DENVER - Car insurance rates can differ wildly between counties and states. And in a new report by Denver-based InsuranceQuotes.com, site senior analyst Laura Adams says North Carolina has the lowest insurance rates in the country.

"We see that, as a state, they're paying 41 percent below the national average," Adams says. "That varies considerably within the state as well but across the board, North Carolina residents get the honor of paying the cheapest rates for auto insurance across the nation."

Adams says this is due to a number of factors such as insurance company competition and lots of rural areas with few car accidents.

"We find that there's a lot of competition in the state. A lot of companies are there, offering discounts in order to get your business," Adams says. "When they're competing fiercely for your business, that tends to depress the rates and make them lower."

The report also finds that Michigan has the most expensive insurance rates -- more than double the national average.

"They are far and above the most expensive. They're at 136 percent above the national average," she says. "They're way ahead of the number-two spot -- Rhode Island -- at 45 percent above the national average."

Adams says Michigan has the most expensive car insurance because of a number of unique state laws that require more insurance payouts and larger coverage. Michigan also has more uninsured drivers than the average state.

Even though North Carolinians pay the lowest rate, Adams says insurance policies change frequently and drivers should always shop around.

"It can't hurt you," she says. "There's really no downside to shopping and checking around. The insurance company doesn't know that you're looking."

In North Carolina, Cumberland County has the highest rates, 21 percent above the state average, with Buncombe County with the lowest at 11 percent below the state average. In the Triangle, Wake and Durham County pay close to the state average in car insurance, with Wake's slightly smaller and Durham's slightly bigger.