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Cheap Auto Insurance in North Carolina: Best Companies & Quotes
Joanna Johnson
Car Insurance Expert
Updated: 06/2020
Joanna is an expert on understanding how the different laws and regulations in the car insurance industry shape the way that policies work.
Best Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
- Geico
- Progressive
- Erie
- North Carolina Farm Bureau
- State Farm
- Nationwide
| Geico | Progressive | Erie | North Carolina Farm Bureau | State Farm | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength Rating | A++ | A+ | A+ | A | A++ | A+ |
| JD Power 2019 Overall Customer Satisfaction score | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Avg Annual Premium | $236 | $276 | $442 | $452 | $475 | $632 |
| Consumer Reports Reader Score | 78 | 75 | 86 | N/A | 78 | N/A |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ | D- | A | A+ |
Auto Insurance Statistics in North Carolina
Auto insurance rates in places like Charlotte, North Carolina have been substantially lower than the national average for many years. Drivers in the state of North Carolina can enjoy taking advantage of these low auto insurance rates when taking out car insurance policies.
Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NC Farm Bureau | $852 |
| 2 | Auto-Owners | $861 |
| 3 | GEICO | $886 |
| 4 | Utica National | $890 |
| 5 | Travelers | $918 |
| 6 | Erie | $929 |
| 7 | State Farm | $940 |
| 8 | Titan | $1,024 |
| 9 | MetLife | $1,028 |
| 10 | GMAC Insurance Group | $1,041 |
Drunk Driving Fatalities
Comparing the rate of drunk driving in North Carolina with national averages can help you get an idea as to the level of risk you take on while driving in the state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has done a tally of the number of drunk driving fatalities in North Carolina vs. nationwide.
Drunk driving fatalities in North Carolina from 2013 to 2017
Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Teen Drinking and Driving
Teen drinking and driving in North Carolina is right up there with the nation’s high rate of 24%. This data shows that just as many teens in the state are driving while under the influence when compared with the rate of teens drinking and driving across the country. The below statistics compare the percentage of North Carolina teens who are drinking and driving related to national averages.
Teen Drinking & Driving in North Carolina vs. Nationwide (2017)
Source: Center For Disease Control
SR-22 Insurance in North Carolina
In most cases, North Carolina residents that are caught operating a vehicle while under the influence, or driving a car without insurance, will be required to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy and file it with the state. If you do not have any previous driving infractions, you will generally not need an SR-22 form in North Carolina.
For those who do need to purchase an SR-22 insurance policy, you must make sure that it has been filed and processed with the North Carolina DMV before you are able to legally operate a vehicle again. You must also meet all other conditions of retaining your license.
For those who do need to purchase an SR-22 policy, make sure to verify the best rates on the market before buying a policy.
Car Theft in North Carolina
Car theft in North Carolina has remained consistently below the national average. This means that drivers in the state have to worry less about their vehicles being stolen in comparison to other states. By finding out about the rate of car theft in North Carolina including popular cities like Charlotte, drivers will have a more comprehensive understanding of the level of risk they take while driving and owning a car in the state.
Vehicle thefts by rank nationwide vs. North Carolina
Source: www.FBI.gov
Uninsured Motorists in North Carolina
Driving without auto insurance coverage in North Carolina can leave you having to pay out of pocket in an accident. To protect against this, it is recommended to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the event that an uninsured driver hits you. The below data shows how well North Carolina ranks in the total number of reported uninsured motorists in the state in the year 2015.
Percentage of uninsured drivers (Top States in 2015)
Source: Insurance Information Institute
North Carolina residents have the best of many worlds. They have the most beautiful beaches, southern charm, beautiful mountains, and routinely gorgeous weather. Everything is so green and lush most of the year, and it seems residents of this lovely state also have the best of car insurance. The average annual cost of a policy here is far less expensive than it is in many other areas of the nation, which is quite impressive. The annual cost of a policy is less than $700. This is far less than man other states, and people aren’t complaining. Regardless if you live in Charlotte or any other city in the state, many North Carolina residents are unaware they can get a few more discounts when it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance policy, and that’s where this advice comes in handy.
Check Your Credit
You might already pay very little for your car insurance in North Carolina, but you can pay less if you have better credit. Check your score. If it’s low, see what you can fix. There might be mistakes on your credit report you can have removed by disputing them with the credit bureau. If they’re legitimate mistakes, it’s not difficult to do this. It takes approximately 30 days to have a mistake removed from your report, so don’t wait to get started.
