The Complete Guide to North Dakota Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Peace Garden State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things ND car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in North Dakota?
Car insurance in North Dakota averages $180/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $154 |
| Bismarck | $173 |
| Grand Forks | $156 |
| Minot | $174 |
| West Fargo | $151 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in North Dakota?
North Dakota drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
13% of drivers in North Dakota are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,489 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in ND, down 15% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
ND has a very low FEMA disaster rating of 21, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and tornado are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in North Dakota?
All North Dakota drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for North Dakota drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $30,000 | Your medical bills and often lost wages after any car accident, regardless of who’s at fault | Car damage, pain and suffering, may have limits on who’s covered |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in North Dakota?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for North Dakota drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in North Dakota?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from prairie off-roading
What happens if I drive without insurance in North Dakota?
North Dakota takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$150-$1,000 first offense, $300-$1,500 for repeat offenses within one year.
Suspension
License suspended until insurance proof shown, plates removed for repeat offenses.
Jail time
First offense won’t land you in jail. Repeat offenses within a year? 30 days behind bars.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in North Dakota?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in North Dakota?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
North Dakota car insurance FAQs
Is North Dakota a no-fault state?
Yes, North Dakota is a no-fault state. You must carry PIP insurance to cover medical expenses after an accident. The no-fault system limits lawsuits for minor injuries, lawsuits are only permitted if injuries exceed legal thresholds.
Do I need insurance to register a car in North Dakota?
Yes, insurance is required to register a car in North Dakota. You must carry minimum liability coverage and no-fault PIP insurance. Proof of insurance is required during registration, and coverage must stay active.
What are the top risks for driving in North Dakota?
North Dakota’s extreme winter weather brings snow, ice, and high winds that can eliminate visibility. Wildlife is abundant on rural highways, while long distances between towns contribute to dangerous driver fatigue situations.
How long do I have to report an accident in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported to police immediately. If law enforcement doesn’t investigate, you must file a report within 10 days. The report goes to the Department of Transportation. Insurance notice should be prompt.
What are the top safety tips for driving in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, prep for brutal winter conditions and strong winds. Slow down in snow and when you can barely see. Watch for wildlife on rural highways. Take breaks to avoid getting tired on long drives.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
Continue Reading
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
Let’s dig into the factors that impact car insurance rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here’s what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
Brake pad costs, warning signs, and when insurance helps.
How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
AC repair costs, warning signs, and insurance coverage explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tire?
What you can expect to pay to repair or replace your damaged tire at the repair shop.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
Costs, coverage, and what you need to know.