Insurance
Car Insurance in North Carolina
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
North Carolina drivers paid about $753 a year for car insurance in 2023, among the 10 lowest in the country. But the rules changed on July 1, 2025. The minimum is now 50/100/50, and every policy includes underinsured motorist coverage.
North Carolina also has a points system that can raise your price a lot for a single ticket or crash. Your driving record matters more here than in most states.
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What North Carolina requires
For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, the minimum is 50/100/50. That means your policy pays up to:
- $50,000 for each person you injure
- $100,000 total for everyone you injure in one crash
- $50,000 for damage to other people's property
The old minimum was 30/60/25.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are required too. Uninsured motorist (UM) pays for your injuries if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) pays when their limits are too low. Your UM and UIM limits generally match your liability limits.
North Carolina is an at-fault state. The driver who causes the crash is responsible for the damage.
How North Carolina's insurance points work
The Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) adds insurance points for moving violations and at-fault crashes. Each point level raises your premium by a set percentage. A few examples:
| Violation | Points | Premium increase |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10 mph or less over a limit under 55 mph | 1 | 40% |
| At-fault crash with $2,300 or less in property damage | 1 | 40% |
| Speeding more than 10 mph over, at 56 to 75 mph | 2 | 55% |
| At-fault crash with more than $3,850 in damage, or injury over $1,800 | 3 | 70% |
| Reckless driving | 4 | 90% |
| Driving while license is suspended or revoked | 8 | 200% |
| DWI (blood alcohol of 0.08 or more) | 12 | 340% |
What changed in 2025:
- Longer surcharges. For many convictions worth 4 or more points (other than speeding), the surcharge now lasts 5 years instead of 3.
- A longer look back for small speeding tickets. Speeding 10 mph or less over the limit may not add points on its own. But now insurers look back 5 years, not 3, for other moving violations that make it count.
- The same 5-year look back for a PJC. A prayer for judgment continued (PJC) is a court option that can keep points off your record. Insurers now look back 5 years for these too.
- New drivers pay a surcharge longer. For drivers first licensed on or after July 1, 2025, the inexperienced-driver surcharge applies until they have 8 years of experience.
What happens if your insurance lapses
If your coverage lapses, the NC DMV can charge a civil penalty of $50, $100, or $150, depending on how many lapses you've had in 3 years, plus a $50 restoration fee. If you don't respond, your license plate can be revoked.
What changes your price in North Carolina
- Your points. This is the big one. See the table above.
- Your years of driving experience.
- Where you live. Big-city driving can cost more than driving in rural areas.
- Your car and your coverage. Collision and comprehensive add to the price.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
Car insurance in Charlotte
Charlotte drivers follow the same state rules, minimums, and points system. City traffic can mean higher prices than in small towns. Compare several quotes with the same limits and deductibles.
What to ask before you choose
- "Does my policy meet the new 50/100/50 minimum?" Check your renewal.
- "How many insurance points do I have, and when do they drop off?"
- "What are my UM and UIM limits?"
- "Do I have comprehensive for storm and flood damage?" Hurricanes and flooding hit eastern North Carolina. Learn what comprehensive covers.
- "Would a higher deductible lower my price?"
The catch: one speeding ticket can raise your price 40%, and a reckless driving conviction 90%, for years. Before you pay a ticket, ask whether it will add insurance points.
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Keep reading
Own a home in North Carolina? See North Carolina homeowners insurance. Want more liability protection? See umbrella insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
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More North Carolina guides: North Carolina homeowners insurance · Charlotte car insurance
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Sources
- NAIC auto insurance expenditures (2023 data), via Insurance Information Institute
- NC Department of Insurance, Changes to the rating of automobile insurance policies, effective July 1, 2025
- NC Department of Insurance, Safe Driver Incentive Plan
- N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-279.21 (UM and UIM coverage)
- NC DMV, Vehicle insurance requirements