Nerdy takeaways
The cheapest renters insurance companies in North Carolina are North Carolina Farm Bureau, Auto-Owners and State Farm, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.
Amica, State Farm and USAA are the best renters insurance companies in North Carolina.
The average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina is $185 per year, or $15 per month.
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 $185 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. For comparison, the national average is $165. You may not need to choose between price and quality, though. We analyzed companies across the state and found that some of the cheapest renters insurers are also some of the highest rated. Check out your best renters insurance options 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.
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The cheapest renters insurance in North Carolina
Below are the most affordable renters insurance companies in North Carolina, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.
Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
North Carolina Farm Bureau | $130 | $11 |
$155 | $13 | |
$155 | $13 | |
$165 | $14 | |
$175 | $15 | |
$180 | $15 | |
Lititz Mutual | $185 | $15 |
» MORE: The cheapest renters insurance
The best renters insurance in North Carolina
For quality coverage and strong customer service, consider one of these highly rated renters insurance companies.
» MORE: The best renters insurance
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.
Good customer service and solid coverage make Amica one of our top picks for renters insurance.
Coverage
More than average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Far fewer than expected
Amica’s strength is customer service. It scored above average for consumer satisfaction in a 2026 JD Power study and draws a very low rate of complaints. The insurer offers several ways to get customer service, plus a website that allows you to get quotes and file and track claims.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Amica renters insurance review
$30K personal property coverage
$155 /year
$13 /month
The country’s biggest home insurer offers solid renters insurance at affordable rates.
Coverage
More than average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Close to expected
State Farm offers some of the cheapest renters insurance in North Carolina while also earning a high star rating. Its standard policy includes replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. With this, 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. That means they’ll pay only what your belongings are worth at the time of your claim.
State Farm is a good choice for pet owners because it doesn’t have dog breed restrictions. Some insurers won’t cover breeds they think might attack.
Average rates: Below are State Farm’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in North Carolina.
Personal property limit | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $80 | $7 |
$30,000 | $155 | $13 |
$50,000 | $220 | $18 |
$70,000 | $300 | $25 |
$100,000 | $425 | $35 |
» READ MORE: State Farm renters insurance review
Auto Club Group sells renters insurance on behalf of AAA in states like North and South Carolina. It stands out for a low rate of consumer complaints and a variety of discounts.
Coverage
About average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
If you’re a member of AAA or interested in its benefits, renters insurance from Auto Club Group is worth considering. You don’t need to be a AAA member to buy renters insurance in North Carolina. However, membership comes with benefits like roadside assistance and travel discounts that could offset the cost of your policy.
Plus, Auto Club Group offers several discounts to help lower your rates. For example, you can save if you have specific safety devices or you go a certain amount of time without filing a claim.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: AAA renters insurance review
$30K personal property coverage
$215 /year
$18 /month
Erie’s default renters policy includes coverage that costs extra from some other companies.
Coverage
More than average
Discounts
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Erie is notable for its standard renters policies, which include replacement cost coverage for your stuff. This means you’ll receive enough of a payout to buy brand-new replacements instead of what your items were worth at the time of the claim.
The personal property part of your policy covers your belongings anywhere in the world. In North Carolina, you can add extra coverage for identity theft, backed-up drains or valuables such as jewelry.
Average rates: Below are Erie’s average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in North Carolina.
Personal property limit | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $105 | $9 |
$30,000 | $215 | $18 |
$50,000 | $290 | $24 |
$70,000 | $385 | $32 |
$100,000 | $530 | $44 |
» READ MORE: Erie renters insurance review
$30K personal property coverage
$155 /year
$13 /month
Auto-Owners offers a solid and affordable renters insurance product, but you’ll have to call an agent to get it.
Coverage
About average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
Auto-Owners offers a lot of ways to save on your renters policy, including discounts for bundling, paying your bill on an annual basis or having a claims-free history. The insurer’s policies are also some of the cheapest in North Carolina, so if you’re on a budget, Auto-Owners may be worth looking at.
If you want more than just the basics, ask about upgrading to Renters Plus. This package covers things like damage from backed-up drains and food spoiled in a power outage.
Average rates: Below are Auto-Owners’ average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in North Carolina.
Personal property limit | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $80 | $7 |
$30,000 | $155 | $13 |
$50,000 | $220 | $18 |
$70,000 | $300 | $25 |
$100,000 | $420 | $35 |
» READ MORE: Auto-Owners renters insurance review
$30K personal property coverage
$175 /year
$15 /month
Travelers renters insurance is good coverage from a well-established company.
Coverage
About average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
If you want a stable insurer that’ll be around if you need to file a claim, check out Travelers. The insurer has been in business since 1864 and earns high financial strength ratings. It also received a low rate of consumer complaints to state regulators.
Does your home have smart-home technology, a home security system or interior sprinklers? If so, you might be able to save with Travelers renters insurance. You may also be eligible for a bundle or claims-free discount.
Average rates: Below are Travelers’ average rates for a range of personal property coverage limits in North Carolina.
Personal property limit | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $95 | $8 |
$30,000 | $175 | $15 |
$50,000 | $250 | $21 |
$70,000 | $345 | $29 |
$100,000 | $485 | $40 |
» READ MORE: Travelers renters insurance review
USAA renters insurance has some of the broadest coverage in the industry. However, only the military community and select others can buy it.
Coverage
More than average
Discounts
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Fewer than expected
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.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: USAA renters insurance
How much is renters insurance in North Carolina?
The average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina is $185 a year, or about $15 a month, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. For comparison, the national average is $165.
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 $270 per year for renters insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s about 46% more than those with good credit.
