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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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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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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 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, averages $84 per month. The city’s averages are around $1 more than the statewide monthly average. When comparing auto insurance coverage, consider that driver history, policy type, traffic density, and uninsured motorist rates influence car insurance rates at the local level.[1] [2]
Regardless of Winston-Salem’s averages, it’s possible to find cheaper insurance coverage. For example, Direct Auto, Erie, and Nationwide offer some of the lowest premiums in the city.
In this article, we break down the cheapest car insurance companies for Winston-Salem drivers across different driver profiles. Plus, we’ll share some additional tips to help you find the best insurance rates for your needs.
Liability coverage in Winston-Salem averages $70 per month, while full coverage costs $97 per month.
Direct Auto offers the cheapest auto insurance, with monthly rates of $70.
Erie, Nationwide, and State Farm are among the top companies for drivers in Winston-Salem seeking strong customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
Where you live plays a significant role in determining your car insurance costs. In Winston-Salem, the average auto insurance policy costs $84 per month. But some drivers pay much lower premiums. A great way to find cheaper rates is by getting quotes from multiple insurers.
The table below shows insurers offering the cheapest car insurance rates in Winston-Salem, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Direct Auto | $70 |
| Erie | $70 |
| Nationwide | $70 |
| Progressive | $70 |
| Liberty Mutual | $71 |
| National General | $71 |
| Safeco | $74 |
| Dairyland | $79 |
| GEICO | $80 |
| Travelers | $88 |
| Allstate | $95 |
| State Farm | $113 |
Different drivers pay different auto insurance rates for several reasons. The policy you choose, your age, driving record, and credit history all affect what you pay. Because of this variability, it’s best to compare rates with driver profiles most similar to yours.
Here are the cheapest auto insurance companies for various driver coverage types in Winston-Salem, according to Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Liability only | Direct Auto | $70 |
| Full coverage | Progressive | $89 |
| Teens | Liberty Mutual | $131 |
| Seniors | Nationwide | $55 |
| Recent speeding ticket | Direct Auto | $94 |
| Recent at-fault accident | Erie | $97 |
| DWI conviction | Erie | $126 |
| Excellent credit | Erie | $55 |
| Poor credit | Liberty Mutual | $85 |
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
State-minimum car insurance is liability coverage that helps pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others, but it doesn’t include protection for your vehicle. You should consider exploring additional coverage options, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, collision coverage, and roadside assistance, for greater protection on the road.
That said, liability-only coverage is best for drivers who want to lower premiums and who own a vehicle outright with a lower market value. The average rate for liability coverage in Winston-Salem is $70 per month.
The chart below shows the cheapest auto insurance companies for state-minimum coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Full-coverage car insurance includes protection for your vehicle beyond liability insurance. It includes collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle from a wide range of risks, such as at-fault accidents and non-collision events like hail or vandalism.
If you finance your car or have a lease, lenders often require you to have a full-coverage policy. In fact, full-coverage policies are a good idea for anyone who can’t afford to replace their vehicle after a total loss.
The average full-coverage premium in Winston-Salem costs $97 per month, but the following five insurers offer cheaper rates, according to Compare.com data.
Teen drivers pay the highest auto insurance premiums of all age groups due to their lack of experience on the road. They tend to have a higher rate of fatal car accidents when compared to other age groups.[3]
Winston-Salem teens pay an average of $166 per month for car insurance. But some insurers offer much lower rates. Here are the cheapest companies in Winston-Salem, according to Compare.com data.
Senior drivers typically pay the lowest average auto insurance rates compared to other age groups. Older drivers tend to drive fewer miles and are safer drivers overall.[4] Seniors in Winston-Salem spend an average of $75 per month on car insurance, but some find even lower rates with the right insurer.
Below, we outline the cheapest insurers for senior drivers in Winston-Salem, according to Compare.com data.
Receiving a speeding ticket can result in higher car insurance premiums because speeding increases the likelihood and severity of car crashes.[5] That’s why even a single speeding ticket — let alone multiple violations — can cause your rates to increase.
The average Winston-Salem driver pays $119 per month for coverage after a speeding ticket. But you can save by switching to a company that offers lower rates.
The following chart lists the cheapest car insurance companies in Winston-Salem for drivers with a speeding ticket, according to Compare.com data.
An at-fault car accident can cause your auto insurance rates to soar and insurers to view you as a high-risk driver. Winston-Salem drivers with an accident on their record pay an average of $125 per month.
