Updated January 7th, 2021
Here I did a detailed analysis to find the least expensive auto insurance carriers in North Carolina.
Overall, and depending on the city, the cheapest quotes are from Auto-Owners and State Farm.
Each carrier can offer quotes from 14 to 23% lower than the drivers’ median rate with a decent driving record.
Other carriers you may want to put on your bucket list to get quotes are Progressive, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Nationwide.
Each can offer quotes from 12 to 18% lower than the median rate for similar profile drivers.
Depending on the city or zip code you reside, Direct General can offer competitive quotes.
I will go into more detail below.
This article will cover the minimum auto insurance requirements, cost-mitigating strategies, and the most affordable carriers by quote.
If you would like to skip to a certain portion of the article, please use the table of contents down a little and to the right.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the minimum amount of coverage is 30/60/25, and the numbers are in thousands.
The numbers mean your policy would pay up to a maximum of $30,000 to anyone injured by a covered driver.
Or up to $60,000 for all injured parties combined as a result of one accident.
| Coverage | North Carolina Minimum Liability Coverage | Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Protection | $30,000 / $60,000 | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage | $30,000 / $60,000 | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Medical Payments | Optional | $5,000 |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Optional | $250 - $1,000 deductible |
| Collision Coverage | Optional | $250 - $1,000 deductible |
Also, North Carolina’s minimum coverage has a single limit of liability for all property damage resulting from an accident of $25,000.
Since the state has motorists driving without insurance, there is a requirement to have uninsured motorist protection (UM) on the policy.
The minimum amount of UM is required to include the same as bodily injury and property damage.
Note: As illustrated, the cheapest insurance quotes for a 25-year old are GEICO, Auto-Owners, and State Farm. The quotes obtained are for a driver who had no more than one driving violation, good credit, and owned a 2014 Honda CR-V. Please see the table below.
Policies with limits greater than the minimum have to provide a combined uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Although these are the minimums for NC, it is highly recommended to get more coverage for newer model vehicles or those worth $3,000 or more.
Note: As illustrated, I found a couple of insurers lower than $1,000 for a 30-year-old driver. For a more detailed comparison, please see the table below.
Comprehensive & Collision Coverage
Since the state has a high occurrence of hurricanes, comprehensive coverage should be considered.
Comprehensive will cover accidents such as falling objects, fire, theft, explosion, earthquakes, windstorm, hail, vandalism, damage from riots, animals, and breakage of windows or glass.
Collision coverage will protect you from damage from another vehicle.
It may be required coverage if your vehicle is financed from a bank or lending institution, requiring comprehensive coverage.
Note: Each of the insurers illustrated clustered at the $800 mark for a 35-year-old driver. For a more detailed comparison, please table below.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by Age
Below is a table outlining the cheapest insurance firms for drivers from 25 to 55 years old.
Please realize your quotes will vary since determining insurance companies consider factors. On average,
GEICO, Auto-Owners, and State Far can provide low-cost quotes across the board for all drivers’ age.
Depending on your age and location,n they offer quotes from 14 to 23% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar ages and profiles.
North Carolina Farm Bureau can offer low quotes.
In some regions, they offer the lowest, particularly for older drivers.
Progressive and Nationwide offer competitive quotes for drivers across the state.
Each insurer can offer rates from 12% to 18% lower than the median rate.
Direct General is another carrier that popped on the radar for some cities.
When I queried for quotes, Direct General can offer rates from 10 to 16% lower than the median quote for similar drivers.
You definitely want to put them on your list to get quotes to see the savings Direct General may offer.
