Best Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina
When searching for the best car insurance for North Carolina teens, State Farm is our top recommendation.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
Although State Farm takes the lead in our research, other North Carolina insurers offer quality teen coverage worth considering. USAA is best for military members, Allstate is ideal for those who drive less, State Farm is the most budget-friendly, and GEICO is top-notch for roadside assistance.
In this article, we’ll compare the leading insurance companies for teen drivers in North Carolina, aiming to help you find the best protection at a reasonable price. Without proper car insurance, teens face higher premiums and less protection. With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, I’ve seen how vital it is to make the right choice for your teen.
Best Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina, 2024
Compare The Best Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina 2024
| Overall Rating | Best For | A.M Best Rating | J.D Power Rating | Average Annual Rate (Liability Only) | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm |
|
Best Overall |
A++ |
838 |
$1,210 |
Instant Quote |
| USAA |
|
Military Members |
A++ |
860 |
$2,112 |
Instant Quote |
| Allstate |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
A- |
809 |
$2,890 |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Most Affordable |
A++ |
838 |
$1,210 |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Roadside Assistance |
A++ |
801 |
$4,360 |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance Companies For Teens In North Carolina
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅State Farm is the best insurance company for teen drivers in North Carolina due to its combination of affordability, variety of coverage options, and customer service. The company offers competitive rates tailored to young drivers, often more affordable than those of other major insurers in the state. This is essential for families looking to balance cost with comprehensive coverage.
State Farm also provides several discounts that help keep premiums low for teens. Their Steer Clear® program, designed for young drivers, rewards safe driving with discounts. Additionally, bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, can lead to significant savings.
In addition to its pricing advantages, State Farm is known for its excellent customer service and a large network of local agents throughout North Carolina. This ensures families receive personalized support, making the insurance process easier for new drivers and their parents.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Reasonable rates for young drivers
- Safe driving rewards offered
- Access to many local agents ✓
- Higher premiums if discounts aren’t used
- No accident forgiveness included
- Digital tools are lacking ✘
Most Affordable
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅State Farm is considered the lowest-cost insurance company for teen drivers in North Carolina, due to its competitive pricing and a variety of discount opportunities. Unlike many insurers, State Farm emphasizes affordable rates for young drivers, which makes it easier for families to handle the high expenses typically associated with teen car insurance. The availability of numerous discounts specifically designed for young drivers, including good student discounts and safe driving incentives through the Steer Clear® program, plays a major role in keeping their rates low.
Moreover, State Farm’s wide presence in North Carolina ensures personalized service, helping families find the most cost-effective coverage tailored to their specific needs. Bundling discounts with other policies like home or renters insurance can further lower overall insurance costs. For families seeking affordability alongside comprehensive coverage, State Farm consistently offers some of the most budget-friendly options for teen drivers in North Carolina.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Reliable financial position
- Simple process for filing claims
- Extensive options for coverage ✓
- Limited accident forgiveness options
- Increased rates for minor infractions
- No coverage for new car replacement ✘
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Allstate is considered the best overall insurance provider for low-mileage teen drivers in North Carolina, thanks to its specialized discounts and usage-based insurance programs. Allstate’s Milewise® program is ideal for teens who don’t drive frequently, allowing them to pay based on the miles they actually travel. This pay-per-mile option can lead to significant savings, making it a cost-effective option for teens who primarily drive to school or for occasional outings.
Furthermore, Allstate offers a range of discounts that benefit teen drivers, such as good student discounts and rewards for safe driving through the Allstate Drivewise® program. These discounts can further reduce the overall cost of premiums, making it easier for families to secure quality coverage.
Moreover, Allstate’s extensive network of agents throughout North Carolina ensures personalized service, helping parents and teens navigate the complexities of car insurance with ease. For low-mileage teen drivers in North Carolina, Allstate offers both affordability and flexibility.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Price reductions for low-mileage drivers
- Discount available for good students
- Broad agent network across locations ✓
- Premiums without discounts are more expensive
- Pay-per-mile coverage is limited
- Accident forgiveness incurs an extra charge ✘
Best for Roadside Assistance
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅GEICO provides the best roadside assistance for teen drivers in North Carolina with its thorough and affordable program. Their coverage includes a variety of emergencies like flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts—issues that are common for new drivers. This service can be a critical support for teens who are new to driving.
