North Carolina Car Insurance: Guidelines for Vehicular Population

Much like its neighbor to the north, Virginia, North Carolina’s insurance policies are very simple. All drivers are required to maintain a minimum liability policy on their vehicles. Liability will pay for bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident for which the insured vehicle and their driver were responsible. Minimum amounts of coverage are thirty thousand dollars in medical expenses incurred by a single driver, sixty thousand dollars for the combined medical expenses of all of the occupants of a vehicle and twenty five thousand dollars for any property damages resulting from the accident, including but not limited to damages suffered by the vehicle of the victim and those inflicted upon public property.

While it is not required it is recommended that all vehicles registered in North Carolina be covered underneath a collision and comprehensive policy. This coverage will pay for damages suffered in an accident for which they were responsible up to the Blue Book value of the vehicle. Failure to carry collision coverage will result in the owner being solely responsible for any necessary repairs, and in the event that the vehicle must be totaled they may be left responsible for repayment of a lien for which they no longer have a vehicle. For this reason it is often required that any vehicle under lien also retain comprehensive coverage.

As Virginia does not require its drivers to obtain liability insurance it is strongly suggested that all drivers in NC retain uninsured motorist insurance. This insurance will help pay for damages caused by involvement with an accident with a driver who does not possess insurance or whose insurance is under par. Without this option the owner of the vehicle would have no choice but to pay for the ensuing medical and repair expenses themselves and then seek recompense in a court of law from the personal assets of the individual responsible for the accident. This also provides assistance to those individuals who find themselves the victims of a hit and run.

More complete information regarding insurance in NC can be obtained by visiting the North Carolina Department of Insurance at http://www.ncdoi.com or contacting their Raleigh office by calling 800-546-5664.