analyzes a range of inputs from our independent community of insurance customers, including:
- Price
- Customer Service
- Claim service
- Likelihood to renew
The algorithm also takes into account the percentage of what customers say the company does well vs. the percentage of what customers say the company could do better, integrating the car insurance calculator to provide more precise evaluations.
The Clearsurance customer ratings and rankings are derived entirely from customer reviews and ratings.
Understanding Car Insurance in North Carolina
Whether you're buying your insurance directly or going through an agent, understanding the different car insurance coverage options is a must. Do you know what is covered by comprehensive coverage? Are you familiar with uninsured motorist coverage? Do you know how a deductible works?
We want to make sure you’re equipped with a proper knowledge of car insurance, so check out our car insurance guide. Looking for more educational information about car insurance? Check out our car insurance blog for more information and topics related to car insurance.
Explore your car insurance options by entering your ZIP code below and finding which companies have the lowest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended auto insurance coverage in North Carolina?
A North Carolina driver's insurance must include both liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The minimum requirements in terms of liability limits are $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $60,000 per accident. You also need $25,000 in property damage coverage.
How much is car insurance in NC a month?
Full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina costs $1,627 per year, or $136 per month on average, according to our most recent analysis of data from quadrant information services.
Why is car insurance so expensive in North Carolina?
North Carolina car insurance rates by city: higher medical care costs may increase bodily injury liability coverage premiums, and higher costs for vehicle repairs and labor may increase premiums for property damage liability, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage.
What type of car insurance is cheapest?
Typically, fully comprehensive insurance is the least expensive, though prices are influenced by individual circumstances.
Is car insurance more expensive in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Yes, car insurance in North Carolina is cheaper than in South Carolina. North Carolina car insurance rates are an average of $966 per year cheaper than South Carolina, in part because North Carolina is typically less risky for drivers due to a lower rate of car accidents and weather-related vehicle damage.
Is North Carolina a no-fault state?
North Carolina is not considered a “no-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. North Carolina is an at-fault state, which means that the insurance company of the at-fault driver bears the primary responsibility for paying for your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
What is full coverage insurance in NC?
Full coverage car insurance in North Carolina usually includes liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and may offer additional benefits.
Did North Carolina raise car insurance rates?
The settlement provides an average statewide auto rate increase of 4.5% in 2023 and another 4.5% in 2024. The settlement also includes motorcycle liability increases of 2.3% in 2023 and 2.3% in 2024. The Rate Bureau represents the insurance industry in North Carolina and is not a part of the Department of Insurance.
Why are cars cheaper in North Carolina?
North Carolina The sales tax on cars is merely 3%. The car purchase comes with relatively low title and registration fees. Cheap car insurance. North Carolina has low maintenance and upkeep costs.
What is the law for car accidents in NC?
North Carolina car accident law requires that a driver involved in a collision contact a law enforcement agency by the quickest means possible if there is: (1) injury to any person; (2) death to any person; or (3) total property damage of $500 or more. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor.