Every North Carolina driver is required by state law to carry minimum auto insurance limits. Almost none of those minimums are enough to protect you in a serious accident. Here’s what the state requires, what it actually covers, and what we recommend instead.
The Current NC Auto Insurance Minimums (2026)
- $50,000 bodily injury per person
- $100,000 bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 property damage per accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist at the same limits
Shorthand: 50/100/50.
Why 50/100/50 Is Not Enough
A single trip to the hospital after a serious crash routinely exceeds $100,000 just for the at-fault driver’s victim. If you cause an accident where someone is permanently injured, $100,000 in bodily injury liability won’t cover medical bills, lost wages, rehab, and pain and suffering. The difference comes out of your assets.
If you own a home in Davie or Forsyth County, have meaningful retirement savings, or earn a professional income — you’re a target for a judgment over your liability limit. The fix is cheap: raise limits and add an umbrella.
What We Recommend Instead
- 100/300/100 liability at minimum (often only $80–$200/year more than state min)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist at 250/500 (covers YOU when an underinsured driver hits you — common in NC)
- $1M personal umbrella sitting on top of home + auto (typically $200–$400/year)
- Comprehensive and collision with reasonable deductibles ($500–$1,000 most common)
- Medical payments ($5K–$10K)
- Rental reimbursement and roadside if it’s offered cheaply
Coverages NC Drivers Often Forget
- Rideshare endorsement (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart — personal auto excludes app-on time)
- Gap coverage if you finance a vehicle
- Custom equipment coverage for aftermarket parts
- Pet injury coverage (cheap, useful)
- New car replacement (some carriers offer this for the first 1–2 years)
How to Lower Your Auto Premium Without Cutting Coverage
- Bundle home and auto — typically 10–25% off both
- Multi-vehicle discounts
- Higher deductibles ($500 → $1,000 typically saves 10–15%)
- Defensive driving course (5–10% in NC)
- Pay-in-full and EFT discounts
- Shop carriers every 18–24 months — your best carrier changes over time
Get a Quote
Call Safenet Insurance Group at (336) 280-4606 or get an auto quote online. We shop multiple top-rated NC carriers and present you with the best combination of coverage and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 50/100/50 enough?
It’s the legal minimum, not the recommended level. Most NC homeowners and earners should carry at least 100/300/100 plus a $1M umbrella.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage in NC?
Yes, it’s required by law. We recommend raising it above the minimum because many NC drivers carry state mins, and your UM/UIM is what pays for YOUR injuries if they hit you.
How much does the recommended coverage cost vs. minimums?
Typically $200–$500/year more — and a $1M umbrella adds another $200–$400/year. Cheap protection against a six- or seven-figure judgment.