Auto Insurance Requirements in North Carolina

North Carolina state flag sticker

Automobile accidents can be costly for all motorists involved, but buying adequate insurance can help motorists pay for a wide range of damages. In North Carolina, vehicle owners are required to maintain a minimum amount of auto protection to legally driver, but purchasing additional coverage can be a wise investment. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that in 2010 there were over 6,536,000 licensed drivers in the Tar Heel State, each of which must purchase liability protection before getting behind the wheel.

Residents must maintain bodily injury and property damage liability with minimum limits of 30/60/25, in addition to uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Finding a willing insurer generally requires little effort, but to find cheap car insurance in NC a motorist usually has to shop around and compare numerous quotes. Prices usually vary because premiums are usually based on a driver’s accident risk, and individual companies often interpret risk differently.

In North Carolina there are dozens of companies that are licensed to sell automobile insurance. Getting quotes can be a time consuming process for motorists who contact insurers directly, but luckily residents have the option of searching online. Comparing estimates on the Internet allows vehicle owners to see dozens of sample rates from a single website. While shopping, however, it may be beneficial to gather quotes for policies that include more extensive coverage.

Consider Additional NC Car Insurance

According to 2008 Traffic Crash Facts provided by the NC Department of Transportation, there were over 214,000 reported traffic accidents in the Tar Heel State. If a resident is involved in an automobile accident, liability insurance may not be able to cover many of the damages. The auto protection required by the state only covers damage that the policyholder is at-fault for. To be prepared for a wider range of damages, NC residents are encouraged to consider pursuing additional protection.

Damages caused by flooding, hail, falling objects and other sources commonly associated with hurricanes and tropical storms are usually covered by comprehensive coverage. This added protection also pays for damages caused by fire, vandalism, and theft. Adding collision coverage to a policy will help motorists pay for damage to their own vehicle caused by a collision with another automobile. There is a wealth of options and additives for vehicle owners to choose from that can considerably improve any policy

Most NC residents have the resources to efficiently shop around and find an adequately priced policy. It’s important to remember, however, that driving without adequate coverage in the Tar Heel State is illegal. If an uninsured motorist is involved in an accident, they may still be personally responsible for all at-fault damages. This could mean heavy financial losses for an unprepared motorist. Additionally, residents convicted of operating a motor vehicle without sufficient coverage could have their license suspended and face numerous fines.

Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/north-carolina/