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Last updated: November 3, 2025Best 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
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5Average Cost in Raleigh
- Full Coverage Monthly: $86
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $33
Cheapest Major Provider
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5Average Cost in Raleigh
- Full Coverage Monthly: $86
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $44
Best Regional Provider
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5Average Cost in Raleigh
- Full Coverage Monthly: $131
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $56
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
- Best Overall: Erie
- Cheapest Major Provider: Progressive
- Best Regional Provider: North Carolina Farm Bureau
- Best for Rideshare Insurance: State Farm
- Best for Safe/Low Mileage Drivers: Nationwide
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Raleigh
| Company | Full coverage annual average | Minimum coverage annual average | Southeast customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,036 | $395 | Above average |
| Progressive | $1,036 | $529 | Below average |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | $1,573 | $675 | Not rated |
| State Farm | $1,259 | $487 | Above average |
| Nationwide | $1,577 | $697 | Above average |
| USAA | Data not available | Data not available | Above 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. Erie - Best Overall
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$47 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$153 mo.
- No. 1 in the Southeast on J.D. Power
- Cheapest rates in Raleigh
- Good claims handling
Agent-only- Fewer online features
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. Progressive - Cheapest Major Provider
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$59 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$172 mo.
- Lowest full coverage rates along with Erie
- Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
- Lowest rates for drivers with a DUI in North Carolina
- Mixed reviews for customer service
- Gap insurance won’t necessarily cover full amount owed
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. North Carolina Farm Bureau - Best Regional Provider
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$56 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$161 mo.
- Local provider
- No. 1 for claims handling in the CRASH Network survey
- Membership benefits
- Membership required
- Basic digital tools
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. State Farm - Best for Rideshare Insurance
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$54 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$169 mo.
- Low Raleigh rates
- Strong customer service
- Rideshare coverage
- Must complete quotes by phone
- No accident forgiveness
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. Nationwide - Best for Safe/Low Mileage Drivers
4.8
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$60 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$166 mo.
- Above-average customer service
- Pay-per-mile insurance
- Wide range of discounts
- Not available in select states
- Expensive for teen drivers
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. USAA - Best for Military and Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$36 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$128 mo.
- Low rates
- Excellent customer service
- Military-specific discounts
- Military eligibility required
- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
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
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study — Southeast3 | CRASH Network Insurer Report Card4 | J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study5 | NAIC Complaint Index6 |
| Erie | 718 | A- | 743 | 1.15 |
| Progressive | 645 | C | 673 | 1.37 |
| North Carolina Farm Bureau | Not rated | A+ | Not rated | 1.50 |
| State Farm | 677 | C- | 716 | 2.17 |
| Nationwide | 691 | C | 729 | 2.66 |
| USAA | 749* | D+ | 741* | 2.74 |
| Average | 667 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer 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.
| Company | Monthly Raleigh average | Annual 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.
| Company | Monthly Raleigh average | Annual 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Citations
Facts + Statistics: Insurance company rankings. Insurance Information Institute. (2024).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-insurance-company-rankingsMember Benefits. Farm Bureau North Carolina. (2025).
https://www.ncfb.org/member-benefits/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-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2025).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/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-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2025).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmNorth Carolina 2024 Traffic Crash Facts. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. (2024).
https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/CrashFactsDocuments/2024%20Crash%20Facts.pdfTop 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.pdfInsurance Requirements. North Carolina DMV. (2025).
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/insurance-requirements/Pages/default.aspx
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