Best Car Insurance in North Dakota: When it comes to protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle, having the right car insurance is critical.
In North Dakota, it’s not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about finding the right policy that suits your needs and budget.
With numerous insurance providers and a variety of coverage options, it can feel overwhelming to navigate this process.
That’s why getting a free car insurance quote is an essential first step.
What Is Car Insurance?
Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider, where you pay a premium, and in exchange, the company offers financial protection against accidents, theft, and other potential damages. In North Dakota, drivers are required by law to carry minimum coverage, but many opt for more comprehensive policies to fully safeguard their investments.
Importance of Car Insurance in North Dakota
North Dakota’s unpredictable weather, rural roads, and increasing traffic make car insurance more than just a legal necessity—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with icy roads or a deer jumping into your path, having the right insurance ensures that you’re not left with a hefty bill after an accident.
Why Should You Get a Free Quote?
Getting a free quote is one of the smartest ways to ensure you’re not overpaying for coverage. With so many companies offering different rates, comparing quotes helps you see where you can save money while still getting the coverage you need. You might find that another company offers a lower rate or better discounts for your situation.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates in North Dakota
There are several factors that go into determining your car insurance premium in North Dakota. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions when shopping for insurance.
Location-Specific Risks
Urban areas like Fargo and Bismarck tend to have higher rates due to the increased likelihood of accidents, while more rural areas may offer lower premiums.
Your Driving Record
A clean driving history will earn you lower premiums, while accidents, traffic violations, or DUIs can cause your rates to spike.
Vehicle Type and Usage
Insurance providers assess the risk of the vehicle you drive. Sports cars, luxury cars, and vehicles with high repair costs are generally more expensive to insure.
Age and Gender
Younger drivers and male drivers typically pay higher premiums, as they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.
Credit Score
In North Dakota, your credit score can significantly impact your car insurance rate. A better score often results in lower premiums.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage in North Dakota
There are several coverage types you can choose from, depending on your needs:
Liability Coverage
This covers damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. It’s required by law in North Dakota.
Collision Coverage
This covers damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage
This helps cover non-collision-related damages like theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Required in no-fault states like North Dakota, PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota mandates certain minimum levels of insurance coverage:
- Liability Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum $30,000.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
While these are the minimum requirements, it’s often advisable to opt for higher limits and additional coverage for better protection.
Top Car Insurance Companies in North Dakota
With numerous providers to choose from, here are a few of the top companies offering great rates and coverage in North Dakota:
State Farm
Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of discounts.
GEICO
Offers competitive rates and an easy-to-use online platform.
Progressive
Popular for its flexible policies and Snapshot program that rewards safe driving.
Farmers Insurance
Well-known for tailored coverage options and comprehensive customer support.
Nationwide
Offers a range of policy options with generous discounts for safe drivers.
How to Choose the Best Car Insurance in North Dakota
When looking for the best car insurance, consider these factors:
- Comparing Rates and Discounts: Ensure you’re getting the best deal by comparing quotes from multiple companies.
- Customer Service and Claims Process: A company with a good reputation for handling claims efficiently can save you a lot of headaches.
- Financial Stability: Choose an insurer with a strong financial standing, ensuring they can pay claims when needed.
- Local vs. National Providers: Local companies may offer more personalized service, while national providers often have lower rates and better online tools.
Cheapest car insurance companies in North Dakota
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $913 |
| American Family | $1,247 |
| State Farm | $1,349 |
| Farmers | $1,539 |
| Progressive | $1,805 |
| Allstate | $1,861 |
| GEICO | $2,111 |
North Dakota auto insurance laws
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including North Dakota. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in North Dakota, expect to pay an average of $362 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 33%.
State minimum coverage
In order to drive legally in the state of North Dakota, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $25,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $30,000 per person
Optional coverage in North Dakota (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in North Dakota, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,124, 211% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 297% more than you would for basic coverage.
Why It’s Important to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote
Getting a free car insurance quote is an easy way to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to. By comparing rates from multiple insurers, you can find a policy that offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Plus, many online tools allow you to customize your quote by adjusting coverage limits, deductibles, and optional add-ons, helping you tailor a policy to your unique needs.