Check the Crime Rate
If you are in the process of buying a home or looking for a new place to live, check the crime rate. People who live in a neighborhood where the crime rate is higher are going to pay more for their car insurance. The cars in these areas are more likely to end up needing insurance assistance because they’re more commonly stolen and damages in break-ins. Additionally, if the area is one without much economic relief, the chance of more people without insurance living there increases. In turn, this increases what you pay for your insurance.
Get Married
No one is advising you to get married just because you want to have a lower insurance payment, but it does help if you are about to get married or you’re recently married. You qualify for lower rates based on the fact you’re a less risky driver once you get married. This is likely because married couples are more cognizant of being safe because they have someone else to think about other than themselves.
Check Discounts
If you belong to a national organization with an insurance discount policy, check to see if you qualify for a discount. This could be anything from a women’s organization to a Lion’s Club to AAA. Take a look at AAA insurance reviews. Ask your insurance company if you qualify for any discounts if you show them proof of your membership to any of these organizations.
Your Payment Options
Did you know how you pay for your insurance affects your rate? You can opt to pay monthly or in advance. Paying in advance the entire premium is less expensive. This is because your insurance company offers a small discount for people who do this. It’s a great way to save a few dollars and still pay your premium. You can also opt out of paper statements. This is a way to save a few dollars every month. Since a few dollars every month often adds up to significant payments over the course of a year, it’s big savings.
Bundle
The more policies you have together, the more you save on them. You can add your home and life insurance policies to your auto insurance and save a bundle. Call your insurance company to see what they can offer you in terms of savings when you do this. You might be surprised just how much more you can pocket each month when you make one payment for all your insurance needs. Learn more about how to bundle home and auto insurance in our full article about the topic.
It’s not always easy to get the best rates if you’re a risky driver or have bad credit, but there is always a way to lower your payment even a little. Even if you can only get a discount of $5 per month using one of these methods, it’s $60 per year you get to put back in your pocket. That’s excellent savings for anyone who wants to get back on track financially.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage in North Carolina:
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance
- Property Damage Liability Insurance
Minimum Requirements For Car Insurance in North Carolina
There are minimum requirements for car insurance in the state of North Carolina. According to The North Carolina Department of Insurance, it is mandatory to have liability coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured coverage for every registered driver who is operating a vehicle in the state.
Liability Coverage minimums for the state of North Carolina:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $30,000 per individual to cover bodily injury or death
- $60,000 per accident involving bodily injuries or deaths
Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance
Cheap Auto Insurance Discounts
At CheapAutoInsurance.co, we want you to save as much as you can on your car insurance rates. This is why we have put together a list of the most common types of auto insurance discounts available. Browse the list below to find some of the auto insurance discounts listed that can help you to save on the cost of car insurance in North Carolina each year.
- Anti-theft discount
- Mature driver discount
- Military or Veteran discount
- Bundling insurance policies discount
- Senior citizen discount
- Car safety features discount
- Good student discount
- Defensive driving discount
- Low-mileage discount
- Multi-car auto insurance discount
- Infrequent usage discount
FAQ
General Information on North Carolina’s Auto Insurance
Here, you will find the need-to-knows of the car insurance industry in the state.
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What is the minimum auto insurance coverage in North Carolina?
At the minimum, your insurance should cover $30,000 for each person and $60,000 for all persons in the accident for bodily injury coverage and $25,000 for property damage.
Who sets the guidelines in NC for car insurance?
The North Carolina Department of Insurance determines the rules and regulations in relation to the insurance industry.
How long can I stay on my parent's car insurance policy in NC?
You can share the same policy as long as you belong to the same household, regardless of age.
In NC auto insurance, when can I remove my child?
Your child must get an auto insurance policy of his own once he moves out.
How long can you go without car insurance in NC?
Legally, you can’t. You are required to maintain an active auto insurance policy for as long as you’re driving a vehicle.
How long does a car accident stay on your insurance record in NC?
Less grave accidents which may be as simple as a broken side mirror will stay for three years, but those involving personal injuries and great property damage will haunt you for ten years.
Cost Concerns
In this section, everything related to the costs of insurance – including discounts and rationale behind costs themselves – would be tackled.
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How much is car insurance in NC?
Annual premiums average at $865 but are subject to increase or decrease depending on different factors.
How much is car insurance in NC for a new driver?
