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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
The average car insurance premium in Charlotte is $83 per month for a basic liability policy and $110 for full coverage. Fortunately, you can find cheaper coverage with auto insurers like Direct Auto.
North Carolina state law requires $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury liability, $50,000 property damage liability, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. About 1 in 10 drivers are uninsured in North Carolina, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), so it’s important to have coverage that protects you across the state.
Let’s review the finer details of car insurance costs in the Queen City and how to get car insurance for less.
Direct Auto offers the cheapest rates on average in Charlotte, at $80 per month.
The average cost for car insurance in Charlotte is $96 per month.
Most Charlotte drivers likely need more coverage than state-minimum insurance.
Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for car insurance, but factors like your age, driving history, credit history, and more can also influence your rates.
Before we delve into personal factors, let’s review Charlotte’s cheapest car insurance companies. It shows average rates for various policy types for Charlotte and North Carolina, as well as the overall national average.
Location  | Average Monthly Premium: Liability Insurance | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $83 | $110 | $96 |
| North Carolina | $65 | $91 | $78 |
| National average | $101 | $175 | $138 |
Charlotte drivers pay an average of $83 per month for liability coverage and $110 for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Note that these are just broad averages, and your rate will be based on your unique driver profile.
Compare personalized quotes from Charlotte’s top insurers.
Regardless of average rates, there are several ways to get cheaper rates, including comparing quotes, gathering discounts, and finding the right company.
So, let’s start by reviewing the five cheapest car insurance companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $80 |
| Erie | $80 |
| Nationwide | $80 |
| Progressive | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $81 |
| National General | $81 |
| Safeco | $85 |
| Dairyland | $90 |
| GEICO | $91 |
| Travelers | $101 |
| Allstate | $108 |
| State Farm | $130 |
Direct Auto offers the cheapest car insurance rates on average, at $80 per month, according to our research. But it’s not the only option for great low-cost coverage. Let’s review the best car insurance companies offering policies in Charlotte.
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While there’s no universal “best” car insurance company, some regularly outperform competitors in terms of price, discounts, customer ratings, claims reviews, and coverage options. That’s why it’s so important to shop around.
Which company is best for you largely depends on how it treats drivers like you. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best in Charlotte for a few common driving profiles.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $64/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $94/mo |
Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.
Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.
Erie offers cheap car insurance coverage to a wide range of driving profiles — people of all ages and with the most common driving histories. You can also get premium auto insurance with Erie Auto Plus, which includes:
Diminishing deductibles that decrease for every claim-free year
Increased coverage limits for locksmith costs, personal items, and rental reimbursement
Waived deductibles for certain claims
Additional benefits, including a $10,000 death benefit
Lots of available coverage options and policy perks
Low rates for diverse driver profiles
Highly rated customer and claims service
No usage-based coverage or telematics programs available
Can’t self-manage policy with app or website
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $64/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $94/mo |
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Nationwide offers affordable car insurance you can easily customize. You’ll also get an excellent mobile app, helpful local agents, and rare coverage options like accident forgiveness, total loss deductible waiver, vanishing deductibles, and roadside assistance.
Nationwide offers nine high-value discounts and the On Your Side review, where you get a personalized review of your car insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage and all the discounts you’re eligible for.
Lower-than-average rates
Available telematics and usage-based insurance discounts
Accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles available
Below-average customer and claims satisfaction
Quotes sometimes apply ineligible discounts
Twice the average number of customer complaints
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $73/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $107/mo |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
With a 10% discount for signing up for its telematics program, DriveEasy, and a 25% maximum discount based on driving performance, GEICO is a great option for drivers who want to save money while practicing safe driving.
GEICO offers dozens of additional perks, including 24/7 customer service. It also provides online and mobile tools for easy policy management, claims, and quotes, serving many drivers.
Great website and mobile app
Low rates for many driving profiles
Dozens of available insurance products with bundling discounts
Gap coverage and limited rideshare coverage not available
Fewer discounts than other large insurers
Lower-than-average customer and claims satisfaction
Compare personalized quotes from Charlotte’s cheapest companies.
Coverage levels affect the cost of car insurance, with state minimum liability-only policies generally costing less than full-coverage policies. Liability coverage only pays for the damages and injuries you cause to another person or vehicle.
The cheapest companies for liability coverage are listed in the table below, according to Compare.com data.
But many Charlotte drivers need more than state-minimum coverage, and if you have a lease or loan, your lender or leasing company will require full coverage. So let’s look at cheap rates for full-coverage car insurance.
Full-coverage car insurance includes liability coverage and other state-required options, plus comprehensive and collision coverage. These two coverages protect your car from damage such as fallen tree limbs or severe weather and vehicle damage after an accident.
The chart below shows five companies with the lowest average monthly premiums for full-coverage insurance in Charlotte, according to Compare.com data.
The companies above are a good starting point but not your only option — always compare personalized car insurance quotes first to get the best deal. Next, let’s see how factors like age and driving record influence rates.
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Your age has one of the most significant effects on car insurance costs, as younger drivers (and those older than 80) are involved in more car crashes and more deadly crashes than drivers of other age groups, according to research from the AAA Foundation.
Here’s how age affects rates in Charlotte.
