North Carolina, like every other state, requires drivers to have auto insurance. This protects not only you but other drivers in the event of an accident, and it covers both injuries and property damage.
The amount of coverage, however, varies by state. North Carolina requires drivers to have the following minimum levels of coverage:
- $30,000 for one person’s bodily injury
- $60,000 for causing bodily injury to two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
Again, this is the bare minimum; individual policies can provide more coverage. As you might expect, a $30,000 minimum is quickly depleted in the event of a serious accident injury.


Why Agency Height?
Local Coverage Expertise
Explore top agents who best understand your location, local laws, and needs.
The Power to Choose
Talk to an agent or five, the choice is yours! Get multiple quotes and pick the one you like best.
Hassle-free process
No unwanted calls. Book free consultations with only the ones you choose.
Find insurance agents near your cities in North Carolina
- Connect With Life Insurance Agents in North Carolina
- Find health insurance agents in North Carolina
- Homeowners Insurance Agents in North Carolina
- Top Agents Near You in Charlotte, NC 2023
- Top Agents Near You in Fayetteville, NC
- Top Agents Near You in Raleigh, NC
- Top Agents Near You in Thomasville, NC
- Top Agents Near You in Winston Salem, NC
Popular Car Insurance Coverages in North Carolina
A standard car insurance policy in North Carolina includes the following coverages.
Liability Coverage
- The policy covers bodily injury and property damage for which a covered driver becomes legally liable.
Collision Coverage
- This covers physical damage to your covered vehicle caused by an impact with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage
- This covers damage to your car caused by falling objects, fire, theft, natural hazards, vandalism, contact with a bird or animal, or breakage of glass.
Medical Coverage
- This coverage pays for reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses due to an automobile accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage
- The coverage will provide protection when an uninsured/underinsured driver, who is at-fault, injures you or another covered individual.
Car Insurance Cost in North Carolina
In 2023, the average North Carolina car insurance cost is $1,392 for full coverage and $431 for state minimum coverage limits. Both of these rates are significantly lower than the national average car insurance rates of $1,771 per year for full coverage and $545 per year for minimum coverage.
Wondering what is the best car insurance in North Carolina?
Here’s some car insurance costs available from different insurance companies in North Carolina, ranging from lowest to highest average annual cost for full coverage.
CityAverage Annual Premium
- Geico $910
- State Farm $966
- Carolina Farm Bureau $1,047
- Erie $1,105
- Nationwide $1,197
- Penn National $1,399
- Kemper $1,414
- Travelers $1,471
- Allstate $1,597
- Progressive $1,693
Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in North Carolina
CityAverage Annual Premium
- Burnsville $336
- Lake Lure $336
- Bakersville $337
- Zionville $337
Expensive Cities for Car Insurance in North Carolina
CityAverage Annual Premium
- Fayetteville $1,591
- Charlotte $1,553
- Concord $1,420
- High Point $1,414
- Greensboro $1,392
-
In North Carolina, how much car insurance do I need?
North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law requires that automobile liability coverage be maintained on a continuous basis. The minimum coverage requirements are $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for total bodily injury for all people involved in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
-
Is full coverage car insurance required in North Carolina?
You must have at least the following liability coverage to meet the minimum limits: $30,000 in coverage for one person’s injuries or death in a single accident. $60,000 in coverage for two or more people injured or killed in a single accident. Property damage coverage of $25,000 is provided.
-
Is North Carolina a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents?
North Carolina is a fault-free state. This means that if you are injured and it can be proven that the other party was negligent (e.g., driving too fast, failing to look out for you, etc.), you can sue them for compensation.
-
How is fault determined in a car accident in North Carolina?
A car accident’s fault is determined by reviewing all available evidence from the crash to try to piece together what happened and identify who may have caused the crash.
In many car accident cases, injured parties and their attorneys will hire accident reconstruction specialists to review the accident evidence and provide a reasoned opinion on how the accident occurred and who caused the crash.
-
What are the North Carolina car accident laws?
According to North Carolina car accident law, a driver involved in a collision must contact a law enforcement agency as soon as possible if there is: (1) injury to any person; (2) death to any person; or (3) total property damage of $500 or more.
Failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor on part of the driver.