AutoInsurance.com is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines.
Autoinsurance.com Logo
Find Your Perfect Policy:866-843-5386
Check iconLast updated: November 3, 2025

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Raleigh

Erie and Progressive are tied for the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Raleigh, with average annual rates of $1,036.

Best Overall
Erie Insurance Logo
Editor's Rating:5/5

Average Cost in Raleigh

  • Full Coverage Monthly: $86
  • Minimum Coverage Monthly: $33
Cheapest Major Provider
Progressive Logo
Editor's Rating:4.7/5

Average Cost in Raleigh

  • Full Coverage Monthly: $86
  • Minimum Coverage Monthly: $44
Best Regional Provider
North Carolina Farm Bureau Logo
Editor's Rating:4.7/5

Average Cost in Raleigh

  • Full Coverage Monthly: $131
  • Minimum Coverage Monthly: $56
Binoculars icon
Looking for theBest Cheap Car Insurance in Raleigh?
Get QuotesArrow right
At AutoInsurance.com, our mission is to help you make smarter auto insurance decisions with confidence. We follow a strict editorial policy to ensure the accuracy of information presented is rooted in data and vetted by thousands of hours of research. While we may earn compensation from our partners, this does not influence our assessments and recommendations. Learn more about how we make money.

Key Takeaways

  • The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina, is $1,446 per year, which is right around the statewide average of $1,455. Minimum coverage in Raleigh averages $779 annually, which is 5 percent higher than the North Carolina average of $745.
  • Erie and Progressive offer the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Raleigh; both companies average $1,036 per year. Erie has the cheapest minimum coverage, at $395 annually, on average.
  • Average rates help you estimate the cost of auto insurance, but rates vary depending on your driving history, vehicle and other factors. You should always get car insurance quotes directly from insurers to see which companies give you the best rates for your personal driver profile.

Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Raleigh

  1. Best Overall: Erie
  2. Cheapest Major Provider: Progressive
  3. Best Regional Provider: North Carolina Farm Bureau
  4. Best for Rideshare Insurance: State Farm
  5. Best for Safe/Low Mileage Drivers: Nationwide
  6. Best for Military and Veterans: USAA

Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Raleigh

CompanyFull coverage annual averageMinimum coverage annual averageSoutheast customer satisfaction (J.D. Power)
Erie$1,036$395Above average
Progressive$1,036$529Below average
North Carolina Farm Bureau$1,573$675Not rated
State Farm$1,259$487Above average
Nationwide$1,577$697Above average
USAAData not availableData not availableAbove average*
Raleigh$1,446$779

*Due to its limited availability, USAA technically does not qualify to rank on J.D. Power’s surveys.

Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Raleigh

1. Best Overall - Erie

Erie Insurance Logo
Editor's Rating: 5/5

What We Like Most:

  • No. 1 in the Southeast on J.D. Power
  • Cheapest rates in Raleigh
  • Good claims handling
Read Full Review

Why we chose it

Erie has the lowest average minimum and full coverage auto insurance rates in Raleigh, North Carolina. It also ranked first in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey for the Southeast region, first in J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study, and got an A- grade on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, indicating that Erie’s claims process is fair and easy to navigate. Erie offers a wide range of auto insurance discounts, and it offers Rate Lock, which ensures that your auto insurance rates don’t increase even if you get into an accident. We also chose Erie as our pick for the best cheap auto insurance in North Carolina.

Who it’s best for

Erie is a great option for Raleigh drivers who are looking for the lowest rates and an excellent standard of customer service. Erie’s low rates extend to drivers with less-than-stellar driving records. It’s also the cheapest auto insurance for teens, drivers with a speeding ticket, and drivers with an at-fault accident on their record in North Carolina.

Erie Raleigh Pricing

Erie Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $86 $33
Annually $1,036 $395
Difference from Raleigh average -28% -49%

2. Cheapest Major Provider - Progressive

Progressive Logo
Editor's Rating: 4.7/5

What We Like Most:

  • Lowest full coverage rates along with Erie
  • Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
  • Lowest rates for drivers with a DUI in North Carolina
Read Full Review

Why we chose it

Progressive is tied with Erie for the lowest average rates for full coverage auto insurance in Raleigh. It offers plenty of ways to save on your auto insurance, including car insurance discounts for young drivers, homeowners, and multiple vehicles. Progressive is the second-largest auto insurance provider in the U.S., after State Farm.1 It offers generous accident forgiveness perks, along with highly rated online tools for customers who prefer to shop for and manage their policies online.

Who it’s best for

Progressive is an excellent option for anyone who’s looking for an affordable national auto insurance provider. It’s also the cheapest auto insurer for drivers with DUIs and drivers with low credit in North Carolina.

