North Carolina car insurance costs are determined by several factors, including where you live and your driving record. To save money on coverage, it’s important to understand how each component works together to set your monthly premium. We’ve created this North Carolina Car Insurance Calculator so you can estimate how much it’ll be based on the information provided.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
North Carolina requires drivers to carry minimum liability limits of $30,000 per person for bodily injury up to a total of $60,000. In addition, you must have uninsured/underinsured motorist and property damage liability. While the minimum requirement is an excellent place to start, consider adding optional coverages like comprehensive and collision.
Vehicle Make and Model
Your car’s make and model is another important factor when calculating your insurance rates. Selecting a model with good safety and reliability ratings will mean lower premiums over time; on the other hand, one with poor ratings will incur higher expenses in the long run.
Maintaining a Good Driver History
The most efficient way to save on car insurance is to maintain an excellent driving record over time. A clean record and following speed limit signs will help you stay out of legal trouble.
Credit Score
Drivers with excellent credit typically pay an average of 45% less on car insurance than those with poor credit, though bad credit can raise rates significantly. Fortunately, North Carolina residents with bad credit can find affordable car insurance through comparison shopping when looking for policies.
Your Driving Record
A speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates nearly double the original charge, and a DUI conviction could triple them again. Your driving record and type of violations on it may impact how much you pay in premiums, but they’re rarely the sole determining factor.
Where You Live Can Impact Your Rates
The density of a city, the number of reported accidents and claims, as well as crime rates all factor into how much car insurance costs. If you reside in either an urban setting or one with more people per square mile, maintaining a clean driving record and remaining safe while driving could potentially lower your premiums.
Driving Can Affect Your Rates
Drivers who take advantage of programs designed to promote safe driving can reduce their auto insurance premiums by up to 20%. USAA SafePilot program members have even more opportunities to save.
Life Events That Could Influence Your Rates
Life events such as moving, marriage and owning a home all affect your car insurance rates. If you’re married or in an household with children, your risk for an accident increases significantly. Our car insurance calculator takes all these life events into account to help determine how much coverage is necessary for you.