What affects your rate in North Carolina
North Carolina's average premium is 24% below the national average of $1,438, ranking #41 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
How North Carolina compares
| Benchmark | Per year |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $1,097 |
| National average | $1,438 |
| Most expensive — Florida | $1,994 |
| Cheapest — Maine | $926 |
Source: NAIC 2022/2023 Auto Insurance Database Report (combined average premium per insured vehicle, 2023 data, released February 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina?
The average driver in North Carolina pays about $1,097 per year — roughly $91 a month — for full-coverage car insurance, according to the NAIC 2023 Auto Insurance Database Report. State-minimum coverage typically costs much less.
Is car insurance more expensive in North Carolina than the U.S. average?
No. At $1,097 per year, North Carolina is about 24% below the national average of $1,438. That ranks it 41st out of 51 states and D.C. by cost.
Why is car insurance cheaper in North Carolina?
North Carolina's average premium is 24% below the national average of $1,438, ranking #41 of 51 states by cost. NAIC cautions that state-to-state comparisons reflect differing coverage mixes, urban density and required coverages, not just carrier pricing.
Does North Carolina use your credit score to set car insurance rates?
Yes. Like most states, North Carolina lets insurers use credit-based insurance scores, so a stronger credit tier can lower your rate. Only four states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan) ban it.
How can I lower my car insurance in North Carolina?
Compare quotes from several insurers, raise your deductible, bundle auto with home or renters, and keep a clean driving record. For the same driver, premiums in North Carolina can differ by hundreds of dollars between companies, so shopping around is the biggest lever.
About this estimate. The base figure is the NAIC combined average premium for North Carolina (liability + collision + comprehensive, 2023). The calculator applies published industry multipliers (age, credit, record, coverage) from secondary sources (Bankrate / ValuePenguin modeled rates) and is an estimate for informational purposes only — not an insurance quote or offer. Credit-tier adjustments are not applied in states that ban credit-based insurance scoring (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan). See our full methodology.