Get a Jacksonville, NC Insurance Quote
It should be no surprise that Jacksonville has the one of the youngest and most transitory populations in the country. With about 50,000 active duty Marines and Sailors, Camp Lejeune is a city in itself, generating $3 billion in commerce for the surrounding community. Maybe you just arrived from overseas or are in the final year at this duty station. Maybe you’re just a civilian Jacksonville resident shopping for Jacksonville, NC insurance quotes. Either way, it pays to know the ins and outs of North Carolina law as it pertains to buying insurance. Let’s see why.
At Ease: Jacksonville, NC Insurance Demystified
Let’s say you’re like the majority of your fellow personnel. You’re young. You’re here for three years, maybe less. You’re squared away with a place to live either on base or in Jacksonville. And you have a sweet new car or maybe you’re just looking to buy one. Why not? You’ve earned it. And you’re living expenses are low thanks to Uncle Sam and your service. Before you pull the trigger on that Lexus or Nissan or Ford, you need to know about North Carolina law.
The minimum requirements to insure a vehicle are:
- $30,000 Bodily Injury for each person.
- $60,000 Bodily Injury for all persons in an accident.
- $25,000 for Property Damage
But wait, there’s more! As of Feb. 1, 2010, North Carolina requires additional coverage for Unisured/Underinsured Motorists which must at least equal the above liability coverage. This means if some yahoo without insurance t-bones you in downtown J-ville, you’re covered because he’s not.
In addition to the above, you might want to consider (if you’re lender doesn’t already require it) Comprehensive coverage. Jacksonville is prone to some pretty nasty storms, including hurricanes, along with the occasional tornado, hail storm, and flood. And even though the area is statistically safer than most other parts of the country, there are still over 100 auto thefts a year.
Comprehensive covers the cost of repair or “actual cash value” less your deductible for the following: missiles or falling objects, fire, theft, earthquake, windstorm, hail, water or flood, vandalism, contact with animal, breakage of glass, and riot.
Jacksonville, NC Insurance Quotes: Pay Now; Save Later
One other thing to consider: you’re driving record. The North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) will in essence punish you for bad driving. So if you’ve had some moving violations or were “at-fault” in an accident, you will be charged a higher premium. Just didn’t want you to get sticker shock when shopping for quotes. For example, say you were driving 76 mph in a 70 and were dinged with a 4-point ticket. That heavy-footed action just cost you an 80% increase in your premium. Shazam! Just like that. No fear if you have a clean record. If not, prepare to pay higher premiums.
Lowering Your Jacksonville, NC Insurance Quotes
Now that you know a little more about North Carolina law and what to consider when shopping for auto insurance, let’s look at ways to lower your premium.
- Buy a car with anti-lock brakes, airbags, automatic seatbelts, daytime running lights and an anti-theft device.
- You own or buy a car that’s not a performance car, convertible or SUV. These come with higher premiums.
- You may receive a discount if you agree to an electronic funds transfer payment plan.
- Or you may get a discount if you have multiple cars and/or your home on the policy.
Shopping for Jacksonville, NC Insurance Quotes
Perhaps the biggest thing you can do is comparison shop with NetQuote. NetQuote will scour the web looking for the best deal from hundreds of insurers. It’s free, easy and makes the shopping a little less painful.
