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Sara Coleman is an insurance contributor at Bankrate. She has a couple of years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, Coverage.com and numerous other personal finance sites. She writes about insurance products such as auto, homeowners, renters and disability. Amelia Buckley is an insurance editor, covering auto, home and life insurance. She emphasizes creating informative, engaging and nuanced content to support readers in making personalized insurance decisions. Updated Nov 04, 2022 Compare car insurance rates Answer a few questions to discover real rates from top-tier carriers in your area. Your information is secure Compare rates Select from a variety of trusted carriers + MORE How it works Caret Down Tell us a little about yourself We'll only ask for info we're confident will impact your rate. That way, we can provide you with the most accurate and personalized offers. Choose which policy is best for you Compare your options from a list of carriers that want to get you insured. You can then move forward with as many as you'd like. Lock in your rate and policy details Once you're confident in your selected carrier, finish up the process online or on the phone with a trusted agent. And that's it! On This Page
If you're looking for the best car insurance in North Carolina, you're in the right place. Bankrate's insurance editorial team found that Geico, State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate and North Carolina Farm Bureau are among the best car insurance companies in the state, based on an objective analysis. However, each person has a different insurance preference and a unique driving profile, so it may be beneficial to research each provider and get quotes from your top choices. Doing this may also help you pay less for your car insurance. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in North Carolina is $1,392 per year, according to Bankrate's 2022 study of quoted annual premiums, which is $379 less than the national average of $1,771 per year. Additionally, many of the companies on our list offer even lower average rates, so budget-conscious drivers could earn some savings with these companies. See More Key takeaways With an average annual premium of $1,392, rates for full coverage car insurance in North Carolina are 27 percent lower than the national average of $1,771. Out of the eight most populated cities in North Carolina, Fayetteville has one of the most expensive average premiums for full coverage car insurance at $1,591 per year. According to our extensive research, Geico, State Farm and Nationwide may offer the best car insurance in North Carolina. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in North Carolina
To find the in North Carolina, we developed a proprietary Bankrate Score system that takes several metrics into account. Our insurance editorial team analyzed 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.
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. 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 coverage that meets each state's requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2020 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.
Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. We know it is important for drivers to be confident their financial protection covers the likeliest risks, is priced competitively and is provided by a financially-sound company with a history of positive customer support. To determine how well the best car insurance companies satisfy these priorities, third-party agency ratings from , , , NAIC, and Moodys had the most impact on the companies' Bankrate Scores. As price is a common consideration for drivers, we analyzed quoted premiums based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 2019 Toyota Camry. This profile, assessed across more than 35,000 ZIP codes in the U.S., provided a basis on which drivers may compare each provider. While coverage options, insurer availability, affordability and customer experience are often the top priorities, Bankrate also analyzed each insurer's online and mobile resources for policy management and claims handling. Insurance is rapidly evolving to keep pace with our digital world, so these aspects also carried weight in determining Bankrate Scores. Best car insurance companies in North Carolina
Bankrate's insurance editorial team examined premium data, customer satisfaction from the 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. When shopping for car insurance, North Carolina drivers might want to get quotes from these companies: Insurance company J.D. Power score (Southeast) Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 843 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $910 Average annual minimum coverage premium $329 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 855 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $966 Average annual minimum coverage premium $318 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 850 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,197 Average annual minimum coverage premium $328 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 833 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,597 Average annual minimum coverage premium $439 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power score (Southeast) 844 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,047 Average annual minimum coverage premium $336 Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. 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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. 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. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . 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. 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. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . 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. Discover the best carrier for you
Get custom car insurance quotes from top-rated carriers in 3 minutes or less. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Geico offers car insurance coverage nationwide and is known for its signature catchphrase, "15 minutes could save you 15 percent or more on car insurance." That statement may hold true for North Carolina drivers. Geico could be a good fit if budget is your primary concern as they offer discounts for military members, safe driving and select companies and organizations. Additionally, Geico 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. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Frequently offers some of the lowest average full coverage premiums Highly-rated mobile app and online portal allow for policy management Close XCons Not as many coverage options compared to competitors J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction lower than the industry standard Average annual premium by city North Carolina city Geico average full coverage premium Geico average minimum coverage premium Charlotte $938 $376 Durham $890 $325 Greensboro $901 $337 Raleigh $944 $364 Winston-Salem $846 $309 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the nation, with 16 percent of the market share. If you are looking for an established company that does its business through local agents, State Farm might be a good fit. Currently, 158 cities in North Carolina have a . In addition to local agents, the company's mobile tools give you easy access to your policy, allowing you to file claims, make payments and call for . However, despite its above-average J.D. Power ranking, State Farm did receive a score from the National Association of Insurance Commissions (NAIC). Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Competitive premiums, especially for minimum coverage Plenty of local offices for those who prefer to do business in person Close XCons Higher-than-average complaints companywide per the NAIC Accident forgiveness is not available for purchase Average annual premium by city North Carolina city State Farm average full coverage premium State Farm average minimum coverage premium Charlotte $1,156 $443 Durham $947 $318 Greensboro $938 $331 Raleigh $924 $346 Winston-Salem $818 $278 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: + Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Nationwide offers below-average premiums in North Carolina, and the company might be a good fit if you want one company that can handle several of your financial products. Nationwide offers 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 . Additionally, it also has higher-than-baseline customer complaints companywide per the NAIC. