As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina requires minimum liability limits of 50/100/50: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $50,000 property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is also required at limits at least equal to your liability limits.
North Carolina minimum car insurance requirements
| Coverage | Minimum | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $50,000 | Up from $30,000 before July 1, 2025. |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $100,000 | Up from $60,000 before July 1, 2025. |
| Property Damage Liability | $50,000 | Up from $25,000 before July 1, 2025. |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Matches liability limits | Required on every policy. |
What affects car insurance rates in North Carolina
- Higher minimums: The move to 50/100/50 raised the floor on every policy in the state.
- Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP): NC assigns points for violations and at-fault accidents; each point adds a set surcharge to your premium.
- Rate regulation: NC's Rate Bureau system keeps rates among the lowest in the Southeast for drivers with clean records.
- Where you live: Charlotte and the Triangle cost more than the mountains and the coast's smaller towns.
- Continuous coverage: A lapse can trigger a civil penalty and registration suspension, and it usually costs more to reinstate.
How to get cheaper car insurance in North Carolina
Start by comparing. A GEICO quote through DriveLower takes about two minutes and shows you a real rate for your ZIP code, not an estimate. Then stack the savings: bundle auto with renters, home or condo coverage, choose deductibles you can actually afford, keep your coverage continuous, and ask us to check every discount you may qualify for, including good driver, multi-vehicle, military, federal employee and good student.
If you're carrying only the state minimum, consider raising your liability limits. The minimums above were set years ago and rarely cover a serious crash today. The difference in premium is often smaller than people expect, and we'll show you both options side by side. Read our guide on liability vs. full coverage and 12 ways to lower your car insurance.
Serving drivers across North Carolina
We quote and write GEICO policies for drivers throughout North Carolina, including:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Fayetteville
- Cary
- Wilmington
- High Point
- Concord
- Asheville
- Greenville
- Jacksonville
- Gastonia
- Chapel Hill
- Huntersville
Not listed? Every North Carolina ZIP code works. Enter yours above to get started.
Coverage available in North Carolina
- Auto insurance: liability, collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, medical payments, roadside and rental.
- Motorcycle insurance and boat insurance.
- Homeowners, condo and renters insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency.
North Carolina car insurance FAQ
What are North Carolina's car insurance minimums in 2026?
50/100/50: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident and $50,000 property damage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at matching limits. These limits took effect July 1, 2025.
Why did my North Carolina car insurance go up in 2025?
State law raised the required minimum coverage on July 1, 2025. Policies that renewed with the old 30/60/25 limits had to be increased to 50/100/50, which raised premiums for many drivers. Re-shopping your rate is the best response.
Is North Carolina a no-fault state?
No. North Carolina is an at-fault state and one of the few that still follows pure contributory negligence, which means being even slightly at fault can bar recovery. Good liability and UM/UIM limits matter here.
What is the NC Safe Driver Incentive Plan?
A state point system. Convictions and at-fault accidents add SDIP points, and each point level carries a fixed percentage surcharge on your premium for three years.
Can I get a North Carolina quote online?
Yes. Enter your ZIP code and you'll go to a secure GEICO quote. Or call (904) 622-1850 to quote with a licensed agent.