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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in North Dakota

Across the Peace Garden State, there are 175,960 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in North Dakota is $1,316 per year — 14% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average North Dakota car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in North Dakota based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive car insurance quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in North Dakota

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in North Dakota.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the central region.

2nd place medal
Shelter Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Shelter Insurance scored an 856 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Farmers

Farmers Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 848 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.2 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • North Dakota drivers pay about 14% less for car insurance on average.
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in North Dakota is USAA.

The cheapest car insurance companies in North Dakota

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

USAA
Cheapest full coverage insurance: USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA at $913 annually, or $76 per month.

USAA
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage in North Dakota, USAA is the cheapest on average. 

American family logo
Cheapest for DUI: American Family

If you have a DUI on your record, check out American Family for the cheapest average rates.

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

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


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
car with blue windshield

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.

The Zebra's guide to North Dakota car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of North Dakota with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in North Dakota.

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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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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
Driving without lights $1,774 14% $218
Child safety restraint $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
Following too closely $1,861 20% $305
Failure to stop at a red light $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
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

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.


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.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in North Dakota in minutes!

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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
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

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


North Dakota car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding North Dakota auto insurance.

If you want a liability-only policy in North Dakota, rates average at $181 for a six-month policy. For full coverage, premiums increase to $562, or $97 per month.

For a full coverage policy with a typical driver profile, USAA offers the cheapest rates in North Dakota: $913 per year or $457 for a six-month policy.

Your best option for cheap car insurance in North Dakota is to find the right company. Discounts can't make up for an expensive company. Get started with us to see rates from different providers in North Dakota.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.