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Car insurance costs in North Carolina depend on more than just your zip code. Your vehicle, coverage level, and driving history all play a role – and the difference between the cheapest and most expensive options can be hundreds of dollars a year. Enter a few details below to get a quick estimate and see what you might actually pay.

How to use our car insurance calculator to estimate your rates in North Carolina

Getting your estimate takes less than a minute. Here’s how:

  1. Choose the model year of your car
  2. Choose the make and model
  3. Select North Carolina as your state
  4. Click ‘Get My Rates’ to see your estimate
  5. Add more vehicles to expand your options, or click ‘Get quotes’ to compare live policies and prices
Data last refreshed in 2026
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What affects your car insurance rate in North Carolina?

  • Your car’s make, model, year and trim
  • Your location within North Carolina
  • Your coverage level
  • Your driving history, credit score and vehicle storage

Does your vehicle model affect car insurance rates in North Carolina?

A vehicle’s make and model can significantly impact car insurance rates. ‘Make’ refers to the brand and ‘model’ refers to the specific model you drive. For example, Honda (make) Accord (model).

Insurers price based on how much a vehicle costs to repair or replace, how often that model is involved in claims, and how frequently it’s stolen. Two vehicles at the same price point can carry meaningfully different premiums.

For example, full coverage for a Honda Accord LX costs $2,572 per year in North Carolina, while the average premium for a Honda CR-V is $1,972 – a difference of $600.

Popular cars aren’t always cheaper to insure

High theft rates or expensive repair costs can push premiums up on common models. Check insurance costs before you buy, not after.

Does your car’s model year affect insurance rates in North Carolina?

In general, newer vehicles cost more to insure because they are more expensive to repair or replace. In North Carolina, the annual premium for a 2024 Honda Accord LX is $2,541, while the 2025 model costs $2,546.

That said, older cars aren’t always cheaper – vehicles without modern safety features or with costly parts may still carry higher premiums.

Check your state’s minimum coverage rules

Every state sets its own minimum car insurance requirements, and North Carolina is no exception. To drive legally, you’ll need at least the minimum liability coverage, which typically includes:

According to the III (Insurance Information Institute), state-required minimums often aren’t enough to cover the costs of a serious crash, so it’s worth considering higher coverage levels for stronger financial protection. Driving without the required coverage can result in fines, license suspension, or even vehicle impoundment.

Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from city to city, so drivers need to be sure they’re getting the best deal. Insure.com has done the research for you. Get more information on auto insurance rates by city below.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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How does your car’s trim affect insurance rates in North Carolina?

Your car’s trim can affect how much you pay for insurance. Trim refers to a particular version of a model that includes different features, equipment, or engine options, such as LX, EX, or Sport.

For example, in North Carolina, full coverage for a 2024 Honda Accord LX costs $2,541 annually, while the Accord EX-L trim costs $2,519 – a difference of $22.

Features like premium audio systems or advanced tech can increase rates by raising the car’s value. Performance trims may also increase premiums due to higher risk.

Upgrading your trim can increase insurance costs

Higher trims often mean higher premiums because upgraded electronics, interiors, and components cost more to repair or replace. Before choosing a trim, it’s worth getting a quote on each option to see how the price difference carries over to your insurance.

How much does car insurance cost in North Carolina?

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in North Carolina is $2,638 per year, or $220 per month. That figure is a useful starting point, but your actual rate can land well above or below it depending on your vehicle, coverage choices, and personal profile.

Coverage levelAverage annual rateAverage monthly rate
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll$2,638$220
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$681$57
State Minimum BI/PD$681$57
Non-Owners$681$57
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People also ask:

What is full coverage car insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is a policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It can also include additional protections like uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and other add-ons depending on your needs and state requirements.

How do car insurance rates vary by city in North Carolina?

Your ZIP code within North Carolina can have a major impact on your premium. Insurers evaluate traffic patterns, accident frequency, weather risks and theft rates – which is why similar drivers may pay very different rates depending on where they live.

Full coverage costs $3,322 per year in Newell, compared to $2,264 in Harkers Island.

Top 20 cities with cheapest car insurance rates in North Carolina

These locations tend to have the lowest premiums due to lower risk factors like traffic and claims.

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
Harkers Island$2,264$189
Salter Path$2,269$189
Atlantic Beach$2,277$190
Sneads Ferry$2,282$190
Emerald Isle$2,284$190
Holly Ridge$2,285$190
Gloucester$2,286$191
Swansboro$2,286$190
Oriental$2,292$191
Morehead City$2,294$191
Calabash$2,295$191
Smyrna$2,299$192
Sunset Beach$2,301$192
Newport$2,305$192
Hubert$2,307$192
Ocean Isle Beach$2,307$192
Beaufort$2,308$192
Merritt$2,308$192
Stella$2,314$193
Atlantic$2,316$193
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Top 20 cities with most expensive car insurance rates in North Carolina

These areas typically have higher premiums due to increased traffic, accidents and claims.

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
Newell$3,322$277
Council$3,092$258
Dublin$3,092$258
Brunswick$3,082$257
Cerro Gordo$3,070$256
White Oak$3,067$256
Clarkton$3,065$255
Evergreen$3,061$255
Tar Heel$3,061$255
Chadbourn$3,060$255
Fair Bluff$3,060$255
Hallsboro$3,052$254
Elizabethtown$3,048$254
Bladenboro$3,045$254
Clarendon$3,044$254
Nakina$3,041$253
Whiteville$3,039$253
Mc Farlan$3,038$253
Tabor City$3,031$253
Marietta$2,993$249
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If you’re moving within North Carolina, check insurance rates before you go

Moving to a more populated area can raise your insurance costs by hundreds per year – even if nothing else changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina?

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in North Carolina is $2,638 per year, or $220 per month. Your actual rate will depend on your vehicle, coverage level, driving history and location within the state.

How can I lower my car insurance premium in North Carolina?

The most effective ways to lower your premium are comparing quotes from multiple carriers, increasing your deductible, bundling your auto policy with home or renters insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, and choosing a vehicle that costs less to insure. Discounts for safe driving, good grades or low annual mileage can also add up.

Does my credit score affect car insurance rates in North Carolina?

In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score as one factor in setting your premium – a higher score typically means lower rates. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit insurers from using credit when determining rates. Check whether North Carolina has any restrictions on this practice.

Sources:

Insurance Information Institute. Auto insurance basics: Understanding your coverage. Accessed May 2026.

Estimate your North Carolina car insurance cost with our calculator

Our North Carolina car insurance calculator gives you a quick estimate based on factors like your location, vehicle, and model year. Enter a few details to see a personalized estimate in seconds. Actual quotes can differ, so it’s smart to compare offers from multiple insurers to find your best rate.

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Alisha Ambre

 
  

Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.

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