In 1989, the film Back to the Future II made a series of predictions about what the world would look like in 2015. One of the things we were supposed to have invented by then were flying cars.
And, okay, even since 2015, we haven’t made it quite that far. Still, the new trend in automobile technology – self-driving cars – would probably have been considered just as outlandish thirty years ago as hoverboards and VR headsets were.
Several companies are manufacturing driverless cars now. Most notably, Tesla, Waymo, and Baidu. Not to mention, other industry giants, such as Apple, BMW, Audi, and VW are finessing autonomous tech of their own.
Not to mention, rideshare giants Uber and Lyft have been considering trialling driverless taxis.
However, as fantastic as this futuristic image seems, uncertainty over inconclusive tests and concerns over safety have confused in the insurance sector.
So, let’s examine insurance regulations in North Carolina and help you choose the right provider out of all the insurance companies in Charlotte NC, to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Let’s dive in!
Insurance Regulations in Charlotte NC
When it comes to car insurance, North Carolina is known as a “fault” state. Insurance is mandatory, and you must provide proof that you’ve taken it out before the DMV will issue your license plate.
However, this designation means that your insurance company isn’t required to pay out if you’re even partly responsible for the accident you’re trying to claim for.
With this in mind, you should make sure you are familiar with the state’s car insurance laws before looking for a package.
The state of North Carolina requires you to have at least one of the following:
- Regular auto insurance. This is, very simply, basic car insurance. When you sign up with a provider and they issue you an insurance ID card, which you must be prepared to show to law enforcement inside state boundaries.
- Uninsured motorist insurance. This will cover you if you get into an accident with an “at fault” driver whose insurance cannot, or will not, pay the cost. It also ensures you against damage should you collide with an uninsured driver.
- Underinsured motorist insurance.
Furthermore, in North Carolina, there is the imposition of state-mandated car insurance limits. For full details of monetary coverage required, please click here.
What Impact Do Self-Driving Cars Have Upon Liability Claims?
Autonomous driving technology, like that used to make the Tesla Model S go, is still relatively new. It’s only really been developed in the last ten years, so lawmakers are playing catch up, trying to answer big problem questions like this one:
Can the driver of a self-driving car be held accountable for an accident, when technically, they’re not the ones making the decisions behind the wheel?
And, in the case of accident and injury, should the manufacturer be held responsible instead?
By and large, autonomous vehicles are sold with the legal disclaimer that the technology is not a substitute for the driver’s full attention.
That’s Problematic…
However, surely this statement is a direct contradiction when you consider that the whole point of self-driving cars is that they should, in fact, be able to complete their journeys without human supervision?
One of the issues insurance companies and legislators are coming up against is the terminology being used in promotions.
For example, Tesla has used the word “autopilot” in its marketing materials, which really would absolve the driver of any liability, given it implies a totally hands-off approach to travel.
Because of complex issues like these, the way insurance works for self-driving cars may have to be updated.
Proponents of the technology are hopeful that autonomous vehicles will reduce the number of accidents occurring on the roads, but so far, that does not seem to be the case.
As such, more than half of USA states, including North Carolina, have now introduced legislation that pertains to the use of self-driving cars.
If you own a vehicle that employs this kind of technology, it’s your responsibility to ensure you know what you’re liable for.
How to Choose an Insurance Provider from the Insurance Companies in Charlotte, NC
There are lots of them out there, and in light of all of the above, there’s plenty to consider before signing up with a provider.
Of course, the simplest thing to do would probably be to use a price and service comparison website, but please don’t let yourself just be drawn in by cheap monthly rates.
Here are some questions it would be very wise to know the answers to before making your final decision:
- Will my insurance be more or less expensive now I have a driverless car?
- Will I get a better deal if I choose car insurance through the manufacturer?
- What is their take on the liability question?
- Will they pay if they consider me to be at fault?
- What kinds of insurance do they offer? Will I be compliant with state laws?
These are just a few examples, but you get the gist.
Which is the Best Insurance Company for Self-Driving Car Owners in North Carolina?
Amistad Insurance Services is the best of the best when it comes to insurance companies in Charlotte NC– even if we do say so ourselves! We’re based in Raleigh, NC, but cover drivers all over the state.
We’ve been in business for over two decades, but that doesn’t mean our approach is old-fashioned; we’re fully compliant with all the state’s vehicle insurance regulations and offer several insurance packages following this.
You can call our 24-hour hotline at any time for more information on how we can help you, as the owner of a driverless car. Or you can request a free quote via our website today!
