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Cheap car insurance in Greenville, North Carolina, isn’t hard to come by. In fact, Greenville residents pay significantly less than the national average, and the rates here often beat out those in other North Carolina cities. If you’re new to the area, chances are you can find a better deal than what you’re used to paying. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about shopping for cheap car insurance in Greenville, North Carolina.
Who Offers Insurance in Greenville, North Carolina?
Greenville residents can choose from several well-known national companies for their car insurance. These include Geico, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Nationwide, Direct Auto Insurance, and Erie. All of these companies make it easy to request a car insurance quote online. If you prefer a more personal approach, many have local agents in the Greenville area. You can find offices for State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, Nationwide, and Geico in town. Other local insurance offices have connections with multiple companies to help you find the best rate available.
North Carolina residents who are members of the North Carolina Farm Bureau can also purchase car insurance from NC Farm Bureau Insurance. This company has offices in all 100 counties, and it was recently recognized as one of the best insurance companies in America by Forbes. North Carolina Farm Bureau membership only costs $25 per year and gives you access to a variety of benefits, from NC Farm Bureau Insurance to discounts on hotel stays.
Members of the U.S. military should also check with USAA. Insurance through USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families. However, if you qualify, USAA offers highly competitive rates that often beat out other companies.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in North Carolina?
To get the cheapest car insurance in Greenville, you can choose a policy with the minimum coverage required by North Carolina law. Most states require drivers to carry personal auto insurance, and North Carolina is no exception. The exact requirements vary from state to state. In North Carolina, drivers must have liability coverage that meets the following minimums:
- $30,000 bodily injury (for one person)
- $60,000 bodily injury (for two or more people)
- $25,000 property damage
In addition to this liability coverage, North Carolina drivers must have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Policies must be purchased from a company that is licensed in North Carolina, as out-of-state policies are not accepted. Insurance companies are required to notify the state if your coverage is canceled or expires. An unaddressed lapse in insurance coverage could result in the state revoking your license plate. You could also face a fine plus a $50 restoration fee. The fines are as follows:
- $50 for your first insurance lapse
- $100 for your second insurance lapse
- $150 for any subsequent lapses
Keep in mind that choosing a policy that only meets the state’s minimum requirements will open you up to more risk if you’re ever in an accident. The damages associated with a motor vehicle accident can easily exceed the minimum coverage mandated by the state, and a court could order you to pay the difference.
Who Offers the Cheapest Car Insurance in Greenville, North Carolina?
Many rankings list Geico as the cheapest car insurance in Greenville. However, some drivers have found better rates from Erie, and both State Farm and NC Farm Bureau Insurance consistently rank in the top three.
All companies base their rates on factors like your age, your record, where you live, and your credit score. However, different companies might weigh these factors differently. If one of these factors is working against you, it’s important to shop around. A driver with a prior DUI or at-fault vehicle accident, for instance, may find better rates at a different company than a driver with a clean record.
What Types of Discounts Are Available?
Most insurance companies offer several different discounts that you can take advantage of. However, the types of discounts vary from insurer to insurer, as do the discount amounts. Here are a few examples of discounts available from various companies:
- Good student discount: Most car insurance companies offer a discount to high school and college students who maintain good grades. This discount could be anywhere from 6% to 36%.
- Pay-in-full discount: Some insurers will offer a lower premium if you pay for the entire year at once instead of opting for monthly installments. If you do choose a monthly payment plan, your insurer might offer a discount if you sign up for autopay.
- Safe driving discount: Companies handle safe driving discounts differently. Some offer a discount based on your record, while others track your driving habits via an app or telematics device.
- Usage discount: If you drive fewer miles per year than the average driver, your insurer may be willing to apply a low-mileage discount.
- Customer loyalty discount: Many insurers reward loyal customers and those who have had continuous coverage with a discount or other benefits, like a vanishing deductible.
- Multi-line discount: You can save money by bundling your car insurance with other policies, like homeowners insurance or life insurance, from the same company. Most companies offer discounts for insuring multiple vehicles, too.
What Other Factors Should I Consider?
Purchasing the cheapest car insurance available isn’t always the best financial move. In fact, if you have a loan or a lease on your vehicle, your lender may require that you carry more insurance than the state minimum. Before choosing a policy, check with your lender to find out their requirements.
Next, take into account the value of your car and your financial assets. If your vehicle is paid off and you can easily afford to replace it out-of-pocket, then liability coverage might be enough. Otherwise, comprehensive coverage could be a wiser choice. Your vehicle model makes a difference here, too. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others because they are worth more or because repairs are more costly.
You may also want to compare the customer ratings of various insurance companies, as well as the online tools and resources available. An easy-to-navigate app and friendly customer service, for instance, may be worth a few extra dollars per month. The National Associate of Insurance Commissioners compiles information about consumer complaints in its Consumer Information Search results. Similarly, J.D. Powers uses consumer ratings to rank insurance companies in its annual U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Finding cheap car insurance in Greenville, North Carolina, can be a breeze. It’s as simple as rounding up a few quotes and comparing the rates to find the best option for you.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
