+120 more*These quotes are from real Compare.com users North Carolina within the last 10 days. Updated on October 8, 2026
*These quotes are from real Compare.com users North Carolina within the last 10 days. Updated on October 8, 2026
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Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
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5+ years in communications and content creation
2+ years in insurance content
Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.
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Triple-I's media relations director
20+ years in insurance
Mark serves as a national spokesman for Triple-I. An insurance expert, he's an impartial, independent reviewer for Compare.
Updated
Erie has the cheapest average rate in North Carolina, at $55 per month.
Liability-only coverage averages $65 per month in North Carolina, about 40% cheaper than full coverage, which averages $103 per month.
The overall average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $84 per month.
High minimum coverage requirements and frequent heavy rains and flooding contribute to North Carolina’s higher average premiums.
Car insurance in North Carolina averages $84 per month, about 40% lower than the national average of $143 per month, based on Compare.com data.
Liability-only coverage averages $65 per month, while full coverage averages $103 per month in the Tarheel State.
Rising repair costs and more frequent severe weather are pushing car insurance rates higher in North Carolina. But you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around. After comparing rates from 11 companies, we found that Erie, Progressive, and Allstate offer some of the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina.
Check out the table below to find out which companies offer the cheapest state-minimum and full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $55 | $91 |
| Progressive | $64 | $99 |
| Allstate | $65 | $88 |
| GEICO | $66 | $113 |
| Direct Auto | $67 | $94 |
| Liberty Mutual | $67 | $112 |
| National General | $68 | $97 |
| Travelers | $70 | $116 |
| Safeco | $73 | $123 |
| Dairyland | $78 | $173 |
| State Farm | $91 | $150 |
Car insurance rates can vary significantly throughout North Carolina. Morrisville has some of the cheapest average premiums, at $70 per month. Charlotte has some of the most expensive average rates, at $102 per month. That’s about a 45% difference.
Higher vehicle theft rates and more frequent severe crashes likely contribute to Charlotte’s higher auto insurance premiums. Morrisville has fewer drivers and less traffic, which helps explain its lower rates.
The table below shows average car insurance quotes in North Carolina cities, according to Compare.com data.
City | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville | $55 | $87 |
| Chapel Hill | $55 | $91 |
| Morrisville | $57 | $82 |
| Burlington | $58 | $92 |
| Cary | $60 | $94 |
| Mooresville | $64 | $94 |
| Durham | $65 | $101 |
| Rocky Mount | $65 | $95 |
| Hickory | $66 | $104 |
| Wilmington | $66 | $90 |
| Jacksonville | $67 | $91 |
| Goldsboro | $68 | $99 |
| Raleigh | $69 | $103 |
| Wilson | $71 | $121 |
| Greensboro | $72 | $105 |
| Matthews | $73 | $121 |
| Concord | $74 | $133 |
| Kannapolis | $74 | $115 |
| High Point | $75 | $115 |
| Greenville | $76 | $117 |
| Charlotte | $82 | $122 |
| Fayetteville | $82 | $115 |
| Gastonia | $82 | $114 |
Our North Carolina driver insights offer a snapshot of the drivers shopping for coverage in the Old North State. A few patterns stand out:
North Carolina drivers average 8,953 miles per year, below the national average of 9,136.
About 6% of North Carolina drivers have an at-fault accident on their record, while 5% have at least one speeding ticket, and 1% have a driving while impaired (DWI) conviction.
Around 70% of North Carolina drivers own their vehicles, 29% finance them, and 3% lease them.
About 13% of drivers in North Carolina have multiple vehicles. Many insurers offer a multi-car discount for insuring at least two cars with the same company.
Despite rate increases in recent years, North Carolina remains one of the cheaper states for car insurance. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey negotiated a modest 5% average rate increase in 2025 — much cheaper than the 23% increase the Rate Bureau requested, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI).
Compare rates from top insurers in the state, starting at an average of $55.
North Carolina car insurance rates can vary significantly by driver profile, ZIP code, and insurance company. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can show you how much the same coverage costs with different insurers.
The table below compares notable insurance companies in North Carolina by average rates, customer reviews, and other key factors.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium $90/mo* | Average Premium $98/mo* | Average Premium $81/mo* | Average Premium $126/mo* | Average Premium $121/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating |
Value | Value | Value | Value | Value |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 893 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 29 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 65 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 10 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 1068 user reviews |
The three companies below stand out for offering some of the best car insurance in North Carolina. We base Compare.com ratings on actual user reviews to help you determine which insurer is best for your specific needs and budget.
| 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. | $55/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. | $91/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Erie Insurance offers some of the cheapest liability car insurance for North Carolina drivers. It also offers various discounts and customizable coverage to help keep rates affordable. The company even has coverage for personal items, vanishing deductibles, and rate lock to help prevent rate hikes.
Many local North Carolina agents available
Above-average customer satisfaction in the Southeast Region
YourTurn telematics program not available in NC
Limited online and mobile tools
| User Reviews | 3.3 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 3.5 /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. | $68/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. | $97/mo |
National General Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.2 | 2.9 |
Drivers value the affordable initial rates and good coverage but dislike the unexpected price increases and poor customer service.
