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North Carolina Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
North Carolina requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Other required coverage: UM/UIM at liability limits.
North Carolina at a glance
| Minimum liability | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Owner's policies must include uninsured motorist coverage (bodily injury and property damage) and underinsured motorist coverage. By default the limits match your highest liability limits (bodily injury up to $1,000,000); you may choose higher or lower limits, but never below the liability minimums. Policies only for commercial or fleet vehicles are exempt. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | An owner who drives or lets someone drive the vehicle without insurance commits a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200. The registration is revoked until coverage is restored (30 days if the vehicle was driven knowingly uninsured or crashed during the lapse), the plate must be surrendered, and a first lapse carries a $50 civil penalty. |
| Repeat offense | The civil penalty rises to $100 with one prior lapse penalty in the past 3 years and to $150 with two or more. The criminal charge stays a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200; with three or fewer prior convictions the sentence is a fine only, four prior convictions allow 1 to 15 days, and five or more allow 1 to 20 days. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | $50 restoration fee, plus the civil penalty ($50, $100 or $150) and the license plate fee. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires liability insurance of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Other required coverage: UM/UIM at liability limits.
What happens if you drive without insurance in North Carolina?
An owner who drives or lets someone drive the vehicle without insurance commits a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200. The registration is revoked until coverage is restored (30 days if the vehicle was driven knowingly uninsured or crashed during the lapse), the plate must be surrendered, and a first lapse carries a $50 civil penalty.
Sources
- www.ncdot.gov/default.aspx
- www.ncdot.gov/driver-license-restoration.aspx
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_20-19.html
- www.ncdoi.gov/changes-rating-automobile-insurance-policies-effective-july-1-2025
- www.ncdot.gov/proving-insurance.aspx
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_20-311.html
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_20-313.html
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_20-279.21.html
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_20-309.html
- www.ncleg.gov/GS_15A-1340.23.html
- www.ncdot.gov/stop-list.aspx