Cheap Car Insurance in North Carolina

CheapInsurance.com has put together expert tips and quote comparisons to help you find cheap car insurance in North Carolina.

North Carolina has been named in the past as one of the best states for drivers and it rates third for the most “positive driving experience” in the country.

In North Carolina, like any other State, cheap insurance is needed.

Tar Heel Cruising: Updates & Insights On North Carolina Cheap Car Insurance

Get ready to explore the rolling hills, charming towns, and stunning coast of North Carolina with these recent key updates for drivers.

North Carolina Vehicle Code Changes:

• Increased penalties for speeding: Expect harsher fines and potential driver’s license suspension for excessive speeding violations. (Source: North Carolina Code Section 63-15-43)
• Clarification on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure: State agencies can now partner with private entities to develop EV charging stations. Stay updated through the North Carolina Department of Transportation. (Source: North Carolina Code Section 27-13-33)
• No major changes to distracted driving laws: Existing prohibition on texting while driving remains in place. (Source: North Carolina Code Section 63-3-1043)

Remember: These are just highlights, and other changes may apply. Visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website for complete information.

Individual vehicle insurance rates in North Carolina can vary significantly based on driving history, location, vehicle type, desired coverage, and items like motor vehicle thefts rates in your area. Consider factors like the mandatory 25/50/25 liability coverage limit when comparing options.

Insurance rates vary on an individual basis, depending on:

• Driving history.
• Credit history.
• Marital status.
• Age.
• Gender.
• Vehicle type.
• Insurance provider.
• Location within the state.
• Coverage type.
• Set deductible.

Is It Legal to Drive without Automobile Insurance in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, not having car insurance is illegal. If you are caught driving without it, you may face several penalties.

The state may choose to suspend your driver’s license, charge fines ranging from $50 to $150, or require jail time. The penalties are more severe for frequent offenders.

Minimum Liability Insurance in North Carolina

Liability insurance is designed to protect third parties and their property from damage you may cause while driving. It does not cover any damages to your own vehicle.

While each U.S. state will have different minimum liability insurance requirements, it always addresses three key points:

• Bodily injury coverage per person: This covers medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages you might be required to pay to an individual third party.

• Bodily injury per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of how many people are injured.

• Property damage coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for repairs or a replacement if you cause damage to another person’s property.

North Carolina is an “at-fault” or tort-based state: if you are hurt in a car accident you can recover costs from the driver who caused the accident, so from the one found to be “at fault.”.

In North Carolina, all drivers are required to have minimum insurance of:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person.
• $60,000 in bodily insurance per accident.
• $25,000 in property damage per accident in automobile liability coverage.

Drivers must also have the same minimum amounts for uninsured bodily injury coverage to protect themselves if they are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

All drivers in North Carolina have to meet these liability requirements.

If you’re found to be at-fault in a car accident and do not meet the minimum liability insurance requirements, consequently, you will be held personally responsible for paying the other party’s medical bills, legal bills, and lost wages.

This basic coverage pays for medical bills, vehicle damage, and additionally other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who incur losses stemming from a car accident you cause, up to the coverage limits.

You can carry more coverage to protect you in case a serious crash results in significant car accident injuries and vehicle damage.

Remember, once your policy limits are exhausted, evidently, you are personally responsible for covering any outstanding costs.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

While a comprehensive car insurance policy is optional in North Carolina, you should consider it unless you have savings that can cover damage to your vehicle in the following scenarios:

• Theft or theft of parts.
• Non crash damage (e.g. natural disasters, fire, flooding).
• Broken windshield.
• Car damage from hitting an animal.

Repairing car damage can cost thousands of dollars. Without comprehensive car insurance, you risk finding yourself in a situation where you can’t drive your car because you can’t afford to get it repaired.

Good drivers (drivers with a clean driving record) are in a good position to find North Carolina cheap car insurance. Car insurance companies consider good drivers as:

• Not been the cause of any car accidents.
• Had no traffic violations.
• Good credit score.
• Free of speeding tickets.
• Had no reckless driving charges.
• No DUI convictions.

To save you more money, many car insurance companies also offer a good driver discount on automobile insurance quotes.

Some car insurance companies will offer an additional discount if you have completed an accredited defensive driving course.

Vehicle Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

Car insurance companies use the term ‘high risk’ to describe drivers who are more likely to make a claim against their vehicle insurance policy.

Some of the offenses that may lead to being considered a high-risk driver, include:

• Receiving a DUI conviction.
• Reckless driving.
• Speeding tickets.
• Being found at fault in a major accident.
• Having too many points on your driving record.
• Driving without meeting the minimum liability coverage requirements.
• A poor credit score.
• Unpaid child support payments.
• Unpaid insurance policy premiums.

If you are a high-risk driver, North Carolina insurance companies are likely to increase the price of car insurance.

Automobile Insurance in Other States?

Out-of-state insurance is illegal in almost all U.S. states and is considered to be insurance fraud. This means that your car insurance must be registered in the state you live in.

Some of the penalties for committing insurance fraud include:

• Up to five years in prison.
• A $50,000 fine.

If you plan to move from North Carolina, you will need to find a new car insurance company in the state you move to.

You will usually have a 90-day grace period to cancel your car insurance and get car insurance in your new state.

Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance Quotes

Take Note of Lender Requirements

If your car is financed or leased, your lender is likely to require that you have liability insurance, comprehensive coverage, and collision insurance.

In fact, most car dealerships won’t let you drive the car off the lot until you can prove you have full coverage car insurance.

Furthermore, full coverage car insurance protects your lender in case of an accident or theft that prevents you from making monthly payments. This safeguards their financial interest in your vehicle.

Consequently, if you lose your required insurance coverage, your lender may add single-interest insurance to your loan. This protects the lender’s financial interest in case of an accident.

You should avoid allowing your car insurance to lapse, because single-interest car insurance is much more expensive than standard car insurance.

If your driving is limited to work, grocery shopping, and social events, standard car insurance will likely suffice. However, if your driving habits are more extensive, you may need additional coverage.

If, however, you have unique needs, you should check whether your car insurance company covers these requirements.

Unique needs can include:

• Multiple drivers sharing one car.
• Using your car for ridesharing.
• Using your car for deliveries.
• Wanting to consolidate all of your insurance policies under one provider.

Compare Automobile Insurance Quotes from Different Car Insurance Companies

Even if you believe you have found a good deal on insurance, it’s always advisable to compare automobile insurance quotes from other insurers. This can help you identify potential savings.

You can do this yourself, but going through an insurance agent can save you time and money.