Car Insurance in North Carolina (NC)
The average car insurance premium in North Carolina is $1,550 per year ($129/month), making it the #34 most expensive state for car insurance. This is $350 (18%) below the national average of $1,900. At-fault state. State-managed rate bureau keeps rates moderate. Charlotte and Raleigh metros are pricier. Within North Carolina, rates range from $1,550/yr in Winston-Salem to $1,850/yr in Charlotte.
Car Insurance Rates by City in North Carolina
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for 6 major cities in North Carolina, sorted by cost from highest to lowest. Urban areas typically have higher rates than the state average due to increased traffic congestion, higher theft rates, and more frequent accidents.
| City | Avg. Annual | Avg. Monthly | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Highest | $1,850 | $154 | +$300 | -$50 |
| Fayetteville | $1,700 | $142 | +$150 | -$200 |
| Raleigh | $1,650 | $138 | +$100 | -$250 |
| Durham | $1,650 | $138 | +$100 | -$250 |
| Greensboro | $1,600 | $133 | +$50 | -$300 |
| Winston-Salem Lowest | $1,550 | $129 | Same | -$350 |
How North Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of North Carolina with five states that have similar average car insurance premiums. This helps illustrate where North Carolina stands relative to comparable states.
| State | Avg. Annual | Monthly | Min Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (NC) | $1,550 | $129 | $775 | $2,015 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $1,550 | $129 | $775 | $2,015 |
| Utah (UT) | $1,550 | $129 | $775 | $2,015 |
| Montana (MT) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
| Virginia (VA) | $1,500 | $125 | $750 | $1,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in North Carolina
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
The average car insurance premium in North Carolina is $1,550 per year, or about $129 per month. This is $350 below the national average of $1,900/year. Minimum coverage averages $775/year, while full coverage averages $2,015/year. Your actual rate will depend on your driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level.
Is North Carolina a no-fault or at-fault insurance state?
North Carolina is an at-fault insurance state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their liability coverage. At-fault states generally have lower premiums than no-fault states because they don't require mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, other factors like uninsured driver rates, urban density, and weather conditions also affect rates.
What is the cheapest car insurance in North Carolina?
The cheapest option in North Carolina is minimum liability coverage, which averages $775 per year ($65/month). However, minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others and does not cover your own vehicle. To get the cheapest rates, maintain a clean driving record, increase your deductible, ask about discounts (bundling, good student, safe driver), and compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurers. Among major cities, Winston-Salem has the lowest average at $1,550/year.
Which city in North Carolina has the highest car insurance rates?
Charlotte has the highest average car insurance premium in North Carolina at $1,850 per year ($154/month). This is $300 more than the state average. Urban areas like Charlotte typically have higher rates due to increased traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and more frequent accidents.
How can I lower my car insurance rate in North Carolina?
To lower your car insurance in North Carolina: (1) Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance companies, as rates vary significantly between insurers. (2) Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or higher to lower your premium. (3) Ask about discounts -- bundling home and auto, good student, safe driver, low mileage, and military discounts can save 5-25% each. (4) Maintain a clean driving record, as accidents and tickets can increase rates 20-50%. (5) Improve your credit score, as most states allow credit-based insurance scoring. (6) Consider usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits for additional savings.
Find Your Car Insurance Rate
Use our car insurance rate lookup tool to find average rates for your specific city in North Carolina, or browse all 50 states to compare car insurance costs across the country. Remember that individual rates vary based on driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level -- these are state-level averages for general comparison.