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Best cheap car insurance in Durham for 2024
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The best car insurance companies in Durham
When you’re seeking car insurance in North Carolina, there are several factors to keep in mind. Coverage level, available discounts, customer service reputation and rates all vary by carrier. The right company for your needs may also depend on your driving record and zip code. The following car insurance companies are worth considering in Durham.
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Geico made our list: Geico might be a good option for drivers in Durham who want to get the most affordable rate possible and only need basic coverage, since it typically offers some of the cheapest average car insurance rates in Durham. The company won a 2024 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company Overall (tie), based largely on its low rates and robust online and mobile app accessibility. Geico did, however, have the lowest J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study score for the Southeast region of any of our chosen insurers. Its overall coverage options are pretty limited, so if you want a highly customized policy, there may be better options.
Why Geico may be best for affordable rates: Geico typically offers some of the most affordable rates and lots of potential discounts. This includes potential savings for military personnel, emergency deployment and federal employees. It also has bundle discounts and may be really affordable for people with a good driving history.
| Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
| J.D. Power | 651/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why State Farm made our list: State Farm might appeal to drivers in Durham because its premiums are extremely affordable and the company offers excellent discount opportunities, including two safe driver discount programs. In Bankrate’s 2024 analysis of auto insurance carriers, State Farm received a high Bankrate Score of 4.3 out of 5.0. A high Bankrate score means the company offers robust coverage offerings, discounts, and has high financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores.
Why State Farm may be best for discounts: Young drivers, in particular, may benefit from discounts from State Farm. Drivers under 25 could save up to 15 percent by enrolling in the Steer Clear program. Given that drivers typically pay higher rates under the age of 25, this could translate to meaningful savings. Drivers over 25 could also save up to 30 percent by enrolling in the Drive Safe & Save program.
| Bankrate Score | 4.3 |
| J.D. Power | 673/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why North Carolina Farm Bureau made our list: North Carolina Farm Bureau is another highly rated insurance provider in North Carolina. It is known for offering exceptional customer service, as well as reliable coverage and low average premiums. In order to get coverage through the North Carolina Farm Bureau, however, you must be a Farm Bureau member, which requires a small annual fee.
Why North Carolina Farm Bureau may be best for travelers: Farm Bureau members also get access to other perks, like discounted hotel rooms and free banking services. One caveat: Farm Bureau’s mobile app is not as highly rated as some of the other top car insurance companies in North Carolina.
| Bankrate Score | 3.7 |
| J.D. Power | 667/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Erie made our list: With Erie, Durham drivers can typically get an affordable rate without sacrificing coverage. We like that Erie offers a number of unique perks with every policy, like a rate lock guarantee, first accident forgiveness, a diminishing deductible, new car and better car protection and pet injury coverage. Erie insurance is only available in 12 states, however, so if you move frequently, it may not be the best choice for long-term coverage.
Why Erie may be best for customer service: Erie is highly rated for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southeast region.
| Bankrate Score | 4 |
| J.D. Power | 676/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Not available
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Not available
Why Nationwide made our list: Although Nationwide’s average rates tend to be higher than our other chosen companies, they are still often below the average for Durham, making them one of the best car insurance companies in Durham if you are looking for affordable rates. Like Erie, Nationwide is not available in all states, and the company scores below average on the J.D. U.S. Digital Insurance Study for shopping.
Why Nationwide may be the best for customized plans: Nationwide could also be the right company for you if you value policy customization. There is a generous handful of endorsements, or add-ons, that you can purchase to augment your policy, including gap coverage, accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. You can also elect to have a vanishing deductible, that takes $100 off your deductible for every year you are claims-free.
| Bankrate Score | 4 |
| J.D. Power | 669/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ |
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyOur insurance editorial team analyzed data provided by Quadrant Information Services to determine average insurance rates in Durham using zip code data. We assigned each carrier a Bankrate Score of 0.0-5.0 points based on average rates, rankings from J.D. Power for customer satisfaction, available discounts and more, to help shoppers quickly compare companies to find the best insurer for their own policy.
46
years of industry experience
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The cheapest car insurance companies in Durham
Since Durham is a metro area, car insurance rates may be more expensive than in rural areas with less traffic. Still, you can find cheap car insurance in this part of the country. Make sure to check for every possible discount and consider paying your premium up front if you can; many carriers offer a discount for that. Keep in mind that even cheap car insurance companies could increase rates, so check your premium every time you renew coverage.
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|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$476
|
$1,173
|
|
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$432
|
$1,242
|
|
|
$473
|
$1,606
|
|
|
$642
|
$2,006
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$643
|
$2,139
|
How much is car insurance in Durham, North Carolina?