The assistance is available around the clock and can be accessed easily through GEICO’s mobile app, which is designed for convenience. It is also affordable, available as an add-on to auto insurance or as part of a membership. GEICO’s reputation for excellent customer service means that teens will receive quick and reliable help when needed.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Reasonable rates for young drivers
- Significant discounts available
- Mobile app is easy to use ✓
- Local agent support is restricted
- Higher premiums after accidents
- Only offers basic coverage ✘
Best for Military Families
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅USAA is the best insurance company for teen drivers in military families in North Carolina due to its excellent customer service, customized coverage options, and affordability. As an insurer serving only military members and their families, USAA understands the unique challenges they face, like frequent relocations and deployments, and offers flexible policies that provide reassurance.
USAA often offers some of the lowest rates for teen drivers, outperforming other major insurers. Their SafePilot® program rewards safe driving with discounts, which is especially helpful for young, inexperienced drivers. Additionally, USAA’s accident forgiveness for qualified policyholders helps mitigate the financial impact of a first accident.
Known for its outstanding customer service, USAA has earned high satisfaction ratings and a reputation for swift claims processing. For military families in North Carolina, USAA offers dependable, affordable, and customized coverage tailored to their unique needs.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Attractive rates for military families
- Discounts for driving safely
- Exceptional service for customers ✓
- Exclusively for those in the military
- Limited network of local agents
- Gap insurance not included ✘
Average Teenage Car Insurance Rates In North Carolina – By City
| City | Average Monthly Premium | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $310 | $3,720 |
| Raleigh | $275 | $3,300 |
| Greensboro | $265 | $3,180 |
| Durham | $288 | $3,455 |
| Winston-Salem | $267 | $3,210 |
| Fayetteville | $290 | $3,480 |
| Cary | $260 | $3,120 |
| Wilmington | $278 | $3,336 |
| High Point | $250 | $3,000 |
| Asheville | $252 | $3,024 |
| Concord | $275 | $3,300 |
| Gastonia | $266 | $3,192 |
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina
Securing affordable auto insurance for a teenage driver in North Carolina can be tough, but following these steps will help you find a policy that offers both coverage and cost-effectiveness:
Assess Driving Habits
Identify the frequency and distance of your teen’s driving. For those with low mileage, usage-based insurance options like Allstate’s Milewise® or GEICO’s DriveEasy could offer savings.
Shop Around for Quotes
Evaluate quotes from multiple car insurance providers, including State Farm and USAA, as they often have competitive offers for teen drivers in North Carolina.
Ask About Discounts
Find out about potential discounts for teen drivers, such as those for good academic performance, enrolling in safe driving programs, and combining multiple policies.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance
For teens with minimal driving, pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance programs could offer potential savings.
Choose a Higher Deductible
Choose a higher deductible to cut down on your premium, but ensure you can afford to pay the deductible if it becomes necessary.
Bundle Policies
Bundle your teen’s vehicle insurance with homeowners or renters policies to qualify for discount opportunities.
Add to an Existing Policy
It’s typically less costly to add your teen to your existing insurance policy than to purchase a standalone one.
Enroll in a Safe Driving Course
Suggest that your teen attend a defensive driving course to better their driving skills and potentially reduce insurance costs.
Review and Update Regularly
Review your teen’s insurance policy from time to time as they gain driving experience, which might open up more discount opportunities.
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive For Teens?
The high cost of insurance for teens is mainly due to their limited driving experience and increased risk of accidents. Teen drivers have a higher statistical likelihood of being in accidents, leading insurers to charge more to cover potential claims.
Key Reasons For High Costs
- Lack of Experience: Teens have less driving experience, making them more prone to mistakes that can lead to accidents.
- Higher Accident Rates: Data reveals that teens, especially males, have higher accident rates than any other age group, often due to risky behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and not using seat belts.
