The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2026

Erie has the cheapest car insurance rates in Raleigh. But your personal rates can vary widely based on factors such as your driving record, age, coverage types, and ZIP code.

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Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy Sleight
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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Over 70% of Raleigh households have at least two vehicles, and more than 65% of Raleigh workers commute alone.[1] With so many people on the road, car insurance is essential.

The average Raleigh driver pays an average monthly rate of $89 for auto coverage. Though Raleigh’s average rates are higher than the rest of North Carolina, they still fall below the national average, according to our data.

But many car insurance companies offer rates well below the citywide average, including Erie, Nationwide, and Direct Auto. The cheapest average liability rate is $63 per month.

Keep reading to learn which companies offer the cheapest insurance in Raleigh, how to pick the right company, and how to save on car insurance.

Key Takeaways
  • Erie is the cheapest car insurance company in Raleigh, averaging $63 per month.

  • Raleigh drivers pay an average monthly cost of $71 for liability insurance and $107 for full coverage. 

  • North Carolina requires drivers to have at least 30/60/25 in liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage to legally drive in the state.[2]

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Raleigh, North Carolina

Regardless of Raleigh’s average rates, you can still find ways to save — starting by comparing rates from the cheapest insurance companies in the city.

Check out the table below to see the five cheapest insurers in Raleigh, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
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Erie$63
Nationwide$63
Direct Auto$71
GEICO$72
Liberty Mutual$72
National General$72
Progressive$75
Safeco$75
Travelers$79
Dairyland$82
Allstate$86
State Farm$103
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.

The cheapest car insurance company in Raleigh is Erie. Its average premiums are just $63 per month.

Now, let’s take a look at the cheapest companies based on top rating factors, such as driver profile and coverage type.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Raleigh by Driver and Coverage Type

The insurers above are a good starting point for comparing average rates, but your actual rate will depend on factors like your age, driving record, address, and credit history.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in Raleigh for different driver backgrounds and coverage needs, according to Compare.com data.

Driver/Coverage Type
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Cheapest Insurer
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Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
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State-minimum coverageErie$63
Full coverageProgressive$99
TeensErie$117
SeniorsErie$49
Drivers with a speeding ticketErie$86
Drivers with an at-fault accidentErie$87
Drivers with a DUIErie$116
Drivers with excellent creditErie$50
Drivers with poor creditErie$92
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

The sections below go into more detail for each driver profile and coverage type.

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Cheapest state-minimum coverage: Erie

Raleigh drivers pay an average of $71 per month for state-minimum coverage. Though it meets the North Carolina minimum car insurance requirements, most experts recommend buying enough liability insurance to cover your net worth in case you cause an accident.[3]

But if you’re only looking for basic coverage, the five companies in the table below offer the cheapest state-minimum coverage in Raleigh, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Liability Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Erie$63
Nationwide$63
Direct Auto$71
GEICO$72
Liberty Mutual$72
National General$72
Progressive$75
Safeco$75
Travelers$79
Dairyland$82
Allstate$86
State Farm$103

Cheapest full coverage: Progressive

Most drivers should consider a full-coverage policy, which costs an average of $107 per month in Raleigh. If you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will require it.

Full coverage includes liability insurance plus coverages that pay for your injuries and vehicle damage, such as comprehensive, collision, and medical payments. You can also customize your policy with optional insurance coverage like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Even with higher rates, multiple companies offer full-coverage policies close to the average liability price in Raleigh, including the five in the chart below.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Progressive$99
Direct Auto$101
National General$104
Erie$118
Nationwide$118
Liberty Mutual$125
Safeco$130
GEICO$135
Travelers$148
Allstate$160
Dairyland$182
State Farm$193

Cheapest for teens: Erie

Teen drivers are the most expensive age group for car insurance. A lack of driving experience, maturity, and a propensity to drive distracted make young drivers much more likely to get into car accidents than any other age group.[4] And that added risk leads to higher rates.

Raleigh teens pay an average monthly insurance rate of $166, according to our research. But it’s possible for teens to get a good deal on car insurance.

Check out the chart below, which highlights Raleigh’s five cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Teens

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Erie$117
Nationwide$125
Liberty Mutual$129
GEICO$131
Direct Auto$138
Progressive$140
Dairyland$143
National General$148
Safeco$153
Travelers$166
Allstate$173
State Farm$203

Cheapest for seniors: Erie

Senior drivers pay some of the lowest car insurance rates of any other age group. They’re generally among the safest drivers and tend to drive fewer miles, which decreases their risk for accidents.[5] All of these factors contribute to much cheaper car insurance.

Raleigh seniors pay an average monthly car insurance cost of $80. But even with already low average rates, you may find a better deal from several companies.

The following chart shows five auto insurance companies offering the cheapest average rates for seniors in Raleigh, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates for Seniors

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Erie$49
Nationwide$49
National General$58
GEICO$58
Direct Auto$58
Liberty Mutual$61
Travelers$64
Safeco$67
Progressive$67
Dairyland$71
Allstate$71
State Farm$82

Cheapest after a ticket: Erie

If you get a speeding ticket, don’t be surprised if your rates go up when your policy renews. Insurers base rates partially on your risk of filing claims, and driving violations like a speeding ticket make you riskier to insure.[6] Our research shows that national rates increase by an average of 29% after a speeding ticket.