If you only want state-mandated minimum coverage in Durham, you can save money over buying full coverage. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely be responsible for higher out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident. The average cost in North Carolina for minimum coverage is about 1 percent more than the average cost in Durham. Full coverage in Durham costs 4 percent less than the North Carolina average.
Durham rates for teens
Teenage drivers have little experience on the road and are deemed high-risk drivers by most insurance companies. Keeping good grades and a solid driving record may allow some young drivers to earn discounts, but be prepared for high premiums. The following rates represent averages for teenagers on their parents’ policies.
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|
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|---|---|---|
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$1,165
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$730
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|
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$1,259
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$766
|
|
|
$1,486
|
$950
|
|
|
$1,530
|
$983
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$1,667
|
$1,024
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$2,646
|
$1,747
|
|
|
$2,970
|
$1,980
|
|
|
$4,244
|
$2,913
|
|
|
$4,601
|
$3,172
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$4,669
|
$3,144
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Durham rates for young drivers
As drivers approach the age of 25, their rates often go down if they maintain a good driving record. Once they turn 18, they can get their own insurance. The following rates represent the average premiums for young drivers who are no longer on their parents’ insurance.
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|---|---|---|
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$476
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$476
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|
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$650
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$587
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$671
|
$671
|
|
$687
|
$530
|
|
|
$732
|
$696
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$1,175
|
$1,173
|
|
|
$1,960
|
$1,753
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$2,244
|
$2,244
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|
$2,272
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$1,794
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|
|
$2,378
|
$2,334
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Durham rates for adults
Adult drivers often have the lowest rates, but certain factors can still increase what you pay. Speeding tickets, sports cars and accidents are all likely to keep you from the lowest possible rates. The following represents the average rates among all adults in Durham.
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|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
$470
|
$432
|
$412
|
|
|
$476
|
$476
|
$476
|
|
|
$495
|
$473
|
$467
|
|
|
$638
|
$624
|
$652
|
|
|
$642
|
$642
|
$671
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
$1,173
|
$1,173
|
$1,121
|
|
|
$1,370
|
$1,242
|
$1,117
|
|
|
$1,682
|
$1,606
|
$1,455
|
|
|
$2,058
|
$2,006
|
$2,020
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$2,139
|
$2,139
|
$2,027
|
Durham rates for senior drivers
Senior drivers may see their rates increase after a certain age. This is because older drivers may have slower reaction times behind the wheel and be more likely to get into an accident. You could be able to mitigate these increases by driving less and maintaining a positive driving record.
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|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$410
|
$453
|
|
|
$467
|
$548
|
|
|
$476
|
$476
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$643
|
$643
|
|
$658
|
$735
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$410
|
$1,309
|
|
|
$476
|
$1,173
|
|
|
$467
|
$1,705
|
|
|
$692
|
$2,264
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$643
|
$2,139
|
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare auto insurance rates
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The cheapest car insurance in Durham by driving record
Car insurance companies judge you by a variety of factors, your driving record being one of the most important. The more citations or claims that are in your history, the riskier to appear to your car insurance company. Some insurers raise your rates more than others for the same infraction.
Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Durham
Speeding represents irresponsible driving to your insurer, and you are likely to see an increase for several years after even one ticket. Drivers in Durham pay on average $2,945 after a speeding ticket, compared to $1,983 prior to a conviction. This means that drivers can expect to pay 48 percent more for full coverage after getting a single speeding ticket in Durham.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$628
|
$1,830
|
|
|
$677
|
$1,686
|
|
|
$703
|
$2,405
|
|
|
$908
|
$3,157
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$918
|
$3,081
|
Car insurance after an accident in Durham
On average, Durham drivers can expect to pay 38 percent more after a single at-fault accident. Drivers in the city pay, on average, $2,736 for full coverage car insurance after an at-fault accident.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$578
|
$1,677
|
|
|
$622
|
$1,547
|
|
|
$645
|
$2,200
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$843
|
$2,825
|
|
$974
|
$3,058
|
Car insurance after a DUI in Durham
DUIs are among the most serious infractions, which also means they can translate to the highest rate hikes. If you’re a driver in Durham who is convicted of a DUI, you could expect to pay 297 percent more on average for full coverage. Durham drivers pay average annual rates of $7,869 for full coverage and $2,287 for state minimum coverage after a single DUI conviction.
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|
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
$932
|
$6,647
|
|
|
$1,720
|
$4,347
|
|
|
$1,819
|
$6,277
|
|
|
Penn National
|
$2,338
|
$7,967
|
|
$2,685
|
$8,448
|
Minimum coverage requiremets in Durham
Durham drivers must carry at least 30/60/25 liability insurance. This translates into:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
You will also need the same amount in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It is a good idea to consider raising your coverage limits for more protection, or opt for a full coverage policy that includes coverage for your vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze November 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 20-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
Bankrate Score
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.