North Carolina Car Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina has a diverse range of attractions for tourists. With its beautiful coastline, visitors can enjoy beaches and engage in water sports activities. The state is also home to mountains and national parks, providing opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. Additionally, North Carolina has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and cities that showcase Southern charm.
Visiting North Carolina provides an opportunity to experience the state’s diverse culinary scene. Whether you prefer traditional southern comfort food or farm-to-table gourmet cuisine, there are plenty of dining options available to satisfy every taste bud. Visitors can also indulge in local specialties such as barbecue, fried green tomatoes, and fresh seafood.
If you live in or are planning a trip to North Carolina, it is important to ensure you have proper car insurance coverage. InsureOne offers the best auto insurance at the lowest price, giving you peace of mind and protection wherever you go.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the average annual cost of car insurance is $1,446 for full coverage and $432 for state-required minimum coverage. These rates are significantly lower than the national averages, which stand at $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage.
Your individual insurance rate will differ depending on a variety of factors. These factors include the city you live in, the type of vehicle you drive, your age, gender, driving history, credit score, and more
What Does it Mean if a State is At-Fault?
An at-fault state means that the driver who is found responsible for the accident is also responsible for covering the damages or injuries they have caused. This is where your liability coverage comes into play, as it helps protect you financially in such situations.
However, it’s important to note that liability coverage does not cover damages to your own vehicle or injuries you may sustain in an accident. To protect yourself in these situations, you may want to consider adding personal injury protection (PIP), collision and/or comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in NC
The cost of car insurance in North Carolina is also influenced by your geographic location. Population density, crime rates, and the frequency of reported accidents and claims can all impact the insurance premium you will have to pay.
To get an idea of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in various cities across the state, please see our provided breakdown below for comparison
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $148 | $51 |
| Greensboro | $116 | $38 |
| Durham | $121 | $39 |
| Fayetteville | $129 | $44 |
| Cary | $98 | $33 |
| Wilmington | $109 | $37 |
| High Poiny | $114 | $38 |
| Concord | $113 | $39 |
Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by North Carolina.
How Bundling Your Vehicle and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in the Tar Heel State
By combining their car and homeowners insurance policies, residents of North Carolina have the chance to save an estimated $591 per year, which amounts to approximately 16% of the total premium cost.
Bundling these policies not only offers significant savings compared to purchasing them separately, but it also provides convenience by consolidating both coverages with a single provider. This consolidation allows for streamlined communication and potentially simplified claims processes. To take advantage of these savings and enjoy the benefits of bundled insurance, you can contact an InsureOne agent who can assist you in exploring your specific options.
What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in North Carolina?
There are numerous discounts available to drivers that can help lower their insurance rates. For instance, the good driver discount rewards a clean driving record free of accidents or traffic violations.
Alongside the good driver discount, there are several other commonly utilized deals that can contribute to savings on your premiums. These include:
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Paperless billing
- Good student discount
- Defensive driving course discount
- Veteran’s discount
- Low mileage saving
When you’re shopping for car insurance, ask about these options while chatting with your agent. A knowledgeable agent can help identify the best ways to save money while still ensuring adequate protection from potential losses.
North Carolina Car Insurance Laws
The car insurance laws in North Carolina are stringent and enforced strictly. Insurance companies are obligated to notify the state whenever a policy is purchased, cancelled, or lapses. Depending on the circumstances, the state may impose fines and temporarily suspend your license and registration until satisfactory proof of insurance is provided.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in NC?
These are the minimum liability coverage requirements for North Carolina:
- Bodily Injury Coverage per Person: $30,000
- Bodily Injury Coverage per Accident: $60,000
- Property Damage per Accident: $25,000
In order to register a vehicle, all drivers in this state must provide proof of insurance. If you are leasing a vehicle, it is important to also check with your lender or finance company for any additional minimum liability requirements they may have.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in North Carolina?
Driving without insurance in North Carolina can result in severe penalties, including:
- First offense: Up to $50 fine and a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
- Subsequent offenses: Higher fines than $50 (amount may vary), a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, and a $50 restoration fee for each offense.
To avoid jail time and license suspension, make sure to promptly pay the civil penalties and provide proof of insurance within 10 days of receiving the notice.
