North Carolina drivers pay less than the national average rate for car insurance, based on multiple 2025 state datasets. Recent statewide snapshots place typical premiums around $450–$600 per year for minimum coverage and about $1,300–$1,600 per year for full coverage, depending on profile and methodology (Bankrate; NerdWallet; The Zebra). We evaluated major insurers in the Tar Heel State using these 2025 sources along with customer satisfaction benchmarks and state consumer resources to highlight strong choices for different needs. Some of the companies that stand out in North Carolina are also included in our national list of the best car insurance providers.
The 4 Best Auto Insurance Companies in North Carolina
Using 2025 statewide rate snapshots alongside coverage features, discounts, and third‑party benchmarks, we selected the following companies as strong options in North Carolina. Relative price leaders vary by driver profile, but these brands routinely appear in current NC comparisons (Bankrate NC guide; NerdWallet NC guide).
- Geico: Best for Low Rates
- Erie: Best for Customer Satisfaction
- North Carolina Farm Bureau: Best for Local Service
- Progressive: Best for Discounts
Compare the Top Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
We chose Geico, Erie, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Progressive as standout carriers in NC for different reasons. Your best fit will depend on where you live (city/ZIP), your driving history, vehicle, and coverage limits. 2025 analyses show sizable spreads between carriers for the same profile, so compare at least 4–5 quotes (Bankrate NC guide; NerdWallet NC guide; The Zebra NC).
| AVERAGE ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR MINIMUM COVERAGE* | AVERAGE ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR FULL COVERAGE* | AM BEST FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATING AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. POWER OVERALL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION** (Southeast region) J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Geico | $450–$600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | $1,300–$1,600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | A (FSR) | Southeast: see 2024 study** | |
| Pin ERIE | $450–$600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | $1,300–$1,600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | A (FSR) | Southeast: see 2024 study** | |
| Pin North Carolina Farm Bureau | $450–$600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | $1,300–$1,600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | A (FSR) | Southeast: see 2024 study** | |
| Pin Progressive | $450–$600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | $1,300–$1,600 (typical NC range, 2025)* | A (FSR) | Southeast: see 2024 study** |
Information current as of 2025
*Typical North Carolina ranges shown using 2025 state pages from Bankrate, NerdWallet, and The Zebra. Company-specific averages vary by driver profile, coverage and location.
**Source: J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study (Southeast region). Satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale; consult the study for brand-level results.
Best for Low Rates
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Often among the lowest average premiums for many profiles (NC)
- Numerous discounts, including multi-policy and vehicle safety
- Robust mobile and online self-service
Cons
- Gap coverage generally not offered
- Fewer local agents than agent-led carriers
- Satisfaction varies by region per J.D. Power
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Motorcycle/ATV
- Boat
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Emergency deployment
- Federal employee
- Membership & employee
- Military
Best for Customer Satisfaction
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Highly rated for customer experience in many regions
- Erie Rate Lock may help keep premiums steady
- Diminishing deductible option
Cons
- Limited online capabilities compared with direct carriers
- Some student discounts not available in NC
- Fewer mobile tools than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Collector and classic car
- Homeowners
- Flood
- Business
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Reduced usage
- Safe driving
- Annual payment plan
Best for Local Service
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Local agents statewide
- Frequently priced below state average in many profiles
- Online claims reporting available
Cons
- Website functionality is limited
- Membership required to buy a policy
- Financial strength rating lower than some national peers
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Farm
- Life
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Not listed on website
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Numerous discounts and broad telematics program (Snapshot)
- Competitive for certain higher‑risk or non‑standard profiles
- Wide availability and online tools
Cons
- Average premiums can be higher than price leaders for some profiles
- Customer satisfaction varies by region (see J.D. Power 2024 study)
- Rates sensitive to incidents; shop and consider telematics for savings
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Condo
- Snowmobile
- Segue
- Golf cart
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Continuous insurance
- Snapshot
- PerkShare discounts
- Sign online
* Data and ranges reflect 2025 North Carolina pages from Bankrate, NerdWallet and The Zebra. Actual premiums vary by profile and methodology.
** Source: J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study (Southeast region).
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina
For 2025, current sources place North Carolina’s average costs at roughly $450–$600 per year for minimum coverage and about $1,300–$1,600 per year for full coverage. Bankrate’s state page shows averages in the mid‑$400s (minimum) and mid‑$1,400s to low‑$1,500s (full), while NerdWallet’s estimates trend toward the upper end of those ranges; The Zebra’s standardized good‑driver profile often comes in near the low end. Monthly equivalents are about $38–$50 for minimum and $108–$133 for full coverage (Bankrate; NerdWallet; The Zebra).
