Car Insurance For College Students In North Carolina 2024
For college students in North Carolina, GEICO is my preferred car insurance provider.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
After spending hours reviewing and comparing quotes from different insurance brands, our team of experts identified GEICO as the best option for college students in North Carolina, offering the most affordable coverage and top full coverage policies.
For North Carolina college students, State Farm proved to be an excellent option for minimum coverage policies and top-tier customer service. Meanwhile, Progressive stood out as the best choice for drivers with a history of accidents or violations.
In this guide, we’ll delve into all various companies and discuss how various factors like location and age can influence auto insurance rates for college students in North Carolina.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In North Carolina, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In North Carolina
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance For College Students In North Carolina
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅When college students are in the market for their first car insurance, affordability is often a key concern. GEICO provides not only affordable coverage, averaging $950 annually, but also a trusted company name.
For decades, GEICO has remained one of the top auto insurance providers, known for its competitive rates and outstanding customer service. The company has also enhanced its digital presence with a user-friendly mobile app and website, making it easy for customers to manage their accounts.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Leading rates for college students
- Several discounts tailored for students
- Easy-to-use app and website for policy management
- Strong customer satisfaction scores ✓
- Small local agent network
- Lacks gap and rideshare insurance ✘
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Full coverage car insurance tends to be pricier than minimum coverage, so opting for a company like GEICO, which offers affordable rates, is key. North Carolina college students typically pay about $1,201 annually for full coverage through GEICO.
Working with GEICO provides more than just budget-friendly coverage; the company is also at the forefront of innovation. Their customer-centric website enables policyholders to modify account details in just seconds.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers discounts with a usage-based program
- Affordable full coverage rates for college students
- Customer satisfaction scores above the industry average
- Fewer local agents available ✓
- Bundle discount rates lower than those of competitors
- Fewer local agents available
- No add-ons for new car replacement or rideshare insurance ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅For college students who regularly drive to campus or for work, a full coverage policy is often a better choice than minimum coverage. These plans offer broader protection, typically covering liability, comprehensive, and collision.
Full coverage policies offer greater protection but come with a higher price tag. Evaluating the advantages of the extra insurance against the increased monthly expense is crucial.
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For college students opting for minimum coverage, it’s important to select a company with a strong reputation for backing its policyholders. State Farm is known for its personalized service and offers very competitive rates for young drivers.
With a quick claims process and one-on-one customer service, State Farm ensures fast issue resolution. College students in North Carolina can expect to pay around $900 for a minimum coverage policy through State Farm.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Industry-leading support team for customers
- Affordable rates for a wide range of college students
- High renewal rates for policies
- Personalized service with a significant local agent presence ✓
- Policies offer less customization than those from other large insurers
- Lacks coverage for gap insurance ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅While minimum coverage policies can lower your insurance costs, they might leave you unprotected in case of an accident. These affordable plans provide only the state’s minimum coverage, meaning you could incur out-of-pocket expenses for any additional damage or costs.
For college students, minimum coverage policies are an excellent choice as they meet legal insurance requirements and help keep costs affordable.
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅It’s normal for college students to have questions about their auto insurance. Although many companies offer interactive apps and websites, Auto-Owners Insurance stands out by providing direct access to a live person. The added assistance from a local agent can be worth the slightly increased premium.
Alongside top-notch customer service, the company offers multiple discount options to help cut costs. College students should expect to pay around $1,500 per year for their coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Renowned for excellent customer service
- Offers flexible coverage and multiple discounts
- Prioritizes face-to-face relationships with local agents
- Provides accident forgiveness and deductible reductions ✓
- Quotes require contacting an agent
- Coverage limited to 26 states
- Lacks online policy management tools ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅It’s a common assumption that top-notch customer service is expensive, but this isn’t always the case. In North Carolina, both Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm are highly rated for customer satisfaction and provide budget-friendly choices for college students.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Although Progressive Insurance didn’t have the lowest rates for standard coverage, they were the best option for Florida college students who had driving violations. Whether it was a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still offered reasonably priced coverage.
The average annual cost for auto insurance for college students with driving violations is around $1,720.
