Need to know which pre-owned vehicles are the most affordable to insure in North Carolina? We completed independent research to find the answer for you!
This article details the best insurance companies and tips for lowering North Carolina insurance premiums. We compare the price of liability-only policies and full coverage policies and answer frequently asked questions. Keep reading to get the cost-saving information you need.
North Carolina Cheapest Used Cars to Insure
Listed below are the cheapest insurance policies by vehicle make and model. We used a basic driver profile and cars awarded the Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety to compile this list. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of the article.
Now for the winners!
1. 2021 Ford Bronco
Ford’s 2021 Bronco, a small SUV, is the cheapest to insure in North Carolina and costs $71 each month for a full coverage policy and only $27 for a liability-only policy. Its full coverage policy is 36% more affordable than the average full coverage policy in North Carolina.
A liability-only policy for the 2021 Ford Bronco costs a policyholder only $27 monthly. That’s 35% more affordable than the average North Carolina liability-only policy.
The Ford Bronco is an excellent find for a pre-owned vehicle. It’s equipped with safety features and was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2. 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
As the second cheapest to insure in North Carolina, Chrysler’s Pacifica is a minivan for drivers who want more space or seats. Policies cost $77 per month for full coverage and only $35 for liability.
The Pacifica’s owners can save money on insurance with these policies because they’re well below the average premiums in North Carolina.
Used car shoppers will enjoy this Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Our quotes are based on the entry-level Pacifica, but Chrysler also has a hybrid option for those interested.
3. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru’s Crosstrek, a 4-door wagon, is the third cheapest used car to insure in North Carolina. Its full coverage policy runs $85 monthly, and you can find a liability-only policy for $32 per month.
For buyers who want a smaller vehicle than Ford’s Bronco, or Chrysler’s Pacifica, the Subaru Crosstrek is another Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.
4. 2021 Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s CX-5, a small SUV, is the fourth cheapest to insure in North Carolina but was almost a tie with third place.
Its full coverage policy price matches the Subaru Crosstrek at $85 monthly. Its liability-only policy is where the tie was broken. The Mazda CX-5’s policy is a smidge higher at $37 per month.
The 45 Cheapest Used Vehicles to Insure in North Carolina
We utilized a basic driver profile to run quotes on the recipients of the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The following chart ranks these 45 vehicles in order of full coverage premium costs in North Carolina.
| Year | Make | Model | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ford | Bronco | $ 71.00 | $ 27.00 |
| 2021 | Chrysler | Pacifica | $ 77.00 | $ 35.00 |
| 2021 | Subaru | Crosstrek | $ 85.00 | $ 32.00 |
| 2021 | Mazda | CX-5 | $ 85.00 | $ 37.00 |
| 2021 | Subaru | Forester | $ 87.00 | $ 34.00 |
| 2021 | Subaru | Outback | $ 88.00 | $ 36.00 |
| 2021 | Toyota | Sienna | $ 91.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Honda | Odyssey | $ 92.00 | $ 37.00 |
| 2021 | Acura | MDX | $ 92.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Hyundai | Santa Fe | $ 92.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Acura | RDX | $ 93.00 | $ 41.00 |
| 2021 | Nissan | Rogue | $ 94.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet | Trailblazer | $ 95.00 | $ 43.00 |
| 2021 | Honda | Insight | $ 95.00 | $ 45.00 |
| 2021 | Volkswagen | ID | $ 96.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Mazda | CX-9 | $ 101.00 | $ 37.00 |
| 2021 | Nissan | Murano | $ 101.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Subaru | Ascent | $ 102.00 | $ 44.00 |
| 2021 | Toyota | Camry | $ 103.00 | $ 38.00 |
| 2021 | Mazda | 3 | $ 103.00 | $ 44.00 |
| 2021 | Toyota | Highlander | $ 104.00 | $ 41.00 |
| 2021 | Audi | Q5 | $ 105.00 | $ 32.00 |
| 2021 | Honda | Accord | $ 105.00 | $ 37.00 |
| 2021 | Honda | Civic | $ 105.00 | $ 38.00 |
| 2021 | Ford | Explorer | $ 108.00 | $ 41.00 |
| 2021 | Kia | K5 | $ 108.00 | $ 48.00 |
| 2021 | Mitsubishi | Outlander | $ 109.00 | $ 42.00 |
| 2021 | Mazda | 6 | $ 110.00 | $ 41.00 |
| 2021 | Cadillac | XT6 | $ 111.00 | $ 52.00 |
| 2021 | Nissan | Altima | $ 116.00 | $ 46.00 |
| 2021 | Volvo | V60 | $ 122.00 | $ 45.00 |
| 2021 | Volvo | S60 Recharge | $ 123.00 | $ 39.00 |
| 2021 | Acura | TLX | $ 123.00 | $ 50.00 |
| 2021 | Volvo | S60 | $ 127.00 | $ 39.00 |
| 2021 | Nissan | Maxima | $ 129.00 | $ 46.00 |
| 2021 | Mercedes Benz | C-Class | $ 130.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Genesis | G70 | $ 132.00 | $ 48.00 |
| 2021 | Volvo | S90 | $ 133.00 | $ 36.00 |
| 2021 | Audi | A6 | $ 134.00 | $ 41.00 |
| 2021 | Lexus | ES 350 | $ 135.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Kia | Stinger | $ 136.00 | $ 46.00 |
| 2021 | Lexus | IS | $ 145.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Audi | A7 | $ 155.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Tesla | Model 3 | $ 175.00 | $ 40.00 |
| 2021 | Subaru | Legacy | $ 175.00 | $ 102.00 |
Full Coverage vs. Liability Insurance Costs
Liability-only insurance and full coverage policies vary significantly in both coverage and cost. Below we’ve calculated the average pricing for North Carolina insurance policies on pre-owned vehicles.
