Unbelievable but true, about 70% of customers renewed their policy with the same company for well over three years, and virtually 40% of consumers have never shopped around. Most drivers in North Carolina could cut their rates by 10% a year by just shopping around, but most undervalue the amount of money they would save if they moved their coverage to a different company.
Truthfully, the best way to get discount car insurance rates is to do an annual price comparison from different companies that insure vehicles in Raleigh. You can compare rates by following these steps.
- First, read about how auto insurance works and the measures you can control to keep rates down. Many policy risk factors that cause high rates like at-fault accidents, careless driving, and a lousy credit rating can be remedied by paying attention to minor details.
- Second, quote rates from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can only give prices from one company like GEICO or Allstate, while independent agencies can provide rate quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.
- Third, compare the new rates to your existing policy and determine if there is any savings. If you find better rates and switch companies, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
One bit of advice is to make sure you enter the same level of coverage on every price quote and and to look at all possible companies. Doing this enables an accurate price comparison and a thorough selection of prices.
Auto insurance providers offering affordable rate quotes in North Carolina
The following companies are our best choices to provide quotes in North Carolina. If you wish to find cheap car insurance in North Carolina, we recommend you click on several of them in order to find the cheapest rates.
Analysis of Audi TT rates
The information shown below highlights different insurance costs for Audi TT models. Having a good understanding how auto insurance policy rates are determined is important for making smart choices when comparing insurance rates.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $192 | $408 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,010 | $84 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $192 | $408 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,010 | $84 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $192 | $408 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,010 | $84 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $212 | $462 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,084 | $90 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $232 | $516 | $302 | $18 | $90 | $1,158 | $97 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes single male driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Rate information does not factor in specific zip code location which can impact premium rates considerably.
Rate comparison for different deductibles
When shopping for insurance, a common question is which comprehensive and collision deductibles to buy. The comparison tables below show the differences in price when you buy lower versus higher physical damage deductibles. The first set of prices uses a $250 deductible and the second price table uses a $1,000 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $242 | $440 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,045 | $87 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $242 | $440 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,045 | $87 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $242 | $440 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,045 | $87 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $292 | $556 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,211 | $101 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $150 | $276 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $764 | $64 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $150 | $276 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $764 | $64 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $150 | $276 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $764 | $64 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Coupe | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $164 | $314 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $816 | $68 |
TT S 2.0T Quattro 2-Dr Roadster | $180 | $350 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $868 | $72 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, and homeowner. Table data does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can affect premiums greatly.
Based on the figures above, using a $250 deductible costs approximately $26 more each month or $312 a year than choosing the higher $1,000 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $750 more out-of-pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you usually have at a minimum 29 months between claims, you would probably be better off if you choose a higher deductible.
Calculate deductible break even point
Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $93 |
Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | – $67 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $26 |
Difference between deductibles ($1,000 – $250): | $750 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $750 / $26 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 29 months |
One big caveat is that a higher deductible means you will have to pay more of your own money when you have a comprehensive or collision claim. It will be required that you have access to more funds in the event you have to pay the higher deductible.
Full coverage rates compared to liability-only
The information below shows the comparison of Audi TT insurance rates when comparing full coverage to state minimum liability only. The rate quotes are based on no claims or violations, $100 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Should you buy full coverage or liability only?
There is no definitive rule for excluding physical damage insurance, but there is a guideline you can use. If the annual cost of having full coverage is 10% or more of the vehicle’s replacement cost less your deductible, then it’s probably a good time to buy liability coverage only.
For example, let’s say your Audi TT claim settlement value is $5,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, you would only receive $4,000 after paying your policy deductible. If it’s costing you more than $400 a year for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you might want to consider buying only liability coverage.
There are a few situations where dropping physical damage coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you have to maintain full coverage to satisfy the loan requirements. Also, if you can’t afford to buy a different vehicle in the event your current vehicle is totaled, you should not opt for liability only.
Decisions You Make Can Impact Your Insurance Costs
It’s important that you understand some of the things that aid in calculating your policy premiums. If you have some idea of what controls the rates you pay, this enables you to make decisions that could help you find lower auto insurance prices. Multiple criteria are taken into consideration when pricing auto insurance. Some are pretty understandable like your driving record, but other factors are not as apparent such as your credit history or how safe your car is.