North Carolina does not require SR-22 insurance for financial responsibility, but drivers who have been cited for driving without insurance should anticipate significant increases in insurance premiums for three years.
Keep in mind that driving without insurance can also lead to unexpected legal costs and expenses, such as the need to rent a car or rely on public transportation.
What Factors Does NC Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
In North Carolina, car insurance premiums are influenced by various factors, including personal circumstances and demographics. If your profile contains higher-risk elements, you can generally expect to pay higher premiums. However, it’s important to know that
even high-risk drivers can still find affordable insurance coverage. With time, violations can be removed from records, leading to potential reductions in premiums.
Some factors that are commonly used to calculate insurance premiums, including:
- Age
- Vehicle age
- Driving history
- Accident history
- Marital status
- ZIP code
- Gender
Your driving record is the most important factor in determining whether you can get a good rate on your insurance. If you have an accident or speeding ticket, expect higher rates, especially if you have made a claim.
Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in North Carolina
Car insurance rates are influenced by the age of the driver. Insurance companies generally view younger and less experienced drivers as being more prone to file claims, which makes them riskier to insure. Consequently, younger drivers typically face higher insurance premiums. However, as drivers grow older, keep a clean record and gain more experience on the road, their premiums are likely to decrease.
For young drivers, it is often more cost-effective to remain on their parents’ or guardians’ insurance policy until they establish their own household.
For example, a 30-year-old adult might pay $148 per month for full car coverage in Charlotte while an 18-year-old would pay $316—more than double the amount.
What Is Driving Like in North Carolina?
North Carolina experiences a variety of weather conditions that can affect driving, including:
- Rain: North Carolina sees a significant amount of rainfall every year. When driving in rain, it is important to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights. Be cautious of hydroplaning and avoid sudden braking or turning.
- Fog: Foggy conditions can reduce visibility, making it challenging to see other vehicles and road signs. If encountering dense fog, slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect back and impair visibility further.
- Snow and ice: Some parts of North Carolina experience snow and icy conditions during the winter. It’s crucial to adjust your driving behavior by reducing speed, increasing the distance you put between yourself and cars in front of you, and gently applying brakes to avoid skidding. Consider using snow tires or chains for improved traction.
- Severe storms: This region is prone to thunderstorms and severe weather, including high winds and hail. When severe weather strikes, find a safe location and pull off the road until conditions improve. If caught in high winds, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and be cautious of debris on the road.
- Heat: Summers in North Carolina can be hot and humid. Stay hydrated and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle. Consider using sunshades to protect your car’s interior from excessive heat.
Remember, when driving in any adverse weather condition, it's important to be alert, use defensive driving techniques, and adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.How Many Car Accidents Happen in NC?
In 2022, North Carolina witnessed a distressing total of 1,784 motor vehicle fatalities, marking a substantial increase compared to the average of the past 5 years (1,550 deaths per year).
The causes behind these tragic losses include speeding, alcohol consumption, and operating vehicles in an erratic, reckless, careless, negligent, or aggressive manner. In the table below, you can see the number of fatal accidents that occurred in different North Carolina counties in that year.
| City | Fatal Crashes in 2022 |
|---|---|
| Mecklenburg | 139 |
| Johnston | 18 |
| Lincoln | 14 |
| Moore | 19 |
| Nash | 25 |
Source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in North Carolina?
According to the latest statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, in 2019, North Carolina had a relatively low average of 7.4% uninsured drivers. However, it is always essential to have auto insurance coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Safeguarding against unforeseen events and accidents is crucial, no matter the percentage of uninsured drivers. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance coverage in place with InsureOne to ensure peace of mind on the road. And if you need more reasons to protect yourself on the road, we invite you to discover Why Is Auto Insurance Important?
Get the Best Car Insurance in North Carolina Today
At InsureOne, we provide outstanding insurance coverage in North Carolina at competitive rates. Our dedicated agents will diligently research and analyze quotes tailored to your unique requirements, presenting you with a range of options to select from. This not only saves you valuable time but also ensures cost-effectiveness. Obtaining a quote is convenient and hassle-free – you can do it online, visit one of our New York offices, or simply reach out to us at (800) 836-2240 for personalized assistance.