It should come as no surprise that drivers in Raleigh, North Carolina, are required to carry car insurance. Liability insurance is required by law, but there are many other optional coverages that drivers may choose to purchase. Having the right insurance can help protect you in the event of a car accident.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about car insurance in Raleigh, NC.
Car Insurance Requirements in Raleigh
North Carolina requires drivers to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. Because North Carolina is an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident can be held financially responsible for the damages they cause.
An at-fault driver may be responsible for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Liability insurance helps provide compensation to victims who are hurt in a crash. If a driver causes a crash that results in injuries or damage, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance may cover those damages up to the policy limits.
The minimum liability coverage amounts required in North Carolina are:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $50,000 for property damage
Additionally, drivers in North Carolina are required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Policies must be written by an insurance company that is licensed to do business in the state. Out-of-state policies are not acceptable.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
Nearly 12% of drivers in North Carolina don’t have insurance. This means that more than 1 million drivers on the road have no liability coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is required in North Carolina, and this coverage can act as a safety net in case you are hit by someone without insurance.
If someone else causes an accident, their liability insurance would typically pay for your damages. However, if they don’t have insurance, you could be facing the consequences of that accident on your own. Thankfully, your uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for your damages if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
Other Optional Insurance Coverages
While liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are required in North Carolina, there are several other types of insurance that can provide additional financial protection.
Some of the most common optional coverages include:
- Collision coverage: Helps pay for damage to your own vehicle after a collision, regardless of who was at fault, subject to your policy terms and deductible.
- Comprehensive coverage: Helps pay for damage to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, such as severe weather, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, or animal strikes, subject to your policy terms and deductible.
- Gap coverage: This coverage may be beneficial if you have a car loan, especially if you owe close to—or more than—your vehicle’s current value. If your car is totaled, gap coverage helps pay the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and the remaining loan balance. For example, if your vehicle is worth $20,000 but you still owe $25,000, gap coverage could pay the remaining $5,000.
- Roadside assistance and rental coverage: Roadside assistance can help cover services such as towing, lockout assistance, and other emergency roadside needs. Rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
Choosing the right combination of optional coverages depends on your financial situation, the value of your vehicle, and your personal needs.
Contact Bello Law Firm, PLLC, To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Raleigh Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in Raleigh, NC, please call Bello Law Firm, PLLC for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online. Insurance coverage details can get complex, and an experienced lawyer can help you identify all potential sources of compensation.
We proudly serve in North Carolina.
Bello Law Firm, PLLC – Raleigh Office
530 Hillsborough St Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 884-0031
