Find Car Insurance in Durham, NC

What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Durham, North Carolina

Durham has so many accolades and associated nicknames, it is hard to know where to begin. One nickname, “the Tastiest Town in the South” gives visitors and residents alike a hint about the array of gastronomical delights to be had in this vibrant city. Another handle, “City of Medicine” refers to the emphasis on healthcare as a major industry here. And finally, “Bull City” refers to the famous Durham Bulls baseball team.

Located along the Eno River, a railway depot was established here in 1849 on land donated by Bartlett S. Durham. The tobacco industry helped this town grow rapidly after the Civil War and today it is home to several institutions of higher education, including Duke University and North Carolina Central University, a historically black university. It is part of the Research Triangle, consisting of  Raleigh, Durham and Cary, where hospitals and many private companies develop health-related therapies and treatments.

With everything going on in Durham, drivers are cautioned to be careful and observant. The best advice is to make sure you are always protected with the best car insurance in North Carolina. At InsureOne, we offer top-rated insurance carriers, flexible plans and affordable options.

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

The average cost of car insurance in North Carolina is $36 per month for state-required liability and $120.50 for full coverage, which is liability plus comprehensive and collision. In Durham, minimum liability averages $39, while full coverage is around $122 per month. Nationwide, the average is $66 for minimum liability and $223 for full coverage

Keep in mind, this will not be your policy cost. Your cost will vary based on many individual factors, such as your age and driving record.

What Does it Mean if North Carolina is an At-Fault State?

An at-fault state is one that requires the driver who is determined to be at fault in an accident be the one who pays for the damages and injuries others suffer. This is where your insurance comes in: If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will help you pay for the damage you cause to others. Keep in mind, this is only up to your policy limits and anything over that amount will come out of your pocket. You can also be sued and your assets seized to help pay for those damages, medical costs and even funerals if necessary.

If you cause an accident, your liability will not cover your own damages and medical costs. That will also come out of your pocket. However, if you choose to carry collision coverage, your repair bills (minus a deductible) may be paid by your insurer in an approved claim.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in North Carolina

As mentioned, there are many factors that go into your insurance quote, including location. Areas with more congestion and accidents have higher amounts of claims and you could pay the price for living there. Compare some other cities in North Carolina to the average in Durham to see an illustration of how that works.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Durham	$122	$39
Raleigh	$119	$41
Fayetteville	$129	$44
Wilmington	$109	$37
Chapel Hill	$96	$30

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

Combining your auto coverage and home insurance in one policy can not only save you money, but it can also reduce the paperwork needed to deal with your insurance. Your insurance company is competing for your business, so you will receive rewards in the form of discounts and other perks when you show loyalty by allowing them to hold more than one of your policies under the same umbrella.

A bundling discount is one of the largest available and can range from 15-30%, depending on the policy amount and the company.

Check with your neighborhood agent and find out what discounts today’s top-rated carriers are offering for a bundled package. You may be pleasantly surprised at your savings.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts are Available in Durham?

Just like the bundling discount you can receive when you combine more than one policy with the same insurer, you can receive a variety of other discounts, as well. There is usually plenty of discounts to go around, but the ones that are worth the most are bundling and goo driver. Be sure and ask your agent to let you know what you qualify for, especially if your circumstances change and when you renew. Here is a sample of some other available discounts:

Discount	What It’s Worth
Good or Safe Driver	10-30% Off
Anti-lock brakes	3% Off
Auto-pay	5%
Military	15% on base, 90% deployed
Good Student	15%

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Durham

Drivers in Durham need to be aware of a few North Carolina laws, including:

• Contributory Negligence: Drivers who are found to be at fault in an accident, even at 1% of fault, may not receive any compensation, including damages.
• Seat Belt Usage: If you are injured in an accident you did not cause but were not wearing a seat belt, it could affect your compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit: There is a strict 3-year time limit from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

What are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Durham?

As is the case for all drivers in the Tar Heel State, drivers in Durham must carry at least:

• Property Damage Liability: $25,000
• Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Amount equal to bodily injury and property damage liability

Many people think they will never have an accident since they are good, careful drivers. But you have to think about Mother Nature – if you are driving in a rainstorm and you hydroplane into someone else, you will be determined to be at fault for the accident.

What is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Durham?

If your insurance policy lapses, your insurance company is required by law in North Carolina to notify the Division of Motor Vehicles in real time whenever a policy lapses. If that occurs, officials will send a liabilitu insurance termination notification to the registered owner of the vehicle. Failure to respond or being caught driving without insurance may result in license plate revocation, financial penalties and more. Here are some penalties for driving without insurance in North Carolina:

• Fines:
• First offense: A fine ranging from $50.
• Second offense: $100 fine.
• Restoration Fee: $50.
• Subsequent lapses: $150 fine.

It’s important to have valid auto insurance in North Carolina to avoid these penalties and stay legal on the road.

What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Durham?

All insurance companies have their own complicated algorithms to determine the car insurance quote that give to applicants. These consist of many different factors, most of the unique to the person applying. This is why it is unlikely your rate will be the same as another person’s rate. Here are a few of the factors:

• Driving Record: This is one of the most important factors. It is no surprise that drivers with a clean record get the best rates
• Age: Young drivers will pay more for their insurance than those with a little more experience (and a track record). That trend goes down slightly, however, once a driver enters late 60s and 70s, since this group is likelier to file claims for accidents.
• Type of Vehicle: Insurers will offer better rates to vehicles with safety features that may prevent accidents, as well as those with easy-find-parts and repairmen in case of a claim.

Typical Driving Conditions in Durham

Driving in Durham, North Carolina, is generally a pleasant experience, with well-maintained roads and clear signage guiding your way. The North Carolina Department of Transportation provides real-time traffic updates and road conditions through its DriveNC.gov website, helping drivers stay informed about any incidents or delays.

Additionally, local news outlets like ABC11 offer traffic updates to keep you aware of current conditions.  By staying informed and attentive, you can enjoy smooth and safe travels throughout the Bull City.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Durham Per Year?

In 2020, Durham experienced a total of 7,073 crashes, with 29 resulting in fatalities and 2,902 resulting in injuries. Alcohol was a factor in 226 crashes that resulted in 12 fatalities and 149 injuries. Nine pedestrians were killed in 106 crashes, while 22 crashes involved bicyclists.

CRASH CATEGORY	TOTAL
Total Fatal and Injury	7,073
Fatalities	29
Serious Crashes	2,902
Alcohol	226
Pedestrian	106

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Durham?

Recent estimates put 10.3% of drivers on the roads in North Carolina as uninsured. Even though you may not realize it, your minimum coverage required by law includes uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which will help pay for your damages and injuries if you are hit by someone with no insurance. UIM is an inexpensive way to protect yourself in the event of a wreck involving someone with no insurance. The cost usually amounts to 5% of your annual bill.