North Carolina Car Insurance Guide
Whether you’re driving through the Great Smoky Mountains or exploring the Outer Banks, affordable auto insurance can help protect you, your family, and your vehicle. Learn which coverages are mandatory, which are optional, and how EagleWay Auto Insurance can be your cheap North Carolina car insurance solution. Get a free quote to see how much you can save.
Do You Have to Have Car Insurance in North Carolina?
North Carolina law requires all drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle registered in the state. Policies must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage limits, and also include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage at the same minimum limits.
North Carolina Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
| Coverage Type | Required by Law | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability – Pays for medical expenses and legal costs if you injure someone. | Yes | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability – Pays to repair or replace other people’s property damaged in an accident. | Yes | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Pays for medical expenses and property damage if the other driver lacks coverage. | Yes | $30,000 bodily injury per person / $60,000 bodily injury per accident / $25,000 property damage per accident |
| Medical Payments – Pays for medical expenses regardless of fault. | Not required | – |
| Collision – Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision. | Not required¹ | – |
| Comprehensive – Pays for non-collision damages like fire, flood, vandalism, or animal impact. | Not required¹ | – |
¹May be required by lenders if the vehicle is leased or financed.
Important: Liability limits and UM/UIM coverage meet North Carolina law but don’t fully protect you and your vehicle. Consider adding collision and comprehensive coverage for full protection.
Additional Coverage Options
- Roadside Assistance*
- Emergency Protection Plan (EPP)*
- Towing & Labor Coverage
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
Driving without insurance in North Carolina is strictly enforced. Failure to maintain coverage may lead to revoked license plates, civil penalties, fees, and possible probation or imprisonment. Always maintain continuous coverage to avoid these penalties.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Driving with a suspended license in North Carolina is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $200 and up to 20 days in jail. Additional violations can extend revocations or, in the case of repeated offenses, result in permanent revocation.
SR-22 Insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina doesn’t typically require SR-22 filings but uses form DL-123 to verify minimum coverage in certain cases, such as:
- First-time driver license applicants
- Restoring a suspended or revoked license after a DUI
- Complying with a court order for liability coverage
Moving to another state after a serious violation or coverage lapse may require an SR22 or FR44 filing. EagleWay Auto Insurance can help with SR22 or other state requirements.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Drivers with multiple violations or serious infractions may be considered high-risk. Non-standard insurance is available to provide financial protection. EagleWay Auto Insurance offers affordable coverage for high-risk drivers in North Carolina.
Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in North Carolina
Car insurance rates vary based on coverage type, vehicle, driving habits, demographics, driving record, and credit history. EagleWay Auto Insurance helps drivers—including high-risk drivers—find affordable coverage.
Get a free car insurance quote online, or work with an EagleWay Auto Insurance agent to create a plan that meets state requirements and your needs. We’ll ensure you receive all eligible discounts so your premium is as low as possible.