Auto Insurance in North Carolina

You’ll never know when and where you’ll get into an auto accident in Asheville, NC, so it pays to stay prepared with an auto insurance policy. The experts at Asheville Insurance Center can help you find a policy that protects you and your vehicle when the unexpected happens. Over a dozen different car insurance companies. WE SHOP FOR YOU....

Why Do You Need Auto Insurance?

There are plenty of good reasons why you don’t want to be without an auto insurance policy. For starters, the state of North Carolina requires all drivers to carry auto insurance – and there are plenty of penalties you’ll face if you’re found without it in the aftermath of an accident.

Not only does your auto insurance policy help keep you legal on North Carolina’s roadways, but it can also help take care of expenses that pop up after an accident. Depending on your level of coverage, your policy can take care of medical and legal bills, as well as the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property and/or vehicles.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

A typical auto insurance policy has three major components – liability coverage, optional coverages and extras such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. The former takes care of the damage and injuries done to the other party.

Liability coverage is mandatory, and you’ll need the following minimum amounts to meet the state’s legal requirements:

• $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $100,000 per accident
• $50,000 of uninsured motorist bodily liability coverage per person and $100,000 per accident
• $50,000 of regular and uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage liability coverage

You can also add a broad range of optional coverages to your auto insurance policy. Options like comprehensive and collision coverage can help you repair or replace your own damaged or totaled vehicle.

Every Asheville, NC driver needs to know their options when it comes to auto insurance. Learn more by speaking to one of our seasoned agents at Asheville Insurance Center today.

Protect your car from thefts or break-ins

Vehicle thefts and break-ins continue to be a concern across our state, even though recent reports suggest that the number of such crimes could be trending downward. Let’s hope the trend continues.

One of the best ways to protect yourself and contribute to that downward trend is to be smart and take precautions when it comes to protecting your car.
Vehicle break-ins can happen anywhere. Thieves often look for quick opportunities. Here are a few tips to discourage would-be thieves from making you a victim:

• Always lock your vehicle, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a few minutes. A surprising number of thefts happen in unlocked cars. 
• Remove valuables. Take purses, wallets, electronics and other items with you, or lock them in the trunk out of sight. Even small items, such as charging cables, sunglasses and coins, can attract attention. 
• Park in well-lit areas. Light and visibility deter would-be thieves. Parking near building entrances, cameras and streetlights helps deter break-ins and thefts.
• Consider using anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks.
• Install a car alarm or immobilizer. Basic alarms can discourage opportunistic thieves. Immobilizers make it more difficult to start a car without the proper key.
• Trust your instincts. If an area feels unsafe, choose a different spot to park.
• Be alert and report suspicious activity. If you see something unusual, contact your local police immediately.

Consumers should check their insurance policies and check with their agents to make sure they have the right coverage should an automobile break-in or theft occur.

Comprehensive (also called “other than collision”) automobile insurance generally covers damage to the car, such as a window broken to enter the car during a theft, and items permanently attached to the car.

However, comprehensive coverage generally does not pay for stolen items that were not permanently attached to the car, such as a cell phone, portable radio, laptop, purse or wallet. The consumer’s homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies generally do cover such items, after deductibles are applied.

The adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure applies here. You’d much rather prevent a break-in or theft from occurring than have to deal with the aftermath, even if you have full insurance coverage. Taking a few extra steps can greatly reduce your risk and keep your community safe.