3 Reasons for Using a Broker/Agent vs Going Directly to an Insurance Carrier
Insurance shopping in Wilmington North Carolina can be confusing and overwhelming, but working with a broker or agent to find the right coverage for your needs is an important step. Here are three reasons why North Carolina residents should consider using a broker or agent when purchasing their insurance:
Brokers/Agents have access to multiple carriers: Wilmington brokers/agents don't just represent one carrier. They typically have access to multiple carriers so they can compare policies from different companies and help you select the best one for your needs. This can make the process of buying insurance faster and easier than going directly to an insurer.
Brokers/Agents provide personalized advice: When you work with a Wilmington broker or agent, you're getting the benefit of an experienced professional who can help you navigate the different coverage options and find a policy that meets your needs. They can also provide personalized advice on how to optimize your coverage and make sure you are getting the best value for your money.
Brokers/Agents provide ongoing support: North Carolina brokers/agents don't just help you purchase insurance; they also offer ongoing support after the sale is complete. This could include helping you understand your policy, making changes to your policy, or filing claims on your behalf. Having someone to guide and assist you throughout the entire process can be invaluable when it comes to protecting yourself and your family.
These are just a few of the many reasons why Wilmington residents should consider using a broker or agent when purchasing their insurance. With the help of an experienced professional, you can be sure to get the right coverage for your needs at an affordable price.
4 Reasons Insurance Companies Declare Vehicles Totaled in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to beautiful beaches, charming towns and a lot of cars! Unfortunately, Wilmington residents can find themselves in a bind if their vehicle is declared totaled by an insurance company. Insurance companies declare vehicles totaled when they determine that the cost to repair the damage caused by an accident exceeds the value of the car itself. Here are four reasons why North Carolina residents may find their vehicle declared a total loss:
Extensive Damage - North Carolina drivers can experience extreme weather conditions throughout the year which can result in extensive damage to their vehicles. In addition, North Carolinians often travel through mountainous terrain that increases the chance for collision with wildlife or other objects, resulting in severe damage to vehicles.
Cost of Parts - North Carolina insurance companies may declare a vehicle totaled if it requires expensive parts for repair. North Carolina drivers can find themselves in an unfortunate circumstances where the cost to repair the damage exceeds the value of the car itself.
Age and Mileage - North Carolina's humid climate and heavy traffic can take a toll on older vehicles or those with high mileage, making them more likely to be declared totaled by an insurance company when they experience any type of accident.
Availability of Salvage Parts - North Carolina is home to several salvage yards that provide quality used parts at discounted prices, however even these parts can be costly depending on the make and model of a vehicle and availability of specific components needed for repairs. Insurance companies may declare a vehicle totaled if the cost of buying used parts outweighs the value of the car.
4 Things to Know Before Going to an Auto Body Shop in North Carolina
North Carolina is known for its beautiful mountains, pristine beaches, and great automotive service. If you're looking to get your car fixed in Wilmington, it pays to know a few key things before heading to an auto body shop. Here are four tips that will help you get the most out of your North Carolina auto repair experience:
Research Your Options - North Carolina has many different auto body shops available. Do some research to find out which ones offer the best price and quality of service. Ask around or read reviews online to ensure you make the right choice.
Get Insight from Friends and Family - North Carolinians love their cars, so chances are good that someone you know has had work done at an auto body shop. Ask them for recommendations and advice to help you choose the best shop.
Understand Your Needs - Wilmington has a lot of options when it comes to auto body work. Make sure you understand exactly what kind of repair or service your car needs before taking it in for repairs. This will help ensure that you get the right service for the job and avoid any unnecessary costs.
Compare Prices - Wilmington has some competitively priced auto body shops, so take the time to compare prices between several different providers before deciding on a shop. Don't forget to factor in quality of service as well as price when making your decision!
4 Steps of Insurance Claims Process After an Accident in North Carolina
Report the Accident: North Carolina requires you to report your accident if it involves injury or death, or if there is more than $1,000 worth of damage. You should contact your Wilmington agent as soon as possible and provide all necessary information about the incident.
Document Everything: Make sure to document everything related to the accident, including taking pictures of any damages and getting contact information for anyone who was involved in the accident. This will help with your claim process and ensure that you have sufficient evidence for your case.
File a Claim: After reporting your accident to the North Carolina Department of Insurance and gathering all relevant documents, you can file an insurance claim with either your own agency or the other party's insurance company.
Reach a Settlement: Once the claim is filed, North Carolina law requires both parties to attempt to reach an agreement before taking any legal action. This could include negotiation through your insurance companies or arbitration with a neutral third party. If no settlement can be reached, you may need to take the case to court.