Winston-Salem-based National General may be a great fit for homeowners looking to bundle auto and home insurance. It offers five policy types under a single policy number and bill, with different payment plan options. National General also offers coverage for rideshare and delivery drivers.
Rideshare and delivery coverage available in NC
Offers homeownership discount in NC
Charges a setup fee for payment plans in NC
Below-average customer satisfaction in the Southeast region
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $66/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. | $113/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
GEICO already offers lower rates in North Carolina, and it also offers an extensive list of car insurance discounts to help keep rates affordable. It also has local agents across the state, including in Raleigh, Asheville, and Greensboro.
Military discount available in NC
Local agents available in six NC cities
Must be accident-free for five years to qualify for discount
Defensive-driver discount not available in NC
Our editorial team, composed of seasoned editors, insurance experts, and licensed agents, analyzed more than 50 of the state’s top insurers to select the best companies for various North Carolina drivers. We researched, analyzed, and weighed several categories important to North Carolina insurance shoppers, including average rates, local customer satisfaction ratings, coverage options, discount offerings, policy features, and more.
Our goal is to provide actionable advice and detailed, personalized analysis that helps North Carolina drivers find the best auto insurance policy for their unique needs.
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Like almost every state, North Carolina requires drivers to have liability insurance. The state’s minimum liability coverage requirements increased on July 1, 2025, to some of the highest in the nation. North Carolina’s minimum requirements include:
Bodily injury liability: You need $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident to help pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Property damage liability: You need $50,000 per accident to help pay for damage you cause to another vehicle after an accident.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)coverage: You need UM/UIM coverage matching your liability limits to cover damages if a driver without enough insurance hits you.
The state recently changed how insurers calculate UIM coverage. Insurers now consider the total damages suffered by the injured party, rather than the combined limits of the at-fault driver’s liability policies, when considering a driver underinsured.
If you’re caught driving without insurance in North Carolina, you’ll pay a $50 fine and a $50 restoration fee. Fines increase to $100 for the second offense and $150 for subsequent offenses.
Many details about your driving habits affect your auto insurance in North Carolina, including:
Driving experience: Insurers charge new and younger drivers with less than eight years of driving experience an operator surcharge.
Moving violations: Drivers with four or more points for moving violations under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) will now pay a surcharge on their policy for five years instead of three.
Rate increases after an at-fault accident: Under the SDIP, the minimum rate increase for an at-fault accident in North Carolina is 40%.
Longer lookback period: Insurers can now check the previous five years of your driving record for a speeding conviction of 10 mph or less.
Here are some tips that can help you find the most affordable North Carolina car insurance coverage:
Maintain a clean driving record. The NCDOI’s SDIP heavily penalizes high-risk drivers with at-fault accidents and moving-violation convictions.
Increase your deductibles. Insurance Commissioner Causey recommends raising your deductibles to lower your full-coverage car insurance premiums. Collision coverage typically costs more than comprehensive coverage, so you may see larger decreases by raising your collision deductible.
Compare identical coverages. The NCDOI recommends shopping around and comparing coverage across multiple companies to find the best deal, especially for teen drivers, who often pay the highest rates.
Improve your credit score. North Carolina’s average credit score is 707. If you have poor credit, paying bills on time and reducing debt could lower your renewal premium by about 23%.
Get quotes from top insurers in North Carolina and save money today.
These North Carolina resources can help you understand your coverage, meet state requirements, and resolve insurance or consumer issues.
North Carolina Department of Insurance: File a complaint and get claim assistance through the NCDOI website.
North Carolina DMV: Renew your license and registration on the North Carolina DMV’s website.
North Carolina’s Attorney General consumer protection page: North Carolina’s consumer protection page allows you to check consumer alerts and file complaints.
Below, we answered some common questions about finding cheap car insurance in North Carolina.
Erie has the lowest car insurance rates in North Carolina, starting at an average of $55 per month. But your rate may differ based on factors like your age, driving record, credit history, and ZIP code.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you lower your car insurance costs in North Carolina. Maintaining a clean driving record and asking about discounts can also help reduce your rates. Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly costs, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Erie has the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina after an accident, averaging $76 per month, according to Compare.com data. That said, how much you pay for coverage depends on many factors, including your driving record, age, and location.
In North Carolina, “full coverage” includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. You can also add optional coverages to your policy, such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap coverage, or accident forgiveness.
Many insurers offer discounts for North Carolina drivers. Discounts vary by company, but you can find savings for safe driving, vehicle safety features, and insuring multiple vehicles. Younger drivers can also qualify for a good student discount.
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.
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
5+ years in communications and content creation
2+ years in insurance content
Matthew's journalism and AppleCare editing experience help him simplify complex insurance information on Compare.com.
Triple-I's media relations director
20+ years in insurance
Mark serves as a national spokesman for Triple-I. An insurance expert, he's an impartial, independent reviewer for Compare.
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.