For military or former military, USAA can offer the lowest quotes.
| North Carolina Company | 25 Y/O Driver | 30 Y/O Driver | 35 Y/O Driver | 40 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver | 55 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,331 | $978 | $798 | $679 | $589 | $508 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,344 | $987 | $812 | $680 | $609 | $510 |
| State Farm | $1,362 | $1,009 | $814 | $683 | $620 | $524 |
| Progressive | $1,387 | $1,014 | $816 | $686 | $634 | $565 |
| Nationwide | $1,388 | $1,034 | $823 | $690 | $654 | $589 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $1,401 | $1,060 | $868 | $704 | $656 | $600 |
| Allstate | $1,489 | $1,089 | $879 | $709 | $678 | $609 |
| Farmers | $1,554 | $1,121 | $900 | $760 | $680 | $643 |
| American Family | $1,605 | $1,122 | $906 | $767 | $680 | $644 |
| Allied | $1,699 | $1,209 | $945 | $790 | $679 | $658 |
| MetLife | $1,749 | $1,278 | $978 | $802 | $708 | $687 |
| Encompass | $1,750 | $1,278 | $999 | $809 | $710 | $689 |
| Amica | $1,755 | $1,332 | $1,067 | $809 | $721 | $701 |
| Unitrin | $1,756 | $1,378 | $1,078 | $843 | $722 | $699 |
| 21st Century | $1,777 | $1,345 | $1,167 | $867 | $778 | $689 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,788 | $1,479 | $1,243 | $887 | $812 | $690 |
| Esurance | $1,787 | $1,502 | $1,244 | $899 | $822 | $668 |
| Safeco | $1,799 | $1,448 | $1,277 | $890 | $826 | $674 |
Note: A 40-year old driver with good driving history and good credit should be able to get rates below $700. In -his illustration, the driver owned a 2014 Honda CR-V.
Average Coverage in NC is as follows:
- Bodily Injury Liability – $100,000/$300,000
- Property Damage Liability – $50,000
- Medical Payments Cover – $2,000
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – $100,000/$300,000
- Comprehensive Coverage – $0 deductible
- Collision Coverage – $250 deductible
Best Insurers by Consumer Rating, Complaints, & Rate Increase
Below is a table of insurers by consumer rating, complaints, and the rate increase (or decrease) over 18 months.
This data is for you to make a more informed decision when buying car insurance.
All companies will have negative marks on record.
This should not be a big factor when determining which company to get your auto premium from.
The only time it should raise a flag is a company with a low amount of written premiums and an abnormally high amount of complaints.
None of the insurers in the list fall into that category.
Consumer rating data is compiled from reputable online sources.
Large national companies typically have a higher consumer rating based on volume.
The regional and local companies may have a lower consumer rating.
However, at times, local companies may offer a tailored, more personable policy for your needs.
Any other data is from the Insurance Information Institute (III.org), JD Power & Associates, and AM Best.
| North Carolina Company | Premiums | Rate Change | # of Complaints | Consumer Rating out of 5 Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $235,701,791 | +3.4% | 49 | 4.3 |
| State Farm | $347,659,344 | +3.4% | 46 | 4.4 |
| Amica | $121,528,000 | +3.1% | 8 | 4.1 |
| USAA | $199,117,743 | +3.1% | 91 | 4.4 |
| Progressive | $121,275,206 | +3.3% | 21 | 4.5 |
| Farmers | $231,702,542 | +3.9% | 26 | 3.9 |
| Penn National Insurance | $26,920,209 | +4.1% | 10 | 4.1 |
| MetLife | $31,293,753 | +2.9% | 9 | 3.9 |
| Nationwide | $432,911,924 | +2.6% | 235 | 4.4 |
| Liberty Mutual | $92,145,789 | +2.9% | 9 | 4.4 |
| Allstate | $246,012,635 | +4.3% | 29 | 4.3 |
| 21st Century | $8,823,992 | +2.9% | 21 | 4.2 |
| Travelers | $51,504,011 | +3.1% | 8 | 4.0 |
| American Family | $78,715,033 | +2.9% | 37 | 4.4 |
| Esurance | $76,331,911 | +3.6% | 4 | 4.3 |
| Safeco | $7,448,310 | +3.5% | 6 | 3.8 |
| Ameriprise | $21,010,361 | +3.1% | 8 | 3.9 |
| State Auto | $8,292,539 | +2.6% | 2 | 3.9 |
| Kemper | $7,125,841 | +4.1% | 12 | 3.8 |
| Titan | $9,912,218 | +4.3% | 16 | 3.8 |
| Hartford | $27,939,545 | +3.4% | 47 | 4.0 |
| Greenville Casualty Company | $4,199,939 | +4.2% | 9 | 3.8 |
| Horace Mann | $15,719,994 | +3.5% | 14 | 3.9 |
| State National Companies Inc. | 10,874,098 | +3.8% | 31 | 3.7 |
| Auto-Owners | $87,380,259 | +4.1% | 16 | 3.8 |
High-Risk Drivers
In the state of NC, it may be difficult for “high-risk” drivers to get insurance.
