Do’s and Don’ts of Automobile Insurance

North Carolina has arguably one of the best auto insurance laws in the country, and the state requires all car owners to have this type of insurance. This ensures that in the event of vehicular accidents, everyone involved can sustain payments in case of damages or injury.

Minimum liability coverage limits are set at $30,000 for bodily injury liability, per person per accident, with $60,000 of bodily injury liability total per accident. There is also a set limit of $25,000 of property damage liability per accident.

However, with the rising cost of cars and of medical bills, alike, the minimum requirements might not be sufficient to cover all damages that you incur should you find yourself in an accident.

Because the state requires all drivers to have insurance, North Carolina laws do not allow car insurance companies to refuse liability coverage to drivers. However, high-risk drivers will typically pay higher premiums in order to offset potential losses should they figure in a mishap.

To deter bad driving and to entice people to purchase auto insurance, the North Carolina's Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) was started. In efforts to promote safe driving, the North Carolina SDIP has implemented a point system that increases insurance costs for unsafe or reckless drivers. Basically, bad driving behavior is scored accordingly, which is, in turn, penalizedwith an increase in car insurance premiums.

Every traffic violation or accident comes with corresponding points, with the severity of the accident or violation determining how many points the driver receives against him or her. Every point a driver incurs also considerably increases their insurance premium rates, with a single point resulting in up to a 30% increase in insurance rates.

These facts underline the necessity of finding the right automobile insurance provider in Raleigh, North Carolina. But before going out to get insurance, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that you are always protected from significant payouts and that you maximize the policy you purchase.

Do review your policy

Review your current policy, study it, and make sure you know what your policy does or does not cover. Uninsured motorist, med pay, collision loss, and bodily injury are all areasto look out for. Not only will studying your policy give you a better understanding of what you need, the knowledge will also help you if you have to make an insurance claim in the future.

Don’t go with the bare minimum of coverage.

Although each state has laws that set minimum auto insurance coverage for its residents, it’s always best to settle for more than just bare minimum. Legally, you are responsible for any damages that are not covered by your policy, which means that if you are unable to pay for damages you incur, your future earnings and assets, such as your house, can be seized and used as payment for car damages and medical expenses.

Having an insurance policy that is above standard gives you a buffer for any unforeseen expenses.

Do make sure your current policy reflects your current needs.

Most insurance policies are purchased along with a new car, and owners are quick to forget about it until it’s needed. However, your priorities may change over time, which might not reflect the conditions when you first purchased your policy.

Again, review every aspect of your policy and weigh it againstyour vehicle’scurrent condition: is the policy appropriate for the age of your car? Does your current mileage facilitate a better policy? Has the value of your car increased or decreased since you first purchased it?

Other factors, as well, affect your insurance rates, such as having an advanced degree, or a change in marital status. As your needs and priorities change, so must your insurance evolve with these. Take these into consideration and update your policy, accordingly.

Don’t let your car insurance expire

In North Carolina, it is illegal to drivewith expired auto insurance. Apart from breaking the law, insurance companies see expired auto insurance as a red flag. This may make it difficult for you to renew your insurance, as most companies will be suspicious of holders of lapsed policies.

Again, review your policy and keep it up to date to make sure that you are fully covered, 100% of the time.

Do Take Advantage of Discounts

When looking for an insurance provider, always inquire about your eligibility for discounts. Insurance providers will usually offer good deals for first-time buyers, and will assist you in getting the policy that fits your needs.

Auto insurance providers in Raleigh, North Carolina offers certain discounts for people with a good driving record, or homeowners. Some companies also give out discounts for mature drivers over the age of 55, although the age of eligibility may vary. When renewing your policy, inquire, as well, if you can receive credit for not having a loss or conviction during your last policy period.

While the best way to maintain low car insurance rates is to obey traffic laws and avoiding reckless driving behavior, taking advantage of discounts and credits can potentially save you a lot of money in the long run.

Don’t ignore time limits set by your policy.

In unfortunate cases of accident or damage, most policies will require a proof of loss within a certain period. Make sure that you follow this requirement, as you may be unable to claim adjustments after a certain amount of time.

Most policies have a one-year time limit from the date of loss during which you can bring your case to court. However, if you think your claim hasn’t been settled properly within 11 months, consult your lawyer, immediately.

Automobile insurance shields youfrom the burden of paying significant amounts of money for damages and medical bills. With this in mind, find an insurance provider that can best serve your needs and priorities.

Amistad Insurance Services can help you find a reputable insurer with the best rates. To know more about Amistad Insurance Services in Raleigh, North Carolina, call (919) 926-7166