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Best car insurance in North Carolina for 2023

Updated Sep 13, 2023
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Best car insurance companies in North Carolina

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team examined premium data, customer satisfaction from the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, average rates, coverage types, discounts and other important metrics for the largest auto companies by market share. Based on our analysis, we found Geico, State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate and North Carolina Farm Bureau to be among the best car insurance companies in North Carolina. With the exception of Allstate, these companies all have average rates that are lower than the state averages of $1,446 for full coverage and $432 for minimum coverage. They also offer robust coverage options, a variety of potential discounts and other perks we’ll discuss more in depth below. When shopping for car insurance, North Carolina drivers might want to get quotes from these companies:

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
843
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$79
Average annual full coverage premium
$949
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
855
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$84
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,007
Nationwide
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
850
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$104
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,250
Allstate
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
833
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$139
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,665
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
844
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$90
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,085
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
843
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$28
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$331
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
855
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$27
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$318
Nationwide
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
850
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$28
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$330
Allstate
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
833
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$37
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$440
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3.0
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Southeast)
844
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$28
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$335
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.
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Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Best for discounts

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 843/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 949 for full coverage
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Why Geico made our list: Geico provides coverage in all 50 states and is known for its slogan, “15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance,which may hold true for North Carolina drivers.” The insurance company offers a full-service mobile app and online portal for customers who prefer hands-on policy management. However, Geico does not offer many unique coverage options and received a below-average score from J.D. Power in overall customer satisfaction for the Southeast region.

Who Geico may be good for: Drivers on a budget may want to consider Geico, as it offers a long list of potential discounts. Some of its savings opportunities include discounts for military members, safe driving and select companies and organizations. You may also enjoy Geico if you like to handle your insurance digitally rather than in an in-person agency setting.

Read full Geico Insurance review

Best for local offices

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 855/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,007 for full coverage
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Why State Farm made our list: State Farm has 16 percent of the auto insurance market share, making it the largest auto insurance company in the nation. Currently, 158 cities in North Carolina have a State Farm office, so drivers can take advantage of its exclusive local agents across the region , if you prefer a digital approach, the company’s highly-rated mobile tools, which give you easy access to manage your policy, file claims, make payments and even call for roadside assistance. However, despite its above-average J.D. Power ranking, State Farm did receive a higher-than-average overall complaint index score from the National Association of Insurance Commissions (NAIC).

Who State Farm may be good for: If you are looking for an established company that does its business through local agents, State Farm might be a good fit. State Farm could also be a good choice if customer service is an important metric for you.

Read full State Farm Insurance review

Best for financial planning

Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 850/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 1,250 for full coverage
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Why Nationwide made our list: Nationwide offers below-average premiums in North Carolina and sells numerous types of insurance, plus banking services and financial planning. However, if you are looking for an auto insurance company with strong digital tools, Nationwide might not be the best fit. The company’s technology rated below average in both the shopping and service categories in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. Additionally, it also has higher-than-baseline customer complaints companywide per the NAIC.

Who Nationwide may be good for: Nationwide might be a good fit if you want one company that can handle several of your financial products. Nationwide also might be good if you want flexibility in how you handle your policy, as the company has local agents, a phone service line and digital policy management tools.

Read full Nationwide Insurance review

Best for coverage options

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 833/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 1,665 for full coverage
Get a quote

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Why Allstate made our list: Allstate offers extensive coverage options, including sound system coverage, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage There are also local agents available to help you find the right policy or file a claim. However, Allstate’s average rate may be higher than other companies on our list, and the company has a below-average customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power in the Southeast region.

Who Allstate may be good for: Allstate could be a good fit if you are looking for a personalized policy or want to work with local agents to help you determine the best coverage types for your scenario.

Read full Allstate Insurance review

Best for farm and ranch products

Rating: 3 stars out of 5
3 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 844/1,000 AM Best: A

Average annual premium

$ 1,085 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why North Carolina Farm Bureau made our list: North Carolina Farm Bureau offers a fairly affordable average full coverage premium, and the company may even help you save on non-insurance expenses. Although membership is required, Farm Bureau members may have access to discounts on hotels, rental vehicles and farm equipment. Farm Bureau works exclusively through independent agents, which you might find appealing if you like handling your coverage in person. However, the company’s coverage options tend to be basic with relatively few options for personalization.

Who North Carolina Farm Bureau may be good for: If you have the need to insure farm or ranch vehicles, North Carolina Farm Bureau might be a good fit, and their local agents might be able to help you choose the right coverage for your needs.

Read full North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance review

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in North Carolina

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 for each company. We also looked at accessibility and ease of use for policy management through online and mobile resources.

Insurance companies are then 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.

How much is car insurance in North Carolina?

North Carolina car insurance rates are well below the national average. While the average cost for full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $2,014 annually, the average annual cost for North Carolina car insurance is $1,446 for a full coverage policy, according to 2023 rate data gathered from Quadrant Information Services. Minimum coverage is also cheaper, on average, in North Carolina, with an average policy costing $432 per year. The average minimum coverage premium in the U.S. is $622 per year.

Car insurance in NC may be cheaper than the national average for several reasons. Parts of the state are at risk for severe weather damage, including hurricanes, but many areas are shielded from the storms, which may help keep full coverage rates down. Although some parts of the state experience heavy tourism, the areas that have less traffic and therefore a lower risk of accidents might offset the busier areas. Rates vary by location within a state though, so areas closer to the coast — where tourism is likely heavier and roadways are more crowded — may have higher premiums.

Average annual premium for full coverage in North Carolina Average annual premium for minimum coverage in North Carolina
$1,446 $432

How to find the best car insurance in North Carolina

The best car insurance in North Carolina may be different for everyone. Since each insurance company has a unique rating system, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to car insurance policies. Insurers determine your premium based on numerous characteristics such as age and gender (in most states), driving records, vehicle make and model and other factors. When you are searching for North Carolina auto insurance, these considerations may help you narrow down whether a carrier could be right for you.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina

Like most states, North Carolina requires drivers to carry at least minimum levels of car insurance to drive legally. You must carry the state-required levels of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, as well as uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. Understanding North Carolina’s car insurance laws may help you decide if you need higher levels of coverage, but you do not need to commit them to memory. Licensed insurance agents won't let you buy a policy that does not adhere to the state’s laws.

Consider lender requirements

If you have a loan or lease on your car, you should be aware of your financial institution’s car insurance guidelines. Minimum coverage does not include comprehensive coverage or collision coverage, which provides you with coverage for damage to your vehicle. If you purchase those options, you will have a full coverage policy, which is often required by lenders. You may also want to consider gap insurance. If your new vehicle is totaled and the payout is less than the balance of your loan, gap coverage is designed to help pay the difference.

Consider your individual needs

Do you have a teenage driver you need to insure? Are you looking for a company that has a highly-rated digital app? Are you more concerned with customer service than you are with price, or is your budget your primary concern? Do you have accidents and tickets on your record that could affect your premium and eligibility? Understanding your personal insurance needs might help you decide what companies could be a good fit.

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Written by
Grace Kim
Insurance Contributor

Grace Kim has two years of experience in writing for finance and insurance domains such as Bankrate and Reviews.com. She has written about auto, homeowners, renters and life insurance. She has spent most of her professional experience writing about finance and tech topics.

Edited by Senior Editor, Insurance