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Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 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.
Car insurance rates in Durham tend to be close to the North Carolina state average, with premiums typically lower than the national average. While classified as urban, Durham’s moderate traffic and lower accident frequency compared to denser cities like Charlotte or Raleigh may be why car insurance rates are cheaper than average.[1]
Durham drivers pay an average of $77 per month for coverage. Direct Auto and Erie are among the cheapest insurers in Durham, with rates starting at $64 per month.
North Carolina recently made significant changes to its auto insurance requirements, which may affect your rates.[2] We’ll explain the coverage you need, how much it costs, and which insurers offer the most affordable policies.
The cheapest company for Durham drivers is Direct Auto, with rates starting at $64 per month.
Liability coverage in Durham costs an average of $61 per month, and full coverage costs an average of $93 per month.
Durham has a higher-than-average rate of motor vehicle theft.[3]
Rates can vary significantly by insurer. Rather than sticking with one company for years, you should shop around for quotes from several insurers at least once per year. Regularly comparing coverage can help you get the right policy at the best price.
The table below breaks down the cheapest insurance companies for drivers in Durham, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $64 |
| Erie | $64 |
| Nationwide | $64 |
| Progressive | $64 |
| Liberty Mutual | $65 |
| National General | $65 |
| Safeco | $68 |
| Dairyland | $72 |
| GEICO | $73 |
| Travelers | $81 |
| Allstate | $87 |
| State Farm | $104 |
Companies use several factors to determine your insurance premiums, including your location, driving record, age, and the coverage you choose. Insurers use these details to predict the risk that you’ll file a claim, so it’s a good idea to check driver profiles similar to yours when comparing options.
The table below shows the cheapest insurers for different drivers and coverage types, according to Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Liability only | Direct Auto | $64 |
| Full coverage | Progressive | $82 |
| Teens | Liberty Mutual | $120 |
| Seniors | Nationwide | $50 |
| Recent speeding ticket | Direct Auto | $86 |
| Recent at-fault accident | Erie | $89 |
| DWI conviction | Erie | $115 |
| Excellent credit | Erie | $50 |
| Poor credit | Liberty Mutual | $78 |
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
North Carolina, like nearly every state, requires drivers to have a certain amount of car insurance. State-minimum policies pay for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. But they don’t cover you or your vehicle.
In Durham, drivers pay an average of $61 per month for liability coverage.
If you need only bare-minimum coverage, here are the cheapest insurers for liability-only coverage in Durham, according to our data.
Full-coverage policies typically include liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, so you get protection for you and your vehicle, too. If you finance or lease your car, your lender usually requires you to have full-coverage car insurance. But full coverage can also be a good option if you have a car that would be expensive to repair or replace out of your own pocket.
On average, Durham drivers pay $93 per month for full-coverage policies. But some companies offer full coverage for close to the average liability-only price in the city.
Check out the chart below for the cheapest companies for full coverage in Durham, based on our research.
Teen drivers account for a higher-than-average number of serious crashes. Younger drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like speeding and texting while driving, so they tend to pay the highest rates for car insurance.[4]
In Durham, teens pay an average of $152 per month for car insurance.
Below, you’ll find the five cheapest car insurance companies for Durham teens, according to Compare.com research.
Senior drivers tend to have more experience behind the wheel, and they drive fewer miles, so they usually have lower car insurance premiums. On average, Durham seniors pay $69 per month for auto coverage.
But even with these already-low rates, you could save money by shopping around for coverage. Here are the cheapest insurance companies for seniors in Durham, according to our data.
Speeding increases the likelihood that you’ll cause an accident. Injuries and damages tend to be more expensive at higher speeds, so a speeding ticket can increase your car insurance premiums.[5]
On average, drivers in Durham with a speeding ticket on their record pay $109 per month for car insurance.
But you could save money by switching insurers after receiving a ticket. Below, you’ll find the five cheapest insurers for Durham drivers with a recent ticket, based on our research.
If you cause a car accident, your insurer may have to pay out a significant amount of money to cover the claim. An at-fault accident on your record also indicates that you’re more likely to file future claims. Both of these factors mean that an at-fault accident will likely increase your premiums.
On average, Durham drivers with at-fault accidents on their records pay $114 per month for auto insurance.
Switching insurers after an accident can be a smart idea. Some insurers may charge much less for the same coverage. The chart below shows the cheapest insurers for Durham drivers with a recent at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data.
A driving while impaired (DWI) conviction has a substantial effect on your premiums. Typically, your rates will skyrocket after a DWI because getting behind the wheel while under the influence increases the risk of a serious accident.
