We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
The Best Home Insurance in North Carolina for 2023
We analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best and most affordable options.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assistant Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina is $2,325 per year, or about $194 per month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. That’s more than the national average of $1,820 per year.
We’ve analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best homeowners insurance in North Carolina. Our sample rates are for a homeowner with good credit and $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible. Your rates will be different.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in North Carolina
Several of NerdWallet's Best Home Insurance Companies offer policies in North Carolina. Here they are, along with their average annual premiums:
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,855
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in North Carolina
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
The largest homeowners insurer in the U.S., State Farm has competitive rates and a strong track record for customer service. The company has drawn fewer consumer complaints to state regulators than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC.
You may be able to save on your premium if you bundle multiple State Farm policies or have fire, smoke or burglar alarms in your home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Offers generous coverage for your possessions.
Founded in 1925 in Pennsylvania, Erie sells policies in a dozen states, including North Carolina. The company draws fewer complaints than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the NAIC.
Erie can cover your personal belongings on a “replacement cost” basis. Say someone breaks in and steals your gaming laptop, which you bought for $1,000 a couple of years ago. If your stuff is covered on an “actual cash value” basis, your insurer would pay only what the laptop was worth at the time of the theft — which might not be enough to buy a new replacement. Replacement cost coverage ensures you’ll receive enough to buy a new laptop (minus your deductible).
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Farmers includes coverage some other insurers charge extra for.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Farmers includes coverage some other insurers charge extra for.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.
You may be eligible for a discount if you go without filing a claim for at least three years.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
A standard Nationwide home insurance policy may include ordinance or law coverage. So if you need to bring your home up to current building codes as part of a claim, Nationwide pays some or all of the costs. Nationwide may also cover unauthorized credit or debit charges as part of its standard policy.
Beyond the standard coverage, you can choose other options to customize your homeowners policy. For example, you may want to add coverage for identity theft or damage from backed-up sewers and drains.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
USAA sells homeowners policies only to veterans, active members of the military and their families. If you fit into one of those groups, USAA’s policies are worth considering.
The company offers perks specifically for military members, including deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and coverage for personal belongings in a war zone. It also includes replacement cost coverage for all personal belongings, which means you’ll get enough to buy new replacements if your stuff is stolen or destroyed.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in North Carolina?
The average annual cost of home insurance in North Carolina is $2,325. That’s 28% more than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including North Carolina, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In North Carolina, those with poor credit pay an average of $4,195 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s 80% more than those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina by city
How much you pay for home insurance in North Carolina depends on where you live within the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Charlotte is $1,685 per year, on average, but homeowners in the coastal city of Wilmington pay an average of $6,590 per year.
City
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
Apex
$1,840
$153
Asheville
$1,455
$121
Burlington
$1,560
$130
Cary
$1,850
$154
Chapel Hill
$1,655
$138
Charlotte
$1,685
$140
Clayton
$2,110
$176
Concord
$1,565
$130
Durham
$1,795
$150
Fayetteville
$2,415
$201
Gastonia
$1,480
$123
Greensboro
$1,555
$130
Greenville
$2,495
$208
Hickory
$1,345
$112
High Point
$1,605
$134
Jacksonville
$4,930
$411
Lexington
$1,730
$144
Matthews
$1,680
$140
Monroe
$1,680
$140
Mooresville
$1,580
$132
Raleigh
$1,760
$147
Salisbury
$1,725
$144
Wake Forest
$1,680
$140
Wilmington
$6,590
$549
Winston-Salem
$1,435
$120
The cheapest homeowners insurance in North Carolina
The companies above aren’t your only options. Below are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the North Carolina average of $2,325.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,855
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
What to know about North Carolina homeowners insurance
North Carolina is vulnerable to several types of natural disasters. Here’s what you should know to make sure your home is covered.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
North Carolina is one of the U.S. states most frequently hit by hurricanes. These tropical storms can cause wind and flood damage, and a standard homeowners policy may not cover you completely — or at all.
Homeowners insurance doesn’t typically cover flood damage, so you'll likely need a separate flood insurance policy. This is an especially good idea if you live along the coast or in an area prone to flooding. To find your home’s flood risk, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a tool from the nonprofit First Street Foundation.
Homeowners insurance usually does cover damage caused by wind, but in North Carolina, you may pay a separate insurance deductible for wind or hail damage. Depending on where you live, your insurer may decline to provide wind and hail coverage as part of your homeowners insurance policy. Should that happen, you can purchase separate windstorm insurance from a private insurer or the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association.
Tornadoes can strike any part of North Carolina, but the strongest ones tend to strike the eastern part of the state. They often form in conjunction with powerful thunderstorms or hurricanes.
In most parts of North Carolina, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover your home for the wind damage that tornadoes can cause. But if you live near the coast, your homeowners insurer may not cover wind damage due to hurricane risk — and that means you won’t be covered for tornado damage, either.
As noted above, separate windstorm insurance is available through private insurers or the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association.
Winter storms
North Carolina may not see winters as harsh as those in more northerly states, but it does get some ice and snow. A standard homeowners policy covers many types of winter storm damage. For example, if a pipe freezes and bursts or a heavy snowfall knocks a tree onto your roof, your insurer will usually pay for the damage.
North Carolina Department of Insurance
Confused about your coverage, or have a complaint about your insurance company? The North Carolina Department of Insurance may be able to help. The agency oversees the insurance industry in North Carolina and provides information and resources to consumers. You can get assistance online or by calling 855-408-1212.
Is homeowners insurance mandatory in North Carolina?
There’s no law in North Carolina that requires you to buy homeowners insurance. But if you have a mortgage on your home, your lender probably requires at least enough insurance to cover the structure of the house. (This is sometimes called hazard insurance.)
Why is home insurance so expensive in North Carolina?
North Carolina sees more hurricane landfalls than most U.S. states, which means the state’s homeowners — especially along the coast and Outer Banks — tend to pay more for insurance. More generally, the cost of homeowners insurance is going up across the country. The combination of inflation, supply chain issues and natural disasters has made rebuilding more expensive. That increased cost is reflected in higher insurance premiums.
How can I lower my North Carolina homeowners insurance premium?
Make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for. You may be able to save by bundling your home and auto policies, installing safety or security features, or strengthening your home against hurricanes. Shop around regularly to see whether less expensive policies are available. We recommend getting home insurance quotes once a year from at least three companies.
Is homeowners insurance mandatory in North Carolina?
There’s no law in North Carolina that requires you to buy homeowners insurance. But if you have a mortgage on your home, your lender probably requires at least enough insurance to cover the structure of the house. (This is sometimes called
Why is home insurance so expensive in North Carolina?
North Carolina sees more hurricane landfalls than most U.S. states, which means the state’s homeowners — especially along the coast and Outer Banks — tend to pay more for insurance. More generally, the cost of homeowners insurance is going up across the country. The combination of inflation, supply chain issues and natural disasters has made rebuilding more expensive. That increased cost is reflected in higher insurance premiums.
How can I lower my North Carolina homeowners insurance premium?
Make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for. You may be able to save by bundling your home and auto policies, installing safety or security features, or strengthening your home against hurricanes. Shop around regularly to see whether less expensive policies are available. We recommend getting
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
