North Carolina Car Insurance
If you live in North Carolina, auto insurance is something that you need to have in place before you start driving your car. This requirement doesn't mean you shouldn't shop around for the best rate possible on your auto insurance. North Carolina residents have enjoyed rates that are lower than the national average over the last few years. According to 2003 figures, the average cost of auto insurance in North Carolina was $717, as opposed to $914 for the US average.
It's a good idea to review your NC auto insurance coverage every time your policy is up for renewal to make sure you have the right coverage in place and that you are not paying too much for this necessary protection. This means that you should make a note on your calendar of the date your policy expires and start looking at other options a couple of months beforehand.
Read on to learn how to find the cheapest North Carolina car insurance rates and then use our free NC car insurance quote tool to compare rates from top insurance companies online.
North Carolina Auto Insurance: Minimum Required Levels Of Coverage
Like many other parts of the United States, North Carolina is a tort state. When an accident happens, someone is determined to be responsible for the injuries or property damage sustained, and that person's insurance company is responsible for paying any resulting claims.
The mandatory limit on auto insurance set by the North Carolina state legislature can be described as 30/60/25. This means that you must have at least $30,000 in place to pay for injuries sustained by a single person in an accident, with a cap of $60,000 for all claims stemming from the same accident.
The number 25 in the 30/60/25 expression refers to the minimum level of property damage insurance you are required to have on your vehicle. This protection is used to repair the other driver's vehicle, as well as any damage to an object hit in an accident. Buildings, garages, sheds, fences, posts, mailboxes, and signs are all considered property for insurance purposes.
How To Get The Best North Carolina Auto Insurance Rates
When you are looking for NC auto insurance, the insurance company will consider a number of factors when trying to determine what level of risk you present. If you have a clean driving record, you should be able to get a better rate than if you have one or more violations on your record.
Do consider quotes from several different insurance companies before you make your final decision. Each company has different criteria their underwriters use to assess an applicant's level of risk, and by looking at many options, you will be able to find the protection you need at a price that you can afford.
When you are considering insurance companies, don't just decide to go with the one that offers the cheapest rates. You also want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company that has the means to pay out a claim if you happen to be involved in an accident. Look online to check the company's reputation and get some idea of how stable it is.
Don't forget to ask about available discounts. Depending on the company, you may qualify for a better rate in the following situations:
- Low Annual Mileage
- Multiple Vehicles Insured with the Same Company
- Multiple Policies with the Same Company (for example, home + auto)
- Mature Driver
- Student With A 3.0 or Better GPA
Some companies will offer a discount to married drivers, so if your marital status has recently changed you may be able to save a few dollars on your insurance coverage. The insurance company may request a copy of your marriage certificate to confirm your change in status.
If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, you may also qualify for a discount on your coverage. Be sure to let the company know if your vehicle is equipped with safety features like anti-lock breaks and air bags, since these items may also mean that you can get a better rate.
Increasing your deductible is a popular way to get a better rate on your car insurance. The higher the deductible, the lower your car insurance premiums will be. Just be careful to choose a deductible that you are confident you can pay if you were in an accident.
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