No matter how long it takes, North Carolina law dictates that each insurance company must settle claims in a timely manner and provide fair compensation for any damages incurred. Knowing your rights and understanding the process can help ensure that you receive the best outcome for your situation and minimize delays in getting compensated for your accident-related costs.
20 Most Expensive Automobiles to Insure in North Carolina
North Carolina is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant music scene, and delicious barbecue. However, when it comes to car insurance rates, North Carolina ranks among the most expensive states in the country. While North Carolina's average annual auto insurance premium is slightly higher than the U.S. National Average ($977 vs. $889 respectively), Wilmington drivers can still find ways to save on their premiums by being mindful of which cars they choose to purchase. Below are twenty of the most expensive automobiles to insure in North Carolina:
Audi RS6 Avant Quattro Tiptronic AWD Wagon -$ 2,246
Maserati GranTurismo Convertible - $2,239
Due to North Carolina's high auto insurance premiums, North Carolinians should be aware of the potential cost associated with purchasing certain luxury vehicles. By being mindful of which cars they choose to purchase, Wilmington drivers can save on their auto insurance premiums and enjoy all North Carolina has to offer without breaking the bank.
25 Cheapest Vehicles to Insure in North Carolina in Detail
Wilmington drivers searching for an affordable car insurance policy may be interested in the list of 20 cheapest vehicles to insure in North Carolina. While they are quite varied, each of these cars and trucks is known for its low cost of ownership and easy-to-find coverage. From compacts to crossovers and even pickup trucks, North Carolina drivers can find a vehicle that fits their lifestyle without breaking the bank on insurance premiums. With plenty of options out there, here's a detailed look at the 20 cheapest vehicles to insure in North Carolina.
Honda Civic - The reliable Honda Civic has long been one of the most popular choices among North Carolina drivers looking for an economical ride with great fuel economy. Its low sticker price and low insurance rates make it a great choice for Wilmington drivers looking to save.
Subaru Forester - The Subaru Forester is a rugged and versatile crossover with plenty of cargo space and all-wheel drive capability, making it an ideal North Carolina vehicle. Its low insurance premiums make it even more attractive to North Carolina drivers seeking a reliable set of wheels without breaking the bank on car insurance.
Chevrolet Sonic - An affordable subcompact sedan, the Chevy Sonic offers Wilmington drivers great fuel economy and relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Ford Focus - The Ford Focus is another economical sedan that offers North Carolinians good fuel economy as well as affordable insurance rates. Its low sticker price and affordability make it a great fit for North Carolina drivers.
Hyundai Elantra - This midsize sedan is a popular choice among Wilmington drivers looking for an affordable yet reliable set of wheels. With a low sticker price and attractive insurance premiums, the Elantra makes a great option for North Carolinians seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Nissan Altima - This midsize sedan is another popular North Carolina vehicle due to its affordability and fuel efficiency. It's also known for having relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolina shoppers who want to save on car insurance costs.
Toyota Corolla - North Carolina drivers looking for reliable and affordable transportation should take a look at the Toyota Corolla. It offers great fuel economy and low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for Wilmington shoppers seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Honda CR-V - This popular crossover is a great choice for North Carolina drivers who need more room than a sedan can offer but don't want to break the bank on car insurance premiums. With its low sticker price and excellent fuel economy, the CR-V makes an attractive option for North Carolinians seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Ford Escape - This compact crossover is another great choice for North Carolina drivers in search of an economical set of wheels. With its low sticker price and attractive insurance premiums, North Carolinians can rest assured that they'll be getting a reliable ride without having to pay too much for car insurance coverage.
Chevrolet Equinox - North Carolina drivers looking for an affordable mid-sized crossover should take a look at the Chevy Equinox. It offers plenty of cargo room and great fuel economy, as well as relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for Wilmington shoppers in search of savings on their car insurance bills.
Toyota Camry - This midsize sedan is one of the most popular North Carolina vehicles due to its affordability, reliability and fuel efficiency. Not only does it have a reasonable sticker price, but North Carolina drivers can also enjoy low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolinians seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Hyundai Sonata - North Carolina drivers looking for an affordable midsize sedan should take a look at the Hyundai Sonata. With its low sticker price and relatively low insurance premiums, North Carolinians can rest assured that they're getting a reliable ride without having to pay too much for car insurance coverage.
Nissan Rogue - This popular crossover is a great choice for North Carolina drivers who need more room than a sedan can offer but don't want to break the bank on car insurance premiums. Its low sticker price and good fuel economy make it an attractive option for Wilmington residents seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Honda Accord - This midsize sedan is another popular North Carolina vehicle due to its affordability, reliability and fuel efficiency. North Carolinians can also enjoy low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolina shoppers in search of savings on their car insurance bills.