High-risk drivers are considered those who may have Driving Under the Influence (DUI), serious traffic violations, such as reckless driving, or an inexperienced driver with less than three years of driving experience.
The most common method to get coverage for high-risk drivers is through a company that writes nonstandard business.
You may be asked to sign a “consent-to-rate” form.
That means you are willing to pay higher than normal car insurance rates, which have not been filed with the state of North Carolina for the company to underwrite the policy.
Average Premium by City in North Carolina
Below is a list of 30 cities in North Carolina with the average premium.
Location is a primary factor for insurers when determining your rate.
One of the reasons you may have a lower quote from one city to the next is the same vehicle.
The average premium ranges from $756 to $1,407.
If you find that your quotes are significantly higher, you may either have a few driving violations or a young driver under 25.
If you would like a detailed comparison of quotes by city, please read further below.
| City | Average Rate | City | Average Rate | City | Average Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex | $832 | Gatesville | $875 | Moyock | $843 |
| Asheville | $866 | Goldboro | $978 | New Bern | $879 |
| Boone | $900 | Greenville | $1,407 | Pinetops | $1,066 |
| Burlington | $889 | Hickory | $1,045 | Rocky Mount | $1,027 |
| Chapel Hill | $943 | Highlands | $833 | Salisbury | $1,021 |
| Cherryville | $979 | Indian Trail | $992 | Sanford | $949 |
| Concord | $879 | Jacksonville | $1,009 | Shelby | $970 |
| Currituck | $1,043 | Kannapolis | $878 | Statesville | $1,087 |
| Fairmont | $1,009 | La Grange | $937 | Yanceyville | $1,089 |
| Gastonia | $912 | Monroe | $954 | Zebulon | $765 |
Charlotte, NC
Finding cheaper car insurance in Charlotte is fairly easy if you know where to get quotes from.
The lowest insurance quotes are from Auto-Owners, State Farm, and Progressive.
Each queried at $1,054, $1,078, and $1,090 respectfully for a 30-year-old driver.
The average rate for “all” drivers is just under $1,000, so the insurers illustrated in the table and graph are within the range of charlotte’s “mean” rate.
A 45-year-old driver can find rates below $800 per year with Auto-Owners, State Farm, and Progressive.
I queried each at $756, $789, and $805 respectfully per year for full coverage.
All three carriers are 16% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar age and profile.
It would be smart for a family of 4 to get quotes from all insurers to get maximum savings while maintaining optimum coverage.
| Charlotte Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,008 | $712 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,054 | $756 |
| State Farm | $1,078 | $789 |
| Progressive | $1,090 | $805 |
| Nationwide | $1,132 | $813 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $1,145 | $843 |
| Allstate | $1,167 | $876 |
| Farmers | $1,187 | $900 |
Durham, NC
The average insurance rate in Durham is $1,043 per year.
I found 5 carriers with rates below the average mark.
Auto-Owners is the lowest at $834, which is 22% lower than average.
With GEICO, I received quotes at $854, which is 19% lower than the average.
Progressive offered quotes at $867 for a 30-year-old driver.
For a 45-year-old driver GEICO, Progressive, and Auto-Owners were below the $700 mark, which is more than 25% lower than the “mean” rate in Durham.
I queried each at $656, $675, and $687 per year for full coverage.
State Farm is another carrier to get savings.
