Minimum Car Insurance in North Carolina
The liability limits North Carolina requires, whether it is a no-fault state, and whether uninsured motorist or PIP coverage is required.
Short answer: For policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2025, North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). NCDMV, Vehicle Insurance Requirements (G.S. 20-279.21, 20-309); NC Department of Insurance, Automobile insurance: What's covered and what isn't
| Minimum coverage required | For policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2025, North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Policies issued or renewed before July 1, 2025 had minimums of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also required on all policies. Every vehicle with a valid North Carolina registration must have continuous liability insurance from a company licensed in North Carolina; out-of-state policies are not accepted. NCDOI (July 2026): https://www.ncdoi.gov/blog/2026/07/22/automobile-insurance-whats-covered-and-what-isnt |
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| At-fault or no-fault | North Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state: liability coverage pays, up to the policy limits, when you cause a crash that injures someone or damages their vehicle or property. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national list places North Carolina among the "Tort States." National list: https://aldoi.gov/consumers/StateAutoLaws.aspx |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required on all North Carolina auto policies, including policies with limits above the state minimums. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your car, when an uninsured at-fault driver hits you; underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference between the at-fault driver's liability limits and your UIM limits for injuries (it does not cover property damage). Coverage can be lost if you settle a bodily injury claim without the insurer's written consent. Coverage descriptions: https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/basic-and-miscellaneous-auto-coverages and https://www.ncdoi.gov/blog/2026/07/22/automobile-insurance-whats-covered-and-what-isnt |
More North Carolina car insurance & vehicle laws
- Driving Without Insurance in North Carolina
- SR-22 Insurance in North Carolina
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in North Carolina
- Transferring a Car Title in North Carolina
- All North Carolina car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in North Carolina?
For policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2025, North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage of $50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Policies issued or renewed before July 1, 2025 had minimums of $30,000/$60,000/$25,000. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also required on all policies. Every vehicle with a valid North Carolina registration must have continuous liability insurance from a company licensed in North Carolina; out-of-state policies are not accepted.
Is North Carolina a no-fault car insurance state?
North Carolina is an at-fault (tort) state: liability coverage pays, up to the policy limits, when you cause a crash that injures someone or damages their vehicle or property. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national list places North Carolina among the "Tort States."
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in North Carolina?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required on all North Carolina auto policies, including policies with limits above the state minimums. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your car, when an uninsured at-fault driver hits you; underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference between the at-fault driver's liability limits and your UIM limits for injuries (it does not cover property damage). Coverage can be lost if you settle a bodily injury claim without the insurer's written consent.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.