Best Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina 2025

Erie is one of the best car insurance companies for teens in North Carolina, with average annual premiums of $2,520 for a full coverage policy.

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Updated: 03 December 2025
Written by Bob Phillips
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When it comes to finding the best car insurance for teens in North Carolina, Erie stands out as the top choice.

In this article, we’ll compare the top-rated insurance companies for teen drivers in North Carolina, helping you find the best coverage at an affordable price. Without the right insurance, teens face the risk of higher premiums and inadequate protection.

Key Takeaways

  • Erie is the top car insurer for teens in North Carolina.

  • Progressive offers the lowest rates for teenagers, at an average of $1,680 per year.

  • Remaining on a parent’s policy can significantly reduce teenage car insurance rates.

Best Car Insurance For Teenagers In North Carolina

To find the best car insurance companies for teenagers, we looked beyond price, as it is far from the only factor that matters when selecting a good insurer. We looked at teen safe driving programs, available discounts, and coverage options.

Erie and State Farm are two of the best insurance companies for teens in North Carolina, with average annual premiums of $2,520 and $2,292.

Company Average Annual Premium
Farmers $3,984
National General $6,720
State Farm $2,292
GEICO $4,716
Erie $2,520

Cheapest Teen Car Insurance Companies In North Carolina

Progressive is the cheapest car insurance company for teenage drivers in North Carolina, with an average annual premium of $1,680.

Company Average Annual Premium
State Farm $2,292
Nationwide $3,324
Erie $2,520
Farmers $3,984
Progressive $1,680

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens On Their Parents’ Policy

Remaining on your parents’ insurance policy can be a great way to bring down your teen’s car insurance premium.

Here are the average annual premiums for teens who remain on their parents’ policy, on full coverage policies.

Age Average Annual Premium
16 $3,960
17 $3,720
18 $3,420
19 $3,100

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For Teens On Their Own Policy

Teenagers under the age of 18 usually can’t get their own auto insurance policy. While it’s generally cheaper for teens to remain on their parents’ policy, teenagers who live at a different address from their parents may need to purchase their own policy.

Here are the average annual full-coverage rates for teens on their own policies in North Carolina.

Age Average Annual Premium
18 $6,000
19 $5,000

How To Get Cheap Car Insurance For Teens In North Carolina

Finding affordable car insurance for teenage drivers in North Carolina can be difficult, but families can take several steps to lower costs while maintaining strong coverage.

Shop Around For Quotes

Always compare rates from multiple insurers. Companies like State Farm, USAA, and GEICO often provide competitive options for young drivers in North Carolina. Getting several quotes helps you identify the best balance of price and protection.

Bundle Policies

Combining auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance can unlock multi-policy discounts. Families who already have bundled coverage may save even more when adding a teen driver.

Assess Driving Habits

Consider how often and how far your teen drives. Low-mileage drivers may benefit from usage-based programs such as Allstate’s Milewise® or GEICO’s DriveEasy, which reward limited driving with lower premiums.

Add To An Existing Policy

Instead of purchasing a separate policy, adding your teen to your current family plan is usually more cost-effective. Insurers often provide better rates when coverage is bundled under one policy.

Ask About Discounts

Look into discounts specifically designed for teens. Good student discounts, safe driving rewards, and multi-policy savings can significantly reduce premiums.

Enroll In A Safe Driving Course

Encourage your teen to complete a defensive driving or driver’s education course. These programs improve driving skills and often qualify for additional discounts.

Choose A Higher Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can lower monthly premiums. Just make sure the deductible is an amount you can comfortably pay if an accident occurs.

Consider Usage-Based Insurance

If your teen drives infrequently, pay-per-mile or telematics-based insurance programs can provide substantial savings by tracking driving behavior and mileage.

Review And Update Regularly

As your teen gains experience and maintains a clean driving record, revisit the policy annually. Over time, insurers may offer new discounts or lower rates based on improved driving history.