Progressive Raleigh Pricing

Progressive Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $86 $44
Annually $1,036 $529
Difference from Raleigh average -28% -32%

3. Best Regional Provider - North Carolina Farm Bureau

North Carolina Farm Bureau Logo
Editor's Rating: 4.7/5

What We Like Most:

  • Local provider
  • No. 1 for claims handling in the CRASH Network survey
  • Membership benefits

Why we chose it

North Carolina Farm Bureau is a regional provider with lower-than-average minimum coverage rates in Raleigh. (Its full coverage rate is slightly higher than the citywide average.) Perhaps most impressive, North Carolina Farm Bureau ranked first out of 97 providers nationally on the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, meaning customers can expect a smooth handling process if they need to file a claim. North Carolina Farm Bureau also provides a wide range of membership benefits that are not typically offered by auto insurance companies, including discounts on gym memberships, hotels and more.

Who it’s best for

North Carolina Farm Bureau is great for drivers who prioritizes an excellent claims handling process over the absolute lowest rates. North Carolina Farm Bureau’s large number of local agents also makes it a great option for customers who prefer to shop in person or appreciate local service. You must be a North Carolian Farm Bureau member to buy insurance. Membership is $25 annually and includes other perks, like 30 percent off Avis car rentals, a $500 cash reward on new Ford trucks, and more.2

North Carolina Farm Bureau Raleigh Pricing

North Carolina Farm Bureau Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $131 $56
Annually $1,573 $675
Difference from Raleigh average +8% -13%

4. Best for Rideshare Insurance - State Farm

State Farm Logo
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5

What We Like Most:

  • Low Raleigh rates
  • Strong customer service
  • Rideshare coverage
Read Full Review

Why we chose it

State Farm, the largest auto insurer in the U.S., is known nationally for its high standard of customer service and lower-than-average rates; it earned above-average scores on both J.D. Power customer satisfaction studies. State Farm also offers multiple discounts, including for bundling home and auto insurance, driving safely, and getting online quotes.

Who it’s best for

State Farm’s optional rideshare coverage makes it a great option for rideshare drivers in North Carolina. Typically, adding rideshare insurance with State Farm increases your premium by 15 to 20 percent. Progressive, Erie, and Allstate also sell rideshare coverage, so shop around to compare prices and coverage.

State Farm Raleigh Pricing

State Farm Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $105 $41
Annually $1,259 $487
Difference from Raleigh average -13% -37%

5. Best for Safe/Low Mileage Drivers - Nationwide

Nationwide logo
Editor's Rating: 4.8/5

What We Like Most:

  • Above-average customer service
  • Pay-per-mile insurance
  • Wide range of discounts
Read Full Review

Why we chose it

Although Nationwide’s average rates are little higher than average, its safe driving program, Nationwide SmartRide, keeps rates low by monitoring driving and awarding a discount of up to 40 percent for safe driving habits. Drivers save 10 percent on their premiums just for signing up. Nationwide also offers a pay-per-mile program, Smartmiles, which charges you based on how much you drive (you can also get a 10 percent discount for safe-driving behavior with Smartmiles). Nationwide scored above average in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction surveys.

Who it’s best for

Nationwide is a great option for low-mileage drivers; drivers who practice safe habits, like steady acceleration and braking; and people who don’t typically drive at night.

Nationwide Raleigh Pricing

Nationwide Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $131 $58
Annually $1,577 $697
Difference from Raleigh average +9% -11%

6. Best for Military and Veterans - USAA

USAA Logo 2023
Editor's Rating: 5/5

What We Like Most:

  • Low rates
  • Excellent customer service
  • Military-specific discounts
Read Full Review

Why we chose it

Although USAA pricing data isn’t available for Raleigh or North Carolina, USAA is known nationally for offering lower rates than competitors and a high standard of customer service. Because USAA is available only to military members and their families, it doesn’t technically qualify to rank on J.D. Power’s surveys. However, it received the highest rating of all auto insurance providers in both the claims and customer satisfaction surveys.

Who it’s best for

USAA is available only to military members, veterans and their families, but if you qualify, it’s an excellent choice for low rates and great customer service. Whether you have a clean record, a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident, a DUI, low credit, or a teen driver on your policy, USAA’s rates are lower than the national average.

>>RELATED: Learn how USAA stacks up against State Farm.

Raleigh Best Cheap Picks Satisfaction Summary

CompanyJ.D. Power Auto Insurance Study — Southeast3CRASH Network Insurer Report Card4J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study5NAIC Complaint Index6
Erie718A-7431.15
Progressive645C6731.37
North Carolina Farm BureauNot ratedA+Not rated1.50
State Farm677C-7162.17
Nationwide691C7292.66
USAA749*D+741*2.74
Average667 (out of 1,000)C+700 (out of 1,000)1
What the study measuresCustomer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customersClaims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shopsSatisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claimConsumer complaints relative to market share; the lower the score, the better

*Due to its limited availability, USAA technically does not qualify to rank on J.D. Power’s surveys.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Raleigh

Erie and Progressive tie for the cheapest average full coverage rates in Raleigh. At $1,036 per year, or $86 a month, their average rate is 28 percent lower than the citywide average. State Farm has the next-cheapest full coverage auto insurance, with an average annual rate of $1,259 ($105 per month) — 13 percent lower than the Raleigh average.