They offer quotes at $716, which is 21% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers in Durham.
| Durham Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $834 | $656 |
| GEICO | $854 | $675 |
| Progressive | $867 | $687 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $904 | $709 |
| State Farm | $978 | $716 |
| Nationwide | $1,032 | $765 |
| Allstate | $1,043 | $789 |
| Farmers | $1,056 | $804 |
Fayetteville, NC
Getting inexpensive car insurance in Fayetteville is easy with Auto-Owners, GEICO, and Progressive.
Each insurer is at least 15% lower than the average rate of $1,009 per year.
North Carolina Farm Bureau and State Farm are 10% lower.
It would be wise for a 30-year-old driver to get quotes from all carriers illustrated since each is well below the “mean’ rate of Fayetteville.
For a 45-year-old driver, I found all carriers illustrated in the graph are below the $700 mark.
This is 30% lower than the average rate.
Nationwide and Allstate are worth getting quotes since each is nearly 14% lower than the “mean” rate.
| Fayetteville Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $856 | $621 |
| GEICO | $867 | $623 |
| Progressive | $888 | $656 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $906 | $679 |
| State Farm | $945 | $690 |
| Nationwide | $987 | $704 |
| Allstate | $1,032 | $745 |
| Farmers | $1,067 | $768 |
Raleigh, NC
The average rate in Raleigh is $1,066.
I found the cheapest auto insurance rates are from Progressive, Auto-Owners, and GEICO.
Each queried at $879, $890, and $943 respectfully for a 30-year-old driver.
GEICO, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and State Farm clustered at the $940 mark.
Which is 12% lower than the ‘mean’ rate.
For a 45-year-old driver, I found one insurance company below the $700 mark – Progressive.
Auto-Owners, GEICO, and North Carolina Farm Bureau clustered between $730 to the $760 mark for a 45-year old.
| Raleigh Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $879 | $699 |
| Auto-Owners | $890 | $732 |
| GEICO | $943 | $754 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $945 | $768 |
| State Farm | $949 | $802 |
| Allstate | $987 | $804 |
| Farmers | $1,065 | $799 |
| Nationwide | $1,076 | $809 |
Winston-Salem, NC
Though residents in Winston-Salem are fulfilled with wonderful attractions, they can find cheap car insurance with Progressive, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Auto-Owners.
Each queried at $1,033, $1,044, $1,047 respectfully for a 30-year-old driver.
A 45-year-old driver can get quotes from the same insurers at $843, $844, and $865.
For a 30-year-old driver, each insurer is 12% lower than the average rate of $1,089 for Winston-Salem.
The same insurers for a 45-year old are 18% lower than the ‘mean’ rate.
| Winston-Salem Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,032 | $843 |
| Progressive | $1,033 | $844 |
| NC Farm Bureau | $1,044 | $865 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,047 | $887 |
| State Farm | $1,067 | $889 |
| Allstate | $1,087 | $905 |
| Farmers | $1,099 | $907 |
| Nationwide | $1,132 | $954 |
Greensboro, NC
Drivers in Greensboro can find the cheapest quotes with North Carolina Farm Bureau, Progressive, and Auto-Owners.
I queried each at $1,077, $1,154, and $1,198 for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 18% to 24% lower than the median quote for similar age drivers.
State Farm and Direct General are 15% more expensive but worth getting quotes with prices at $1,256 and $1,328, respectfully.
A 45-year old can find the least expensive quotes with Farm Bureau, GEICO, and Progressive.
I queried each at $855, $890, and $923 respectfully for full coverage.
Which is approximately 19% to 23% lower than the “mean” quote for similar profile drivers.
Auto-Owners is a company offering competitive quotes with a price of $943.
| Greensboro Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,077 | $855 |
| GEICO | $1,121 | $890 |
| Progressive | $1,154 | $923 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,198 | $943 |
| State Farm | $1,256 | $980 |
| Direct General | $1,328 | $1,022 |
Cary, NC
If you don’t have the cheapest auto insurance in Car,n you probably get quotes from the wrong place.
Start with North Carolina Farm Bureau, Progressive, and Auto-Owners.
I queried each at $1,044, $1,087, $1,112 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 14% to 18% lower than the median rate for similar profile drivers.
Direct General and State Farm jumped significantly with quotes at $1,254 and $1,276.
