Do I need uninsured motorist property damage in North Carolina?

Underinsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance that applies when the policyholder is in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient liability insurance. If the policyholder’s expenses exceed the at-fault driver’s limits, underinsured motorist covers the remaining bills up to a certain amount.

How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works... read full answer

Say that you are involved in an accident that leaves you with $35,000 in vehicle damage. Typically, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance would pay to repair your car. But if that driver’s liability insurance policy only covers $30,000 in property damage per accident, underinsured motorist coverage would pick up the rest. This would prevent you from having to either file a lawsuit against the driver or pay the remaining $5,000 yourself.

Underinsured motorist coverage is required in some states along with uninsured motorist insurance, which applies when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any liability insurance at all. But even if it’s not required, underinsured motorist coverage is still optional in most states. To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is required in North Carolina. Drivers in North Carolina must purchase at least $30,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $60,000 per accident), as well as $25,000 in uninsured motorist property damage insurance per accident. Additionally, North Carolina drivers need $30,000 in underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person (up to $60,000 per accident), as well as $25,000 in underinsured motorist property damage insurance per accident.... read full answer

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance covers a driver’s medical bills and repair costs after an accident if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the damage. Normally, a North Carolina driver can collect damages from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. However, if the other driver is uninsured, getting compensation can be time-consuming or nearly impossible. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage can help. Instead of having to file a lawsuit, you can file a claim with your own insurance company in order to pay your bills and get the repairs or treatment you need without waiting for the courts.

Even though car insurance is required in North Carolina, an average of 7% of drivers in the state don’t have car insurance. Car accidents in North Carolina can be extremely expensive, too. For example, fatal accidents in North Carolina have a total cost of $2.26 billion each year. As a result, uninsured motorist insurance is a smart investment for North Carolina drivers.

Key Facts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in North Carolina:

• Minimum Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person and up to $60,000 per accident
• Minimum Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
• Minimum Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person and up to $60,000 per accident
• Minimum Underinsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured Drivers on the Road: 7%
• Crashes per Year: $1.71 billion
• Odds of a Crash with an Uninsured Driver: 1 in 15

If you’re in a car accident and the other driver has no insurance, then any medical bills or costs to repair your vehicle will need to be paid by your insurance company. This is usually done through uninsured motorist coverage, although collision insurance also covers certain costs. In addition, you might be able to sue the uninsured driver for damages. Some states make filing a lawsuit more difficult than others, though.... read full answer

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required in 22 states, and drivers usually have to purchase an amount that’s equal to their basic liability coverage. UM will pay for all of your expenses up to your policy limits when you’re hit by an uninsured driver, from your vehicle repairs to your medical bills. Collision coverage can also protect you in these situations, since it covers repairs to your car after an accident. However, it does not cover medical expenses.

In addition to filing a claim with your insurance company, you might be able to sue the at-fault driver. However, if you live in a no-fault state, this might be difficult. No-fault states require your insurance to pay for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it. In order to sue, you must have suffered a severe injury or significant financial loss, although the specific criteria vary between states. If you don’t live in a no-fault state, suing the other driver will be easier, although it might not be worth it. If a driver doesn’t have car insurance, they likely won’t have the resources to pay damages.

Even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you should still get their contact information after the accident in case your insurance company needs it. The driver might try to offer you money on the spot to cover your expenses and avoid being caught driving uninsured, but you shouldn’t take it. You can’t immediately know how much the damage is going to cost to repair, so you should still go through your insurance company. In addition, be sure to take photos of the accident scene and file a police report in order to make the claims process go smoothly.