Age Group | Citywide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $192 | Liberty Mutual | $150 |
| 40s | $97 | Nationwide | $75 |
| Seniors | $86 | Nationwide | $63 |
Teen drivers pay the highest rates overall because they’re involved in more car accidents than drivers of other age groups, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That means they’re more likely to cause an at-fault claim.
Charlotte teens pay an average monthly rate of $192 for car insurance, according to our analysis. The cheapest car insurance company for Charlotte’s teen drivers in Liberty Mutual, with average rates of $150 per month, according to Compare.com data. Teens can also look into the good student and similar discounts.
You typically earn the lowest average rates around the time you hit retirement age. That’s because senior drivers cause the fewest car accidents (according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety) and drive less than drivers of other age groups (according to the IIHS).
The average Charlotte senior pays around $86 per month for auto insurance, according to our data. But they pay less with Nationwide, at just $63 per month, according to Compare.com data. You can also save even more with senior discounts, low-mileage discounts, or pay-per-mile car insurance.
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Your driving record greatly affects your car insurance rates, indicating your likelihood of making a claim. Let’s take a look at how rates change based on your driving record, as well as which companies offer the cheapest average rates in Charlotte, according to our data.
Driving Record | Citywide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $96 | Direct Auto | $80 |
| Speeding ticket | $136 | Direct Auto | $107 |
| At-fault accident | $143 | Erie | $110 |
| DUI | $196 | Erie | $138 |
A single speeding ticket causes rates to rise by 27% on average, according to Compare.com data.
Charlotte drivers with a recent ticket pay around $136 per month on average, according to our data. Direct Auto offers the cheapest car insurance in Charlotte for these drivers, at just $107 per month.
Other ways to save after a speeding ticket include leveraging discounts, raising deductibles, and cutting unnecessary coverage.
After an at-fault car accident, you should expect your rates to go up by 34% on average, according to data from Compare.com. After an accident, drivers in Charlotte pay around $143 per month for auto insurance, according to our analysis. But some companies offer more affordable coverage. Erie has the cheapest rates in Charlotte after an accident, with an average premium of $110 per month.
You can also save by enrolling in a telematics program, completing a defensive driver class, and keeping a clean record going forward.
DUIs have one of the largest effects on car insurance rates, inflicting 47% higher rates on average, according to Compare.com data. But you can find lower rates by working with a company offering cheaper DUI premiums.
Drivers in Charlotte with a DUI conviction pay around $196 per month for auto insurance. Erie offers these drivers the cheapest average rates, at $138 per month. You can lower rates by avoiding tickets, comparing quotes, or swapping to a cheaper car to insure if affordable coverage is especially hard to find.
North Carolina requires all drivers to purchase at least the following coverages:
$50,000 of bodily injury liability per person
$100,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 of property damage liability
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to liability limits
Though state law doesn’t mandate them, your lender or leasing company may also require the following coverages if you lease or finance your car:
Comprehensive coverage for non-collision damage to your vehicle
Collision coverage for at-fault collision damage to your car
Gap insurance for the difference between your remaining loan or lease balance and your car’s actual cash value (ACV) if you total your car
You should also consider raising your coverage limits and adding optional coverage, such as MedPay, to your insurance policy.
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You can use several strategies to find cheaper car insurance without sacrificing essential coverage. Here are our top tips:
Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid traffic violations and accidents to keep rates low.
Increase your deductible: A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium, but make sure you can afford the extra cost if you file a claim.
Bundle insurance policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies, such as auto and home insurance.
Take advantage of discounts: Choose an insurance company that offers you the best discounts (ideally on already cheap coverage).
Improve your credit: Better credit means lower insurance rates, as insurers associate higher credit with less risk.
Compare quotes from multiple companies: Shopping around can help you find the best coverage at the best price.
Compare personalized quotes from the cheapest insurers in Charlotte.
It’s natural to have questions about car insurance coverage no matter where you live. Here are some of the most common questions from Charlotte drivers.
Direct Auto offers the cheapest car insurance in Charlotte on average, according to Compare.com data, at $80 per month. But comparing quotes is the best way to find the cheapest rate for you.
The average cost of car insurance in Charlotte is $96 per month, according to our research. That breaks down to $83 per month for liability insurance and $110 for full coverage.
Some drivers find lower rates, while others pay more depending on their driving profile and insurer.
The state of North Carolina requires 50/100/50 in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection equal to your liability limits. That means you need to have at least $50,000 in bodily injury (BI) liability coverage per person, $100,000 in BI coverage per accident, and $50,000 in property damage liability coverage.
You may need additional coverage for a financed or leased vehicle.
Driving without insurance in Charlotte comes with a $50 penalty plus a $50 reinstatement fee for the first offense, or a $100 penalty and a $150 reinstatement fee for subsequent offenses.
Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists,” accessed December 2, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed December 2, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed December 2, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Nationwide Gen Ins Co. National Complaint Index Report,” accessed December 2, 2024.
AAA Foundation, “Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries and Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, United States, 2014-2015,” accessed December 2, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Fatality Facts 2021,” accessed December 2, 2024.
North Carolina DMV, “Insurance Requirements,” accessed December 2, 2024.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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