A 45-year old can find affordable quotes with Farm Bureau, Progressive, and Auto-Owners.
I queried each at $860, $890, $924 per year for full coverage.
Which is 15% to 19% lower than the “mean” quote for similar age drivers.
GEICO and Direct General offer quotes under the $1,000 mark with low quotes at $965 and $998 respectfully.
| Cary Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,044 | $860 |
| Progressive | $1,087 | $890 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,112 | $924 |
| GEICO | $1,130 | $965 |
| Direct General | $1,254 | $998 |
| State Farm | $1,276 | $1,012 |
Wilmington, NC
To find affordable quotes in Wilmington, start by getting quotes from North Carolina Farm Bureau, Progressive, and Auto-Owners.
I queried each at $1,050, $1,124, and $1,170 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 14 to 20% lower than the median rate.
Direct General and State Farm are approximately 20% higher than the cheapest carrier, with prices at $1,200 and $1,246.
A 45-year old can find cheaper quotes with GEICO, Progressive, and Farm Bureau.
I queried each at $845, $892, and $898 respectfully per year for full coverage. All three carriers are 17 to 20% lower than the median rate for similar age and profile drivers.
Auto-Owners is extremely competitive, offering quotes at $905.
Or approximately 16% lower than the “mean” quote for drivers in Wilmington.
| Wilmington Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,010 | $845 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,050 | $898 |
| Progressive | $1,124 | $892 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,170 | $905 |
| Direct General | $1,200 | $956 |
| State Farm | $1,246 | $980 |
High Point, NC
Drivers in High Point can find cheaper premiums by getting quotes from Progressive, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Auto-Owners.
I queried each at $1,065, $1,129, $1,153 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
The lowest carrier, Progressive, is 17% cheaper than the median rate for similar profile drivers.
Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners are approximately 14% lower than the “mean” rate.
You should put them on your list to get quotes if you are a driver in High Point.
A 45-year old can find the least expensive quotes with GEICO, Progressive, and Farm Bureau.
I queried GEICO at $829 per year for full coverage.
Which is 18% lower than the “mean” rate.
Progressive and Farm Bureau are 14 to 15% lower than the median rate.
Making them good choices to put on your list to get quotes from.
In fact, it would be smart to get quotes from all carriers illustrated.
Including Direct General and State Farm.
| High Point Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,023 | $829 |
| Progressive | $1,065 | $854 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,129 | $888 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,153 | $912 |
| Direct General | $1,208 | $943 |
| State Farm | $1,259 | $987 |
Greenville, NC
Drivers in Greenville can find cheaper policies by getting quotes from Progressive, Auto-Owners, and North Carolina Farm Bureau.
I queried each at $1,009, $1,066, and $1,155 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is approximately 17 to 23% lower than the median rate for similar profile drivers.
Direct General and State Farm offer fairly competitive quotes with prices at $1,216 and $1,287 respectfully.
A 45-year old can find the cheapest quotes with GEICO, Progressive, and Farm Bureau.
I queried each at $829, $854, and $888 per year for full coverage.
Which is 16 to 20% lower than the “mean” quote for similar age drivers.
Direct General and State Farm offer competitive quotes with prices at $943 and $987 per year.
Greenville drivers would be smart to get quotes from all carriers illustrated to find the most savings and maintain coverage.
| Greenville Company | 30 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,009 | $850 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,066 | $889 |
| GEICO | $1,120 | $903 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,155 | $927 |
| Direct General | $1,216 | $967 |
| State Farm | $1,287 | $989 |
Resources & DMV Information
| Department of Insurance | Department of Transportation | Department of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 430 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603 (855) 408-1212 | 201 S Chimney Rock Rd, Greensboro, NC 27409 (336) 315-7080 | 3231 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 715-7000 |
| Website | Website | Website |
Sources
https://www.allstate.com/auto-insurance/north-carolina-auto-insurance-coverages.aspx
https://www.libertymutual.com/auto/car-insurance-coverage/north-carolina
https://www.directgeneral.com/learning-center/states/north-carolina
