Jacksonville is home to Camp Lejeune, one of the largest Marine Corps bases on the East Coast, which means this Onslow County city has a unique blend of military families, local residents, and constant traffic along major corridors like US-17. Whether you're a Marine stationed at the base, a military spouse, or a longtime local, understanding North Carolina's auto insurance requirements is essential—especially since the state made significant changes in 2025 that affect everyone on the road.
Here's what makes Jacksonville different: the heavy military presence means frequent relocations, deployed service members, and drivers from all over the country navigating North Carolina's insurance rules for the first time. Add in the reality that US-17 sees its share of accidents, and you need coverage that actually protects you. Let's break down what you need to know about auto insurance in Jacksonville.
North Carolina's New Insurance Requirements for 2025
If you've been driving in North Carolina for a while, you probably knew the old minimums by heart: 30/60/25. That's $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Those limits had been the law since 1999—but they hadn't kept pace with the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs.
Starting July 1, 2025, North Carolina increased its minimum coverage requirements to 50/100/50. That means you now need at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. This change applies to all policies issued or renewed on or after that date, so if your policy renewed this year, you're already paying for the higher coverage.
But here's the bigger change: all policies must now include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage. Previously, minimum policies didn't require UM/UIM coverage at all. This is a huge deal, because it protects you when the other driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough to cover your damages.
What At-Fault Insurance Means for Jacksonville Drivers
North Carolina uses an at-fault insurance system, which means the person who causes the accident is responsible for paying damages. If someone rear-ends you at a stoplight on Western Boulevard, their liability insurance should cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs. Sounds straightforward, right?
The catch is North Carolina's contributory negligence rule—one of the strictest in the country. If you're even 1% at fault for an accident, you can't recover damages from the other driver. Only three other states and Washington, D.C. follow this harsh rule. So if you're in a crash and the insurance company argues you were slightly speeding or didn't brake soon enough, you could be barred from collecting anything—even if the other driver was mostly to blame.
This is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage matters so much. If you can't collect from the at-fault driver—whether because they don't have insurance, don't have enough coverage, or because the insurance company disputes fault—your UM/UIM coverage steps in to protect you. The new 2025 law requiring this coverage for everyone is a big win for North Carolina drivers.
Insurance Costs in Jacksonville: What to Expect
The good news? Jacksonville tends to have more affordable insurance rates than many other North Carolina cities. Drivers with clean records can expect to pay around $91 per month on average—that's below the state average of about $153 per month for full coverage. Minimum liability coverage typically runs around $28 to $48 per month, depending on the carrier.
Your rate depends on several factors: your age, driving record, credit score, the vehicle you drive, and how much coverage you carry. Violations hit hard—a speeding ticket for going 21-25 mph over the limit can push your rate up to $139 per month, while a DUI conviction can spike it to $387 per month or more. Even a not-at-fault accident might nudge your rate slightly higher.
For military families, some insurers offer discounts for service members, and certain companies like USAA and Armed Forces Insurance specialize in coverage for the military community. If you're deploying or storing your vehicle while you're away, talk to your insurance company about suspension or reduced coverage options to save money.
Navigating US-17 and Local Traffic Concerns
US-17 runs through Jacksonville and serves as a major corridor for both local and through traffic. In 2025, the area saw multiple serious accidents, including fatal crashes on major highways and several incidents involving Jacksonville police vehicles during a chase near Piney Green Road and US-17. These accidents underscore the importance of having adequate coverage—not just the bare minimum.
Even with the new 50/100/50 minimums, one serious accident can easily exceed those limits. A hospitalization can cost $100,000 or more, and if you're found at fault for injuring multiple people, the per-accident limit of $100,000 won't go far. That's why many Jacksonville drivers choose to carry higher liability limits—like 100/300/100 or even 250/500/100—for better protection.
Special Considerations for Military Families
If you're stationed at Camp Lejeune, you need to make sure your auto insurance meets North Carolina's requirements—even if you maintain your legal residence in another state. Some states allow military members to keep their home state insurance and registration, but your policy still needs to comply with North Carolina minimums while you're driving here.
If you're deploying, talk to your insurer about your options. Some companies allow you to suspend coverage or reduce it to comprehensive-only while your vehicle is in storage. You can't drop liability coverage entirely if you're keeping the vehicle registered, but you might save money by adjusting your policy during deployment. Make sure you understand the rules—driving without proper coverage can result in license suspension and fines.
How to Get the Right Coverage
Shopping for auto insurance in Jacksonville doesn't have to be complicated. Start by getting quotes from multiple carriers—rates can vary significantly between companies, even for the same coverage. Look beyond just the premium price and consider the insurer's reputation for handling claims, customer service, and financial stability.
Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer lower rates for bundling auto and home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, or having safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags. Military discounts can also make a real difference if you're eligible.
Finally, don't just accept the minimum coverage because it's the cheapest option. Think about what would happen if you caused a serious accident or if an uninsured driver hit you. The difference in premium between minimum coverage and a more robust policy is often smaller than you'd think—and the extra protection is worth it when you need it most.
