The Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in North Carolina

North Carolina sees its share of natural disasters, especially hurricanes and tropical storms. That’s why you might want to buy renters insurance to cover your belongings.

The average North Carolina renters insurance policy costs $159 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. For comparison, the national average is $151. But you may be able to find more affordable options. NerdWallet compared rates from companies across the state to find the cheapest renters insurance in North Carolina.

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.

Below are the most affordable renters insurance companies in North Carolina, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.

» MORE: The cheapest renters insurance

If you’re looking for quality coverage from a well-rated insurer, consider one of these picks from our list of the Best Renters Insurance Companies.

More about the best renters insurance companies in North Carolina

See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.

Amica’s strength is customer service. It topped the rankings for consumer satisfaction in a recent J.D. Power study and draws a very low rate of complaints. If you’re looking to buy a home someday, ask about the Amica Essentials policy. It lets you earn up to $500 toward a future homeowners policy from Amica.

Check out our Amica renters insurance review to learn more.

State Farm renters insurance includes replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. With this coverage, the company will pay enough for you to buy brand-new items if your stuff is stolen or destroyed. Many insurers cover your things on an actual cash value basis, paying only what your belongings are worth at the time of your claim.

Read our State Farm renters insurance review for more details.

You may be able to save money on Erie insurance by bundling your renters and auto policies. Other discounts may be available for getting an advance quote or having safety devices in your home. The personal property part of your policy covers your stuff anywhere in the world. In North Carolina, you can add extra coverage for identity theft, backed-up drains or valuables such as jewelry.

Read our Erie renters insurance review to learn more.

Does your home have smart-home technology, a burglar alarm or an interior sprinkler system? If so, you might be able to save with Travelers renters insurance. You may also be eligible for a bundle or claims-free discount. Extra coverage may be available for expensive items such as jewelry or computers.

Get more details in our Travelers renters insurance review.

If you want more than just the basics, ask about Auto-Owners' Renters Plus add-on. It covers things like damage from backed-up drains and food spoiled in a power outage. Ask about discounts, too. Savings may be available if you have a claims-free history or pay your premium in full each year.

Check out our Auto-Owners renters insurance review to learn more.

USAA renters insurance is available only to the military community, but it’s worth considering if you’re eligible. Unlike most insurers, USAA covers flooding and earthquakes with its standard renters policies. Military members living on a base could save up to 28% on their renters policy. And there’s no deductible for damage to uniforms or military equipment while you’re on active or reserve duty.

Get more details on USAA renters insurance.

The average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina is $159 a year, or about $13 a month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. For comparison, the national average is $151.

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 $246 per year for renters insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s about 55% more than those with good credit.

Your renters insurance rates will vary depending on where you live within the state. For example, the average cost of renters insurance in Charlotte is $157 per year, while renters in Raleigh pay $152 and those in Fayetteville pay $227, on average. Find your city below.

» MORE: How much is renters insurance?

North Carolina is often in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms. If such a storm destroys your belongings, renters insurance may be able to help.

A standard renters policy generally covers damage from wind but not flooding. For example, say hurricane winds blew part of the roof off your apartment building and rain got in through the gap, ruining your furniture. In most cases, your renters insurance policy would cover the cost of replacing your items, minus your deductible.

But say the same hurricane caused a flash flood on your street, sending water into your unit. You likely wouldn’t have coverage for any damage unless you had flood insurance. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.

Your insurance company may charge you a separate, higher deductible for windstorm damage if you live along the coast.

Other disasters

Here’s how renters insurance might help with other potential disasters in North Carolina.

Fires. Most standard renters insurance policies cover damage due to fire or smoke.

Tornadoes. Your renters policy will likely cover wind damage.

Earthquakes. Most renters insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage. However, you may be able to add earthquake insurance for an extra cost.

Ice storms. Burst pipes could cause water damage to your belongings, which renters insurance should cover.

Some policies may also cover food lost in your refrigerator during a power outage.

» MORE: Complete guide to hurricane insurance

Your rates may differ from the averages listed above based on the following factors:

Where you live

Insurers may charge more for renters insurance if they think you're more likely to file a claim. So if you live in a neighborhood with a high crime rate or in a hurricane-prone coastal area, prepare to pay a little more.

Your credit history

As explained above, many companies charge more if you have poor credit. Learn how to rebuild your credit.

The coverage you need

The higher your coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for a policy. So if you’ve got lots of stuff to cover, expect a higher premium.

Your deductible

Raising your deductible — the amount of a claim you pay out of pocket — can lower your renters insurance premium. Just be sure it’s an amount you’d feel comfortable covering in a pinch.

Your claims history

If you’ve filed a renters claim in the past few years, insurance companies may consider you a higher risk for filing another one. In North Carolina, renters who’ve filed a recent claim pay 14% more on average than those with no claims history, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.

Your other policies

Bundling your renters insurance with another policy from the same insurer is an easy way to get a discount from many companies.

Your home’s features

Insurers often offer discounts if your home has a burglar alarm, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks or other safety devices.

Your dog

Some companies will charge you more for renters insurance if you have a dog they consider an aggressive breed, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler. That’s because dog bites are a common source of renters liability claims. Learn more about personal liability insurance for renters.

On the state agency’s website, you can learn about insurance coverage or file a complaint about your carrier. There’s also a toll-free customer help line at 855-408-1212.