Best car insurance in North Carolina for 2025

To find the best car insurance companies in North Carolina, we developed a proprietary Bankrate Score system that takes several metrics into account. Our insurance editorial team analyzed average car insurance premiums from Quadrant Information Services and reviewed coverage options, discounts, policy features, customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and financial strength ratings from AM Best. We also looked at accessibility and ease of use for policy management through online and mobile resources.

Insurance companies are graded on a weighted scale of 5.0 points, with a score closer to 5.0 indicating strong performance across these categories. If you are shopping for the best auto insurance in North Carolina, our research might help you find a carrier that fits your needs.

Car insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product, since everyone has different coverage needs. Before you start requesting quotes, it can help to figure out what coverage you need so you’re not paying for unnecessary financial protection. For instance, if you’ve got a teenage driver, you might look for companies that offer safe driving program discounts. If you love managing your policy on the go, you may search for a provider with a highly-rated mobile app. If your priority is bundling existing policies, you might search for a provider that also offers home insurance or life insurance. Identifying your priorities can make finding an insurance provider that’s a good fit much easier.

Word of mouth goes a long way when shopping for car insurance, but it's not the only thing to consider. Looking at third-party ratings can also add valuable insight into how satisfied actual drivers are with their car insurance company. J.D. Power provies insight into customer and claims satisfaction with its annual studies, and AM Best provides financial strength ratings that shed light on a company's historical ability to pay out claims. 

Just because an insurance company doesn't have a Super Bowl commercial doesn't mean you should write it off. Smaller companies could offer more personalized service, locally-tailored coverage options, short hold times when you call and, in some cases, even better rates. 

Based on Bankrate's research, the companies writing the most affordable policies in North Carolina include State Farm, Erie, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Progressive and Nationwide. It's worth noting, however, that your rate will be unique to your situation, since it is based on a range of personal rating factors, including your age, gender and driving history, as well as your car's make, model and age. For this reason, it can be a good idea to shop around and ask for car insurance quotes from a range of insurers operating in North Carolina, so that you can find the company that has the cheapest policy for your needs.

Generally, full coverage means that in addition to having the state's minimum requirements for auto insurance, a driver also carries collision and comprehensive coverage. Some insurance companies may also offer other optional types of insurance, such as rental car coverage or gap insurance, to round out a full coverage policy. Consider speaking with your agent so that you have an accurate picture of what coverage is available and appropriate.

To get a car insurance policy, you will first need to get a quote. You can often do this online, but you could also call the insurance companies you are interested in or visit a local agency. You will usually need the name, date of birth and drivers’ license numbers for all the drivers you need to insure, as well as your address, the vehicle identification number (VIN) for each of your vehicles and an idea of the coverage you want to purchase.

Once you decide on a company, a representative will let you know how to purchase your policy. You will likely have to make a payment for at least one month of coverage, and you may have to sign an application.