By combining these strategies, North Carolina families can secure affordable coverage for teenage drivers while promoting safe and responsible habits behind the wheel.

Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive For Teens?

Teen drivers in North Carolina often face some of the highest insurance premiums. Insurers charge more because young drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, and their lack of experience makes them riskier to insure.

Immaturity And Risky Decisions

Teenagers are still developing their judgment and decision-making skills. Poor choices such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to anticipate hazards increase the likelihood of accidents, which insurers factor into premiums.

Greater Severity Of Accidents

Collisions involving teens often result in more significant damage. Inexperience in handling dangerous situations can lead to severe outcomes, driving up claim costs.

Limited Credit History

Insurance companies frequently consider credit history when setting rates. Since most teens have little or no established credit, they are often placed in higher-risk categories, which increases costs.

Higher Accident Rates

Statistics show that teenagers, especially young males, are more likely to be in crashes compared to older drivers. Risky behaviors such as not wearing seat belts or using mobile phones while driving contribute to these elevated accident numbers.

Expensive Claims

Repairing modern vehicles and covering medical bills after an accident can be very costly. Because teens are more likely to generate these claims, insurers adjust premiums upward to cover potential expenses.

Lack Of Driving Experience

With fewer hours behind the wheel compared to older drivers, teens are more prone to mistakes. This lack of experience is one of the strongest factors influencing higher insurance costs in North Carolina.

By understanding these reasons, families can better anticipate the challenges of insuring teenage drivers and explore strategies such as safe driving programs, good student discounts, or adding teens to a parent’s policy to help reduce expenses.

How Can I Add A Teen To My Car Insurance Policy?

Adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance policy in North Carolina is an important step for families. While the process is straightforward, it requires careful planning to balance affordability with adequate protection.

Ask About Discounts

Many insurers in North Carolina provide discounts for young drivers. Good student discounts, safe driving rewards, and completion of driver’s education courses can all reduce costs. Bundling auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance may also unlock additional savings.

Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as your teen earns a learner’s permit or driver’s license, contact your insurer. Some companies require immediate notification, while others allow you to wait until the license is fully issued. Be ready to provide details such as your teen’s date of birth, license number, and any driving history.

Evaluate The Impact On Premiums

Adding a teen will almost always raise your rates. Request a quote from your insurer to see how much the increase will be, and compare with other providers if necessary. Adjusting deductibles can help lower premiums, but make sure the amount is manageable in case of an accident.

Educate Your Teen On Safe Driving

Encourage responsible driving habits from the start. A clean driving record will help keep premiums lower over time. Enrolling your teen in a defensive driving course can further reduce risk and may qualify them for additional discounts.

Discuss Coverage Options

Review your current policy to determine if it provides enough protection with a teen driver included. Consider raising liability limits or adding comprehensive and collision coverage, especially if your teen will drive a newer or more valuable vehicle. Some insurers even offer tailored coverage for young drivers.

Add Your Teen To The Policy

Once you’ve chosen the right coverage and applied available discounts, finalize the process by officially adding your teen. Your insurer will update your policy documents to reflect the change.

Review The Policy Regularly

As your teen gains experience, revisit your policy each year. Insurance companies often adjust rates based on driving history, so you may qualify for new discounts or need to update coverage levels.

By following these steps, North Carolina families can ensure their teenage drivers are properly insured while keeping costs as manageable as possible.

Car Insurance Discounts For Teens

Teen drivers in North Carolina often face high insurance premiums, but many companies offer discounts that can help families save money. Exploring these options can make coverage more affordable while encouraging safe driving habits.