But it’s possible to avoid a steep increase by comparing rates and switching to an insurer with better rates. The chart below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with an accident in Winston-Salem, according to our data.
A DWI (driving while impaired) conviction can lead to the largest rate increase in North Carolina, as driving under the influence indicates high-risk driving behavior. In Winston-Salem, the average driver with a DWI spends $180 per month on auto insurance.
But some people can still find cheap auto insurance coverage despite their driving record by looking for insurers that specialize in high-risk drivers. The chart below highlights the most affordable insurance companies for drivers with a DWI, according to Compare.com data.
Car insurance companies can review your credit history when determining how to price your policy. That’s because credit can indicate the level of claim risk for a driver. For example, drivers with bad credit tend to exhibit driving behaviors associated with a higher risk of accidents, such as hard braking.[6]
Our data shows that Winston-Salem drivers with poor credit pay an average of $104 per month for auto insurance. But not all insurers consider credit when determining risk or insurance premiums.
Consider getting an auto insurance quote from the insurers in the chart below. Our data shows that these five insurers offer the lowest rates if you have less-than-perfect credit in Winston-Salem.
No single company offers the best car insurance to everyone. That’s because every driver has a unique set of insurance needs and circumstances that can make some companies better fits than others.
Still, a few auto insurers consistently outperform competitors. We chose the companies below based on average rates in Winston-Salem, available discounts, customer reviews, industry ratings, and insurance options. Here are our top picks for auto insurance for Winston-Salem drivers.
| 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.
Winston-Salem drivers will find that Erie consistently provides excellent customer service, extensive coverage options, and low prices. In addition to standard coverages, Erie’s Auto Plus program includes a death benefit, vanishing deductible, and extended rental car coverage.
But Erie’s technological features lag behind competitors, including its Android mobile apps, making it more challenging to self-manage policies and access digital insurance cards.
| 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.
Nationwide offers a wide range of auto insurance coverage, including accident forgiveness and gap insurance. Its claims process and SmartMiles, the usage-based insurance program, also earn high marks from policyholders.
But Winston-Salem drivers should note that Nationwide doesn’t advertise many specifics about the value of its discounts and doesn’t offer a discount for EV drivers.
Strong coverage and discount options
Cheap insurance for most Winston-Salem drivers
Excellent usage-based insurance program
No electric vehicle (EV) discount
Discounts vary by state
App experience varies by device
| 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. | 4.7 /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. | $104/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. | $157/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm offers some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in Winston-Salem. The company also offers a mobile app, which allows you to manage your policy yourself. But if you’ve purchased a new car, you should know that State Farm doesn’t offer gap coverage or new car replacement.
Strong claims satisfaction rating
Many local agents available
High customer satisfaction
Accident forgiveness not available
Gap insurance not available
No new car replacement coverage
Local rates start as low as $70 per month.
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North Carolina recently increased its minimum car insurance requirements, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The state now requires:[10]
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability protection (BI)
$50,000 per accident property damage liability protection
UM/UIM protection in equal limits to BI liability limits
Though not required, you can also purchase personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage, which helps pay your medical bills after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. You should also consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your vehicle.
Though meeting North Carolina’s minimum liability coverage requirements keeps you legal on the road, experts agree that buying more than minimum coverage is usually a good idea.
Consider that the average cost of a new vehicle is $50,000.[11] Damage to a newer vehicle can easily exceed the state’s minimum property damage coverage limit. Similarly, hitting a car with multiple passengers can result in medical bills that exceed your minimum BI limits.
That’s why raising liability (and UM/UIM protection) limits is so important.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions drivers in Winston-Salem ask about getting affordable auto insurance coverage.
Auto insurance in Winston-Salem averages $84 per month. The city’s average liability coverage costs $70 per month, and full coverage is $97, according to our research.
Direct Auto offers the cheapest auto insurance in Winston-Salem, with the average policy costing $70 per month, according to our data. Still, you should always shop around and compare rates to find the right coverage and insurance rates for your situation.
It depends. Whether car insurance in Winston-Salem is expensive depends on a number of factors, including your age, vehicle, ZIP code, and driving record. For context, Winston-Salem drivers pay an average of $84 per month for coverage, compared to the national average of $137 per month.
Nationwide has the cheapest average rates in North Carolina, at just $64 per month. But it may not be your cheapest insurer for auto insurance. Compare insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate for your specific insurance needs.
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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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.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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