The list below includes some of the most common factors used by your company to calculate rates.
- Why do you need liability? – Your auto insurance policy’s liability coverage will provide protection when you are found to be at fault for causing personal injury or damage in an accident. Liability provides legal defense coverage which can cost a lot. This coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to comp and collision, so do not cut corners here.
- Discounts for multiple policies – Some insurance companies will give lower prices for people who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you may still want to get quotes from other companies to help ensure you have the lowest rates.
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Are you male or female? – The statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. Females and males are in accidents in similar percentages, but males get into accidents with more damage. Not only that, but men also get cited for more serious violations such as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving recklessly. Males from age 16 to 21 are the most expensive to insure and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
The information below shows the difference between Audi TT car insurance rates for male and female drivers. The information is based on no tickets, no at-fault accidents, full coverage, $1,000 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
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Tickets hurt – Your driving record has a big impact on rates. Careful drivers pay lower auto insurance prices compared to bad drivers. Even one speeding ticket or other violation can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers unfortunate enough to have flagrant citations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to prove financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
The diagram below illustrates how speeding tickets and at-fault accidents can raise Audi TT annual premium costs for different categories of driver ages. The premiums assume a married male driver, full coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
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Performance impacts insurance rates – The type of vehicle you own makes a substantial difference in how high your rates are. Low performance passenger models receive the most favorable rates, but that’s not the only thing that factors into the final price.
The next chart uses these variables: married male driver age 50, full coverage with $500 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. It illustrates Audi TT policy rates compared to other makes and models that have a range of performance rating factors.
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Audi TT insurance loss statistics – Insurers use statistical claims data to help set a rate to offset losses. Vehicles that the statistics show to have a higher amount or frequency of claims will cost more for specific coverages.
The table below outlines the insurance loss data used by companies for Audi TT vehicles. For each coverage type, the statistical loss for all vehicles averaged together is set at 100. Numbers that are below 100 suggest a better than average loss history, while values that are above 100 indicate frequent claims or statistically larger claims.
Insurance Loss Ratings for Audi TT Vehicles Vehicle Model Collision Property Damage Comp Personal Injury Medical Payment Bodily Injury Audi TT 2dr 4WD 168 111 Audi TTS 2dr 4WD 141 BETTERAVERAGEWORSEEmpty fields indicate not enough data collected
Data Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Lower rates by qualifying for discounts
Car insurance is not inexpensive, but there could be available discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some trigger automatically when you purchase, but once in a while a discount must be requested specifically prior to getting the savings.
- Life Insurance Discount – Larger insurance companies have better premium rates if you take out life insurance.
- First Accident Forgiveness – Not really a discount, but companies like GEICO, Allstate and Liberty Mutual will forgive one accident without the usual rate increase with the catch being you have to be claim-free prior to the accident.
- Low Mileage Discounts – Low annual miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
- Professional Organizations – Affiliation with specific professional or occupational memberships or organizations could trigger savings on your policy.
- Driving Data Discount – Insureds who allow their company to look at where and when they drive by using a telematics device in their vehicle such as In-Drive from State Farm or Allstate’s Drivewise system might see lower rates if they have good driving habits.
- Federal Employees – Active or former government employment could cut as much as 10% off but check with your company.
Discounts lower rates, but most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn’t quite work that way.
The information below visualizes the comparison of Audi TT yearly insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The premiums are based on a male driver, no claims, a clean driving record, North Carolina state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with marriage, safe-driver, multi-car, claim-free, multi-policy, and homeowner discounts applied.
Large car insurance companies and their possible discounts are:
- Mercury Insurance has savings for multi-policy, annual mileage, ease of repair, location of vehicle, low natural disaster claims, and anti-theft.
- Farmers Insurance offers discounts including distant student, youthful driver, teen driver, electronic funds transfer, good student, business and professional, and alternative fuel.
- Farm Bureau may have discounts that include multi-policy, 55 and retired, renewal discount, driver training, youthful driver, good student, and safe driver.
- State Farm offers premium reductions for driver’s education, good driver, multiple policy, Drive Safe & Save, defensive driving training, and multiple autos.
- Allstate policyholders can earn discounts including multi-policy, utility vehicle, anti-theft, premier plus, and senior citizen.
