North Carolina Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in North Carolina"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of North Carolina.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in North Carolina?

North Carolina has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Minnesota, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at sixteen and a half.

To adhere to North Carolina's auto insurance rules, you must...

In North Carolina, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. North Carolina requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In North Carolina, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $30,000.00, up to maximum of $60,000.00, as well as an additional $25,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In North Carolina, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in North Carolina:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in North Carolina.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in North Carolina

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: Is it the law in North Carolina to have auto insurance?
I am moving from florida and it is the law here. I was just wondering. Also, what is the penalty if you get caught without insurance?

Answer: Below is a FAQ's on North Carolina auto insurance laws: What type of automobile liability insurance am I required to have? According to North Carolina auto insurance law, you are required to have Bodily injury liability and Property damage liability. What are the minimum liability limits? According to North Carolina auto insurance law, the minimum amount of liability coverage needed for personal injury is $30,000 person and $60,000 per accident. The minimum amount of liability coverage needed for property damage is $25,000. This will usually appear on the policy in the form 20/60/25. Top When will I be required to present proof of Insurance? Never. Will my insurer required to verify the validity of my insurance policy? Yes. Your insurance company is required to inform the Department of Motor Vehicle if you cancel or fail to renew your auto insurance policy. What is more, insurers in North Carolina are required to submit thier entire list of insurance policies in force, which could be compared to motor vehicle registrations. The best way to get insurance information, though, is from a qualified insurance agent. I would suggest going to http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=614498&Type=auto. It’s a web site that offers insurance information & information on policies nationwide. It also gives you the option to call local agents to get any of your questions answered. This service is 100% free and you are not obligated to buy anything. It is simply a way to get insurance information and be able to instantly compare rates in your area to find the best price/coverage.

Question: what is the cheapest auto insurance carrier in north carolina?

Answer: Insurance is very individual because it's based on your drivers record, sex, age, and a number of other variables such as location, credit rating and type of vehicle being insured. The easiest way to find the cheapest auto insurance in the USA is to fill one form at http://gsx1.com/InsuranceComparison.html This will compare all insurance companies in the USA and find which companies offer the best prices according to where you live and who you are so you are bound to find something that suits you, if it works out remember my points please :)

Question: North Carolina auto purchase and insurance laws...??
My mother, who lives in Florida, wants to buy a new car for me before I start commuting for school again. The vehicle I have now isn't very reliable anymore, to put it nicely. My mother's credit is impecable. Her Beacon score is over an 800. My credit is extended and although not bad, not nearly good enough to get the same deal she can on APR. So, the dealer has suggested that she buy the car outright to take advantage of the low APR. Adding me to the loan will not benefit her, at all! Problem is, NC has a "Straw Purchase" law. Now Im not sure what the exact contents of the law are, but I know it means that one person is not supposed to buy a car for another. Also, there is a law in NC that the vehicle insured, has to be driven by AND registered to the same person. So, I cant insure a car that my mother bought for me. And in NC, a dealer can't sell you a car unless you have insurance! How do I get around this?? I have to get a new car and my mother is not moving to NC anytime soon!

Answer: You can get around it if she buys it. My brother lived in SC and my parents in another state, and both of their names was on his car, their credit was better, so better rates also, just both names was on the title and registration. But the insurance was in his name only...no big deal. NC can't tell you that your mom can't buy you a car...that's crazy! Go to FL and do it. Buy it down there, then later on transfer everything to the "great state" of NC! Just make sure both your names are on the loan and registration!...Let the goffy NC dealer lose a sale!! :D

Question: Auto Insurance For Young Driver In Charlotte,North Carolina?
I am planning to buy a 2002 Nissan Sentra worth 7 Grand in the forth coming week.I am a new driver with learning permit .My age is 35 and I came recently from India. I am trying for Insurance in different companies like GEICO,STATE Farm etc.Everywhere I get quotes like 2000$ For 6 month premium for a decent coverage.I am looking for something around 1000 - 1200 $ for 6 months.I would expect a maximum liability coverage ,a limited uninsured coverage and Collision Coverage with a Deductible of 1000 $. Any Suggestions please ?

Answer: I don't know what state you are in but, first off, certain areas of the country have much higher insurance rates than others. This alone could be part of the problem. If you are getting similar quotes from insurance companies, that is probably in the area of what you can expect to pay anywhere. Being a new driver will greatly increase your premiums as well. I don't know how credit reporting works with other countries, but if you do not have established or good credit, this can also affect your premium as well. The car itself will also make a difference in the premium if you are carrying comprehensive and collision coverage. Even with $1000 deductibles, some cars are just very expensive to insure. Perhaps consider a different vehicle and see if that puts you more in your insurance price range. The amount of liability you are carrying is also obviously going to affect your premium. I'm not sure what your definition of maximum or minimum is so it's kind of hard to elaborate on this. Ideally, though, you would want your uninured/underinsured coverage to match your liability limits. That is for your protection in case you are severly injured by an uninsured/underinsured driver.

Question: In North Carolina, do I need proof of auto insurance to get my drivers license renewed?
The vehicle I drive is insured, just not in my name. A woman I know tried to renew her license and because she had purchased her insurance in Navada they wouldn't renew it. Any insight?

Answer: Here is information from the NC DMV: License Renewal / Replacement As of January 1, 1995, driver license renewal dates will vary by age due to a five-year license renewal program. Renewal: Before your license expires, the DMV will mail you a reminder card explaining the number of years it will be valid. The card is not required in order to renew. If you do not have your current or expired license at renewal, you will be required to show the examiner two documents of identification. In addition, proof of social security number is required. See the below link for more specific documentation and requirements information. Requirements: The vision and traffic sign recognition tests are always required for a license renewal. The road test requirement is at the discretion of the Examiner.

Question: how long does the auto insurance company have to report a cancellation to DMV?
in the state of north carolina how long does an auto insurance company have to report a cancellation of a policy to the division of motor vehicle?

Answer: I recommend you find a nearby car insurance agent to help. Since I live in Indiana I can't recommend an agent in North Carolina, but here is an online resource that can help you. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Free-Auto-Insurance-Quote.html Good Luck!

Question: I often drive a friend's car. What companies offer "Non-car owner" auto insurance?
Everywhere i look online just offer "get a quote" then you have to enter a type of car. I don't own a car but I need insurance to take my driver's test in North Carolina. I couldn't find this type of insurance offered on any websites.

Answer: You are looking for a nonowner policy. This however, will NOT cover you for a vehicle you drive on a regular basis (your friend's vehicle you drive "often"). Insurance follows vehicles, not drivers so any vehicle that is insured (& the ID card & registration are in the glove compartment) will be fine to take the driving test with. If you are taking it in your friend's car, be sure he or she is with you when you go. If you will be a regular driver of the car (Progressive says if you drive it more than 12 times per year), you will need to be added as a driver to that policy, even if you are not in the same household.

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