The average cost of automobile insurance in North Carolina is comparatively inexpensive to other states, but residents can still search for the lowest priced policies that offer the greatest amount of protection. Finding a cheap protection plan typically begins by shopping around and comparing various offers. In order to complete this process quickly and efficiently motorists can do an online quote comparison which amasses numerous quotes from dozens of providers in one convenient location. Finding cheap auto insurance in NC can also mean going beyond a simple comparison and researching the various discounts that insurers typically offer new and current customers. By qualifying for several of these offers a motorist has the potential of decreasing premium prices even further.
It’s not uncommon for coverage providers to offer savings such as good driver, good student, or mature driver discounts. There are also sometimes various price deductions for people that take pre-approved defensive driving courses or insure vehicles with certain safety features. Usually the presence of anti-lock breaks, automatic seat belts, anti-theft devices, and higher crash test ratings will warrant discounts as well. By qualifying for numerous offers a motorist may be able to obtain lower rates than previously expected, making research into a company’s available discounts an important part of the shopping process. Locating affordable coverage is only a single part of keeping insurance costs low. Motorists must also make the effort to keep premium prices at an affordable level and avoid situations where rates can be increased.
Keeping coverage costs low in the Tar Heel state can sometimes be as simple as remaining a good driver. The North Carolina Department of insurance believes that It Pays To Be A Safe Driver and in order to help spread this message they created the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) in 1957 as a means of encouraging residents to obey traffic laws and reward conscientious motorists. Through this program drivers can be given SDIP points for being convicted of traffic violations or causing accidents. Additionally, this plan permits auto insurance a companies to raise rates based off of how many points a motorist has been given, which under certain circumstances can be as high as 400%.
The effect that SDIP points can have on one’s premium can be dramatic. According to the Insurance Information Institute the average expenditure in North Carolina is roughly $595, but after only a single point insurers are permitted to raise rates up to 25%. This means that if a motorist were to have an averagely priced policy their premium could jump to roughly $743. After 4 points and an 80% rate increase their premium could be nearly $1,071 and 12 points could amount to a 340% increase and produce a $2,618 premium. By heeding the South Carolina Department of Insurance’s advice and remaining a safe and conscientious motorist, residents can avoid both SDIP points and rate inflation, keeping coverage costs at an affordable level.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/north-carolina/