On average, drivers with DWI convictions pay $165 per month for car insurance in Durham. You can limit rate hikes by switching to a insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers.
The chart below highlights the cheapest car insurance companies for Durham drivers with a DWI, according to Compare.com research.
North Carolina allows insurers to check your credit history when setting rates. Companies calculate a credit-based insurance score, as drivers with poor credit tend to file more claims than people with excellent credit.[6]
In Durham, drivers with poor credit pay an average of $95 per month for auto coverage. But not all insurance companies look at credit, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit history.
Below, you’ll find the cheapest insurers for Durham drivers with poor credit, according to our research.
When it comes to auto coverage in Durham, you have many insurance options. But there isn’t one “best” company for everyone. We picked some of the best insurers in the city based on average rates, customer service, and coverage options in Durham.
| 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. | $96/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 Insurance is a smaller, regional insurance company. It sells auto policies in 12 U.S. states, including North Carolina, and tends to offer lower-than-average rates. Erie also has an excellent reputation for customer service, ranking No. 1 in the Southeast region in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Erie has several optional coverages and add-ons available for you to customize your policy. It even offers coverages like pet injury, new car, and rideshare insurance.
No. 1 for customer satisfaction in Southeast region[7]
Multiple coverage add-ons available
Offers rideshare insurance
Telematics program gives only rewards, not discounts
Can’t get quote or purchase coverage online
Fewer discounts than some competitors
| 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. | $96/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.
North Carolina drivers tend to cover fewer miles than average. That means North Carolina drivers may have a lower risk of accidents and could save money with Nationwide.
Nationwide’s usage-based insurance (UBI) program SmartRide can save safe drivers up to 40% off their premiums. Nationwide also has several coverage options, including gap insurance (also known as guaranteed asset protection).
SmartRide telematics program saves safe drivers money
Above-average customer satisfaction in Southeast region
Gap insurance available
SmartMiles not available in North Carolina
May be more expensive than other insurers
Poor Trustpilot rating[8]
| User Reviews | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 4.3 /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. | $81/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. | $122/mo |
Drivers value the reliable coverage but find the policy costs high and the rate increases too frequent. Communication and claim settlement speed also need improvement.
Drivers value the reliable coverage but find the policy costs high and the rate increases too frequent. Communication and claim settlement speed also need improvement.
If you’d like to be able to talk to an agent for help with your policy, Travelers could be a good choice. It works with more than 15,000 independent insurance agents and brokers nationwide, including hundreds of agencies in North Carolina.
Travelers has a wide range of discounts, including special affinity discounts for employees of certain companies or credit union members. Drivers can also customize their policy with add-ons like rideshare coverage or gap insurance for added protection.
Many agents in North Carolina
Various discounts available
Rideshare and gap insurance available
Below-average customer satisfaction in Southeast region
Low Trustpilot rating[9]
Can be more expensive than other insurers
Local rates start as low as $64 per month.
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North Carolina, like most states, requires drivers to have a minimum amount of auto insurance to drive legally. As of July 1, 2025, you must have the following minimum coverage amounts:
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
$50,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
Even though North Carolina recently increased its minimum coverage limits, a liability-only policy may not be enough coverage. Most experts recommend additional coverage to ensure you have sufficient protection in a serious accident. Plus, if you finance or lease your car, your lender will likely require you to have full-coverage car insurance.
For example: Let’s say you cause an accident and $75,000 worth of damage to another car. North Carolina’s $50,000 minimum means you’d have to pay the remaining $25,000 out of pocket.
Below, we answered some common questions from drivers about car insurance in Durham. You can use this information to help you shop for car insurance.
Durham drivers pay an average of $77 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only policies average $61 per month, while full-coverage policies average $93 per month.
Direct Auto is the cheapest auto insurance company in Durham, according to Compare.com data. Its rates start at $64 per month.
It depends. Car insurance in Durham costs an average of $77 per month, compared to the national average of $137. But your rates depend on personal factors like your age, ZIP code, and driving record.
Car insurance tends to be cheap in North Carolina because the state has a large rural population, which lowers the risk of traffic congestion and car accidents.
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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Kat Tretina is a personal finance writer for Compare.com, specializing in insurance and debt management. For the past seven years, she’s been writing for several notable personal finance publications, including U.S News & World Report, NerdWallet, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, Fortune, and more. She’s passionate about using her expertise to help people understand their financial options.
Kat earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College and her master’s from West Chester University. She also holds certifications in financial education and student loan counseling.
Kat has been writing for Compare.com since 2025.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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