Car Insurance Cost in North Carolina (2026)
Car insurance in North Carolina costs $1,356 a year for full coverage on average ($113 a month), 40% less than the U.S. average of $2,244. Minimum (liability-only) coverage averages $828 a year.
North Carolina vs the national average
The average North Carolina driver pays $1,356 a year for full coverage, which is 40% less than the national average of $2,244. Over five years that adds up to about $6,780 at today's rates (our calculation), so it pays to shop around at every renewal.
| State | Full coverage / yr | Minimum / yr | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $1,284 | $768 | 4 |
| Iowa | $1,332 | $672 | 5 |
| North Carolina | $1,356 | $828 | 6 |
| North Dakota | $1,368 | $792 | 7 |
| Ohio | $1,404 | $780 | 8 |
| U.S. average | $2,244 | $1,188 | - |
Source: Insurify, Average Car Insurance Rates as of October 2026, published Oct 8, 2026. Insurify publishes monthly averages (data through September 2026). Annual figures here are the published monthly figure times 12. Minimum is Insurify's liability-only average. Washington, D.C. is listed as District of Columbia. Monthly and five-year figures are our calculation. Your own quote depends on your age, record, car and ZIP code.
How to pay less in North Carolina
Get at least three quotes for the same coverage, raise your deductible if you have the savings to cover it, ask about bundling and safe-driver discounts, and check whether you still need collision coverage on an older car. Our car insurance cost guide explains each step, and the car loan calculator shows the payment side of the budget.
Common questions
How much is car insurance in North Carolina?
Full coverage averages $1,356 a year ($113 a month) in North Carolina, and minimum coverage $828 a year, per Insurify data published Oct 8, 2026.
Is car insurance expensive in North Carolina?
North Carolina ranks 6 of 51 (1 = cheapest), making it one of the 10 cheapest states. Full coverage there costs 40% less than the national average.