North Carolina's Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for a New Car

Required Liability Coverage

North Carolina law mandates that every vehicle, including a newly purchased one, carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (often written as 30/60/25). These limits apply to any driver operating the car, regardless of who owns it.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection

While not legally required, most insurers include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in standard policies because it protects you if the other driver lacks sufficient coverage. If you choose to add it, the same $30,000/$60,000 limits used for liability are typical.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments

North Carolina does not require Personal Injury Protection, but medical payments coverage (MedPay) is optional and often offered at $5,000‑$10,000 limits. MedPay can help cover your own medical expenses regardless of fault and is a useful add‑on for a new car.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

For a brand‑new vehicle, lenders usually require comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Comprehensive covers non‑collision events such as theft, fire, or natural disaster, while collision pays for damage from crashes. Deductibles typically range from $250 to $1,000; a lower deductible reduces out‑of‑pocket costs but raises the premium.

Proof of Insurance and Registration

When you register a new car in North Carolina, you must present a valid insurance card showing the policy meets the state's minimums. The insurance company will electronically verify coverage with the DMV, and the registration sticker will not be issued without it.

Key Differences from Other States

Unlike many states that require separate bodily‑injury and property‑damage limits, North Carolina bundles them into a single 30/60/25 structure. Also, the state does not impose a mandatory deductible for liability policies, giving drivers flexibility in choosing their overall premium structure.

Comparison Table of Core Coverage Types