North Carolina has one of the cheapest car insurance rates in the country, but car accidents are on the rise in North Carolina, making good car insurance coverage essential. If you are a licensed driver in North Carolina, make sure you have the best North Carolina auto insurance for your needs. Knowing how much car insurance to buy requires a little research.
To help, we analyze the latest Quadrant data to find the best car insurance in North Carolina. We consider factors like coverage, pricing, discounts, availability and accessibility when determining which car insurance companies are best for you and your family. These are our picks.
Best car insurance companies in North Carolina
Even if you are currently insured, it does not hurt to get current quotes from the car insurance companies in North Carolina. These companies earned the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the Southeast region, according to a study by J.D. Power:
| Car insurance company | Average annual premium for full coverage | Average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,633 | 846/1000 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,125 | 871/1000 |
| Geico | $835 | 857/1000 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,107 | 854/1000 |
| State Farm | $958 | 835/1000 |
Allstate
Allstate has below-average customer satisfaction scores in the Southeast region and its rates trend towards the more expensive, but be sure to check out the many available auto insurance discounts. Excellent coverage options include protection for things like sound system insurance, roadside assistance and rental car insurance. There are also local agents available to help you find the right policy or file a claim.
Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance is one of the highest-rated insurance providers in the Southeast, according to J.D. Power’s study. The company was ranked second overall. Erie offers some of the lowest car insurance rates, so it is a good option for drivers on a budget. The company offers comprehensive insurance coverage, including pet coverage, locksmith services, accident forgiveness, and a rate lock guarantee.
Geico
Geico offers car insurance coverage nationwide and is best known for its signature catchphrase, “15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance.” That statement holds true for North Carolina drivers. Based on our carrier list, Geico is the best insurance company for drivers who want the lowest price possible. However, Geico does not offer many unique coverages, and the company may not have great customer service. If price is your number one focus when shopping for car insurance, consider looking into Geico.
North Carolina Farm Bureau
If you want to support North Carolina farmers and the state’s agricultural economy, consider purchasing car insurance through the North Carolina Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau Insurance is highly-rated and has some of the best customer service of any insurance provider. The coverages tend to be basic, but there are some good discounts you can take advantage of to lower your rate. Farm Bureau works exclusively through independent agents, so you will not be able to get a quote, file a claim or manage your policy online.
State Farm
State Farm does not have the best customer satisfaction scores, but it is still among the cheapest car insurance companies in North Carolina. One of the best things about State Farm is the amount of resources it offers you. The mobile tools are fantastic, giving you easy access to your policy with easy claims management. State Farm also gives you a ton of discounts to help you save extra money on its already-low premiums.
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Average cost of car insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina car insurance rates are one of the cheapest in the country. While the average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $1,738 annually, the average annual cost for North Carolina car insurance is $1,325 for a full coverage policy. That is more than $400 cheaper than the national average.
| Average annual premium for minimum coverage in North Carolina | Average annual premium for full coverage in North Carolina |
|---|---|
| $413 | $1,325 |
State minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina
It is mandatory to have liability insurance that pays for property damage and injuries to others if you cause a crash.
The state’s minimum coverage amounts are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
- $30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage.
When purchasing insurance, consider buying more than the minimum amount of car insurance to help protect your finances if you are involved in a costly accident.
How to get the best car insurance in North Carolina
The best car insurance in North Carolina is different for everyone. To help you find the best car insurance for you, evaluate your needs: to determine the cost of your car insurance policy, providers use different rate factors when calculating price. This includes things such as the kind of car you have, your credit score, driver history and whether you have a teen driver on your policy.
Car insurance discounts in North Carolina
Not researching what types of North Carolina auto insurance discounts are available is like leaving money on the table. Here is a quick look at how you can save more.
| Discount | Allstate | Erie | Geico | NC Farm Bureau | State Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-lock brakes | X | X | X | ||
| Anti-theft devices | X | X | X | ||
| Automatic payment/paperless billing | X | ||||
| Defensive driving course | X | X | X | ||
| Early signing | X | ||||
| Full payment | X | X | X | ||
| Good student | X | X | X | X | |
| Green vehicle | |||||
| Loyalty | X | ||||
| Low annual mileage | X | X | |||
| Military | X | ||||
| Multiple policies | X | X | X | X | X |
| Multiple vehicles | X | X | X | ||
| Occupational or organizations | X | ||||
| Safe driver/accident free | X | X | X | X | |
| Safety features | X | X | X |
Frequently asked questions
What is considered full coverage in North Carolina?
Full coverage car insurance in North Carolina usually includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage, comprehensive and collision coverage.
The state’s minimum amounts may not fully cover you in case of an accident. If your vehicle is financed, you will likely be required to carry comprehensive and collision coverage. You may also want to consider additional coverages like medical payments, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.
What do you need to get car insurance in NC?
You will need:
- Vehicle information like the VIN on the windshield of your car
- Your driver’s license information
- Home address
- Social security number
- Banking information for premium payments
What are the North Carolina car insurance requirements?
Liability insurance that pays for property damage and injuries to others if you cause a crash is mandatory. The state’s minimum coverage amounts are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person and $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident.
- $30,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person and $60,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
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