Car Insurance in North Dakota: If you drive in North Dakota, having the right car insurance isn’t just a recommendation – it’s the law. The wide, open highways and sometimes harsh weather conditions make it especially important for drivers to ensure they are covered in case of accidents, weather damage, or other unforeseen events.
Finding the best car insurance can seem complicated, but a free quote makes it easier by allowing you to compare coverage and rates across multiple insurers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car insurance in North Dakota, how to get a free quote, and what factors to consider when selecting the right policy for your needs.
Understanding Car Insurance in North Dakota
Car insurance regulations vary from state to state, and North Dakota is no exception. As a no-fault insurance state, North Dakota requires specific types of coverage to protect all parties involved in an accident. Knowing what’s mandatory and what’s optional is crucial to ensuring that you’re both legal and adequately protected.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota law requires drivers to have several types of insurance coverage:
Liability Coverage: This covers damages you might cause to others in an accident. The state minimum is 25/50/25, meaning:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): As a no-fault state, North Dakota requires PIP coverage, which helps pay for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. The minimum required is $30,000.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or not enough to cover damages. The minimum required is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Optional Car Insurance Coverage in North Dakota
In addition to the mandatory coverages, there are several optional policies you may want to consider to fully protect your vehicle and finances:
- Collision Coverage: This helps pay for repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to your car from non-collision-related events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Gap Insurance: This covers the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan and its actual value if it’s totaled in an accident.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates in North Dakota
Several factors determine your car insurance rates, including:
- Driving Record: A clean driving record results in lower premiums, while accidents or violations increase rates.
- Age and Gender: Young drivers and male drivers often pay more due to statistical risk factors.
- Vehicle Type: More expensive or high-performance vehicles typically cost more to insure.
- Location: Living in areas with high crime rates or harsh weather conditions may increase your premiums.
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 several ways to get a free car insurance quote:
- Online Comparison Tools: Websites like The Zebra or NerdWallet allow you to input your information and compare quotes from multiple insurers.
- Local Insurance Agents: Contacting a local agent can provide you with more personalized service and potentially better rates, especially if they specialize in North Dakota policies.
- Insurance Company Websites: Many insurers offer free quote tools directly on their websites, such as GEICO or State Farm.
Tips for Reducing Car Insurance Costs in North Dakota
There are several ways to lower your car insurance premiums:
- Safe Driving Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for drivers with clean records or those who complete safe driving courses.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with homeowners or renters insurance to get a discount.
- Increase Your Deductible: A higher deductible typically results in a lower premium, but make sure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance in North Dakota
North Dakota operates under a no-fault system, meaning your insurance will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. While this simplifies the claims process, it also means your premiums might be higher to cover the cost of PIP coverage. The benefit, however, is quicker access to compensation without needing to determine liability.
High-Risk Drivers in North Dakota
If you have a poor driving record, multiple accidents, or DUIs, you may be considered a high-risk driver. High-risk drivers often face higher premiums, but North Dakota offers options like the North Dakota Automobile Insurance Plan (NDAIP) for those who have trouble getting coverage through traditional means.
Teen Car Insurance in North Dakota
Insuring a teen driver can be expensive due to their inexperience and higher likelihood of accidents. To reduce costs, encourage your teen to take a defensive driving course, maintain good grades (many insurers offer a good student discount), and consider adding them to your existing policy rather than purchasing a separate one.
Car Insurance Discounts in North Dakota
Many discounts are available to North Dakota drivers, including:
- Multi-Policy Discounts: Bundling your auto insurance with other types of insurance.
- Good Student Discounts: For students maintaining a B average or higher.
- Safety Features Discounts: Installing anti-theft devices or having cars with advanced safety features may lower your premium.
Filing a Car Insurance Claim in North Dakota
Filing a claim in North Dakota is a straightforward process:
- Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Provide details of the accident, including photos and a police report if applicable.
- Work with your claims adjuster to assess the damage and determine compensation.
After filing a claim, your insurer will review the case and, if approved, will cover the damages or medical expenses based on your policy’s terms.
Common Car Insurance Myths in North Dakota
There are several misconceptions about car insurance that can lead to costly mistakes:
- Myth: Full coverage means everything is covered. Full coverage typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive, but it may not cover everything, such as rental cars or personal belongings.
- Myth: Older cars don’t need insurance. Even older cars require liability coverage in North Dakota.
- Myth: Red cars cost more to insure. The color of your car has no impact on your premium.
FAQs about Car Insurance in North Dakota
If you’re looking for car insurance in North Dakota, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help guide you:
1. Is car insurance mandatory in North Dakota?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in North Dakota. The state requires all drivers to have liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage, to cover the costs of accidents caused by the insured driver.
2. What are the minimum coverage requirements?
In North Dakota, the minimum liability coverage limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Additionally, North Dakota requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as personal injury protection (PIP).
3. How can I find affordable car insurance in North Dakota?
To find the cheapest car insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurers, consider bundling your auto policy with other types of insurance, and maintain a clean driving record. You can also ask about discounts for safe driving, low mileage, or multiple policies.
4. Does North Dakota offer no-fault insurance?
Yes, North Dakota follows a no-fault insurance system. This means your insurance will cover your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident, up to your PIP limits.
5. How can I lower my car insurance premiums in North Dakota?
You can lower premiums by increasing deductibles, improving your credit score, and taking advantage of discounts like safe driver programs or bundling home and auto insurance.
Conclusion
Car insurance in North Dakota can seem overwhelming, but getting a free quote is an easy way to compare rates and find the best coverage for your needs. Whether you’re looking for the state minimum or a more comprehensive policy, shopping around ensures you’re getting the best deal.
Remember to take advantage of discounts, review your policy regularly, and stay informed about the types of coverage available.
References
For further reading and validation of the information provided in this article, we’ve gathered insights from reputable sources that offer in-depth knowledge on car insurance in North Dakota. Explore these references for a more comprehensive understanding:
- Insurance Information Institute – A trusted source for general car insurance education, policy details, and industry trends. Learn more
- Consumer Reports – Offers independent reviews, insights, and recommendations for choosing the best car insurance providers. Check it out
- NerdWallet – A popular platform offering comparisons of car insurance rates and tips for saving on premiums in North Dakota. Explore more
These sources help you make informed decisions when navigating car insurance in North Dakota.