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Banking, life insurance and financial planning products may be available alongside car insurance Above regional average for overall customer satisfaction per J.D. Power Close XCons Towards the bottom the list of 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study for Shopping and Service Higher-than-baseline customer complaints per the NAIC Average annual premium by city North Carolina city Nationwide average full coverage premium Nationwide average minimum coverage premium Charlotte $1,308 $380 Durham $1,230 $345 Greensboro $1,145 $320 Raleigh $1,176 $348 Winston-Salem $1,077 $291 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: + Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Allstate offers extensive coverage options, including sound system coverage, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage, and could be a good fit if you are looking for a personalized policy. There are also local agents available to help you find the right policy or . 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. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Numerous coverage options allow for a personalized policy Local offices, customer service hotline and online policy management tools available Close XCons Higher-than-average rates in North Carolina Below-average customer satisfaction score per J.D. Power Average annual premium by city North Carolina city Allstate average full coverage premium Allstate average minimum coverage premium Charlotte $1,856 $569 Durham $1,576 $457 Greensboro $1,591 $461 Raleigh $1,569 $473 Winston-Salem $1,430 $401 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview 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. Additionally, North Carolina Farm Bureau offers products tailored to farmers and ranchers. 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. Read full Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Lower-than-average rates in North Carolina Farm and ranch specific policies available Close XCons Membership required Policies handled through independent agencies, so hours of operation may be limited Average annual premium by city North Carolina city North Carolina Farm Bureau average full coverage premium North Carolina Farm Bureau average minimum coverage premium Charlotte $1,150 $411 Durham $1,030 $340 Greensboro $1,071 $356 Raleigh $1,020 $352 Winston-Salem $949 $309 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Average cost of 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 $1,771 annually, the is $1,392 for a full coverage policy, according to 2022 rate data gathered from Quadrant Information Services. Minimum coverage is also cheaper, on average, in North Carolina, with an average policy costing $431 per year. The average minimum coverage premium in the U.S. is $545 per year. North Carolina may have lower-than-average state insurance rates 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 minimum coverage in North Carolina Average annual premium for full coverage in North Carolina $431 $1,392
North Carolina city Average annual premium for full coverage Average annual premium for minimum coverage Cary $1,227 $409 Charlotte $1,553 $539 $1,369 $437 Fayetteville $1,591 $521 $1,392 $449 Raleigh $1,359 $458 Wilmington $1,345 $468 Winston-Salem $1,262 $401 How to find the best car insurance in North Carolina
The best car insurance in North Carolina may be different for everyone. When you are searching for car 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 to drive legally. You must carry the state-required levels of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. Understanding 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 , 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 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 that could affect your premium and eligibility? Understanding your personal insurance needs might help you decide what companies could be a good fit. Car insurance discounts in North Carolina
Most insurance companies in North Carolina offer to help you save money. In addition to finding a , discounts can help you get the coverage you need for a price that fits your budget. Although discounts will vary by company, here are some common : Young driver discounts: If you insure a teen driver who is a full-time student, there may be several discounts available. Good student discounts, distance student discounts and driver training discounts could all help lower your premium. Safe driver discounts: Safe drivers could qualify for several discounts. For example, telematics programs involve using a mobile app or plug-in device to track your driving habits. Based on how safely you drive, you could earn a discount. And if you work from home or drive only a short distance each day, be sure to tell your agent. You might qualify for a low mileage discount and earn a lower premium. Other discounts: If you have a home, condo or renters insurance policy, getting your auto insurance with the same company might earn you a significant discount on both policies. Additionally, opting to receive your policy documents, billing statements or both via email or an online portal might save you some money. Most insurance companies list their discounts online, but you can also talk to a representative to find ways to save. Frequently asked questions
Geico, North Carolina Farm Bureau and Nationwide have some of the , based on our research. However, rates may vary based on your own unique situation, which means that you may need to shop around and compare other to find the cheapest company. Remember that while lower coverage limits tend to result in cheaper premiums, they might also leave you with high out-of-pocket expenses if you cause an accident. Most insurance professionals recommend purchasing higher limits, if you can afford to, in order to protect your finances in case of a covered event.
Full coverage car insurance typically refers to the combination of and on a single policy. However, the definition of full coverage may differ among insurance companies and agents. For instance, one company might include add-ons like roadside assistance or under a full coverage car insurance policy, while others may not.
To , you will first need to get a quote. You can often do this online, but you could also call the insurance companies you are interested in or visit a local agency. You will usually need the name, date of birth and drivers' license numbers for all the drivers you need to insure, as well as your address, the vehicle identification number (VIN) for each of your vehicles and an idea of . Once you decide on a company, a representative will let you know how to purchase your policy. You will likely have to make a payment for at least one month of coverage and you may have to sign an application.
The state of North Carolina requires drivers to have a policy with at least state minimum levels of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage. Unless you satisfy the state's "financial responsibility law" in another way, like posting a bond, you must carry at least a minimum coverage policy to drive legally. could result in fines and license suspension. If you cause an accident without insurance, you'll be responsible for paying for the damages out of pocket. Written by Sara Coleman Insurance Contributor Sara Coleman is an insurance contributor at Bankrate. She has a couple of years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, Coverage.com and numerous other personal finance sites. She writes about insurance products such as auto, homeowners, renters and disability. Amelia Buckley is an insurance editor, covering auto, home and life insurance. She emphasizes creating informative, engaging and nuanced content to support readers in making personalized insurance decisions.