- Greater Severity of Accidents: Accidents involving teens can be more severe because they lack the experience to handle hazardous driving situations.
- Immaturity: Teens are still developing their decision-making skills, leading to poor choices on the road and higher insurance costs.
- Expensive Claims: The cost of repairing newer vehicles or covering medical expenses after an accident is high, resulting in higher premiums for policyholders.
- Limited Credit History: Insurers often consider credit history when setting rates, and teens usually have little or no credit history, leading to higher premiums.
What Affects Car Insurance Costs For Teens?
A variety of factors result in higher car insurance rates for teens than for older drivers. These factors include:
Age and Driving Experience
- Teens generally have less driving experience, making them more susceptible to accidents and leading to higher insurance rates.
Driving Record
- Insurance costs rise with a history of accidents or violations, but a clean driving record can lower rates.
Type of Vehicle
- Insuring sports or high-performance vehicles is usually more costly.
- Cars with advanced safety features may qualify for discounts.
Location
- Insurance premiums tend to be higher in urban areas with heavier traffic and higher crime rates.
Coverage Levels
- Full coverage is more expensive than basic liability insurance.
- Higher deductibles can lower premiums but lead to higher costs if a claim is filed.
Credit History
- While less significant for teens, limited or poor credit history can contribute to higher premiums.
Gender
- Young male drivers often have higher insurance rates due to their increased accident likelihood.
Discounts and Programs
- Discounts for good students and safe driving programs can reduce insurance costs.
Policy Bundling
- Adding a teen to a family policy is usually more economical than buying a separate policy.
How Can I Add A Teen To My Car Insurance Policy?
Incorporating a teen into your car insurance policy is a simple process, but it’s essential to plan wisely to ensure you receive the best coverage at an affordable rate. Here’s how to go about it:
Notify Your Insurance Company
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: When your teen earns their driver’s license or learner’s permit, you’ll need to contact your insurance company. Some insurers may require an immediate update, while others may let you wait until your teen has a full license.
- Supply Essential Information: Be ready to share your teen’s personal details, like their driver’s license number, date of birth, and any prior driving history.
Discuss Coverage Options
- Assess Your Current Policy: Carefully review your existing policy to see what’s covered and decide if any adjustments are needed. Since adding a teen driver may increase your premiums, it’s crucial to evaluate whether your current coverage is sufficient.
- Opt for the Best Coverage: Consider increasing liability limits or adding comprehensive and collision coverage if your teen will be driving a newer or more valuable car. Some insurers offer special policies for young drivers, so inquire about those options.
Ask About Discounts
- Investigate Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for teenagers, including those for good grades, safe driving habits, and completing driver’s ed. Be sure to ask about all available discounts to help lower your insurance costs.
- Consider Bundling Your Policies: If you haven’t already, bundling your car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance could lead to additional savings.
Evaluate The Impact On Your Premiums
- Obtain a Premium Quote: Ask your insurance company for a quote to see how much your premiums will increase by adding your teen driver. If you’re considering switching insurers, compare this with other quotes.
- Think About Adjusting Your Deductible: Raising your deductible might help lower your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you’re comfortable covering out of pocket in case of an accident.
Add Your Teen To The Policy
- Formalize the Process: After selecting coverage and reviewing discounts, finalize the addition of your teen to your policy. Your insurance company will update the policy documents accordingly.
Educate Your Teen On Safe Driving
- Stress Safe Driving: Encourage your teen to practice safe driving habits, as keeping a clean record will help reduce insurance premiums in the long run. You might also consider enrolling them in a safe driving course to save even more.
Review The Policy Regularly
- Policy Review Each Year: As your teen builds driving experience, make it a point to review your insurance policy annually to assess whether additional discounts or coverage changes are required.
Car Insurance Discounts For Teens
These are some frequent car insurance discounts that teens can take advantage of to save on their insurance costs:
1. Good Student Discount
Teens who keep a B average or 3.0 GPA can qualify for this discount, as insurance companies view responsible students as likely to be responsible drivers.
2. Driver’s Ed Discount
Completing a driver’s education course can lead to discounts, as these courses teach safe driving practices that help reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Safe Driving Discount
Some insurers offer discounts to teens who maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations.