- Full coverage: $111.07 per month
- Liability-only: $41.78 each month
Best North Carolina Car Insurance Companies
We found the best North Carolina insurance companies are
- Geico
- Erie Insurance
- Nationwide
We used US News’ Research to compare the cost of major insurers in North Carolina. We included data on average coverage and minimum coverage.
We compared the average and minimum coverage policy costs in the chart below.
| Insurance Company | Average Rate | Minimum Insurance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $814.00 | $781.00 |
| Erie Insurance | $821.00 | $788.00 |
| Nationwide | $935.00 | $907.00 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $956.00 | $914.00 |
| State Farm | $1,087.00 | $1,042.00 |
| Progressive | $1,407.00 | $1,353.00 |
| Allstate | $1,850.00 | $1,789.00 |
| Statewide Average | $1,124.00 | $1,082.00 |
Tips to Lower Insurance Premiums in North Carolina
Insurance premiums add up quickly. Following a few simple tips can reduce the amount of money drivers spend on their insurance.
- Maintain a clean driving record
- North Carolina uses a point system based on the type and severity of driving violations to increase insurance rates
- Periodically comparison shop to compare quotes
- Drive fewer miles each year
- Increase the deductible on the policy
- Ask about other discounts
Research Methodology
Insurance premiums vary from state to state. By focusing on the premium costs in North Carolina instead of national averages, North Carolina residents can make more informed decisions.
We used an insurance portal to get quotes. Our basic driver profile listed a North Carolina address to get the most applicable results.
Basic Driver Profile
- 35-year-old single male
- Employed full time with Bachelor’s degree
- Homeowner
- Owns the vehicle
- Drives 12,000 miles per year
- No bundling
- Clean driving record with no North Carolina points
We selected cars awarded the IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+. The IIHS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating consumers about safety data. They are independent of car manufacturers.
Here’s a breakdown of our coverage selections for the quotes we gathered
| Full Coverage Quote | Liability-only Quote | |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Limits | $100,000/$300,000 | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Property Damage Limits | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Underinsured BIL | $25,000/$50,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Comprehensive Deductible | $1,000 | not covered |
| Collision Deductible | $1,000 | not covered |
| Rental Reimbursement | $50/$1500 | not covered |
| Roadside Assistance | $100 | not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest SUV to insure in North Carolina?
The least expensive SUV to insure in North Carolina is Ford’s Bronco. A full coverage policy costs $71 per month.
What if I cannot find an insurance policy in North Carolina?
If you cannot find a standard insurance policy in North Carolina, then you will have to secure a non-standard policy at a higher rate.
Are older cars cheaper to insure?
Older cars are cheaper to insure because they are less expensive to replace due to their lower overall value.
How much liability insurance is required in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, your insurance policy must cover up to $25,000 in property damage. For related medical expenses or death, your policy must cover at least $30,000 per person and up to $60,000 for each collision.
Can I use my insurance policy from another state in North Carolina?
You must have North Carolina auto liability insurance to register your car in North Carolina.
References
(2022). Best Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina. US News. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.usnews.com/insurance/auto/cheap-car-insurance-north-carolina
(2020). A Consumer’s Guide to Automobile Insurance. NC Department of Insurance. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://files.nc.gov/doi/documents/consumer/publications/consumer-guide-to-automobile-insurance_cau1.pdf
(2022). 2021 Top Safety Picks. IIHS. Retrieved November 9, 2022, from https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks/2021
Jesse Cunningham V is a professional writer and licensed insurance agent. He has worked in the insurance industry in different capacities, starting as a customer service representative and working his way up to an independent agency owner. He is licensed in the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania for Property, Casualty, Life, and Health products. Jesse has worked with many national carriers, including Nationwide, State Farm, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual, and specializes in car and home insurance and health, life, accidental death, and disability insurance. He writes for multiple publications including FIXD and Bauple.com. All articles by Jesse are opinion-based. Speak with your licensed insurance agent about the particulars of your insurance before making any decisions.
