8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
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15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Updated October 30, 2024
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Table of contents
Located near Charlotte, Gastonia is a suburban community and one of the most populous cities in North Carolina and offers residents a perfect mix of big-city amenities with a small-town atmosphere. The overall average monthly cost of car insurance in Gastonia is $87, compared to the state average of $77.
North Carolina, in general, is known for its affordable cost of living, and car insurance premiums follow suit. The average monthly cost of auto insurance in North Carolina — and Gastonia — is cheaper than the national average.
Despite the affordable rates, it’s still important that Gastonia drivers shop for the best deal on a car insurance policy.
The average rate for liability car insurance in Gastonia is $70 per month. The average rate for full coverage is $105.
Midvale Home & Auto, Erie, and Nationwide are Gastonia’s most affordable car insurance companies.
Gastonia had 14,928 crashes in 2023, making it the city with the 24th highest accident rate in the state, according to North Carolina Department of Transportation data.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Gastonia
The best car insurance company for you depends on the type of coverage you need and your individual circumstances. Erie, Direct Auto, and GEICO are three of the most popular insurers in Gastonia. These companies offer low prices, solid customer service, and high-quality coverage.
As you begin your search, remember to compare quotes from several companies, and including these three in your search is generally a good idea.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Erie | 9.0 | $63 | $41 | Cheap rates |
GEICO | 9.0 | $72 | $47 | Discounts |
Direct Auto | 7.3 | $103 | $53 | High-risk drivers |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for cheap rates: Erie
User Reviews | 4.1 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $69/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service, fair pricing, and responsive assistance. However, some are unhappy with unexpected rate increases and policy cancellations.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service, fair pricing, and responsive assistance. However, some are unhappy with unexpected rate increases and policy cancellations.
Satina
October 28, 2024
Erie Insurance Unreliable
Lana
October 25, 2024
Expensive but Efficient Company
Shannon
October 19, 2024
Could be Better
Erie, a regional insurer, offers some of the lowest car insurance rates in Gastonia, making it an easy pick to save money on your coverage costs. Comprehensive policies include locksmith services and protection for your personal property. And while most car insurance companies charge more for these features, Erie includes them at no additional cost.
You can also take advantage of Erie’s Rate Lock feature, which helps ensure minimal rate increases. The feature is especially useful for drivers in Gastonia, where most families earn a middle-class income.[1]
Coverage includes free perks like glass repair
Diminishing deductible can reduce premiums
Coverage only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Customers can't buy a policy or file a claim online
Best insurer for discounts: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $79/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Herman
October 29, 2024
Excellent
Greg
October 29, 2024
It's Expensive
Robert
October 29, 2024
Unpleasant Experience on Cape Cod
GEICO, the third-largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, is a great pick if you’re interested in tracking your driving habits to earn a discount. The DriveEasy usage-based telematics mobile app offers reduced rates for safe driving habits. It’s a valuable option for Gastonia drivers who regularly commute to Charlotte for work or school.
You can also earn additional discounts for bundling policies with your auto insurance, including home, renters, life, and business insurance.
24/7 customer service
Numerous discounts
Doesn’t offer rideshare coverage
New car replacement coverage not available
Best insurer for high-risk drivers: Direct Auto
A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $58/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $118/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial low rates and the roadside assistance but dislike the significant rate increases and poor customer service.
Drivers appreciate the initial low rates and the roadside assistance but dislike the significant rate increases and poor customer service.
Charles
October 29, 2024
Desire for Better Discounts for Good Drivers
Marjorie
October 29, 2024
Used to be great, but now not so good.
Janell
October 29, 2024
Insurance Rates
Direct Auto specializes in coverage for high-risk drivers, making it a solid option for people with a violation such as a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DWI on their record. Drivers can also select their payment due date, which offers additional flexibility.
Direct Auto also offers various discounts, including a multi-car discount, a welcome-back discount, and a good student discount. Drivers in Gastonia can also take advantage of Direct Auto's senior citizen discount, which is especially helpful since a large number of area residents are of retirement age.[2] Even though rates are competitive, you might be able to find a better deal with a different insurer if you have a clean driving record.
Affordable coverage for high-risk drivers
Life insurance also available, which offers a savings opportunity for bundling
Much higher than average number of customer complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' complaint index.
Extra coverage options are limited
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Gastonia
Your age, driving record, credit history, ZIP code, and vehicle year all affect your car insurance costs. Some of these factors are outside your control, but you can lower your car insurance costs by following these tips:
Utilize discounts. Most insurers offer various discounts, including rate deductions for military affiliation, age, loyalty, and safe driving. Check the discounts available from each insurer before moving forward with a policy. Agents usually inform you about discounts when you sign up, but it’s always worth double-checking.
Maintain a clean driving record. Your driving record is one of the most important factors that determines the rates you’ll pay for car insurance. Watch your speed and drive defensively to keep your rates as low as possible.
Get quotes from multiple insurers. Comparing quotes from different insurers is the best way to secure a lower car insurance rate. When you compare rates, it’s easier to determine if you’re getting a good deal.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Gastonia: Midvale Home & Auto
Liability-only car insurance ensures you have enough coverage to meet the state-mandated coverage laws in North Carolina. This insurance helps pay for car repairs and medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers when you cause an accident. But it doesn’t cover any of the repair costs for your car.
