The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Charlotte, North Carolina, is $1,274 a year. This comes in $190 above the state's average of $1,084. 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.
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.
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
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.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Charlotte, NC
A single driver can get multiple quotes for the same coverage that differ by hundreds of dollars, which is why it's so important to shop around before choosing a policy. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in Charlotte:
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
Erie | $859 | 893 |
Farm Bureau | $919 | -- |
Utica National | $955 | -- |
GEICO | $972 | 874 |
National General Insurance | $1,144 | 838 |
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 |
|---|---|
28269 | $1,106 |
28277 | $1,148 |
28202 | $1,158 |
28210 | $1,159 |
28209 | $1,161 |
28226 | $1,162 |
28270 | $1,166 |
28203 | $1,167 |
28211 | $1,167 |
28207 | $1,170 |
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 | Erie | Farm Bureau | Utica National | GEICO | National General Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $974 | $1,576 | $1,878 | $2,446 | $1,937 |
DUI | $4,054 | $3,954 | $5,623 | $6,035 | $3,074 |
Suspended license | $2,786 | $2,721 | $3,739 | $3,705 | $3,214 |
Open container | $1,336 | $1,312 | $1,388 | $1,656 | $1,480 |
Expired registration | $1,336 | $1,312 | $1,388 | $1,656 | $1,480 |
Driving without lights | $884 | $1,312 | $1,388 | $1,656 | $1,480 |
Running a red light | $1,336 | $1,312 | $1,388 | $1,656 | $1,480 |
Following too closely | $1,473 | $1,445 | $1,582 | $1,809 | $1,643 |
Hit and run | $4,054 | $6,085 | $5,623 | $6,035 | $4,657 |
Not-at-fault accident | $884 | $960 | $1,099 | $995 | $1,164 |
Passing a school bus | $1,790 | $1,752 | $2,245 | $2,267 | $2,081 |
Reckless driving | $1,790 | $1,752 | $2,245 | $2,644 | $2,081 |
Speeding | $1,473 | $1,445 | $1,205 | $1,809 | $1,643 |
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 Insurance | $1,155 |
Utica National | $1,264 |
Erie | $1,291 |
MetLife | $1,353 |
Progressive | $1,353 |
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
How much is car insurance a month in North Carolina?
The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $1,084 per year, which breaks down to $90 per month. Drivers in Charlotte pay an average of $106 per month, which is $16 higher than the state average.
Is North Carolina a no-fault state?
No, North Carolina is an at-fault state, which means the driver who is at fault for an accident is responsible for the bodily injury and property damage costs associated with the accident, whether or not they have enough insurance to cover those costs.
What kind of driving violations have the biggest impact on car insurance rates in NC?
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.
Is car insurance expensive in North Carolina?
No. In fact, at $1084 per year, North Carolina has one of the lowest average car insurance rates in the nation.