Much higher. However, the actual value would depend on your choice of auto insurance company and other external factors such as age and location. Read more: How much will my car insurance be?
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in NC?
Auto Owners was listed by recent reviews as the cheapest in the state. You can also look at our auto insurance company ratings page.
Why is North Carolina car insurance cheap?
Mainly, it’s because it’s a rural state. That means less people, less cars, and less accidents which highly decrease the probability of accidents occurring. So you end up getting some of the best affordable auto insurance in the country.
Why did my car insurance go up here in North Carolina?
Rates for car insurance hardly moved, so it must be something regarding your profile. For example, if you moved to a different city, your premiums might increase.
How do I get discounts on my car insurance premium in NC?
First, identify the discounts offered by your insurer. Then, implement the necessary changes or inform them that you’re already eligible for certain discounts. Learn how to find the cheapest auto insurance.
How much is car insurance in Maine compared to NC?
Looking at averages, the cost of car insurance is Maine is just around $60 higher than North Carolina. Make sure to get car insurance quotes from multiple companies to get the best rate.
Why has auto liability insurance cost increased in NC?
A very healthy growth rate of an average of 1.13% a year may have resulted in more drivers on the road and thus, higher rates. Compare liability car insurance quotes from different companies to get the cheapest rates.
How do you pay less for your car insurance in North Carolina?
Always go rate shopping and even see if you can find a car insurance pay later option that won’t require a deposit up front. If you have a great record, insurance companies are more likely to offer you better rates. Check out the average price for car insurance in NC.
How will an unsafe movement charge effect my NC auto insurance rate?
Without a doubt, your auto insurance rate will increase. By how much, it will depend on how your insurer will assess this perceived increased risk.
How much more is motorcycle insurance than car in NC?
Motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance by a lot. However if you have both vehicle types then some people are able to save money by bundling car and motorcycle insurance.
Getting and Cancelling your Auto Insurance
All your concerns about getting and cancelling your auto insurance based on your most frequently asked questions would be discussed here.
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How do I get a car insurance in NC?
You can get an auto insurance policy from an agent or through your preferred insurer’s website or their local website. Note, however, that approval is not guaranteed. If this is a temporary need ask them about monthly car insurance.
What documents do you need to get a car insurance in NC?
Some of the documents that may be asked of you include a driver’s license, proof of home ownership, and if applicable, the paperwork for car insurance discounts.
How much car insurance do I need in North Carolina?
You should at least have the state minimum. But if the budget permits, take a full and comprehensive insurance to protect you from a variety of unfortunate situations. According to reviews Erie Car Insurance is a good choice but be sure to compare rates to other companies.
How do I get car insurance in NC for my license?
When getting a car insurance, the same process applies to people who are just getting one to get a driver’s license. As it is required by law that you have insurance to drive, you shouldn’t have any problem with this.
Why do I need auto insurance to get NC license if I don't have a car?
If you get into an accident, you may be liable for some damages. Even if the car owner’s policy covers some of it, you may still be sued for whatever they spent. People also ask about getting car insurance without a license.
How do I transfer my car auto insurance to NC?
You can only do this if your insurer also services North Carolina. If they do, update your information with them as soon as you move.
How do I get a license without car insurance in North Carolina?
You can get your license but with a restriction if you don’t get an insurance. With this restriction, you would only be allowed to drive vehicles used purely for work.
How long do you have to get insurance after buying a used car in NC?
Not long. If you’re taking advantage of your insurer’s grace period, you may only have two to 30 days to get an insurance for your new car or add it to your existing policy. Read more about how to buy auto insurance after a car purchase.
In NC, how long do I have to change insurance to a new car?
Not long. Some companies may provide a grace period, but it is best to notify the insurer before the sale becomes final. Either way there are plenty of options to get fast auto insurance coverage if you need it.
How do I get insurance on a car with just the bill of sale in NC?
The easiest and surest way around this is ask someone to add it to their policy because insurance companies will definitely ask for more than a bill of sale.
Where can I go to get photos of my car for my insurance company in North Carolina?
If you have your car, just take the pictures. Ask your insurance company what must be included to avoid any complication.
When do you have to get insurance after buying a car in NC?
Immediately. In fact, you are required to insure your vehicle even before driving it off for the first time.
How do I remove someone from my NC auto insurance policy that I no longer can contact or find?
If you are the main policy holder, it is as easy as informing your insurer with a phone call or through their online dashboard. If this is the case for you, remove them immediately to get lower rates.
