North Carolina has one of the cheapest car insurance rates in the country, according to the Insurance Information Institute. But car accidents are on the rise in North Carolina, making good car insurance coverage essential.
If you’re one of the seven million licensed drivers in North Carolina, make sure you have the best NC auto insurance for your needs. Knowing how much auto insurance to buy requires a little research.
The top car insurance companies in North Carolina
Even if you’re currently insured, it doesn’t hurt to get current quotes from North Carolina auto insurance companies. These companies earned the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the southeast region, according to a study by J.D. Power:
| Provider | J.D. Power Rating |
| Erie Insurance | 871/1,000 |
| Alfa Insurance | 858/1,000 |
| Geico | 857/1,000 |
| Auto Owners Insurance | 854/1,000 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | 854/1,000 |
Looking to save money on auto insurance?
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 on the list of 18 auto insurance providers. Erie offers some of the lowest car insurance rates, so it’s 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.
Alfa Insurance
Alfa Insurance was also rated highly in J.D. Power’s study, ranking just behind Erie in terms of overall satisfaction. Alfa is a good provider for drivers who are looking for basic coverage at a good price. In addition to standard car insurance coverages, Alfa also offers loss of income coverage, which can be hard to find, as well as accident forgiveness. If you’re a teacher, military, first responder, state or federal employee, minister or farmer, you qualify for a discount.
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. Geico is the best insurance company for drivers who want the lowest price possible. However, Geico doesn’t offer many unique coverages, and the company doesn’t have great customer service. If price is your number one focus when shopping for car insurance, look into Geico.
Auto Owners Insurance
Auto Owners doesn’t have the cheapest car insurance rates, but it does offer some of the best coverage. In addition to basic coverages, like collision and comprehensive insurance, drivers can also purchase diminished value coverage, new car replacement coverage, gap coverage and rental car coverage. If you get into an accident with another driver who is insured by Auto Owners, the provider will waive your deductible. The only downside of Auto Owners is that everything has to be done through an agent. Whether you want to get a quote or file a claim, you’ll have to contact an independent agent near you.
North Carolina Farm Bureau
If you want to support North Carolina farmers and the state’s agricultural economy, consider purchasing car insurance through 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 won’t be able to get a quote, file a claim or manage your policy online.
Average car insurance cost in North Carolina
NC car insurance rates are one of the cheapest in the country. The state ranks at the bottom of the list as #46 in average car insurance expenditures (705) in an Insurance Information Institute study.
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is inexpensive because the state has a low number of uninsured drivers. Data from the Insurance Information Institute found that North Carolina has the fourth highest rate of insured drivers. Only 6.5 percent of drivers don’t have car insurance. That means there is less risk overall for drivers on the road, which keeps insurance costs down.
State minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina
It’s 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 known as 30/60/25:
- $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.
Finding the right cheap car insurance in North Carolina for you
North Carolina auto insurance is cheaper than most states, but prices jump up if you’re young or have past accidents on your driving record. That’s why it’s important to compare insurance providers to get the best deal.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers
Good drivers have the best chance of getting the cheapest NC auto insurance rates. Erie Insurance and Auto Owners Insurance offer some of the lowest rates.
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
Alfa Insurance offers good discounts for young drivers and students, edging out competitors. Alfa Insurance offers youth discounts for drivers up to the age of 24, if they have good grades. Additionally, all drivers ages 16-20 years get a discount for successfully completing a driver education course.
Cheapest car insurance for people with low credit
If you have a low credit score, it can affect your NC auto insurance rates. Insurers claim that drivers with poor credit are more likely to file claims or not pay their premiums. North Carolina Farm Bureau has one of the cheapest premiums for drivers with low credit scores.
Cheapest car insurance for people with accidents
North Carolina Farm Bureau offers cheaper rates to drivers with previous accidents or tickets, compared to other North Carolina auto insurance companies.
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’s a quick look at how you can save more:
| Alfa Insurance | Auto Owners Insurance | Erie Insurance | North Carolina Farm Bureau | Geico | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Theft Equipment |
x | x | x | x | |
| Automatic Payments | x | x | |||
| Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Cars |
x | ||||
| Good Driving History |
x | x | x | x | x |
| Good Student | x | x | x | x | x |
| Multi-Policy | x | x | x | x | x |
| Vehicle Safety Equipment |
x | x | x | x | x |
Frequently asked questions
What is considered full coverage in North Carolina?
Full coverage car insurance in North Carolina includes $30,000 in bodily injury, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, $30,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury, $60,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident and $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage per accident.
But if you own your home and have other assets, these minimum amounts may not fully cover you in case of an accident. Because you’d be personally liable for any damages above those limits, it’s recommended to increase the amounts of your liability insurance.
What do you need to get car insurance in NC?
You’ll 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.
Share