is car insurance expensive in north carolina
What is the Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina?
When it comes to car insurance in North Carolina, understanding the average costs can help drivers make informed decisions. The annual cost of full coverage insurance in the state is approximately $1,446, with a monthly breakdown of $121. On the other hand, the state-required minimum coverage comes in at an average of $432 annually or $36 monthly. Notably, North Carolina’s car insurance rates are significantly lower than the national averages, with drivers paying 39% less for full coverage compared to the national average.
Insights into Age and Gender Disparities
Young drivers in North Carolina face higher insurance rates, particularly 16-year-olds who incur the highest average rates. It’s crucial for new drivers to leverage the cost benefits of staying on their parents’ policies, as this can substantially reduce premiums. While rates generally decrease with age, it’s important to note that North Carolina’s insurance laws do not permit the use of gender as a rating factor.
| Age | Avg. Full Coverage Premium | Avg. Minimum Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $3,270 | $1,172 |
| 18 | $3,099 | $969 |
| 20 | $1,736 | $514 |
| 25 | $1,528 | $456 |
| 30 | $1,473 | $439 |
| 40 | $1,446 | $432 |
| 50 | $1,426 | $430 |
| 60 | $1,382 | $425 |
| 70 | $1,434 | $446 |
Regional Disparities: City-wise Breakdown
Car insurance rates in North Carolina not only vary by age but also by city. Larger cities such as Charlotte and Fayetteville tend to have slightly higher average premiums compared to the state average. This can be attributed to higher medical care costs, leading to increased bodily injury liability coverage premiums. Additionally, increased traffic in larger cities may elevate the risk of accidents, impacting overall insurance costs.
| North Carolina City | Avg. Monthly Full Coverage Premium | Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium | Percentage Change from NC Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $124 | $1,489 | 3% |
| Concord | $122 | $1,469 | 2% |
| Durham | $121 | $1,452 | 0% |
| Fayetteville | $124 | $1,484 | 3% |
| Greensboro | $120 | $1,441 | 0% |
| Greenville | $123 | $1,482 | 3% |
| High Point | $122 | $1,465 | 1% |
| Raleigh | $117 | $1,414 | -2% |
| Wilmington | $116 | $1,391 | -4% |
| Winston Salem | $113 | $1,354 | -6% |
Impact of Driving Record on Insurance Costs
A driver’s record significantly influences insurance costs in North Carolina. Those with a clean driving record enjoy the lowest premiums, while incidents like speeding tickets or at-fault accidents lead to notable increases. Notably, a DUI conviction can result in a staggering 311% increase in average full coverage rates.
| Driving Incident | Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium in NC | Percent Increase from NC Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,446 | 0% |
| Speeding ticket | $2,172 | 50% |
| At-fault accident | $2,065 | 43% |
| DUI conviction | $5,939 | 311% |
Credit Scores and Vehicle Types
Credit scores and the type of vehicle driven are additional factors influencing insurance rates in North Carolina. Drivers with higher credit scores generally enjoy lower premiums, while certain vehicle types, such as the BMW 330i, may incur higher costs compared to the state average.
| Credit Tier | Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium in NC | Percent Change from NC Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | $1,813 | 25% |
| Average | $1,495 | 4% |
| Good | $1,446 | 0% |
| Excellent | $1,391 | -4% |
| Vehicle | Avg. Annual Full Coverage Premium in NC |
|---|---|
| BMW 330i | $1,745 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,202 |
| Honda Odyssey | $1,197 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,446 |
| Toyota Prius | $1,629 |
Understanding these factors can empower North Carolina drivers to make informed choices and optimize their car insurance costs.
Optimizing Car Insurance Costs in North Carolina
When it comes to car insurance in North Carolina, you’re in luck—comparatively, the rates here are often more budget-friendly than in many other states. Nevertheless, there are strategies to potentially trim even more from your premium.
Diversify Your Options: Car insurance providers price their policies differently, meaning that one company might offer you a quote significantly lower than another. To secure the most affordable rates, it’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple companies, ensuring they cover the same types and limits of policies.
Embrace Bundling: Consider bundling your auto and home insurance by obtaining both policies from the same provider. This practice often translates to substantial discounts, a notable advantage in cutting down overall insurance costs.
Cultivate a Pristine Driving Record: Maintaining a clean driving history pays off in insurance savings. Incidents like tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions tend to escalate insurance premiums. By adopting safe driving habits, you can potentially avoid these costly surcharges.
Scout for Discounts: Beyond bundling, many car insurance companies offer various discount opportunities. From multi-policy discounts to paperless billing and claims-free perks, exploring these options can yield additional savings.
It’s worth noting that North Carolina has certain restrictions on common discounts, such as the good student discount. To ensure you capitalize on available discounts, engage in a conversation with your agent or a representative from your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Best Car Insurance Company in North Carolina?
Determining the best car insurance company hinges on your individual needs. Whether you prioritize local agents or robust digital tools, understanding your requirements and thoroughly exploring your options is key to finding the ideal insurer.
Who Offers the Cheapest Car Insurance in North Carolina?
Research indicates that Geico, State Farm, and Erie consistently provide some of the most budget-friendly average insurance rates in North Carolina. However, individual factors specific to you and your vehicle influence the final cost. Thus, shopping around and requesting quotes with identical coverage types and limits ensures an accurate comparison of rates.
What is the Average Monthly Cost of Car Insurance in North Carolina?
On average, a full coverage car insurance policy in North Carolina costs around $121 per month, totaling $1,446 annually. For those opting for minimum coverage, the average yearly cost is $432, equivalent to approximately $36 per month. Comparatively, national averages stand at $168 monthly for full coverage and $52 for minimum coverage.
Is Car Insurance Expensive in North Carolina?
While North Carolina boasts car insurance rates that are, on average, 39 percent lower for full coverage compared to the national average, affordability is subjective. Personal factors such as claims history, driving record, and vehicle type play a significant role. If your current costs strain your budget, consulting with a licensed agent, exploring available discounts, and considering alternative providers can help find a more suitable coverage and rate.
