North Carolina Auto Insurance Guide
From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Outer Banks, North Carolina drivers face a wide range of road conditions, traffic patterns and weather risks. The right car insurance can help protect you financially after an accident, storm-related damage or a claim involving another driver.
If you’re comparing car insurance in North Carolina, it helps to understand the state’s minimum requirements, how optional coverages work and whether your current limits are enough for your car, budget and level of risk.
What auto insurance is required?
North Carolina requires drivers to carry liability insurance and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage at the following minimum limits.
North Carolina minimum liability coverage limits
| Coverage type | Minimum limit in North Carolina | What it helps cover |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident | Injuries you cause to others in a covered accident |
| Property damage liability | $50,000 per accident | Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury | $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident | Injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage | $50,000 per accident | Damage to your vehicle when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured |
It's important to understand that these are just the minimum requirements, and North Carolina drivers may choose higher coverage limits for added protection. For more information, learn how much car insurance you need.
Additional coverages to consider
In addition to the state minimums, many North Carolina drivers add optional coverages to help fill common protection gaps.
| Coverage | Required in North Carolina? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Collision coverage | No | May help pay to repair your car after a collision with another vehicle or object |
| Comprehensive coverage (other than collision) | No | May help cover non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, hail or falling objects |
| Medical payments coverage | No | May help cover medical costs for you and your passengers after a covered accident |
| Rental reimbursement | No | May help with transportation costs while your car is being repaired after a covered loss |
| Roadside assistance | No | May help with roadside issues such as towing, jump starts and lockouts |
If you want a broader look at standard protection options, the main car insurance and car insurance coverages pages can help explain common choices.
What affects car insurance rates in North Carolina?
North Carolina auto insurance rates can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Your driving history, including accidents, claims and violations
- The type of vehicle you drive, including repair costs and theft risk
- The coverages and limits you choose
- Claims trends and repair costs in your area
- Weather-related risks, including hurricane-related losses and storm damage
Claims activity and severe weather can matter in North Carolina, especially for drivers who carry comprehensive coverage. If you want to better understand pricing changes, see why car insurance rates go up.
Save more with discounts
Amica offers various auto insurance discounts that may help lower premiums for eligible North Carolina drivers.1
- Driving-related discounts: Claim-free history and approved defensive driver training may help some drivers save.
- Vehicle equipment discounts: Certain safety systems like forward-collision warning or adaptive headlights may qualify.
- Payment-related discounts: AutoPay, paperless delivery and paying in full may also help eligible policyholders reduce costs.
To explore your options, find out about auto insurance discounts and bundling opportunities.
Driving facts to keep in mind
- Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) is a North Carolina point-based system that sets specific credits and surcharges that an insurance carrier can apply to your premium. Good drivers may receive lower rates, while unsafe drivers may see increased rates.2
- In North Carolina, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using their cellphones while driving unless it’s an emergency or they’re speaking to a parent or spouse.3
- The Fender Bender Law requires drivers involved in non-injury, minor car accidents to move their vehicles to the shoulder to prevent secondary accidents and to keep the flow of traffic moving.3
How to get auto insurance in North Carolina
If you’re ready to compare options, here’s a simple way to approach the process:
- Review your coverage needs:
Start with North Carolina’s required liability limits, then think about whether you want higher limits or optional protections for your vehicle, medical costs or roadside issues. - Look for savings opportunities:
Eligible discounts, bundling and payment options may all affect your final premium. - Get a quote:
You can get a quote online or call 800-242-6422 to speak with a representative.
Taking a little extra time to compare limits, deductibles and optional coverages can help you build a car insurance policy that better matches how and where you drive.
Get an auto insurance quote today
North Carolina car insurance FAQs
No. North Carolina is generally considered an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the accident is typically responsible for the resulting damages.
North Carolina requires bodily injury liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage of $50,000 per accident, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory at corresponding – as well as the same – minimum limits, and cannot be rejected.
That depends on your car, assets and risk tolerance. Many drivers choose limits above the state minimums for added financial protection.
Rates vary based on your vehicle, driving history, location and coverage choices. The best way to estimate your cost is to compare quotes using the same coverage assumptions.
1Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2NC Department of Insurance: Safe Driver Incentive Plan
3North Carolina Driving Laws
Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.
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