How do I cancel my auto insurance in North Carolina?
Simply inform your insurer that you would be cancelling the policy and pay any fees that you would have to pay.
What do you do first when you get a new car in NC, get it inspected or put car insurance on it?
Get it inspected. You want to make sure it’s in the agreed upon state before you even drive it. That way, you can hold the seller liable for failing to meet the understood requirements on your car.
How do I get classic car insurance in NC?
So first you have to determine if your car is eligible to be called a classic. If its 15 or more years old then it likely is. After that we can help you get cheap classic car insurance if you enter your zip code above.
Auto Insurance Lapses
When your budget is tight, it may become a bigger policy that your policy lapses. What happens, then? Find out below.
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In NC, if my auto insurance is not paid on due date, how long before insurance lapses?
Your insurer will determine that. But usually, it is a week after you have been notified that you did not pay.
What happens when your auto insurance lapses in NC?
Among other things, higher rates once you decide to apply again will have the most lasting effect.
What are the fees issued on your car registration after an insurance lapse in NC?
Aside from the license plate fee, you will pay a $50 service fee and $50 civil penalty fee.
What is the grace period for car insurance in NC Farm Bureau?
After your non-payment, you will have ten days to pay your outstanding balance.
What is the NC DMV’S penalty for not having car insurance?
Aside from the fees mentioned, your registration will also be revoked until you pay those fees and present your Form FS-1.
Accidents, Claims, and Other Related Concerns
How would your car insurance protect you when an accident happens? Find that out and more in this section.
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How does statute of limitations work on car insurance settlements in NC?
For both bodily injuries and property damage, you have three years to file a lawsuit.
How do I fight insurance company on totaled car in NC?
Prove that the market value of the vehicle before the incident is higher than the cost for repairs. You can do this by presenting receipts for car maintenance and repairs before the incident as well as testimonies from the person/s who handled them.
How are insurance points assessed in NC for auto claims?
Insurance points are irrelevant to auto claims; they only affect your premiums.
What happens with insurance when your car is totaled and you still owe the lender on Farm Bureau, NC?
You may still renew your insurance with them. But as far as your loan is concerned, you still need to pay the remainder of the loan amount if it’s less than the settlement.
How long do you have to settle a car insurance claim in North Carolina?
From the day of the incident, you and the insurance have three years to come to an agreement. If you feel that a mutually agreeable settlement won’t be reached by three years, you have an option to file a lawsuit.
In NC, my car damage is more than my car is worth. What will the insurance company do?
Instead of paying for repairs, the insurance company would instead total your car.
Someone hit my car in NC but doesn’t have insurance, what do I do?
Open yourself to the possibility that you won’t get every penny that you are due to if the other party doesn’t have assets. Also, you may shoulder some of the expenses if you’re not a hundred percent blameless on what happened.
When you are in a car accident in NC, what extra money can you request from your insurance company?
Aside from actual car repairs, the most common here are moral damages (usually to compensate trauma and suffering) as well as actual damages (lost wages, etc.).
What kind of insurance do I need if I get a DUI?
Some states require SR22 insurance but North Carolina is not one of them. This type of insurance can cost a lot more. Learn more: How much does sr22 insurance cost? However in a neighboring state you are required to carry SR22 insurance in SC.
Other Questions
Anything we haven’t covered yet? You might find them here. From rental car concerns to reporting auto insurance company violations, we will answer all of these.
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Whose insurance is primary on a rental car in NC?
Assuming the other is 100% not at fault, the one at fault will cover all expenses.
What do I need as a proof of insurance when renting car in North Carolina?
A copy of your policy and an FS-1 are individually strong proof of insurance which you can use when trying to rent a car. Related: How do I get car insurance?
I’m from Puerto Rico. What do I need as a proof of insurance when renting car in North Carolina?
As most of the companies that offer auto insurance to residents offer shorter-termed ones to travelling foreigners as well, a copy of the policy would apply as well.
How do I update my NC car insurance on my registration?
Go to the DMV and inform them that you have changed your auto insurance provider. You would be asked to provide a proof of insurance before your request is approved.
How do I report that a car insurance rate increase exceeds the allowed in North Carolina?
Go to the NCDOI website, click “Insurance Consumers”, then “File a Complaint”, then “Continue to Consumer Complaint Form, after which you would be asked to provide certain details. You may also call the Consumer Services Division at (919)807-6750. Related: Can I change car insurance before renewal date?
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