North Dakota car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in North Dakota.
Cheap auto insurance in North Dakota for minimum coverage
Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In North Dakota, the average cost for minimum coverage is $30 per month, or $362 yearly — a savings of $762 compared to full coverage.
Cheapest insurance companies for minimum coverage in North Dakota
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $222 |
| State Farm | $338 |
| American Family | $448 |
| GEICO | $520 |
| Farmers | $543 |
| Progressive | $543 |
| Allstate | $666 |
Cheap auto insurance in North Dakota with bad credit
Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, North Dakota drivers with poor credit pay 60% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.
Cheapest insurance companies for bad credit in North Dakota
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,687 |
| American Family | $1,921 |
| Farmers | $2,295 |
| State Farm | $2,778 |
| Allstate | $2,821 |
| Progressive | $3,105 |
| GEICO | $3,129 |
Cheap auto insurance in North Dakota with an at-fault accident
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $404 per year.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
Cheapest insurance companies in North Dakota with an at-fault accident
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,267 |
| American Family | $1,657 |
| State Farm | $1,673 |
| Farmers | $2,063 |
| Allstate | $2,218 |
| Progressive | $2,584 |
| GEICO | $3,414 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in North Dakota
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In North Dakota, teen drivers pay typical rates: $4,253 per year — that’s $543 less than the nationwide average but over twice as much as a typical North Dakota driver.
Cheapest insurance companies in North Dakota for teen drivers
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $2,637 |
| USAA | $3,567 |
| State Farm | $4,562 |
| GEICO | $4,762 |
| Farmers | $6,220 |
| Progressive | $7,283 |
| Allstate | $8,704 |
North Dakota auto insurance rate by violation
In North Dakota, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That’s why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 33% after a DUI and 22% after a speeding ticket.
See below average auto insurance rates in North Dakota after a few common citations.
Rates by violation in North Dakota
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | % Rate Increase | $ Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $1,555 | 0% | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $1,575 | 1% | $19 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $1,608 | 3% | $53 |
| One comp claim | $1,630 | 5% | $75 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $1,643 | 6% | $87 |
| Failure to show documents | $1,696 | 9% | $140 |
| Two comp claims | $1,732 | 11% | $177 |
| Driving with expired registration | $1,746 | 12% | $191 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $1,764 | 13% | $209 |
| Child safety restraint | $1,774 | 14% | $218 |
| Driving without lights | $1,774 | 14% | $218 |
| Speeding in school zone | $1,806 | 16% | $250 |
| Driving too slowly | $1,806 | 16% | $251 |
| Texting while driving | $1,844 | 19% | $289 |
| Cell phone violation | $1,844 | 19% | $289 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $1,851 | 19% | $295 |
| Illegal turn | $1,860 | 20% | $305 |
| Failure to yield | $1,861 | 20% | $305 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $1,861 | 20% | $305 |
| Following too closely | $1,861 | 20% | $305 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $1,870 | 20% | $314 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $1,885 | 21% | $330 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $1,885 | 21% | $330 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $1,901 | 22% | $346 |
| Improper passing | $1,928 | 24% | $373 |
| Passing school bus | $1,954 | 26% | $399 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $2,000 | 29% | $445 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $2,003 | 29% | $447 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $2,073 | 33% | $518 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $2,104 | 35% | $548 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $2,133 | 37% | $578 |
| Open container | $2,207 | 42% | $652 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $2,620 | 68% | $1,064 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $2,754 | 77% | $1,198 |
| Reckless driving | $2,772 | 78% | $1,216 |
| DUI | $2,886 | 86% | $1,330 |
| Racing | $2,899 | 86% | $1,344 |
| Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $2,966 | 91% | $1,410 |
North Dakota DUI laws
In North Dakota, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $427. That’s 29% less than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in North Dakota
If you’re convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in North Dakota, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in North Dakota, American Family, advertises annual rates 8% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in North Dakota is State Farm, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 151% above average.
