NC Requirements
North Carolina raised its minimum coverage. Here is what you need now.
The state raised its minimum coverage in 2025 and most drivers found out at renewal. Here is exactly what the law asks of you now.
Minimum required coverage
Current limits took effect July 1, 2025 under Senate Bill 452, replacing the 30/60/25 minimums that had stood since 1999. Because policies renew on six- and twelve-month cycles, many drivers are only seeing the change during 2026.
Previous minimum (pre-July 2025)
30/60/25
50/100/50
- Bodily injury per person
- $50,000
- Bodily injury per accident
- $100,000
- Property damage
- $50,000
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required at limits matching your liability limits.
Requirements change. Confirm current limits with the state before you buy. North Carolina Department of Insurance
What the state requires
- Liability coverage of 50/100/50 is mandatory on every policy issued or renewed after July 1, 2025.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory and must match your liability limits — you cannot decline it.
- North Carolina is a contributory negligence state. If you are found even 1% at fault for a crash, you can be barred from recovering anything from the other driver. This makes your own coverage far more important here than in most states.
- The DMV is notified electronically when a policy lapses, and a lapse triggers civil penalties and possible plate revocation.
- The Safe Driver Incentive Plan adds points to your insurance record for at-fault accidents and violations, which is a separate system from DMV license points.
Why your own coverage matters more here
North Carolina is one of a small number of contributory negligence states. If you are found even 1% at fault in a crash, you can be barred from recovering anything from the other driver. That makes your own collision, medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage far more important here than in most of the country — you cannot assume the other driver's policy will make you whole.
Taxes in North Carolina
North Carolina individual income tax returns are due the same day as the federal return, generally April 15. The state has a flat individual income tax rate that has been stepping down year over year, so the rate that applied to last year is not necessarily the rate that applies to this one.
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Common questions
Did North Carolina really raise the minimum coverage?
Yes. As of July 1, 2025, the minimum is 50/100/50 — up from 30/60/25, which had not changed since 1999. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage now has to match those limits too. If your premium rose at renewal, this is very likely why.
What does contributory negligence mean for me?
North Carolina is one of a handful of states where being even slightly at fault can block you from recovering damages from the other driver entirely. Practically, it means you should not count on the other driver's insurance to make you whole. Your own collision, medical payments and UM/UIM coverage carry a lot more weight here.
What happens if my coverage lapses?
Your insurer notifies the NC DMV directly. You can face civil penalties, a restoration fee, and revocation of your plates. If you are between policies, call us before the old one ends rather than after.
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