North Dakota Car Insurance: America's Hidden Bargain
One of the cheapest states for car insurance—here's why and how to maximize your savings.
North Dakota Quick Facts
✓ The North Dakota Advantage
North Dakota consistently ranks in the top 5 cheapest states for car insurance. Low population density, minimal traffic, responsible driving culture, and a stable insurance market keep rates affordable. Even the oil boom towns like Williston have reasonable rates compared to national averages.
North Dakota Minimum Insurance Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Per injured person |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total per accident |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to other vehicles |
| Uninsured Motorist | $25,000/$50,000 | Mandatory |
| No-Fault (PIP) | $30,000 | Mandatory—covers your medical |
Note: North Dakota is technically a "no-fault" state with mandatory PIP ($30,000). But it uses a monetary threshold—you can sue the at-fault driver if your expenses exceed PIP or you suffer serious injury.
Average Car Insurance Costs in North Dakota
| Coverage Level | Annual Premium | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | $412 | $34 |
| Full Coverage | $1,340 | $112 |
Costs by North Dakota City
| City | Avg. Annual Premium | vs. State Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $1,480 | +10% |
| Bismarck | $1,380 | +3% |
| Williston (oil boom) | $1,520 | +13% |
| Grand Forks | $1,340 | 0% |
| Rural ND | $1,180 | -12% |
North Dakota-Specific Considerations
Extreme Winter Weather
North Dakota winters are brutal—temperatures drop to -30°F with blizzards and ice. Single-vehicle winter accidents are common. Collision coverage is valuable.
Oil Patch Traffic
The Bakken oil region (Williston area) sees heavy truck traffic on rural roads not designed for it. Accident rates and premiums are higher in oil country.
Wildlife Collisions
Deer collisions are common on rural highways. Comprehensive coverage handles animal strikes.
Modified Comparative Fault (50%)
You can recover damages if you're 49% or less at fault. At 50%+, you recover nothing.
Top Car Insurance Companies in North Dakota
Nodak Mutual
North Dakota-based mutual company. Understands local needs. Competitive rates.
State Farm
Largest national insurer. Strong agent network.
GEICO
Often cheapest rates. Online service.
American Family
Strong Midwest presence. Good bundling options.
Bottom Line: North Dakota Car Insurance
North Dakota offers some of the cheapest car insurance in America. The mandatory PIP and UM/UIM coverage provide solid baseline protection.
Add comprehensive for wildlife and collision for winter driving. Shop Nodak Mutual (local), State Farm, and GEICO. Even Fargo—the "expensive" area—is cheap by national standards.