Insurance premiums in the Tar Heel state are on the rise, so the time to find low cost car insurance in North Carolina (NC) is right now. If you understand the state requirements and use some tried and true strategies you will be able to lock in a great policy at a very competitive price. We’ll show you how.
The state of North Carolina has relatively high minimum car insurance requirements which went into effect on January 1, 2009. To drive in the state you must maintain Bodily Injury Liability limits of $30,000 per injured person with a maximum of $60,000 per accident. These same limits apply to Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury policy. You also have to maintain Property Damage Liability of $25,000, which also applies to your uninsured motorist policy as well. With all these requirements you might think it is incredibly difficult to obtain low cost car insurance in North Carolina. While it’s certainly not easy, there are some ways of doing it.
First, it helps to understand that where you live in North Carolina will dramatically effect the amount you pay for coverage. Residents of urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham will pay higher rates because of the traffic congestion and accidents that occur in these areas. People who live in smaller towns like McKoy, Kitty Fork, or Salemburg will be able to find low cost car insurance in North Carolina because rural areas have fewer cars on the road and hence less accidents.
Average car insurance premiums in North Carolina are about $200 less than the national average. In 2009 the Tar Heel state had an average premium of $1,558, compared to the national average of $,1753. However, rates in NC are rising quickly. The state saw a jump of 27% in average premiums paid in 2009 vs. 2008. This was in contrast to 2008 when there was no change from the previous year. As rates rise, it becomes more and more important to local in low cost car insurance in North Carolina if you can find it.
Drivers must file a certificate of insurance (form FS-1) with the North Carolina DMV to prove that you meet the state’s minimum requirements. Alternately, you can simply supply your policy number and the name of your carrier. If you drop your coverage, your carrier will notify the state DMV and you will need to respond to form FS 5-7 which will be sent by the state. If you have let your coverage lapse, even for a brief period you may have to pay fees and penalties, so it is important to always keep your auto insurance coverage current.
Insiders know that one of the keys to getting low cost car insurance in North Carolina is getting carriers to compete against each other. Getting insurance quotes from a minimum of three and preferably five insurers is the best way to make sure you get the cheapest rate possible. In the past you had to spend hours on the phone talking to each insurer, but with the internet this job is much easier.
To compare low cost auto insurance rates in North Carolina all you need to do is enter your zip code in the form at the top of the page. You will then be presented with a list of the best discount insurers in your area ranging from big names like Geico and Nationwide, so smaller local carriers that can provide a great policy at a competitive price. Just click on one or more of the companies presented to instantly compare rates. Start saving on your North Carolina auto insurance policy today.