- GEICO discounts include anti-lock brakes, membership and employees, federal employee, multi-vehicle, good student, and five-year accident-free.
When getting a coverage quote, ask each insurance company which discounts you qualify for. Discounts may not apply to policies everywhere.
Car insurance agents can help
Some people still like to talk to an insurance agent and that can be a smart move Insurance agents are very good at helping people manage risk and will help you if you have claims. The biggest benefit of comparing rate quotes online is the fact that drivers can get the lowest rates but also keep your business local.
After filling out this quick form, the quote information is instantly submitted to insurance agents in Raleigh that give free quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. You won’t need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent to you directly. If you want to get a comparison quote from a specific company, feel free to find their quoting web page and fill out their quote form.
Finding a good insurer should depend on more than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Which insurance company do they prefer to write with?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Do you need full coverage on every vehicle?
- Which companies can they place coverage with?
- How long has their agency been in business in Raleigh?
If you are wanting to find local Raleigh agents, it’s important to understand the different types of agents and how they differ in how they quote coverages. Car insurance agents in Raleigh are categorized either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive). Both types of agents can handle car insurance, but it’s worth mentioning the subtle differences because it can influence the selection process.
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
These type of agents can only write with one company such as Farmers Insurance, State Farm, or Allstate. Exclusive agents cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Exclusive agencies receive extensive training on their company’s products which helps them sell on service rather than price. Consumers frequently buy from exclusive agents mostly because of the brand legacy instead of buying on price only.
The following are exclusive agencies in Raleigh who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance: Lauri W. Fair
9101 Leesville Rd Ste 111 – Raleigh, NC 27613 – (919) 846-3901 – View Map - State Farm: Lisa Davis
8201 Rowlock Way Suite 112 – Raleigh, NC 27613 – (919) 782-3333 – View Map - Amanda Hagood – State Farm Insurance Agent
5910 Duraleigh Rd #135 – Raleigh, NC 27612 – (919) 834-3615 – View Map
Independent Agents
These type of agents are appointed with more than one company and that enables them to quote your coverage with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and the insured can keep the same agent. If you are trying to find cheaper rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to have the best price comparison. Many independent agencies also insure through smaller mutual companies which could offer lower prices.
Below are Raleigh independent insurance agencies that are able to give price quotes.
- G. Suggs Insurance Agency, Inc.
1025 Bullard Ct – Raleigh, NC 27615 – (919) 875-8889 – View Map - Clark Insurance Agency
4004 Barrett Dr #206 – Raleigh, NC 27609 – (919) 844-2995 – View Map - Hix Insurance Center
2010 New Bern Ave – Raleigh, NC 27610 – (919) 255-6210 – View Map
Best car insurance in Raleigh
Finding a highly-rated car insurance company can be a challenge considering how many companies there are to choose from in Raleigh. The company rank data shown next may help you decide which insurers to look at purchasing a policy from.
Top 10 Raleigh Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Claims Service
- Travelers
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- State Farm
- Liberty Mutual
- GEICO
- American Family
- Esurance
- Titan Insurance
- AAA Insurance
Top 10 Raleigh Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Satisfaction
- USAA – 91%
- AAA Insurance – 90%
- Esurance – 90%
- Mercury Insurance – 89%
- Nationwide – 89%
- Travelers – 88%
- Progressive – 88%
- Safeco Insurance – 88%
- State Farm – 88%
- Allstate – 88%
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
Always keep in mind that when comparing coverage, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s needs are different.
Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
- Do I have ACV or replacement cost coverage?
- When would I need additional glass coverage?
- What vehicles should carry emergency assistance coverage?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
- Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- Am I missing any policy discounts?
- How many claims can I have before being canceled?
- What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.
Affordable car insurance rates are out there
Budget-friendly car insurance in Raleigh is possible both online and from local agencies, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some companies do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these smaller companies provide coverage only through independent insurance agents.
When trying to cut insurance costs, you should never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Insureds leave their current company for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, unfair underwriting practices, not issuing a premium refund and even policy non-renewal. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a great new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Additional car insurance information is located on the following sites:
- Help Your Teen Be a Better Driver (State Farm)
- Who Has Cheap Raleigh Auto Insurance Rates for Welfare Recipients? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Raleigh Auto Insurance Rates for a Ford Escape? (FAQ)
- Teen Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Learn About Car Insurance (GEICO)