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Nationwide | $1,300–$1,500 |
| State Farm | $1,300–$1,500 |
| Geico | $1,350–$1,550 |
* 2025 North Carolina comparisons from Bankrate and NerdWallet; exact averages vary by source, driver profile and coverage limits.
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in North Carolina
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Allstate | $1,600–$1,850 |
| Progressive | $1,550–$1,800 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,550–$1,800 |
* 2025 NC rate tables from Bankrate, NerdWallet and The Zebra show these brands frequently at the higher end for some profiles; results vary by driver, city and coverage.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in North Carolina
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Winston-Salem | $1,250–$1,350 |
| Greensboro | $1,250–$1,350 |
| Cary | $1,250–$1,350 |
* Consistent with 2025 city comparisons across Bankrate, NerdWallet (cheap car insurance), The Zebra and ValuePenguin; methodology and exact figures vary by source.
Top 3 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in North Carolina
| City | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Fayetteville | $1,650–$1,850 |
| Charlotte | $1,600–$1,800 |
| Wilmington | $1,550–$1,700 |
* 2025 NC city results reported by Bankrate, NerdWallet, The Zebra and ValuePenguin; ranges illustrate typical spreads for a good‑driver, full‑coverage profile.
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina requires all drivers with a valid in-state registration to carry auto insurance from a company licensed in the state. Out-of-state policies generally don’t satisfy this requirement. Insurers electronically report cancellations or lapses to the NCDMV; if a lapse is recorded, you must provide proof of new insurance. Failure to maintain continuous coverage can result in civil penalties ($50 for a first lapse, $100 for a second, $150 for subsequent), a $50 restoration fee, and potential plate revocation if you don’t respond to DMV notices (NCDMV penalties).
North Carolina Car Insurance Requirements
State law requires liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Minimum limits and UM/UIM requirements are set by statute and overseen by the NC Department of Insurance.
The state minimum coverage in North Carolina is:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: required; UM property damage typically carries a $100 deductible for hit-and-run
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: required when you select liability limits above 30/60; UIM limits usually match your higher liability limits
North Carolina is an at‑fault (tort) state; MedPay is optional and PIP is not required. See official guidance for details (NC Department of Insurance; N.C.G.S. § 20‑279.21).
Car Insurance Coverage Options
Beyond the standard liability, comprehensive and collision coverages, two optional add‑ons often worth comparing are roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Terms vary by company and state, so verify details before you buy.
- Roadside assistance: Insurer add‑ons (e.g., Progressive, Geico) typically cover towing to the nearest qualified facility, jump‑starts, fuel delivery and lockouts at low cost; third‑party memberships like AAA cost more but often include longer towing distances and trip‑interruption benefits (Progressive Roadside; GEICO Emergency Road Service; AAA).
- Accident forgiveness: Generally prevents a surcharge after your first at‑fault accident. Some insurers sell it as an add‑on (e.g., Nationwide), while others offer it as a loyalty benefit after a clean‑driving period (e.g., Progressive). Availability and eligibility vary by state and company (Nationwide Accident Forgiveness; Progressive Accident Forgiveness; Allstate Accident Forgiveness).
- Rental reimbursement: Pays for a rental car up to your policy limits when your vehicle is down due to a covered claim.
- Accident forgiveness and roadside assistance terms are not standardized; compare pricing, towing miles, and per‑driver vs per‑vehicle coverage before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com evaluates insurers on affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction and online resources. For North Carolina, we anchored price context to current (2025) state pages and datasets from independent outlets that aggregate filed rates across many ZIP codes and driver profiles (Bankrate; NerdWallet; The Zebra). We also referenced the state’s regulatory framework and consumer resources (NC DOI; North Carolina Rate Bureau).
Full coverage in these sources generally means liability plus comprehensive and collision with common deductibles (often $500), while minimum coverage reflects North Carolina’s legal requirements, including compulsory UM and UIM when liability limits exceed the minimum. Typical full‑coverage limits modeled include:
- $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
Driver profiles used by these outlets commonly reflect a 40‑year‑old good driver commuting about 12,000 miles per year in a popular sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry). Because each source uses different sampling and carrier mixes, treat the figures as comparative benchmarks rather than personalized quotes.
These are sample rates for comparison only. Your actual premium will vary by company, city/ZIP, vehicle, coverage selections, and the Safe Driver Incentive Plan points that may apply in North Carolina.
