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Car insurance · rank #5 of 51 · July 2026

Average car insurance cost in North Carolina

North Carolina is one of the cheapest states in the country for car insurance, ranking #5 of 51. Drivers here pay about 29% less than the national average — roughly $732 a year back in your pocket compared with a typical American driver.

Full coverage, monthly$147 -29% vs US avg
Full coverage, annual$1,764
Minimum liability, monthly$60
Minimum liability, annual$720
U.S. average (full coverage)$208/mo
North Carolina vs U.S. average$732/yr
Fault systemAt-fault
Cost rank (1 = cheapest)#5 / 51
Paying more than the North Carolina average?

The single most reliable way to cut your premium is comparing quotes — the gap between the cheapest and priciest carrier for the same coverage regularly exceeds $1,000 a year.

Compare car insurance quotes

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How North Carolina compares with its neighbors

Crossing a state line changes your premium more than almost any other single factor. Here's full coverage in North Carolina next to nearby states:

StateFull coverage /moDifference vs NC
North Carolina$147
South Carolina$190+$43/mo
Virginia$169+$22/mo
Tennessee$176+$29/mo
Georgia$184+$37/mo

North Carolina car insurance FAQ

How much is car insurance in North Carolina?

Full-coverage car insurance in North Carolina averages $147 per month ($1,764 per year). A state-minimum liability policy averages $60 per month ($720 per year). Your own rate depends on your age, record, vehicle, credit and ZIP code.

Is car insurance in North Carolina more expensive than average?

No. North Carolina's full-coverage average of $147/month is about 29% below the U.S. average of $208/month, ranking #5 of 51 (1 = cheapest).

Is North Carolina a no-fault state?

No. North Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state — the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party's injuries and property damage through their liability coverage.

How much cheaper is minimum coverage in North Carolina?

Minimum liability in North Carolina averages $60/month versus $147/month for full coverage — a gap of $87/month, or $1,044/year. Minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others; it will not repair or replace your own car.

Paying more than the North Carolina average?

The single most reliable way to cut your premium is comparing quotes — the gap between the cheapest and priciest carrier for the same coverage regularly exceeds $1,000 a year.

Compare car insurance quotes

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.