Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in North Carolina (2025)
High-risk North Carolina drivers can find the best coverage from Erie, Progressive, and GEICO.
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If a car insurance company considers you a high-risk driver, you might pay higher rates than drivers with clean records. Some insurers may even deny you coverage.1
High-risk drivers pay an average of $96 per month for car insurance in North Carolina, compared to $75 for drivers with a clean record. High-risk drivers may include people with incidents on their driving records, people with poor credit history, or drivers with limited experience.
Here’s how to find affordable car insurance as a high-risk driver in North Carolina.
Who is a high-risk driver in North Carolina?
North Carolina doesn’t have a legal definition of “high-risk driver,” but an insurance company may classify you as high risk if it believes you have a higher likelihood of filing auto insurance claims. High-risk drivers can include people with violations and at-fault accidents on their driving record, drivers with poor credit history, or drivers with limited experience.
When you commit driving violations in North Carolina, you accumulate points on your driving record. Points stay on your record for three years. Car insurance companies can raise your rates by specific percentages depending on the number of points you’ve accumulated.
Insurance companies may also consider you high-risk if you lack driving experience. In North Carolina, inexperienced drivers have been driving for less than three years. Teens and drivers younger than 25 often fall into this category.
Other factors, such as your gender and location, may also cause insurers to consider you a high-risk driver.2
Best North Carolina auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
Even if you’re a high-risk driver, it’s still possible to find affordable coverage. It’s best to compare at least three companies and look at their rates, discount opportunities, and customer service ratings to find the best option for you. Here are some of the best companies in North Carolina to get you started.
Erie: Best for affordable coverage
Progressive: Best for accident forgiveness
GEICO: Best for discounts
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
Cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with an at-fault accident
At-fault accidents on your driving record may increase your car insurance rates because there’s a higher likelihood you’ll file claims in the future.3 This leads to increased costs for the insurer. In North Carolina, an at-fault accident may increase your car insurance rates by up to 70%.
The following companies offer the cheapest coverage for drivers with an at-fault accident in North Carolina.
Cheapest car insurance in North Carolina with a DWI
If you have a driving while impaired (DWI) conviction on your record, insurers may see you as a significant risk because you’re more likely to repeat the offense. After a DWI conviction in North Carolina, the state may suspend or revoke your license, and your car insurance premium may also climb by 340%.
The following car insurance companies offer the cheapest premiums for drivers with a DWI in North Carolina.
Cheapest auto insurance in North Carolina with a speeding ticket
Someone who drives over the speed limit is more likely to cause an accident and file a claim in the future, so insurance companies raise rates to compensate for that risk. If you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina, your car insurance rates may increase by up to 260%.
The following companies offer the cheapest premiums for drivers with a speeding ticket in North Carolina.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in North Carolina
If you have violations on your record or qualify as high risk for another reason, you’ll likely pay more for insurance. But you still have ways to save money on car insurance when shopping for a policy:
Work with an agent or broker. An independent insurance agent or broker doesn’t work for a specific insurer, so they can offer impartial guidance and help you find the right coverage for your situation.
Take advantage of discounts. Most companies offer car insurance discounts to help lower monthly premiums. Common discounts may include those for bundling policies and maintaining low mileage.
Choose the right coverage. Consider lowering your coverage limits, removing comprehensive and collision insurance, or raising your deductible to lower your premium. Just be aware these steps increase your out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim.
Compare quotes. Each company has a different way of setting rates, so it’s important to get multiple car insurance quotes and compare prices.
How to improve your driving record in North Carolina
In North Carolina, violations usually only affect your insurance premiums for three years. Taking steps to improve your driving record is one of the best ways to lower your car insurance rates over time.
Here are some things you can do to improve your driving record and lower your insurance rates:
North Carolina high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance as a high-risk driver in North Carolina, check out the additional information below as you research your coverage options.
Which driver is considered high-risk in North Carolina?
You may be considered a high-risk driver in North Carolina if you have a bad credit history, a record of major traffic violations and at-fault accidents, or you lack driving experience.
How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in North Carolina?
Each auto insurance company uses its own formula to calculate risk and insurance premiums. While they all rely on the same basic factors, including driving history, age, and credit profile, some insurance companies may weigh certain factors more heavily than others.
What is the cheapest insurance company for North Carolina high-risk drivers?
Nationwide is the cheapest insurance company for high-risk drivers in North Carolina, with monthly liability rates averaging $77. Erie, Progressive, and GEICO also offer low rates and good options for North Carolina drivers with incidents on their records.
How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in North Carolina?
On average, high-risk auto insurance in North Carolina costs $113 per month for full coverage and $79 per month for liability-only coverage.
How long are you considered a high-risk driver for insurance?
In North Carolina, violations usually affect your record for three years. The violations will affect your rates during that time.
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