Chevrolet Malibu - North Carolina drivers looking for a reliable and affordable midsize sedan should take a look at the Chevy Malibu. It has a reasonable sticker price as well as good fuel economy and relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolina shoppers in search of savings on car insurance costs.
Subaru Outback - North Carolina drivers looking for a reliable and affordable crossover should take a look at the Subaru Outback. It offers great fuel economy and low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for Wilmington drivers seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Toyota Prius - North Carolina drivers looking to save money on gas should consider the Toyota Prius. Its hybrid engine is known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for North Carolinians who want to cut down on car insurance costs as well.
Ford Fusion - North Carolina drivers in search of a reliable midsize sedan should take a look at the Ford Fusion. It has good fuel economy and relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolinians seeking savings on their car insurance bills.
Honda CR-V - This compact crossover is another great choice for North Carolina drivers in search of an economical set of wheels. With its low sticker price and attractive insurance premiums, North Carolinians can rest assured that they'll be getting a reliable ride without having to pay too much for car insurance coverage.
Nissan Altima - North Carolina drivers looking for an affordable midsize sedan should take a look at the Nissan Altima. It has a reasonable sticker price as well as good fuel economy and low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolina shoppers in search of savings on their car insurance bills.
Hyundai Tucson - North Carolina drivers in need of a reliable crossover should take a look at the Hyundai Tucson. It offers great cargo capacity and low insurance premiums, making it an attractive choice for North Carolinians seeking to save on their car insurance costs.
Ford Focus - North Carolina drivers who want an economical vehicle without sacrificing style should consider the Ford Focus. With its good fuel economy and relatively low insurance premiums, North Carolinians can rest assured that they'll be getting a reliable ride without having to pay too much for car insurance coverage.
Kia Sorento - North Carolina drivers looking for an affordable midsize SUV should take a look at the Kia Sorento. With its low sticker price and competitive insurance rates, North Carolinians can feel confident that they're getting a great value on their car insurance costs.
Toyota Camry - North Carolina drivers in need of a reliable and comfortable midsize sedan should consider the Toyota Camry. It has good fuel economy and relatively low insurance premiums, making it an attractive option for North Carolina shoppers in search of savings on their car insurance bills.
Honda Civic - North Carolina drivers looking for a reliable and affordable compact car should take a look at the Honda Civic. It has good fuel economy and low insurance premiums, making it an attractive choice for North Carolinians seeking savings on their car insurance costs.
Cost of Car Insurance in 6 Different Age Groups in North Carolina
In Wilmington, car insurance rates vary by age. Factors such as driving experience, accident history and credit score can also affect the cost of car insurance. North Carolina drivers aged 16 to 19 typically pay more for car insurance than any other age group. The following table provides an overview of North Carolina auto insurance rate averages for six different age groups:
16-19 Years Old - North Carolinians in this age group tend to pay the most expensive rates on average with a mean premium of $1,831 per year.
20-24 Years Old - Average annual premiums for 20- to 24-year-olds in North Carolina are slightly lower than those for teens, coming in at around $1,743 per year.
25-29 Years Old - North Carolina drivers in this age range tend to have the lowest rates of any age group, with an average annual premium of $1,566.
30-39 Years Old - North Carolinians aged 30 to 39 pay a bit more than younger drivers, but still have relatively low premiums at $1,628 on average.
40-49 Years Old - This is usually when North Carolina car insurance rates start increasing again and reach a mean rate of $1,750 each year for 40- to 49-year-olds.
50+ Years Old - North Carolinians aged 50 and up are typically charged slightly higher premiums than those aged 40 to 49, at an average of $1,780 per year.
Overall, North Carolinians aged 16 to 24 tend to have the cheapest car insurance premiums in the state, while drivers aged 50 and up usually pay more than any other age group. It is important to shop around and compare rates from different providers in order to find the best coverage for your needs. North Carolina law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage levels, but there are a variety of additional optional coverages available that can be added onto policies if desired.
4 Driving Violations That Require High Risk Insurance in North Carolina
North Carolina requires high risk insurance for drivers with a DUI/DWI, revocation or suspension of license, accumulation of points on driving record, or lapse in coverage. This type of insurance is known as North Carolina SR-22 insurance, and it must be maintained for three years after the violation occurs. Failure to maintain this proof of financial responsibility could result in suspension or revocation of your driver's license until the required coverage has been provided.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) - If you are convicted of drunk driving in North Carolina, you will be required to obtain North Carolina SR-22 insurance for three years. This form is filed with DMV declaring that you have met the state's minimum insurance requirements.