Progressive also provides rideshare coverage, a useful option for college students working part-time for companies like DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Competitive rates for motorists with driving violations
- Covers vet expenses for your pet if injured in an accident, provided you have collision insurance
- Offers additional rideshare coverage options ✓
- Customer loyalty ratings are somewhat below average
- Customer service is average ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Any driver with a traffic violation is likely to see a substantial increase in monthly insurance costs, regardless of their age. For college students, who are already deemed high-risk, the rate hike after an accident or ticket can be even more pronounced.
To lessen the damage of a driving violation, consider working with a company like Progressive that focuses on insuring drivers who have had tickets or accidents.
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅By utilizing low-mileage policies and discounts, college students can substantially cut their car insurance expenses. State Farm provides some of the most budget-friendly options, with annual premiums typically around $1,130.
With strong ratings in customer service and financial stability, State Farm is a trustworthy option for college students seeking their initial auto insurance coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers substantial savings for low-mileage drivers through its usage-based discount program.
- Known for excellent customer service.
- Maintains high renewal and retention rates among its policyholders.
- Holds strong financial ratings from independent agencies such as AM Best. ✓
- Lacks coverage options for rideshare services and gap insurance.
- Could be more expensive for drivers with poor credit. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅For college students who won’t be driving much during the academic year, there’s no need to overpay for insurance. You’ll need to have at least the state minimum coverage, but affordable policies and discounts are available for those who drive less.
Many low-mileage insurance policies offer reduced rates for drivers who stay below a certain annual mileage. While the exact limit varies by insurer, it usually ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 miles per year.
Cheapest Overall Rates For College Students In North Carolina
| Company | Average Rate Per Year |
| GEICO | $950 |
| State Farm | $1,130 |
| Nationwide | $1,040 |
| Allstate | $1,798 |
| Progressive | $1,120 |
Top Customer Service Scores For North Carolina Auto Insurance Companies
| Company | Overall Customer Satisfaction Index Rating |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | 890 |
| State Farm | 881 |
| Allstate | 876 |
| Nationwide | 876 |
| Farmers | 872 |
Average Cost For 18 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $180 |
| State Farm | $102 |
| Nationwide | $134 |
| Allstate | $279 |
| Progressive | $184 |
Average Cost For 19 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $106 |
| State Farm | $98 |
| Progressive | $92 |
| Nationwide | $111 |
| Auto Owners | $175 |
Average Cost For 20 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nationwide | $99 |
| State Farm | $92 |
| Progressive | $95 |
| GEICO | $104 |
| Allstate | $172 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $78 |
| State Farm | $94 |
| Nationwide | $86 |
| Allstate | $149 |
| Progressive | $93 |
Average Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $76 |
| State Farm | $92 |
| Nationwide | $83 |
| Allstate | $142 |
| Progressive | $94 |
Average Rates For 23 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $94 |
| State Farm | $87 |
| Progressive | $93 |
| Nationwide | $75 |
| Allstate | $141 |
Average Car Insurance Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $86 |
| Nationwide | $72 |
| GEICO | $71 |
| Progressive | $93 |
| Allstate | $135 |
Average Rates For 25 Year Old College Students In North Carolina
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $80 |
| Allstate | $125 |
| GEICO | $71 |
| Progressive | $92 |
| Nationwide | $65 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| GEICO | $76 | $99 |
| State Farm | $92 | $87 |
| Nationwide | $83 | $80 |
| Allstate | $142 | $127 |
| Progressive | $94 | $101 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In North Carolina – By City
| City | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
| Charlotte | $1,706 | $142 |
| Raleigh | $1,476 | $123 |
| Greensboro | $1,380 | $115 |
| Durham | $1,404 | $117 |
| Asheville | $1,272 | $106 |
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In North Carolina
For most college students, average car insurance premiums are significantly higher than those for drivers in their mid to late 20s. If you can’t remain on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to find strategies to lower your monthly payment.
Here are some tips and strategies to help you reduce the cost of car insurance.
Student Discounts
While most are aware of student discounts for academic achievement, college students can also qualify for a range of other discounts, including:
- Safe driver discount
- Discount for having finished driver’s education
- Discount for attending college far from home
Affiliation Discounts
Participating in campus clubs and organizations is a great way for students to get involved. These groups can also offer additional perks, including access to various discounts. Depending on your insurance company, being a member of a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni association might lower your monthly insurance premium.
Used vs. New
Many parents choose to give their kids a new car as a graduation present. While new vehicles might save on gas, they typically come with higher insurance costs. This is because newer cars are more costly to repair or replace, leading insurers to increase rates.