4. Safe Driver Programs
Programs like State Farm’s Steer Clear® or GEICO’s DriveEasy reward teens for safe driving, often requiring monitored participation in courses or apps.
5. Low Mileage Discount
Teens who don’t drive frequently may be eligible for a low mileage discount, which is ideal for those who only drive occasionally.
6. Student Away Discount
If your teen attends college more than 100 miles away from home and doesn’t regularly drive, some insurers offer discounts since the car is less likely to be used.
7. Bundling Policies
Adding your teen to an existing family policy or bundling auto insurance with other policies, like homeowners, can result in a discount.
8. AccidentFree Discount
Teens who maintain an accidentfree record over a certain period may qualify for this discount.
9. Early Signing Discount
Some insurers provide discounts if you sign up or renew your policy before the current one expires.
10. UsageBased Programs
Programs like Progressive’s Snapshot® or Allstate’s Drivewise® track driving habits and offer discounts based on safe driving behavior.
11. Good Driver Discount
This discount rewards young drivers who have maintained a clean record after a few years of driving.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens – By State
| State | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
| Alabama | $109 | $1,304 |
| Alaska | $104 | $1,246 |
| Arizona | $117 | $1,399 |
| Arkansas | $130 | $1,556 |
| California | $149 | $1,783 |
| Colorado | $140 | $1,675 |
| Connecticut | $165 | $1,980 |
| DC | $157 | $1,887 |
| Delaware | $153 | $1,838 |
| Florida | $188 | $2,250 |
| Georgia | $151 | $1,815 |
| Hawaii | $105 | $1,255 |
| Idaho | $85 | $1,019 |
| Illinois | $98 | $1,176 |
| Indiana | $88 | $1,057 |
| Iowa | $89 | $1,073 |
| Kansas | $118 | $1,412 |
| Kentucky | $134 | $1,611 |
| Louisiana | $186 | $2,228 |
| Maine | $74 | $884 |
| Maryland | $128 | $1,541 |
| Massachusetts | $135 | $1,616 |
| Michigan | $197 | $2,368 |
| Minnesota | $112 | $1,339 |
| Mississippi | $125 | $1,504 |
| Missouri | $107 | $1,288 |
| Montana | $132 | $1,589 |
| Nebraska | $107 | $1,287 |
| Nevada | $132 | $1,578 |
| New Hampshire | $96 | $1,156 |
| New Jersey | $118 | $1,419 |
| New Mexico | $125 | $1,498 |
| New York | $101 | $1,214 |
| North Carolina | $98 | $1,170 |
| North Dakota | $94 | $1,123 |
| Ohio | $80 | $959 |
| Oklahoma | $122 | $1,469 |
| Oregon | $110 | $1,325 |
| Pennsylvania | $120 | $1,438 |
| Rhode Island | $168 | $2,011 |
| South Carolina | $113 | $1,353 |
| South Dakota | $104 | $1,250 |
| Tennessee | $112 | $1,339 |
| Texas | $137 | $1,644 |
| Utah | $101 | $1,212 |
| Vermont | $97 | $1,166 |
| Virginia | $83 | $993 |
| Washington | $109 | $1,307 |
| West Virginia | $122 | $1,467 |
| Wisconsin | $96 | $1,147 |
| Wyoming | $131 | $1,577 |
Our Methodology
We assess car insurance companies by thoroughly analyzing factors like affordability, coverage options, customer service, claims handling, discounts for teenage drivers, and financial stability. Comparing these across insurers and review sites helps us find the best options for teen drivers in North Carolina.
Quotes Assessed
Hours Of Research
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
FAQs
Is it cheaper to be on your parent’s policy?
It’s usually more economical for teens to join their parent’s insurance policy instead of getting a separate policy.
Should an 18 year old have their own car insurance?
It depends on the context. Staying on a parent’s policy tends to be cheaper, but certain circumstances may require a separate policy.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a minor?
The least expensive car insurance varies, but State Farm and GEICO commonly have affordable choices for teen drivers, especially when discounts are applied.