CAR INSURANCE RATES WITH DUI IN NORTH DAKOTA — BY INSURER
Cheapest Insurance companies in North Dakota with a DUI
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $1,593 |
| State Farm | $1,890 |
| Progressive | $2,025 |
| Farmers | $2,027 |
| USAA | $2,181 |
| Allstate | $3,354 |
| GEICO | $4,368 |
North Dakota SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of North Dakota to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in North Dakota might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
How to acquire an SR-22 in North Dakota
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you’ll need to look for a new insurer.
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Fargo, North Dakota, and the most expensive in Minot, North Dakota.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of North Dakota’s biggest cities.
AVERAGE ANNUAL CAR INSURANCE RATE BY CITY
Cheapest cities in North Dakota
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $1,291 |
| Grand Forks | $1,330 |
| West Fargo | $1,331 |
| Bismarck | $1,476 |
| Minot | $1,477 |
Car insurance price trends in North Dakota
In North Dakota, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by just $5 in the past year. A typical North Dakota driver pays an average of $1,317 per year.
The recent pricing trend in North Dakota leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance coststhan the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.
NORTH DAKOTA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — North Dakota | Yearly Change — North Dakota | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,317 | -$5 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,322 | -$97 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $1,419 | $62 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,357 | -$439 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote in North Dakota
There are multiple ways to get a free quote:
- Online Quote Tools: Most major insurers offer instant quotes on their websites.
- Calling an Agent: A personalized service can often help you find hidden discounts.
- Insurance Comparison Websites: These allow you to compare multiple providers at once.
- Asking for Discounts and Deals: Don’t hesitate to inquire about available discounts—many aren’t advertised upfront.
Discounts That Can Lower Your Premiums
Several discounts can help reduce your premium:
- Safe Driver Discounts: Maintaining a clean driving record can save you money.
- Multi-Vehicle Discounts: Insuring more than one vehicle often earns a lower rate.
- Bundling Auto and Home Insurance: Many providers offer discounts for bundling policies.
- Low Mileage Discounts: If you drive less than average, you might qualify for lower rates.
- Student and Senior Discounts: Many companies offer special rates for students and seniors.
Why Comparing Quotes Is Crucial for Saving Money
By comparing quotes, you can ensure you’re getting the most value for your money. Even if one company offers low rates, another might provide better coverage for the same price. Hidden fees or conditions may also surface only through comparison.
Tips for Lowering Your Car Insurance Premiums in North Dakota
- Improving Your Driving Record: Over time, a clean driving record can significantly reduce your premiums.
- Raising Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but it comes with higher out-of-pocket costs in case of a claim.
- Usage-Based Insurance: Some insurers offer lower rates for drivers who log fewer miles.
- Maintaining a Good Credit Score: Improving your credit score can have a positive impact on your insurance rates.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Car Insurance in North Dakota?
Driving without insurance is illegal and can lead to severe penalties:
- Legal Consequences: Fines, license suspension, and even jail time are possible.
- Financial Risks: Without insurance, you’re responsible for all damages in the event of an accident.
- Impact on Future Insurance Rates: Once you’re caught driving uninsured, future premiums will likely be much higher.
How Weather Conditions in North Dakota Affect Car Insurance Rates
North Dakota’s harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and icy roads, contribute to higher insurance rates. Additionally, the risk of hailstorms and flooding during spring and summer months can make comprehensive coverage essential.
The Role of North Dakota’s No-Fault Insurance Law
North Dakota operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that in the event of an accident, your insurance will cover your medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This system reduces litigation but often results in higher premiums.
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in North Dakota
High-risk drivers, such as those with multiple accidents or DUIs, may have trouble securing affordable insurance. Fortunately, the North Dakota Automobile Insurance Plan exists to provide coverage options for those who are considered too risky for standard insurers.
Conclusion
Car insurance in North Dakota is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a critical safety net for both you and your vehicle. By comparing quotes, considering discounts, and understanding the types of coverage available, you can find the best car insurance at an affordable price. Don’t hesitate to shop around and take advantage of free quotes to ensure you get the protection you need without breaking the bank.