Average cost of renters insurance in North Carolina by city
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 $167 per year, while renters in Wilmington pay $339, on average. Find your city below.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Apex | $160 | $13 |
Asheville | $137 | $11 |
Burlington | $165 | $14 |
Cary | $160 | $13 |
Chapel Hill | $156 | $13 |
Charlotte | $167 | $14 |
Clayton | $193 | $16 |
Concord | $149 | $12 |
Durham | $158 | $13 |
Fayetteville | $257 | $21 |
Gastonia | $160 | $13 |
Greensboro | $165 | $14 |
Greenville | $207 | $17 |
Hickory | $137 | $11 |
High Point | $165 | $14 |
Jacksonville | $295 | $25 |
Lexington | $154 | $13 |
Matthews | $167 | $14 |
Monroe | $164 | $14 |
Mooresville | $164 | $14 |
Raleigh | $160 | $13 |
Salisbury | $149 | $12 |
Wake Forest | $169 | $14 |
Wilmington | $339 | $28 |
Winston-Salem | $165 | $14 |
» MORE: How much is renters insurance?
What to know about North Carolina renters insurance
Below is some of the severe weather you might see in North Carolina, as well as how renters insurance can help.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
North Carolina is often in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms. If such a storm destroys your belongings, renters insurance may may reimburse you.
A standard renters policy generally covers damage from wind. Say your furniture is ruined when a hurricane blows part of the roof off your apartment building and rain comes in through the gap. In most cases, your renters policy would cover the cost of replacing your items, minus your deductible.
Be aware that if you live along the coast, your insurance company may charge you a separate, higher deductible for windstorm damage.
Flooding
Using the example from above, say storm surge from that hurricane floods your apartment. You likely won’t have coverage for damage caused by the storm surge unless you have flood insurance. Learn more about flood insurance for renters.
Other disasters
Here’s how renters insurance might help with other potential disasters in North Carolina.
Fires. Standard renters insurance policies cover damage due to fire or smoke.
Tornadoes. Your renters policy will likely cover wind damage.
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.
What determines North Carolina renters insurance rates?
The rates on this page can give you a sense of what you’ll pay for renters insurance, but your own premium depends on a few factors.
Where you live
Insurers may charge more for renters insurance depending on where you live, as some areas are considered riskier than others. 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. See how poor credit can impact your average annual renters insurance costs for various coverage amounts.
Personal property limit | Poor | Good |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $130 | $95 |
$30,000 | $270 | $185 |
$50,000 | $445 | $260 |
$70,000 | $555 | $355 |
$100,000 | $870 | $490 |
Learn how to rebuild your credit.
Your coverage limits
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. See how changing your personal property limit could impact the cost of your policy.
Personal property limit | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $95 | $8 |
$30,000 | $185 | $15 |
$50,000 | $260 | $22 |
$70,000 | $355 | $30 |
$100,000 | $490 | $41 |
Your deductible
Raising your deductible can lower your renters insurance premium. However, the amount you save on your premium may not be enough to offset the increased deductible. Check out how changing your deductible could impact your average annual premium.
Personal property limit | $1,000 deductible | $500 deductible |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $85 | $95 |
$30,000 | $165 | $185 |
$50,000 | $225 | $260 |
$70,000 | $315 | $355 |
$100,000 | $430 | $490 |
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. Here’s how filing one theft claim may impact your average annual rates for a range of coverage limits.
Personal property limit | Theft claim | No claim |
|---|---|---|
$10,000 | $100 | $95 |
$30,000 | $195 | $185 |
$50,000 | $285 | $260 |
$70,000 | $395 | $355 |
$100,000 | $550 | $490 |
Your other policies
Bundling renters insurance with another policy from the same insurer is an easy way to get a discount from many companies. We found you may be able to save 10% to 30% on your insurance by bundling. See our choices for the best auto and renters insurance bundles.
Your home’s features
Insurers reward features that may prevent future claims. They often offer discounts if your home has a burglar alarm, smoke detectors, deadbolt locks or other safety devices. Some insurers may offer discounts for certain types of smart technology, too. Read more about how smart-home devices could help you save on your insurance.
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 pet liability insurance.
North Carolina Department of Insurance
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.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no law requiring you to buy renters insurance in North Carolina. However, some landlords may ask for proof of insurance before you sign your lease. Either way, you might want a policy to protect your finances in case of a disaster. See six reasons not to skip renters insurance.
Shopping around with at least three insurers can help you find the lowest possible price. (For a fair comparison, use the same deductible and coverage limits from each insurer.) You can also try buying renters and auto policies from the same company to get a bundling discount.
Renters insurance typically covers damage caused by fire, smoke, windstorms, vandalism and theft. However, most renters policies don’t pay for flood damage. Learn more about renters insurance coverage.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.JD Power. 2026 U.S. Home Insurance Study. Accessed Sep 23, 2026.
Renters insurance star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s renters insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including affordability, financial strength, consumer experience and coverage quality. 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 renters insurance rating methodology.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners from 2023 through 2025. To assess how insurers compare with 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.
Renters insurance rates methodology
To find the national cost of renters insurance, NerdWallet calculated the median rate from multiple insurance companies in every ZIP code across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. To find the average cost of renters insurance in a state or city, we took the median annual rate across every company where coverage and rates were available. For each company, the average rate is the median of its ZIP-code-level rates across the state. Some rates were rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample tenants were nonsmokers with good credit and no recent claims, living in a two-bedroom apartment. They had a $500 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$30,000 in personal property coverage.
$100,000 in liability coverage.
$10,000 in additional living expenses coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
To see rates for renters with poor credit, we changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
