Prices are different between insurance companies, and several other factors play into the quotes you receive from them. To find affordable car insurance in North Carolina, you will need to do some research. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your search.
Full Coverage vs. State-mandated Coverage
North Carolina, like most states, has a minimum required car insurance. Depending on your situation, the state minimum might be enough for you. For example, if you are a young driver and need to keep costs down, you might consider minimal coverage. According to North Carolina’s legal requirements, you need to have at least liability insurance. In North Carolina, for a good driver with good credit, the average rate for liability insurance is about $400 per year. It’s only advisable to do so if your car is not worth the payout you would receive under full coverage insurance.
Full coverage insurance is different because it covers you, your car, and your passengers if something were to happen. If you get into an accident, you will be covered for collision and comprehensive coverage, including liability. In other words, it pays for you and the other person in the other car if needed.
Although full coverage offers a more significant amount of protection, the price associated with this type of coverage can be double or even triple the cost of liability insurance. In North Carolina, a good driver with good credit with comprehensive coverage can expect to pay an average of about $1,200 per year.
Saving on Car Insurance
Always shop around. To find the most affordable coverage, you want to get quotes from multiple companies. Since it’s easy to get quotes online, get at least three quotes so you can compare car insurance rates and policies. Remember that the premiums listed on your quotes can also be negotiable, depending on what you’re willing to pay for a deductible.
Deductibles are what you are responsible for paying for before insurance kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rate will be. This can be a double-edged sword, so be careful about what you choose to pay. If you request a higher deductible than you can handle to get the payments lower, that might not be the best course of action. If something severe happens, you might end up in a financial hole.
You also want to be careful with filing claims. Not everything needs to be filed because there are times when the repair is less than the deductible. When that happens, you should avoid filing a claim and pay for everything out of pocket because you would have to do that anyway. Every time you file a claim, your insurance is likely to go up, so watch what you do to avoid raising your rates.
Better Ways to Save
Every company has discounts, so ask for what the companies have to offer. Some will reward young drivers who are in school if they have good grades. Others have discounts for anti-theft devices or accident-alert equipment like lane-assist and cameras. You never know what you might qualify for if you don’t ask about it. If you happen to be in the market for a car, you can also request a list of devices that qualify for discounts so you can purchase something that meets those requirements.
Another way to save money on car insurance has to do with your driving habits. Several companies offer monitoring devices that attach directly to your car. These little boxes collect data about how you drive regarding acceleration, braking patterns, the way you take turns, and more. If it shows that you’re a good driver, your rates will go down. Of course, being a good driver without the box means rates will also go down, so do your best to avoid tickets and any other infractions.
Remember to check your credit periodically, too. If you can keep your credit in good standing, you will qualify for lower rates. People with good credit statistically have fewer claims on their car insurance, so when you get a quote, it will automatically be less if your credit is solid. Keeping track of your credit also allows you to catch any activity that seems out of the norm.
Choosing Affordable Car Insurance
In North Carolina, you will find you have plenty of options to start with when deciding if you want state-required insurance or full coverage. The worth of your car and the money in your bank account should be considered in your decision. As you shop around, remember to also think about deductibles and what is realistic for your financial situation. Always ask about available discounts because you might find that one company has a better value than another one, which works in your favor. Do what you can and be your best to find the most affordable insurance available to you.