Hickory Car Insurance

Even the most careful drivers can sometimes be involved in car accidents. That is why Hickory vehicle owners are required to have auto insurance. From fender benders on Center Street to multi-car collisions Interstate 40, a reliable car insurance policy can shield you from facing large financial losses after an accident. Independent Insurance Agents in Hickory make shopping for the best car insurance easy and stress-free. These agents can provide you with a variety of auto insurance quotes so you can be sure you are getting your policy at a competitive price. Contact an insurance agent near to learn more.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Hickory, NC?

North Carolina is one of the least expensive states for car insurance. While the average cost in Hickory is lower than the national average, it is higher than the overall state average.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• North Carolina average annual car insurance cost: $986
• Hickory-Statesville average annual car insurance cost: $1,260

Of course, auto insurance rates can vary significantly from one driver to the next, so these figures can only give you a general idea of what your actual costs might be. This is because costs are calculated according to several considerations such as:

• The year, make, model, and trim of the vehicle you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, driving record, claims history, and credit score
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The approximate number of miles you drive your vehicle each year
• Your requested coverage amounts, options, and deductible
• The accident and auto theft rates in the vicinity of your home

You can often get lower rates if you qualify for certain discounts, such as for having a safe driving record or for bundling your coverage with another policy like home insurance or renters insurance. Independent insurance agents can help you find the best price for the coverage you want.

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What Are Car Insurance Requirements for Hickory Drivers?

If you own a car in North Carolina, you must have car insurance that meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements:

• Liability insurance:
  • Property damage liability: This covers third-party damage if you cause a collision. Your policy must have a minimum of $25,000 in property damage coverage
  • Bodily injury liability: This covers third-party injuries if you cause a collision. Your policy must have a minimum of $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage.
• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers injuries and damages you sustain if you are in a collision with an uninsured driver. Your minimum coverage limits are $25,000 in property damage coverage and $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage.

A policy that merely meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements should be enough to cover you for most collisions. However, if you are responsible for a serious accident that results in serious injuries or significant property damage, your liability costs can easily exceed what a minimum coverage policy will cover. That is why many Hickory vehicle owners opt to purchase car insurance that has higher-than-required liability limits. Some residents who want to further protect their assets also purchase umbrella insurance. This is an extremely affordable way to significantly boost your liability coverage.

What Else Does Hickory Car Insurance Cover?

All car insurance policies must include liability and uninsured motorist coverage to be in compliance with the law.  There are a number of additional coverage options that you can add to your policy in order to have 360 degrees of protection. Optional coverage includes:

• Collision insurance:  This is designed to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, even if it was your fault. This may be required by your lender while you are paying for your car or by the dealership if you are leasing.
• Comprehensive insurance:  This is designed to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is lost or damaged in a non-collision event such a car theft, flood or falling object. This may also be required by your lender while you are paying for your car or by the dealership if you are leasing.
• Personal injury protection insurance (PIP): This is designed to pay for medical treatment needed by you or your passengers if you are injured in a collision, even if it was your fault.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This is designed to pay for assistance and towing fees if your vehicle becomes disabled while out on the road.
• Rental car reimbursement: This is designed to pay the cost of renting a comparable vehicle during the times that your car is in the shop being repaired following a covered event.

Talk to your local independent insurance agent to learn more and to get quotes for these various types of optional coverage.

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Hickory Car Insurance Covers Against Uninsured Motorists

Driving without insurance is illegal in North Carolina. Despite this, almost one in ten drivers in this state are operating a vehicle without insurance.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 12.6%
• Percentage of North Carolina drivers who are uninsured: 9.1%

Uninsured motorist insurance is optional in many states, but it is required in North Carolina. This insurance guarantees that you will receive the compensation you deserve if an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver is responsible for a collision with your vehicle. Without this coverage, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to collect the money owed to you by the at-fault driver. Because you have this insurance included in your policy, you can rest assured knowing that your insurance company will reimburse you upfront and will then assume the task of collecting the money owed, absorbing the costs if unsuccessful.

Can Hickory Car Insurance Cover Vehicle Theft?

The auto theft rate in North Carolina is lower than the national average, and in the Hickory-Statesville area, it is even lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist.  There are about 100 reported vehicle thefts in this city every year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
• North Carolina auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.12
• Hickory-Statesville auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.05

It is necessary for you to have comprehensive insurance included in your Hickory car insurance policy in order for you to be compensated for auto theft. This “other than collision” coverage also provides coverage for other risks such as falling objects, heavy winds, fires, and floods. Talk to your independent insurance agent to learn how much it will cost you to add comprehensive insurance to your auto policy.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Hickory, NC?

As a vehicle owner in Hickory, you can turn to a local independent insurance agent for help when you are searching for the best car insurance to meet your coverage and budgetary needs. These agents are free to work with several different insurance companies so they can obtain a variety of customized quotes to help you find the best price.

Contact an independent insurance agent with an office in or near Hickory to learn more.