Matthews sits just southeast of Charlotte, and if you're one of the town's nearly 40,000 residents, you've probably noticed how quickly the area has grown. More people, more cars, more homes—and that means insurance is more important than ever. Whether you're settling into a home near downtown Matthews or commuting to Charlotte for work, understanding your insurance options can save you money and headaches down the road.
Here's what you need to know about auto insurance, homeowners coverage, and finding the right local agent to help you navigate North Carolina's insurance landscape in 2025 and beyond.
Auto Insurance Requirements Just Changed in North Carolina
If you haven't reviewed your car insurance lately, now's the time. As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina increased its minimum liability coverage requirements to 50/100/50. That's $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $50,000 for property damage. Previously, the state only required 30/60/25—so this is a significant jump.
These new minimums give North Carolina some of the highest required coverage limits in the country. The change also affects uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which must now match your liability limits. Plus, there's a new rule: if you're hit by an uninsured driver, you can now collect from both their insurance and your own uninsured motorist policy without one reducing the other. That's a big win for accident victims.
What does this mean for your wallet? In the Charlotte metro area, which includes Matthews, full coverage auto insurance averages around $2,647 per year. If you're just carrying the minimum coverage, expect to pay closer to $784 annually. Shopping around matters—Progressive often comes in as the cheapest option in Charlotte at around $1,200 per year for full coverage, while other carriers can run significantly higher.
Homeowners Insurance in Matthews: What You Actually Need
Technically, North Carolina doesn't require you to have homeowners insurance. But here's the reality: if you have a mortgage—and most people do—your lender absolutely will require it. And even if you own your home outright, going without coverage is a massive financial risk. One house fire or major storm could wipe out your life savings.
In Matthews, where the average home value sits around $352,600, homeowners insurance typically runs about $1,265 per year for some customers. Across the Charlotte area, the average is closer to $2,269 annually. The golden rule? Carry at least 80% of your home's replacement cost in coverage. Not the market value—the replacement cost, which is what it would actually cost to rebuild your home from scratch if disaster struck.
North Carolina homeowners have been dealing with some tough insurance market conditions lately. Statewide, rates increased by more than 36% between 2018 and 2023. Looking ahead, expect another 7.5% increase in June 2025 and again in June 2026. The good news for Matthews residents is that you're not in the coastal zone, where increases are even steeper—beach areas are seeing 16% hikes in 2025 alone.
Do You Need Flood Insurance in Matthews?
Here's something that surprises people: standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding. Not even a little. If water comes into your home from the ground up—whether from a nearby creek overflowing or heavy rain overwhelming the drainage—your regular policy won't pay a dime.
Matthews isn't coastal, but that doesn't mean flood risk doesn't exist. Mecklenburg County has flood-prone areas, particularly near creeks and low-lying spots. You can check your specific address using North Carolina's Flood Risk Information System to see if you're in a flood zone. Through the National Flood Insurance Program, flood coverage averages around $925 per year in North Carolina. Less than 3% of state residents carry flood insurance, which is why so many people get caught off guard when disaster strikes.
If your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is mandatory. But even if you're not required to buy it, consider your risk carefully. Flooding causes billions in property damage across North Carolina, and FEMA disaster assistance rarely covers your full losses.
Finding Local Insurance Agents in Matthews
Matthews has five established insurance agencies serving the community, and working with a local agent has real advantages. They understand the area—where flooding tends to happen, which neighborhoods have higher theft rates, and how Charlotte's growth affects insurance costs. Plus, when you need to file a claim, you're dealing with someone you can actually meet face-to-face.
Local agencies in Matthews represent major carriers like State Farm, Allstate, NC Farm Bureau, and Nationwide. Some are independent agencies that can shop multiple companies for you, which often leads to better rates. Don't be shy about asking questions: What discounts are available? How quickly do they handle claims? Will they review your coverage annually to make sure you're not overpaying?
How to Save Money on Insurance in Matthews
Bundle your auto and home insurance with the same company. Most insurers offer discounts of 15% to 25% when you package multiple policies. That can easily save you $500 or more per year.
Raise your deductibles if you can afford to pay more out of pocket in a claim. Going from a $500 deductible to $1,000 can cut your premiums by 10% to 15%. Just make sure you have that amount in savings in case you need it.
Ask about discounts you might already qualify for: good driver discounts, safety features in your car, home security systems, smoke detectors, being claims-free for several years, or even having good credit. These add up faster than you'd think.
Shop around every couple of years. Insurance rates change constantly, and what was the best deal three years ago might not be today. Get quotes from at least three companies, and don't be afraid to tell your current insurer you're shopping—they might suddenly find ways to lower your rate.
Getting Started with Insurance in Matthews
Start by pulling out your current insurance policies—both auto and home if you have them. Look at what you're paying and what coverage you actually have. Are you meeting North Carolina's new 50/100/50 requirements? Is your home insured for at least 80% of its replacement cost? Do you have adequate liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property or in an accident you cause?
Then reach out to at least three local Matthews agents or online carriers for quotes. Give them the same information so you can compare apples to apples. Ask about discounts, coverage options, and their claims process. The cheapest policy isn't always the best—you want an insurer who'll actually be there when you need them.
Living in Matthews gives you access to Charlotte's competitive insurance market while enjoying a smaller-town feel. Take advantage of that. With five local agencies and plenty of online options, you have choices. Use them. Protect what matters most—your car, your home, and your financial future—with coverage that actually works when you need it.
