North Carolina Auto Insurance — Minimum Coverage & Rates
North Carolina requires 50/100/50 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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North Carolina at a Glance
50/100/50
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
North Carolina operates as a traditional tort state where the at-fault driver is financially responsible for crash damages. All drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility, typically satisfied through liability insurance meeting state minimums. North Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability policy unless you reject it in writing — a requirement absent in many states. The North Carolina Department of Insurance enforces these mandates through the DMV's insurance verification system.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Cost Overview
$53–$69/mo
Typical monthly rate in North Carolina, minimum-coverage policies
Rate data: NerdWallet, ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Vehicles with high theft rates — particularly pickup trucks and older Honda/Toyota models — carry higher comprehensive premiums in urban counties.
- Coastal counties may see elevated comprehensive rates due to hurricane and flooding exposure, even though standard auto policies exclude flood damage — comprehensive covers wind and hail.
Find the Lowest Rate That Still Protects You
Find Your Lowest RateCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers damage and injuries you cause to others. The 30/60/25 minimum satisfies North Carolina law but leaves you financially exposed if a serious crash exceeds these limits — medical bills from a severe injury can reach six figures.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver injures you. North Carolina automatically includes this at your liability limits unless you reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault. Subject to your chosen deductible — typically $500 or $1,000.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, hail, fire, animal strikes, and weather damage to your vehicle. Like collision, it's subject to a deductible and pays actual cash value minus depreciation.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, uninsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive into a complete package. Protects both your financial liability and your vehicle's value.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type but a certificate your insurer files with the DMV proving you carry at least minimum liability. Required after DUI, driving uninsured, or certain license suspensions.