Security And Safety Improvements
While other tips on the list may be specific to college students, this advice applies to drivers of any age. Insurance companies often give lower rates if you upgrade your vehicle’s security features or add safety devices.
As an example, installing anti-theft devices like a car alarm can cut your car insurance rate by as much as 5%.
Common Auto Insurance Claims In North Carolina
Generally, North Carolina auto insurance claims fall into four common categories, including:
- Property Damage Claims (3.36 claims per 100 years of vehicle use)
- Comprehensive Claims (2.81 claims per 100 years of vehicle use)
- Collision Claims (5.8 claims per 100 years of vehicle use)
- Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 claims per 100 years of vehicle use)
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
Although insurance typically provides straightforward answers, whether you’ll require your own policy as a college student depends on various circumstances. Let’s examine scenarios where you could stay on your family plan and where you’d need separate coverage.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
Car insurance doesn’t have an age limit like health insurance does, allowing children to stay on their parent’s policy. If they live at home or use their parents’ permanent address while attending college, they can continue to be covered under the same auto insurance policy.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
A college student would need to buy their own car insurance if they change their address. When a student establishes a permanent address different from their parents, they must obtain a separate insurance policy.
Temporary Car Insurance
Not every car insurance provider offers temporary coverage, but it’s a great option for college students who won’t be driving much.
Most temporary auto insurance policies provide six months of coverage and give customers the option to cancel once the term is over. This is ideal for college students who don’t need extra months of coverage while at school and for those planning to study abroad for a semester.
Try Usage-Based Car Insurance
Similar to telematics, usage-based car insurance tracks driving habits, but it has an extra component that is especially appealing to college students.
Usage-based car insurance allows you to get discounts and reduce premiums by driving less annually. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans offer an affordable coverage option, especially if your car is parked in the dorm lot or at home for most of the school year.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In North Carolina
As a college student, finding your first auto insurance policy might feel stressful. Thankfully, platforms like Insuranceopedia help make the car insurance shopping experience straightforward and pleasant.
While these platforms let you quickly compare rates from different insurance providers, you’ll need to have certain information ready to complete the process. Here’s a guide to the steps you’ll need to take when purchasing your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Make sure you have all important information ready, including vehicle details, driver’s license numbers, policyholder data, and driving records.
Step 2: Find out the amount of coverage needed to meet North Carolina legal requirements.
Step 3: Choose whether to buy insurance online or from an agent.
Step 4: Compare quotes from at least three different insurers.
Step 5: Buy your policy and inform your previous insurance provider.
How To Get Discounts
For college students, car insurance can be pricey, especially if there are tickets or accidents on your record. One way to lower the cost of coverage is by using discounts offered by your insurance carrier.
Different car insurance companies provide various discounts for their policyholders. Before buying a plan, check out these options:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
For college students, exploring innovative ways to cut car insurance costs is essential. Telematics is one of the most effective strategies to lower your monthly premium.
Insurance companies use telematics devices to track and evaluate your driving behavior. The safer you drive, the lower your rates will be, and you’re more likely to receive discounts for being a safe driver.
Our Methodology
In our search for the cheapest car insurance rates for North Carolina college students, we examined findings from several car insurance review sites, with some using public rate filings provided by Quadrant Information Services. Additionally, our team brought 25 years of combined insurance experience to evaluate each company. It’s essential to remember that although the rates in this guide are correct, premiums can fluctuate daily and differ based on each driver's circumstances.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in North Carolina?
GEICO generally provides the most affordable coverage for college students. Nevertheless, depending on your driving record and desired coverage, Progressive and State Farm are also options to consider in North Carolina.
Do college students need car insurance in North Carolina?
All drivers in North Carolina must have car insurance. College students can choose to stay on their parents’ policy while they’re living at home or get their own auto insurance when they move out.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in North Carolina?
Car insurance is usually pricier for younger drivers in North Carolina. College students tend to pay less than 16-year-olds but still face much higher rates compared to 25-year-old drivers.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
Before adding a college student to your family plan, reach out to your insurance provider before the student starts college. Most insurers will need the student’s new zip code and verification that their primary address is still the family home. Out-of-state students might have extra requirements.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
For college students, staying at your parents’ home allows you to stay on their car insurance. But once you officially move out and have a new permanent address, you’ll need to switch to your own auto insurance policy.
