Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in North Carolina
Kinston, North Carolina, is a charming town 90 minutes southeast of Raleigh. It has been the county seat of Lenoir County for over 230 years and received the All-America City Award in 2009. Residents enjoy historical attractions like the CSS Neuse and the Cultural Heritage Museum, as well as annual events, concerts, and festivals.
Kinston is also known for its rich barbecue culture, hosting the Annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse River. With plenty of recreational areas, Kinston gained recognition from ESPN as “America’s Basketball Heaven” in 2018. The town’s main highway, US 70, provides easy access to the coast and Raleigh, making a reliable car and active auto insurance essential for exploring everything Kinston has to offer.
With a history rich in tobacco, the art installation by sculptor Thomas Sayre is a must see.
If you want to see everything Kinston has to offer, you’ll need to drive with an active car insurance in North Carolina. Take a look at how insurance rates for minimum and comprehensive coverage can vary based on your zip code, age, and other factors so you can find the right policy for your budget.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Kinston, North Carolina?
Drivers in Kinston, North Carolina, enjoy lower-than-average car insurance rates compared to both state and national figures. Minimum liability coverage costs around $33 per month, beating the North Carolina average of $56 and the national average of $67. For full coverage, Kinston drivers pay about $119 per month, which is more affordable than the state’s $163 average and significantly lower than the national average of $223 per month.
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What Does It Mean If North Carolina Is At-Fault?
North Carolina is an at-fault state for auto collisions. At-fault states, or states with a tort system, require the driver determined to be “at fault” for an accident to pay for the damages. In at-fault systems, that means the at-fault driver’s insurance provider pays up to the policy maximums for liability, property damage, and any other losses or bodily injury.
What does this mean in the aftermath of an accident? You and the other party’s insurance providers will investigate the accident to determine who is at fault, and then they will handle compensation payouts based on the final judgment.
Many states use an at-fault system, so the driver legally responsible for the incident is held financially responsible.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in North Carolina
North Carolina insurance rates can vary based on what city you live in. Compare these average monthly premiums around Kinston.
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Kinston | $119 | $33 |
Grifton | $119 | $34 |
Goldsboro | $113 | $35 |
New Bern | $97 | $30 |
Mount Olive | $119 | $33 |
Affordable Kinston Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Car insurance coverage premiums can also vary based on your zip code, not just the city. Different zip codes have different road conditions, population density levels, and statistical likelihoods of accidents, so insurance providers can use your zip code to determine the rate for your insurance.
See our car insurance cost breakdown by zip codes in and around Kinston.
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
28501 | $119 | $33 |
28502 | $119 | $33 |
28503 | $119 | $33 |
28504 | $113 | $35 |
28551 | $112 | $34 |
28525 | $120 | $33 |
28526 | $118 | $33 |
28538 | $120 | $34 |
28530 | $119 | $34 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Kinston, NC
Age can also significantly affect your premium rates. Younger drivers tend to have more claims, and they have much shorter driving records that give insurance providers less insight into their driving habits. As a result, younger drivers tend to pay higher rates than older drivers in most circumstances.
See our breakdown of annual car insurance rates by age in Kinston, North Carolina.
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $243 | $73 |
20s | $126 | $35 |
30s | $119 | $33 |
40s | $116 | $33 |
50s | $111 | $32 |
60s | $114 | $33 |
70s | $123 | $37 |
*This data is compiled from external sources. Unless otherwise noted, rates are determined at the mid-range age for males (i.e., ‘25’ for ‘20s). Teenager rates are based on rates for 18-year-old males. Several other factors, including zip code, car, and driving record, may be used to calculate your personal quote.
Driving Conditions in Kinston
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Kinston?
Kinston saw three fatal car accidents in 2022, lower than the 2021 number of fatal car accidents at 6. These Kinston car accidents involved four vehicles.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Kinston?
Historically, most car accidents in Kinston occur along two major roadways: Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., and W Vernon Ave. The intersection at E King St. and N Queen St. is also noted for potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Kinston is currently developing plans to replace many of the bridges across NC 55, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation is considering a Kinston bypass system, a four-lane freeway that would improve overall highway access. The Streets Section maintains the 117 miles of paved streets in Kinston, NC.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Kinston
North Carolina law requires all drivers to hold a minimum amount of coverage:
- Bodily Injury coverage ($30,000/$60,000)
- Property damage ($25,000)
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Kinston, North Carolina?
The NCDMV manages fees and penalties for uninsured and underinsured driving. Drivers receive the following penalties for infractions:
- First lapse: $50
- Second lapse: $100
- Additional lapses: $150
Drivers must also pay a $50 restoration fee if the license plate is revoked for failure to maintain adequate coverage. Not only do drivers have an obligation to maintain active coverage, but insurance companies also must notify the NCDMV if the liability coverage on a vehicle gets canceled.
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Factors Allowed in Kinston Car Insurance Rates
Insurance providers in Kinston, and the surrounding area can consider multiple factors when calculating the insurance premium rates for you and your vehicle. Some of the factors that insurance underwriters use include:
- Driving record
- Marital status
- Zip code
- Type of vehicle
Your deductible and coverage amounts will also factor into your total rate. Some drivers may also be eligible for discounts.
Insurance That Helps You Prepare for the Future
Getting active insurance coverage from a reliable provider is a legal requirement. However, there are also several benefits you can access when you have insurance. You have more peace of mind if you’re pulled over or involved in a car collision.
If you’re in a car accident and found at fault, your insurance provider will compensate the other party for the covered areas of liability and damage. Insurance also protects you if you’re not at fault, but the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. You can file a claim under your policy instead of paying costs directly out of pocket or waiting for the other driver to pay.
Maintaining a steady record of car insurance can also help lower your rates in the future as you build up your driving record and payment record.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Kinston, NC?
North Carolina drivers may be eligible for discounts based on driving history and other factors that indicate you’re a safe driver. Talk to your insurance company representative about what discounts they offer. Asking about discounts as you sign up for coverage once or twice a year means you won’t miss out on potential savings you qualify for.
Some common car insurance discounts in North Carolina include:
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Kinston Today!

From cruising along the Neuse River to running errands around town, having reliable car insurance in Kinston is essential for staying protected on the road. North Carolina requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but the right policy can offer even greater peace of mind.
Looking for affordable insurance that’s built for Kinston, NC, drivers? Freeway is here to help you quickly get the coverage you need. Start our easy online process to get a quote, or visit one of our local offices for a one-on-one conversation. You can also call us at 800-777-5620 to get started.