CompanyMonthly Raleigh averageAnnual Raleigh average
Erie$86$1,036
Progressive$86$1,036
State Farm$105$1,259
National General$119$1,425
Travelers$127$1,524
North Carolina Farm Bureau$131$1,573
Nationwide$131$1,577
GEICO$134$1,611
Allstate$182$2,183
Raleigh average$121$1,446
North Carolina average$121$1,455
U.S. average$200$2,399

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Raleigh

Erie has the lowest average rate for minimum coverage in Raleigh: $395 per year, or $33 per month, which is 49 percent lower than the citywide average. After Erie, State Farm and Progressive offer the cheapest minimum coverage, with annual rates of $487 and $529, respectively.

CompanyMonthly Raleigh averageAnnual Raleigh average
Erie$33$395
State Farm$41$487
Progressive$44$529
North Carolina Farm Bureau$56$675
Nationwide$58$697
GEICO$64$765
National General$69$828
Travelers$86$1,032
Allstate$99$1,183
Raleigh average$65$779
North Carolina average$62$745
U.S. average$53$635

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Raleigh?

In 2024, there were 16,799 crashes in Raleigh, North Carolina, and 38 involved fatalities. Crashes in Raleigh accounted for about 6 percent of the total accidents in North Carolina in 2024.7

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, these are the locations with the most vehicle crashes in Raleigh:

  • Buffaloe Road at New Hope Road
  • Edwards Mill Road at Wade Avenue
  • Fox Road at Old Wake Forest Road at Segal Drive

The following locations have the highest rates of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists:

  • Capital Boulevard at Calvary Drive
  • New Bern Avenue at Trawick Road
  • Wake Forest Road at Ollie St./Ronald Drive8

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina state law requires drivers to have an auto insurance policy with the following limits, at a minimum:

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $50,0009

Although North Carolina’s legal auto insurance limits increased on July 1, 2025, liability coverage may not fully cover damage or medical costs if you’re in a car accident. Many experts recommend liability limits of 100/300/100, as well as uninsured motorist coverage.

FYI:

North Carolina is an at-fault state (or tort state). This means you can claim on the at-fault party’s insurance if you are in an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the cheapest auto insurance rates in NC?

On average, Erie has the cheapest full and minimum coverage rates in North Carolina. Its average full coverage rate of $899 is about 38 percent lower than the statewide average, and its average minimum coverage rate of $411 is 45 percent lower than the statewide average.

Who offers the cheapest vehicle insurance?

On average, American National, Root, Plymouth Rock and USAA have the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in the U.S. Connect (Costco), Auto-Owners and Erie also offer good rates. Although average rates can be helpful, you should get a quote directly from the insurer. Many factors affect car insurance rates, including your age, location, driving history and vehicle.

How much is car insurance in Raleigh, NC?

Full coverage car insurance in Raleigh, North Carolina, averages $1,446, while minimum coverage averages $779. In Raleigh, the average cost of full coverage is right around the North Carolina average, and minimum coverage is slightly higher.

Is State Farm cheaper than GEICO?

In the U.S., GEICO offers lower rates than State Farm, on average. For full coverage, GEICO averages $1,731, compared with $2,167 for State Farm. For minimum coverage, GEICO averages $517, compared with $674 for State Farm. Learn more about how State Farm compares to GEICO.

Methodology

At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:

  • Price (40%): We analyzed average premiums for full and minimum coverage in Raleigh, North Carolina, for good drivers with good credit. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
    • Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
    • Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
    • Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
  • Claims handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
  • Customer experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC Complaint Index, Better Business Bureau ratings, and app store reviews.
  • Coverage options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap insurance and rideshare coverage.

Read more about our ratings and methodology.

Kate Romain Bio Pic
Written by:Kate Romain
Staff Writer
Kate Romain combines her dedication to research with her love for writing and communications to deliver informative, comprehensive articles for those exploring insurance options. Her years of professional experience in writing and communications have well-equipped her to assist customers get the information they need to make smart insurance choices. Kate has also written for GigWolf, Boston Medical Center, and non-profit Writers Without Margins. She holds a BA in History and Politics and an MA in Creative Writing, both from the University of East Anglia.

Citations

  1. Facts + Statistics: Insurance company rankings. Insurance Information Institute. (2024).
    https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-insurance-company-rankings

  2. Member Benefits. Farm Bureau North Carolina. (2025).
    https://www.ncfb.org/member-benefits/

  3. It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-study

  4. Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2025).
    https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/

  5. Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Oct 28).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study

  6. Consumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2025).
    https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm

  7. North Carolina 2024 Traffic Crash Facts. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. (2024).
    https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2024%20Crash%20Facts.pdf

  8. Top 10 Vehicular and Pedestrian/Bicycle Intersections with the Highest Crash Ranking. Raleigh. (2024, Dec 20).
    https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/DEATA4765D73/$file/20250227RDOTTopIntersectionsTranspoTransitComm24-01.pdf

  9. Insurance Requirements. North Carolina DMV. (2025).
    https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/insurance-requirements/Pages/default.aspx