Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?
No, you must get insurance for cars in the state which you reside in. Prior to obtaining insurance in North Carolina, make sure to verify whether or not it is required for you to surrender your license plate to the DMV of your previous state. Once you have permanently moved to North Carolina, contact the DMV for information about switching your car insurance.

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?
Yes, you will be required to obtain vehicle insurance in the new state you intend to reside. You must adhere to their minimum insurance requirements. However, make sure to surrender your license plate prior to switching your insurance. Simply mail it to the below address:

DMV Vehicle Registration Section Renewal Title and Plate Unit 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle for a lengthy period of time, then you should cancel your car registration, as well as surrender your license plate. You must first adhere to these steps prior to canceling your North Carolina car insurance, in order to avoid any penalties, fines or the possibility of a driver s license suspension. For more information, contact the NC DMV about how you should proceed.

For more information: North Carolina Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?
If you have been involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is file a report with the police. In North Carolina, you are required to file a report if the property damage exceeds $1,000. Make sure to also exchange proper vehicle insurance information with the other party involved. For further clarification pertaining to your case, contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: North Carolina Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?
You are required to get car insurance in the state where you have established residency and your vehicle is registered. Failure to do so may result in a driver s license suspension and other penalties. In North Carolina, you must get the minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes the following:
  • $60,000 of bodily injury liability, total per accident
  • $30,000 of bodily injury liability, per individual
  • $25,000 of property damage liability

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?
In North Carolina, drivers are required to have the following types of car insurance coverage:
  • $60,000 of bodily injury liability, total per accident
  • $30,000 of bodily injury liability, per individual
  • $25,000 of property damage liability

If you do not obtain the minimum liability insurance coverage, you will run the risk of facing a driver’s license suspension.

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?
In order to register your vehicle, the NC DMV requires you to submit any of the following documents for proof of car insurance:
  • Your car insurance card
  • Your car insurance policy or binder
  • A DL-123 form completed by your insurance company

It is recommended that you gather the aforementioned documents prior to making your way to a local DMV office, that way you have everything in order upon your arrival. You will also need to present proof of your identity, such as your North Carolina driver’s license.

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

What type of car insurance am I required to have?
The state of North Carolina requires drivers to maintain liability insurance for their vehicle. The liability you are required to have must cover both bodily injury and property damage. You can also have additional insurance for more complete coverage, such as the following:
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Rental car
  • Towing

Failure to maintain car insurance in the state of NC will result in the suspension of your driver’s license and other penalties.

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?
The state of North Carolina requires all drivers with a valid license plate to maintain insurance for cars. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of driver s licenses, or other severe penalties. To avoid this unwanted hassle, apply for car insurance at your earliest convenience.

For more information: How To: Save on North Carolina Auto Insurance

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?
In North Carolina, the majority of vehicles should be insured. These include but are not limited to:
  • Passenger vehicles
  • Commercial vehicles
  • Trucks
  • Vans
  • Boats
  • Mopeds
  • Motorcycles

If you are unsure whether or not your specific vehicle requires auto insurance, contact the NC DMV.

For more information: North Carolina Auto Insurance – Get a Quote and Save