What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Asheville, NC

Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a unique blend of city life and nature, with a vibrant arts scene, historic charm, and plenty of outdoor activities. The roads are scenic but can be tricky, especially with winding mountain paths and winter weather. During peak tourist seasons, traffic can also add to the challenge.

Given these conditions, having quality car insurance is crucial. While North Carolina requires minimum liability coverage, it’s wise to consider additional protection. Comprehensive and collision coverage can safeguard you in case of an accident, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ensures you’re covered if another driver lacks proper insurance. With the right coverage, you can enjoy the beauty and activities without the worry.

InsureOne agent to help you find the best auto insurance at the best price in North Carolina and come check out everything Asheville has to offer.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Asheville, North Carolina?

While your rate will depend on many different details related to you and your vehicle, the average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $324 for minimum liability coverage and $1,128 for a full coverage policy. These numbers are much less than the national averages of $622 for minimum liability and $2,014 for full coverage.

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What Does It Mean If North Carolina Is an At-Fault State?

In an at-fault state like North Carolina, if you’re involved in an accident, the driver who’s found to be responsible for causing it has to cover the damages. This usually means their liability insurance will pay for things like car repairs and medical bills.

If you’re not at fault, your own insurance might cover your costs, or you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. But if you’re partially responsible for the accident, the amount you get could be reduced based on how much fault you share. It’s a good reminder of how important it is to have solid car insurance coverage to protect yourself in case things go wrong on the road.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in North Carolina

One of the main factors insurance underwriters consider when setting your coverage costs is your location. As shown in the chart below, rates for Asheville residents can vary greatly compared to those in nearby areas.

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Asheville $94 $27
Cary $98 $32
Fayetteville $129 $44
Raleigh $105 $35
Knightdale $119 $41

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Asheville

Bundling your car and homeowners insurance in Asheville can really save you money—often up to 25% off your premiums! Insurance companies love it when you combine policies because it cuts down on their costs, and they reward you with discounts. Plus, it’s just more convenient to have everything with one provider, so you only have one bill to keep track of.

Whether it’s protecting your home with quality homeowner insurance in North Carolina or making sure your car is covered while navigating Asheville’s busy streets, bundling offers peace of mind and savings. With Asheville’s unpredictable weather and high traffic, bundling ensures you’re not only getting the best rates, but also having the coverage you need when it matters most.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Asheville?

While nearly every insurer provides discounts to lower your insurance premiums, but they may vary from one carrier to the next. Here are some of the typical discounts that many insurers offer:

  • Paperless billing discount
  • Safety feature discount
  • Paid-in-full discount
  • Military discount
  • Auto-pay discount
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Notable Car Insurance Laws in Asheville

Asheville itself doesn’t have legislation that impacts your car insurance coverage, but residents still need to follow these important North Carolina laws that affect insurance requirements.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Asheville?

Each state has different requirements for the minimum levels of coverage they mandate. If you’re driving in North Carolina, your policy must include the following as a minimum:

  • Liability Insurance: North Carolina requires the following minimum coverage:
    • $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
    • $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident (for multiple people).
    • $25,000 for property damage liability.

Although uninsured motorist coverage is not required in North Carolina, it is a wise decision in any state to add this affordable protection.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Asheville?

Driving without insurance in Asheville, like the rest of North Carolina, comes with serious penalties. If you’re caught driving without the required insurance, you could face:

  • Fines: The fine for driving without insurance can range from $50 to $150 for a first offense, and higher fines may apply for subsequent offenses.
  • License Suspension: Your driver’s license and vehicle registration can be suspended until you provide proof of insurance.
  • Reinstatement Fees: After suspension, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee, typically between $50 and $150, to get your license back.
  • Possible Jail Time: In rare cases, if you’re caught driving without insurance multiple times, you could face jail time.

Driving without insurance in Asheville is not only risky but also expensive, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re always properly covered.

What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Asheville?

In North Carolina, insurance companies can use several factors, beyond gender, age, and education level, to calculate your premiums. Here are some examples of what insurers look at:

  • Driving experience: Experienced drivers generally pay less for insurance because they are perceived as less risky.
  • Vehicle cost: The higher the cost of your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to insure, as it’s more expensive to repair or replace.
  • Loss probability: Insurers consider accident and theft rates for your specific vehicle model to assess the likelihood of a claim.
  • Claims history: If you’ve filed claims in the past, insurers may raise your premiums, seeing you as a higher risk.
  • Mileage: The more you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident, leading to higher insurance costs.

Typical Driving Conditions in Asheville

Driving in Asheville offers scenic views but also presents challenges. The winding, hilly roads can be tricky, especially in winter when snow and ice make higher elevations hazardous. Spring and fall bring milder weather, though wet roads can still be risky. Downtown Asheville can also get crowded, with slower traffic and limited parking, particularly during tourist season. Overall, while Asheville is beautiful, the roads can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared year-round.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Asheville Per Year?

Here are statistics comparing car accident fatalities in Asheville to other cities in North Carolina. While Asheville generally has fewer fatalities than larger cities, it still faces risks due to its winding roads and unpredictable weather. In comparison, urban areas often have higher fatality rates due to heavy traffic. These stats emphasize the importance of safe driving across the state.

City Total Crashes
Asheville 29
Apex 1
Charolette 194
Durham 38
Knightdale 1

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Asheville?

In 2022, 10.3% of drivers in North Carolina were uninsured, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute. While Asheville requires basic uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it’s recommended to consider additional coverage to protect yourself from those without sufficient insurance.

Scenic aerial view of sunset over Smoky Mountains from Asheville, North Carolina

Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Asheville, North Carolina, Today

Asheville, with a population of around 94,000 and a metro area of over 400,000, sees more drivers on its roads as the city grows. With challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, having the right insurance is crucial, especially with a percentage of uninsured drivers in North Carolina. Protect yourself from the risks of driving by ensuring you have adequate coverage.

At InsureOne, you can find the perfect auto insurance policy for your family, making it a one-stop shop for all your coverage needs. Our expert agents provide concierge services and tailor policies to meet your specific needs. Stop by one of our physical locations, call us at (800) 836-2240, or visit our website to get the best insurance at the best prices in North Carolina.