The best car insurance in Charlotte, NC
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The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Charlotte, North Carolina, is $1,179 a year. This comes in $170 above the state's average of $1,009. Neither of these numbers guarantee your rates, however. Individual rates vary from driver to driver and depend on a number of personal factors, like age, address, credit score, and past driving history.
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Key Takeaways
GEICO has the lowest average rate for full coverage car insurance in Charlotte at $775 per year.
28202 is the Charlotte ZIP code that offers the cheapest average full coverage cost insurance in Charlotte at $1,065 a year.
North Carolina requires a minimum of $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required in North Carolina.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Charlotte, NC
Because of the many factors insurers use to assess risk, different drivers often pay different rates for the same coverage, and a single driver can get multiple quotes for the same coverage that differ by hundreds of dollars. For that reason, you should always shop around for the best car insurance rates when buying or renewing your coverage.
Company
Average cost
JD Power Rating
GEICO
$775
871
Erie
$913
880
North Carolina Farm Bureau
$919
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Utica National
$955
--
State Farm
$1,062
881
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Charlotte, NC
Where you live in Charlotte will determine how much the car insurance company will charge for coverage. Insurers consider population, crime levels, frequency of traffic accidents or incidents, and even amount of available off-street parking.
ZIP code
Average cost
28202
$1,065
28203
$1,073
28204
$1,082
28205
$1,405
28206
$1,407
28207
$1,076
28208
$1,400
28209
$1,066
Choosing the right car insurance company in Charlotte, NC
Finding the right car insurance at an affordable price can seem complicated, so it's important to consider the most important factors to you and compare all your options.
Cost: Different companies charge different rates for similar coverage, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the best rate
Coverage: Make sure the company you choose offers the coverage you need. Remember, the higher you set your limits, the better protected you’ll be
Customer service: Do a little research on the insurance company itself. Read customer reviews and check claims satisfaction ratings to see how the companies stack up
Ready to start shopping? Policygenius can show you options from top car insurance companies so you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Charlotte, NC
How safely you drive can also play a major role in current and future car insurance rates. If a driver has a history of driving issues and insurance claims, it can affect the driver’s car insurance rates. Some violations are more costly than others, depending on the severity.
Violation
GEICO
Erie
North Carolina Farm Bureau
Utica National
State Farm
At-fault accident
$2,116
$987
$1,576
$1,878
$1,951
DUI
$5,755
$4,179
$3,954
$5,623
$5,028
Suspended license
$3,512
$2,864
$2,721
$3,739
$3,059
Open container
$1,428
$1,363
$1,312
$1,388
$1,596
Expired registration
$1,428
$1,363
$1,312
$1,388
$1,451
Driving without lights
$1,428
$1,363
$1,312
$1,388
$1,451
Not showing documents
$1,428
$1,363
$1,312
$1,388
$1,451
Running a red light
$1,428
$1,363
$1,312
$1,388
$1,596
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Charlotte, NC
Your credit score can also impact car insurance rates: the lower a driver's credit score, the higher their insurance rates, but a high credit score may help lower your rates, so be sure to reshop your car insurance coverage whenever your finances improve.
Company
Rates for drivers with bad credit
National General
$1,155
Erie
$1,261
Utica National
$1,264
GEICO
$1,288
MetLife
$1,355
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Buying car insurance in Charlotte, NC
Drivers in every North Carolina are required to abide by the minimum state requirements for car insurance requirements. If you live in Charlotte, be sure to have at least the following levels of coverage:
Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
Property damage liability coverage: $25,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Must match highest bodily injury liability minimum ($60,000 per accident)
North Carolina is a at-fault state, so the responsibility for covering damages in an accident falls on the driver who caused the accident, including the other party’s medical bills and repair costs. Make sure you have enough coverage so you’re not paying out an expensive liability.
How to get cheap car insurance in Charlotte, NC
If the cost of your car insurance is too expensive, then consider some of these tips to make sure you’re getting the most affordable coverage possible:
Ask about discounts and bundles options
Carry minimum coverage on older cars
Drive safely and avoid moving violations
Review your car insurance every year to make sure you’re still getting the best rates
Reshop your car insurance whenever your policy is up for renewal to make sure you’re getting the best rates
Frequently asked questions
What's a bad credit score?
Credit scores fall on a scale that ranges from 300 to 850. Poor credit is usually anywhere between 500 and 600. Credit scores that are lower than 500 are considered very poor.
Will my rates drop every year after I turn 25?
Insurance rates can sometimes drop after age 25, but it depends on a few other factors. Things like your driving history, the kind of car you have, and even your ZIP code will all be considered when calculating your insurance rates.
What kind of driving violations have the biggest impact on car insurance rates?
Violations that involve alcohol or other substances often have the biggest impact on insurance rates. Having a DUI/DWI on your motor vehicle record can significantly increase your rates.
Can gender affect my insurance rates?
Gender is one of many determining factors used by car insurance companies, and men sometimes pay slightly more than women for coverage. However, that also depends on factors like driving history and age — and in some states, companies aren’t allowed to use gender as a factor in your rates.
Methodology
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 50/100
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.
Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Laura Gunn
Freelance contributor