License Revocation or Suspension - North Carolina requires drivers who have had their license revoked or suspended to maintain North Carolina SR-22 insurance for three years as proof of financial responsibility in order to have their driving privilege restored.
Accumulation of Points on Driving Record - North Carolina assigns points to your driving record each time you receive a moving violation. If the total number of points on your North Carolina driver's license reaches 8 or more within a period of 3 years, North Carolina requires that you obtain North Carolina SR-22 insurance for three years before reinstating your driving privileges.
Lapse in Coverage - If you let your existing auto insurance policy lapse, North Carolina may require that you obtain North Carolina SR-22 insurance for three years to have your driving privileges reinstated.
By purchasing North Carolina SR-22 insurance and maintaining it for the required period of time, you can continue to legally drive in North Carolina. If you are found in violation of North Carolina's financial responsibility laws, you may be subject to fines, penalties and additional fees. Be sure to check with your local DMV office for specific requirements and regulations before reinstating your North Carolina driver's license.
Top 7 Car Insurance Companies by Least to Most Expensive in North Carolina
When shopping for car insurance in Wilmington NC, it's important to compare rates from different companies to find the best deal. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a list of the seven least expensive North Carolina car insurance companies. From lowest to highest cost, they are: Liberty Mutual, Progressive Direct, State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Nationwide and Farmers Insurance. Each company offers competitive prices and various options to fit your budget.
Liberty Mutual is North Carolina's least expensive auto insurer with an average annual premium of $704. They offer accident forgiveness discounts and rewards programs that can save you even more money on your premiums.
Next up is Progressive Direct at $894 per year. Progressive has a tool on their website that allows you to compare rates from multiple companies at once, so you can easily find the best deal.
State Farm is North Carolina's third-most affordable car insurance provider with an annual rate of $966. Their discounts for good drivers and accident prevention classes can help lower your premiums even more.
Geico comes in fourth at $1,106 per year. Geico offers an array of discounts, including discounts for military members and students who maintain good grades.
Allstate is North Carolina's fifth least expensive auto insurer with an average yearly premium of $1,258. Allstate's “accident forgiveness” program allows drivers to avoid rate increases after a certain number of incidents.
Nationwide is North Carolina's sixth least expensive auto insurer at $1,748 per year. They offer a variety of discounts for safe driving and good students that can help you save on your policy.
And last but not least is Farmers Insurance at an average annual cost of $2,258. Farmers has a range of coverage and discount options that can help make your car insurance more affordable.
15 Interesting Driving Statistics in North Carolina in 2022
North Carolina drivers will log an estimated 70 billion miles on North Carolina roads this year.
North Carolina is the 8th most populous state, but it ranks 15th in terms of total vehicle miles traveled in a given year.
North Carolinians are projected to spend $18 billion on fuel for their vehicles in 2022.
North Carolina auto insurance premiums show an average increase of 5% from 2021-2022, with the average annual premium being just under $1,100 dollars.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has reported that there were over 3 million registered motor vehicles in the state as of 2020 - and this number is expected to grow by nearly 10% in 2022.
North Carolina drivers are projected to experience a decrease of 3% in fatal crashes from 2021-2022.
North Carolina has the 4th highest amount of ‘impaired driving' related fatalities of all 50 states, accounting for over 25% of all traffic deaths.
North Carolinians spend an average of $600 dollars per year on vehicle maintenance and repair costs, which is about $50 above the national average.
North Carolina ranks 19th among all states for having some of the most dangerous roads; in 2020 there were almost 400 road fatalities reported within North Carolina's borders alone.
North Carolina has the 11th best highway system in the US, with about 86% of all roads meeting good condition standards.
North Carolina is one of only five states that prohibits texting while driving for all drivers.
North Carolinians are able to save an estimated 8% on their car insurance premiums by taking a driver education course.
North Carolina had the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2019, accounting for nearly 400 deaths that year alone.
North Carolinians waste an estimated 4 hours per week sitting in traffic delays - this adds up to over 200 hours a year!
North Carolina highways contain some of the most traveled interstates in the US - with I-40, I-95 and I-85 all running through North Carolina.
FAQ Section
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What is the average car insurance rate in Wilmington North Carolina?
The average rate for Wilmington is $1045. Look for discounts to make this even more affordable.
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What is the minimum coverage required in Wilmington NC?
In Wilmington North Carolina, your policy must have at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage.
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How much is car insurance typically for 2 vehicles in Wilmington NC?
Average cost for two vehicles in Wilmington is $1986. This can of course vary greatly with liability only, full coverage, or SR-22 insurance.
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How can I get cheap car insurance in Wilmington NC?
To get low cost car insurance in Wilmington, NC, simply fill out the form above and compare quotes then pick the best one.