Raleigh drivers with a ticket pay a monthly average of $119 for auto insurance. But several insurers may offer lower rates.

Find out which insurers are the cheapest for Raleigh drivers after a speeding ticket in the chart below, according to Compare.com data. 

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a Ticket

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Nationwide$85
Erie$86
Direct Auto$92
National General$93
Liberty Mutual$95
GEICO$97
Progressive$101
Safeco$102
Travelers$106
Dairyland$106
Allstate$116
State Farm$135

Cheapest after an accident:  Erie

Your rates could increase even more if you cause an accident. In fact, our research shows that rates increase by an average of 33% nationally after a single at-fault accident.

The average car insurance premium for drivers in Raleigh with a recent at-fault accident is $126 per month. But multiple companies offer a better deal.

Consider getting insurance quotes from the five cheapest auto insurers in Raleigh for drivers with a recent accident, as shown in the chart below.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With an Accident

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Erie$87
Nationwide$88
GEICO$97
National General$99
Liberty Mutual$99
Direct Auto$100
Progressive$106
Safeco$108
Travelers$110
Dairyland$113
Allstate$119
State Farm$141

Cheapest after a DUI: Erie

A DUI conviction causes the biggest spike in car insurance rates of any incident. Premiums increase by an average of 58% nationwide after a DUI conviction, according to our research.

The average premium for drivers in Raleigh with a DUI conviction is $197. While a conviction can seriously affect your driving history, you can find more affordable coverage by comparison shopping.

The chart below shows the five cheapest auto insurers for Raleigh drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With a DUI

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Erie$116
Nationwide$116
Direct Auto$131
GEICO$132
Liberty Mutual$133
National General$133
Safeco$145
Travelers$146
Dairyland$152
Allstate$159
Progressive$166
State Farm$190

Cheapest for bad credit: Erie

Some insurance companies consider your credit history when calculating car insurance premiums. Research suggests that people with lower credit scores are more likely to file a claim.[7] Drivers with poor credit pay an average of 38% more nationally than people with excellent credit, according to our research.

In Raleigh, the average rate for drivers with poor credit is $111 per month. But not all insurers use your credit when setting rates, and some offer affordable premiums regardless of your credit history.

The chart below features five auto insurers with the cheapest rates for Raleigh drivers with bad credit, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Raleigh, NC, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

Average Rates With Bad Credit

Company
Average Monthly Premium
Nationwide$77
Liberty Mutual$86
Direct Auto$87
GEICO$88
National General$88
Erie$92
Safeco$92
Progressive$93
Travelers$97
Dairyland$101
Allstate$106
State Farm$148

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North Carolina Auto Insurance Requirements

City skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, light trails from traffic, and a clear blue sky. Road signs visible in the foreground.

Like nearly all states, North Carolina requires all drivers to have car insurance. The minimum state requirements are:

If your auto insurance lapses, the state will issue you a fine of $50 to $150, and you’ll also have to pay a $50 restoration fee to renew your vehicle registration. Failing to maintain continuous coverage may lead to higher insurance rates.

Is minimum coverage enough in Raleigh?

Most experts recommend buying more than the minimum coverage to protect your finances after an accident. North Carolina has contributory negligence laws, which may mean you can’t get paid for your injuries if you’re even 1% at fault. So consider adding medical payments coverage to your insurance policy if you don’t have a good health insurance plan.

Remember, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease a vehicle. And they might also cap how high your deductibles are to make sure you can pay for the vehicle repairs if you file a claim.

Raleigh Auto Insurance FAQs

Here are answers to common questions people ask about Raleigh car insurance.

  • How much is car insurance in Raleigh?

    Car insurance costs an average of $89 per month in Raleigh. Liability-only coverage averages $71 per month, and full coverage costs $107, according to Compare.com data.

  • What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Raleigh?

    Erie is the cheapest auto insurance company in Raleigh, averaging $63 per month, according to Compare.com data.

  • Is car insurance in Raleigh expensive?

    No. Raleigh drivers pay an average of $89 per month for car insurance, compared to the national average of $136, according to our data. Keep in mind that multiple factors determine how much you pay for car insurance in Raleigh, including your age, address, driving history, and policy type.

Sources

  1. Data USA. "Raleigh, NC."
  2. North Carolina Department of Transportation DMV. "Insurance Requirements."
  3. III. "How much auto coverage do I need?."
  4. NHTSA. "Teen Safe Driving: How Teens Can Be Safer Drivers."
  5. Iihs.org. "Older drivers."
  6. Naic.org. "Insurance Topics."
  7. North Carolina Department of Insurance. "A Consumer's Guide to Insurance Companies' Use of Credit Information."

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

Lequita Westbrooks
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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