Wilmington drivers pay an average of $1,072 per year for full coverage car insurance, slightly less than the statewide average for North Carolina, which is just $1,084 per year. But even though rates are already low in Wilmington, drivers can still save even more on their car insurance by comparing rates before picking a policy.
The best way to make sure you’re finding the most affordable rates on car insurance is to shop around. policycentral can help you see what you’ll pay for coverage with top car insurance companies, so you can be sure you’re picking the policy that’s best for you.
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
policycentral has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.
Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Wilmington, NC
How much you pay for car insurance depends on your age, driving record, ZIP code, and credit history. But your rates will also depend on the company you choose — since costs can vary from company to company, even for the same driver.
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
Erie | $738 | 893 |
Farm Bureau | $786 | -- |
Utica National | $885 | -- |
GEICO | $886 | 874 |
State Farm | $904 | 882 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Wilmington, NC
Rates of theft and vandalism, the number of accidents and traffic tickets issued nearby, and even the average costs of car repairs in your neighborhood can all affect what you’ll pay for car insurance.
ZIP code | Average cost |
|---|---|
28409 | $1,060 |
28412 | $1,062 |
28405 | $1,069 |
28403 | $1,070 |
28401 | $1,098 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Wilmington, NC
The right car insurance company for you is whichever one offers you the best coverage at the lowest rates — which means the right company for one driver may not be the right one for another.
The best way to find the right car insurance company for you is to shop around and compare rates before picking a policy. policycentral makes it easy to compare options, so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right company for you.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Wilmington, NC
Any kind of moving violation will have a negative impact on your car insurance rates, but more serious violations, like a DUI or an at-fault accident, will mean much higher rates.
Violation | Erie | Farm Bureau | Utica National | GEICO | State Farm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $836 | $1,346 | $1,691 | $2,167 | $1,641 |
DUI | $3,474 | $3,371 | $4,937 | $5,214 | $4,192 |
Suspended license | $2,388 | $2,320 | $3,309 | $3,207 | $2,557 |
Open container | $1,147 | $1,121 | $1,269 | $1,474 | $1,347 |
Expired registration | $1,147 | $1,121 | $1,269 | $1,474 | $1,226 |
Driving without lights | $759 | $1,121 | $1,269 | $1,474 | $1,226 |
Running a red light | $1,147 | $1,121 | $1,269 | $1,474 | $1,347 |
Following too closely | $1,263 | $1,234 | $1,437 | $1,600 | $1,494 |
Hit and run | $3,474 | $5,185 | $4,937 | $5,214 | $4,192 |
Not-at-fault accident | $759 | $821 | $1,017 | $907 | $960 |
Passing a school bus | $1,536 | $1,497 | $2,017 | $1,989 | $1,740 |
Reckless driving | $1,536 | $1,497 | $2,017 | $2,331 | $1,740 |
Speeding | $1,263 | $1,234 | $1,119 | $1,600 | $1,494 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Wilmington, NC
Company | Rates for drivers with DUIs |
|---|---|
Farm Bureau | $3,371 |
Erie | $3,474 |
State Farm | $4,192 |
Utica National | $4,937 |
GEICO | $5,214 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Wilmington, NC
Company | Rates for drivers with speeding tickets |
|---|---|
Utica National | $1,119 |
Farm Bureau | $1,234 |
Erie | $1,263 |
State Farm | $1,494 |
GEICO | $1,600 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Wilmington, NC
Credit score also matters when it comes to car insurance. Generally, the lower your credit score, the more you’ll pay for car insurance, so if you’re a Wilmington driver with poor credit, it’s all the more important to shop around and find your most affordable rates.
Company | Rates for drivers with bad credit |
|---|---|
National General Insurance | $989 |
Erie | $1,109 |
MetLife | $1,147 |
Progressive | $1,147 |
Penn National | $1,149 |
Buying car insurance in Wilmington, NC
All Wilmington drivers must meet the minimum insurance requirements in North Carolina, which are:
Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
Property damage liability coverage: $25,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Must match highest BI minimum ($60,000 per accident)
North Carolina drivers must be able to provide proof of insurance if requested. If you are convicted of driving without insurance, penalties may include fines and revocation of your vehicle's license plates.
How to get cheap car insurance in Wilmington, NC
Drive safely: Drive with care to avoid at-fault accidents and traffic violations
Shop around: Get more than one quote so you can compare companies before you buy
Don’t miss discounts: Ask what kind of discounts are offered, including savings for low mileage drivers, safe drivers, good students, and paying your premiums in full
Bundle policies: Get your renters or homeowners insurance from the same company as your auto insurance and you’ll save on both policies
Frequently asked questions
Who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Wilmington?
Our data shows the company with the cheapest car insurance in Wilmington is Erie, but car insurance rates can vary widely, so you should shop around to find the best rates for you.
How can I save money on my car insurance in Wilmington?
You’ll save money on your car insurance by avoiding accidents and tickets and shopping around before you buy a policy. You should make sure to reshop for car insurance before your policy is up for renewal each year, to make sure you’re not missing out on a better deal somewhere else.
Does North Carolina require car insurance?
Yes, North Carolina requires at least $35,000 per person/$60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What happens if you drive without insurance in North Carolina?
Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in North Carolina, which means you could have your driver's license suspended. You could also be fined $50-$150 or put in jail, so it is important to have at least the minimum required level of liability coverage.
