Reader’s Question:

Does the State of North Carolina have any law regarding auto insurance requirements?

Caitlin

Charlotte, NC

Any auto insurance company registered to do business in a state is obliged to follow that state’s financial responsibility laws. These laws are the basis for the minimum requirements auto insurance companies will offer to sell to prospective policyholders.

Following North Carolina’s financial responsibility laws, it is then mandatory for every motorist residing in that state to have minimum liability. Liability insurance pays for the damages the other motorist sustained due to an accident you caused. In North Carolina, minimum liability has coverage expressed in these numbers: 30/60/25. This translates to $30,000 for the other motorist’s medical and/or hospital expenses, a ceiling of $60,000 for medical and/or hospital expenses for all passengers in the other motorist’s vehicle (including the driver), and $25,000 repair or replacement costs for the other motorist’s vehicle and other property damages. This includes public property wrecked by the accident.

Not required by highly recommended is collision and comprehensive insurance. This will pay for damages to your own vehicle and sometimes, depending on the limits of the coverage, extends to personal property. Another type of insurance worth considering is Personal Injury Protection. This takes care of your medical expenses and automatically kicks in no matter who was declared responsible for the accident. It’s a quick and convenient way to receive benefits without having to wait for litigation proceedings. Finally, there’s uninsured motorist insurance. Although it’s also non-compulsory, this type of coverage acts as a safety net in case you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any auto insurance at all.

Tags: car insurance law, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, liability insurance