North Carolina’s average homeowners insurance rate is $3,864 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $500 deductible, according to Insurify data.
North Carolina is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country.[?] It also has more than 300 miles of coastline and an extensive river system, which raises the threat of storm surges and flooding. In addition to standard homeowners insurance, homeowners should purchase robust windstorm coverage and consider flood insurance.
Here’s what you should know about comparing home insurance quotes and finding affordable coverage in the Tar Heel State.
Many home insurers in North Carolina offer average rates much cheaper than the state average, including State Farm, Bankers Insurance Group, and Unitrin.
Homeowners insurance in North Carolina is much higher than the national average of $2,763 for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $500 deductible.
North Carolina residents in high-risk areas along the coast may face higher average home insurance rates.
Best home insurance companies in North Carolina
North Carolina homeowners have plenty of quality insurance companies to choose from. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find the best homeowners insurance for your unique needs and budget.
Insurance Company | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Average Annual Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 8.2 | $720 | Cheapest rates |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | N/A | $1,571 | High-risk homes |
| Travelers | 7.8 | $1,752 | Flood insurance |
| Allstate | 8.2 | $2,020 | Older homes |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Cheapest rates: State Farm
Best insurer for high-risk homes: North Carolina Farm Bureau
North Carolina is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the country, which means homeowners in the state should consider robust windstorm coverage. North Carolina Farm Bureau’s selection of surplus lines and specialty insurance products might be worth considering if you own a high-risk home.
North Carolina Farm Bureau is also a respected regional insurer that knows the area and its unique risk factors. And if you need an adjuster to come out and assess damage after a storm, NCFB has agents in every county — including multiple locations in the capital, Raleigh.
Local agents in every NC county
Serves North Carolina exclusively
Not the cheapest option available
Negative credit outlook from AM Best
Best insurer for flood insurance: Travelers
Best insurer for older homes: Allstate
Cheapest home insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to many affordable homeowners insurance companies. Prices will vary based on several rating factors, including your home’s age, ZIP code, and prior claims history. Shopping around and comparing rates from multiple home insurers can help you find the cheapest rate.
The table below lists the state’s cheapest homeowners insurance companies.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $96 |
| Travelers | $196 |
| USAA | $200 |
| Allstate | $219 |
| Auto-Owners | $348 |
| Nationwide | $497 |
| Erie | $578 |
Cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina
On average, North Carolina homeowners pay $3,444 per year for home insurance. The average cost of homeowners insurance varies from homeowner to homeowner. For example, North Carolina residents in a high-risk area by the coastline will likely pay higher rates than inland residents at lower risk for flooding.
Homeowners can lower their rates by comparing quotes, taking advantage of discounts, bundling home insurance and auto insurance, and installing anti-theft and anti-fire devices in their homes.[?]
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
How much dwelling coverage you buy also affects your homeowners insurance rates. The higher your coverage limits, the more you’ll end up paying. Most insurance agents suggest coverage limits around $300,000, but you might choose a higher or lower level based on your home’s risk profile and claims history.[?]
Compare rates and coverage levels in North Carolina in the table below. Rates shown are for policies with a $1,000 deductible.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $75 |
| Travelers | $135 |
| USAA | $136 |
| Allstate | $156 |
| Auto-Owners | $227 |
| Nationwide | $307 |
| Erie | $401 |
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $98 |
| Travelers | $200 |
| USAA | $204 |
| Allstate | $223 |
| Auto-Owners | $355 |
| Nationwide | $507 |
| Erie | $590 |
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $134 |
| USAA | $309 |
| Travelers | $311 |
| Allstate | $332 |
| Auto-Owners | $556 |
| Nationwide | $806 |
| Erie | $895 |
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
Your home insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible typically leads to lower insurance rates. Assess your financial situation before choosing a higher deductible, because you’ll be on the hook for more out-of-pocket costs in the event of a covered loss.
As you can see below, choosing a higher deductible will result in a lower home insurance premium. Rates shown are for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
Deductible Amount | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| $500 | $3,864 |
| $1,000 | $3,513 |
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in North Carolina
While North Carolina’s risk of severe weather can lead to higher rates, you have plenty of ways to save on insurance:
Upgrade your home. Investing in storm shutters or stronger roof materials can make your home more disaster-resistant — and lower the risk of an expensive claim. Additionally, making repairs to your home can lower its chances of sustaining serious damage, which can help you qualify for discounts.
Choose the right home. Saving on home insurance can start during the home-buying process. Seeking out a home that’s newer and in an area that’s at low risk for severe weather can help you save. Buying a house near emergency services, like a fire department, can also come with lower rates.
Find out if you qualify for discounts. Most home insurance companies offer generous discounts. Bundling home insurance with an auto policy is a popular option for many homeowners. Discounts for installing anti-theft devices or going several years without a claim can also lower the price of your homeowners policy.
Shop around and compare quotes. Every home is unique, and rates can vary significantly between different insurance companies. Request quotes from at least three insurers and compare them side by side to help you find a home insurance rate that works for your needs and budget.
Speak with your insurance agent to find out if you qualify for discounts. Checking your insurer’s official site or mobile app can also give you more information about the discounts you might qualify for.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in North Carolina?
When you take out a mortgage on a home, your mortgage lender will require you to purchase a home insurance policy. The mortgage company might provide suggested coverage limits based on your home’s risk profile.
Read your policy closely and make sure you understand exactly what it does and doesn’t cover. You might find you need to purchase additional coverages or choose a different type of insurance policy to better protect your property.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance advises homeowners to purchase coverage equal to at least 80% of their home’s replacement cost.[?] Taking inventory of your personal belongings can help you determine how much personal property insurance you need. You might find you need additional riders to cover valuable assets, like jewelry or fine art.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in North Carolina?
Homeowners in the Tar Heel State should always be prepared for severe weather. The following natural disasters are common in the state, which you should consider when buying homeowners insurance:
Looking at historical weather data for your area or requesting your home’s CLUE report, which tracks previous claims, can help you determine if it’s worth purchasing coverage for the perils outlined above.
North Carolina homeowners insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for home insurance in North Carolina, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is home insurance in North Carolina?
Home insurance in North Carolina costs an average of $3,513 per year for a policy with a $1,000 deductible and $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to Insurify data. That price increases to $3,864 per year for a policy with the same coverage and a $500 deductible.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in North Carolina?
State Farm has the cheapest homeowners insurance in North Carolina, with premiums averaging $96 per month.
Does North Carolina require homeowners insurance?
No. North Carolina doesn’t legally require homeowners insurance, but your lender will require it if you have a mortgage on your home. Carrying home insurance coverage is important even if your home is paid off. It protects you financially if something damages or destroys your home and you have to repair or rebuild.
What does homeowners insurance cover in North Carolina?
A standard homeowners policy in North Carolina covers your home’s structure, personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if your home is damaged and you have to live somewhere else temporarily while it’s being repaired.
)
)
)
)