The average monthly rate for liability-only car insurance in Gastonia is $70, and you can see a collection of rates available from top insurers here.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Midvale Home & Auto | $37 |
Erie | $45 |
Nationwide | $45 |
GEICO | $52 |
Liberty Mutual | $55 |
Travelers | $57 |
Direct Auto | $58 |
Safeco | $58 |
Dairyland | $59 |
Allstate | $62 |
Progressive | $63 |
National General | $70 |
State Farm | $74 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Gastonia: Erie
Full-coverage car insurance includes liability coverage as well as comprehensive and collision coverage, which helps pay for vehicle repairs for your car. If you have a vehicle that would be expensive to replace, a full-coverage policy could make sense for you. But if your car is old or has a low value, you might not need it.
The average rate for full-coverage car insurance in Gastonia is $105 per month, and you can see a collection of rates available from top insurers here.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Erie | $69 |
Nationwide | $69 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $76 |
GEICO | $79 |
Travelers | $87 |
Allstate | $95 |
Progressive | $97 |
State Farm | $113 |
Direct Auto | $118 |
Safeco | $126 |
National General | $128 |
Liberty Mutual | $202 |
Dairyland | $282 |
Cheapest recent rates near Gastonia, North Carolina
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $43/mo for liability only and $72/mo for full coverage in Gastonia and other North Carolina cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Gastonia, North Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Gastonia, North Carolina within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 30, 2024
Car insurance requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina state law requires drivers to have liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage. The coverage helps pay for the other driver’s vehicle repairs and medical expenses when you cause an accident.
Here’s how much coverage you need, according to North Carolina state law. Note that requirements are set to increase on Jan. 1, 2025:[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | 2024 Minimum Requirements ▲▼ | 2025 Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident | $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident | $50,000 per accident |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | $30,000 per person/ $60,000 per accident | $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident |
If you’re interested in enhancing your coverage beyond the state-required minimums listed above, you may want to consider any of the following optional policies:
Accident forgiveness
An at-fault accident will increase your car insurance rates when your policy renews. But if you buy accident forgiveness coverage before getting into a crash, your rates will hold steady following your first at-fault accident. You generally need to have at least three years of clean driving history to qualify to buy accident forgiveness coverage.
Roadside assistance coverage
If your car breaks down or you need a tow, roadside assistance helps cover the costs.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, can pay for injuries you or a passenger suffer if you're in a car accident, no matter who caused the crash. MedPay has no deductibles or co-pays.
Gap insurance
Because new vehicles depreciate quickly, if your new car gets totaled, the amount you owe on your auto loan (or lease) may be more than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle. Insurers typically pay a total loss claim at ACV. Gap insurance covers the difference between the ACV of your vehicle and any remaining loan or lease balance.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Auto insurance costs increase after an incident, including at-fault car accidents, speeding tickets, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and other moving violations. Insurance companies charge more for coverage because such incidents on your record indicate you may demonstrate risky driving behavior going forward.
But despite the price increase for several years, it’s still possible to find competitive rates after an incident.
The following insurers offer the best rates for high-risk drivers in Gastonia, and the table below shows how individual incident types can affect your rates.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ | With At-Fault Accident ▲▼ | With DWI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Erie | $45 | $63 | $67 | $78 |
Nationwide | $45 | $62 | $66 | $78 |
GEICO | $52 | $71 | $76 | $90 |
Liberty Mutual | $55 | $81 | $86 | $95 |
Travelers | $57 | $79 | $84 | $99 |
Direct Auto | $58 | $79 | $86 | $101 |
Safeco | $58 | $80 | $83 | $101 |
Dairyland | $59 | $81 | $86 | $102 |
Allstate | $62 | $85 | $91 | $107 |
Progressive | $63 | $86 | $93 | $109 |
National General | $70 | $96 | $103 | $121 |
State Farm | $74 | $100 | $107 | $128 |
Average cost of car insurance by age
Your age is another key factor that affects your insurance costs. Young drivers, especially teenagers, pay more for coverage due to a lack of driving experience and an increased risk of reckless behavior.
Fortunately, premiums tend to decrease around age 25, with the lowest rates near retirement age. But rates increase again around age 70 due to increased accident risks.
The table below shows the average car insurance costs in Gastonia for each age group.
Age ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Teens | $200 |
20s | $248 |
30s | $231 |
40s | $196 |
50s | $146 |
60s | $103 |
70s | $77 |
Gastonia car insurance quotes by credit tier
North Carolina allows insurers to review your credit history during the underwriting process. Insurers use credit history to generate credit-based insurance scores that predict your likelihood of filing a claim. Because of that, drivers in Gastonia can expect to pay more or less for car insurance depending on their credit history.
Insurance companies consider low credit-based insurance scores to indicate higher levels of risk and charge more as a result. Drivers with poor credit pay more for car insurance. On the other hand, drivers with excellent or good credit typically pay less.
Here are the average car insurance rates for each credit tier in Gastonia.
Rates by Credit Tier
Gastonia car insurance FAQs
Looking for more information to help you find the most affordable car insurance in Gastonia? Consult the answers below.
How much is car insurance in Gastonia?
The average rate for car insurance in Gastonia is $87 per month. The average monthly rate for liability coverage is $70, and the average rate for full coverage is $105.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Gastonia?
Midvale Home & Auto offers the cheapest car insurance in Gastonia, at $37 per month. Erie and Nationwide also offer cheap rates in the area, with respective monthly rates of $45 and $45.
What are the best car insurance companies in Gastonia?
Erie Insurance, GEICO, and Direct Auto are three of the top insurers in Gastonia. Erie and GEICO are known for their low rates, financial stability, and customer service. Direct Auto is known as an affordable option for people with a past infraction on their record looking to secure affordable car insurance.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in North Carolina
Sources
- Neighborhood Scout. "Gastonia, NC."
- Census Reporter. "Gastonia, NC."
- North Carolina Department of Transportation. "Insurance Requirements."
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
15+ years in content creation
7+ years in business and financial services content
Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.