  • Driver’s Education Discount. Completing a certified driver’s education course can reduce insurance costs. These programs teach safe driving skills and lower the risk of accidents, making teens less risky to insure.
  • Good Student Discount. Teens who maintain strong grades, typically a B average or 3.0 GPA, can qualify for reduced rates. Insurers believe that responsible students are more likely to be responsible drivers.
  • Accident-Free Discount. Young drivers who maintain a clean record without accidents over a set period may qualify for lower premiums. This discount encourages careful driving and long-term responsibility.
  • Bundling Discount. Families can save by combining auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance. Adding a teen to a bundled policy often results in multi-policy savings.
  • Safe Driver Programs. Programs such as State Farm’s Steer Clear® or GEICO’s DriveEasy reward teens for practicing safe driving. These often involve monitored driving through apps or courses, providing discounts for consistent safe behavior.
  • Low Mileage Discount. Teens who drive infrequently, such as only commuting to school or work, may qualify for low mileage discounts. Less time on the road means reduced risk for insurers.
  • Student Away at School Discount. If a teen attends college more than 100 miles from home and does not regularly use a car, insurers may reduce rates since the vehicle is driven less frequently.
  • Early Signing Discount. Some companies offer savings if you renew or sign up for a policy before the current one expires. Planning ahead can help lock in lower rates.
  • Usage-Based Insurance Programs. Options like Progressive’s Snapshot® or Allstate’s Drivewise® track driving behavior. Teens who consistently drive safely can earn discounts based on real-time data.
  • Safe Driving Discount. Teens who avoid traffic violations and maintain a clean record can qualify for safe driving discounts. This reward system encourages consistent, responsible driving.
  • Good Driver Discount. Young drivers who have held a license for a few years without violations or accidents may qualify for this discount, recognizing their growing experience and reliability.

By combining these discounts, North Carolina families can significantly reduce the cost of insuring teenage drivers while promoting safe and responsible habits on the road.

Compare Teen Car Insurance Costs To Other States

State Average Annual Rate (Full Coverage)
Alabama $4,466
Alaska $4,880
Arizona $6,083
Arkansas $4,711
California $7,154
Colorado $6,546
Connecticut $5,622
Delaware $5,863
Florida $7,526
Georgia $6,184
Hawaii $1,681
Idaho $3,040
Illinois $5,407
Indiana $3,626
Iowa $3,533
Kansas $5,071
Kentucky $5,271
Louisiana $8,687
Maine $3,562
Maryland $6,311
Massachusetts $4,469
Michigan $6,894
Minnesota $5,318
Mississippi $4,601
Missouri $5,730
Montana $4,915
Nebraska $4,713
Nevada $7,430
New Hampshire $3,794
New Jersey $6,337
New Mexico $4,184
New York $7,442
North Carolina $4,543
North Dakota $3,644
Ohio $4,157
Oklahoma $5,518
Oregon $4,890
Pennsylvania $5,353
Rhode Island $6,777
South Carolina $4,293
South Dakota $3,890
Tennessee $4,883
Texas $4,366
Utah $5,214
Vermont $3,630
Virginia $5,213
Washington $4,348
West Virginia $4,501
Wisconsin $3,917
Wyoming $3,682

Our Methodology

Our methodology for evaluating car insurance companies is based on a comprehensive analysis of factors, including affordability, coverage options, customer service, claims processing, discounts available to teen drivers, and overall financial stability. We compare these aspects across multiple insurers and insurance company review websites to determine which offers the best value and protection for teen drivers in North Carolina.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to be on your parent’s policy?

Yes, it’s typically cheaper for teens to be added to their parents’ policy rather than purchasing a separate one.

Should an 18 year old have their own car insurance?

It depends. Staying on a parent’s policy is often cheaper, but an independent policy may be necessary in some situations.

What is the cheapest car insurance for a minor?

The cheapest car insurance varies, but Progressive and State Farm often offer affordable options for teen drivers, especially with discounts.

About Bob Phillips

Having spent over fifteen years helping people plan their lives financially, Bob mastered many different financial products to help people achieve their financial goals, including life insurance, disability insurance, mutual funds, and stocks and bonds.
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