There are 6.8 million licensed drivers in North Carolina. Chances are that most of them aren’t driving with the best auto insurance for their needs. The best car insurance in NC will have the best price and the most coverage for your car.
The reason why we emphasize this is because car insurance companies vary based on demographics. Older drivers, drivers with new cars, and those with a bad driving history all need to do their research on companies.
To help you with this, we’ve put together some key factors that go into insurance shopping. Comparing rates is the start of your search, you have to dig deeper to get the best car insurance.
Look at Optional Coverage First
Comparing base rates may not always provide the clearest answer for the cheapest auto insurance. Insurance companies differ the most when it comes to optional coverages. If you’re trying to get the bare-minimum coverage, then you’re missing out.
Some insurance companies have really affordable add-ons, like rental car coverage and gap coverage. The insurance company with a higher base rate might have the cheapest optional coverage costs.
Skip Comprehensive and Collision Coverage?
If you’re trying to insure an older car, you may not want to opt for these types of coverage. The reason being is that the maximum payout under them is tied to the Kelly Blue Book Value. Old cars that aren’t worth a lot, that probably won’t get stolen or damaged, may result in money down the drain.
For example, if you paid on these coverages for a number of years, and your car gets damaged, you’ll probably only recover a few thousand dollars. The money spent paying for the coverage could have gone towards a new car. Keep this into consideration when comparing optional coverage.
How Do Drivers Rate Them?
After getting a cursory look at insurance rates, start narrowing them down by reading reviews. Customer reviews can give you insight into things like customer service experience. You can check the NAIC or the state department of insurance in NC for company ratings.
This will give you a detailed look at complaints against all local insurance companies. If your current insurance provider has a bad rating, that’s a sign that it’s time to switch.
Start Locally
The best car insurance in NC may not be a nationally-known name. People immediately gravitate towards the big four, Allstate, Progressive, Geico, and State Farm. The truth is, smaller insurance companies have the best customer satisfaction ratings.
Rates may not differ greatly between national and regional companies, but it’s always better to support local businesses. You form a tighter bond with companies that are closer to your community.
Earning the Best Car Insurance in NC
Another big part of finding the best car insurance is getting your ducks in a row. A cheap insurance policy is something that everyone wants, but not everyone puts in the work. Once you know how it’s done, you can lower your insurance bills.
Here are some ways to get cheap insurance for your car.
Build Your Credit Up
Good credit and a good driving record go hand-in-hand for insurance quotes. If you have a poor credit history, make sure you’re paying all your bills on time. Pay off any small debts and bring old accounts current.
You could save hundreds of dollars a year just by raising your credit score into the “Fair” or “Good” range.
Age-Based Discounts
You may not be aware of this, but your age plays a big role in finding cheaper auto insurance. Those that fall into the 25-55 years range are considered to be among the safest drivers and they usually end up getting the best auto insurance deals. They see up to 20% lower rates, compared to younger drivers.
Teen drivers get it the worst, their parents can expect up to a 161% increase to their insurance rates.
Move to a Safer Neighborhood
Your home’s zip code is always taken into consideration when you get quotes for car insurance. As a general rule, people living in neighborhoods with low crime rates tend to pay less. This may sound unfair, but it all comes down to covering cars that are less likely to be stolen.
If moving was already on your agenda, take note of where you move to. It could save you hundreds by choosing one zip code over.
Increase the Deductible
A deductible is an amount you are required to pay in order to file a claim on your insurance. Auto insurance companies will allow you to increase the deductible amount in order to get lower monthly payments. We recommend this for anyone driving an older car, as they already have higher rates.
Multiple Vehicle Discount
If you own more than one car, you should have them all under one insurance policy. If you have a close friend or family member looking to save on insurance, add them to your policy.
Have a Clean Driving Record
The best way of getting cheap auto insurance is to have a clean driving record. We know accidents happen, but it really is up to you to limit risk out on the road. One minor car accident can result in a 40% increase on your next insurance bill. It pays to be a safe driver these days, with a number of companies rewarding safe drivers.
Start Saving Today
As you can see, there’s more that goes into finding the best car insurance in NC than using price comparison tools. You will need to take your time researching insurance companies and what people say about them. Then, you’ll want to improve everything on your record as you can.
Finally, we recommend taking defensive driving courses for anyone who is in a lot of accidents. Even if those accidents aren’t your fault, defensive driving classes give you a better chance to avoid them.
If you’re ready to start your search for a better car insurance company, start right here. You can contact us for a free consultation and customized quote.