Auto Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, and More
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About Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is required in almost every state. For the purposes of this site, we are going to be focused on what is required in North Carolina to drive a car.
What is Auto Insurance?
Auto Insurance is a package of coverages, each serving a different purpose.
"Liability Insurance" is designed to cover claims that others make against you if you are at fault in an accident. Suppose you rear end someone and hurt their back, your bodily injury liability would cover the injuries to the driver you hurt. If you also damaged that person's rear bumper, your property damage liability would pay to fix their vehicle. You cannot collect money from your own liability coverage. It is designed to protect you when you are liable to others.
Just because you follow the law doesn't mean everyone else does. What happens if an uninsured driver causes an accident and you are injured or your car is damaged?
Your "Uninsured Motorist" insurance covers you if you are injured by another driver and the other driver does not have insurance.
In North Carolina, all drivers must be covered for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Other coverages are frequently part of an auto insurance policy. Ask your agent what is available in your area.
What Determines How Much I Pay for Car Insurance?
The cost of your auto insurance policy is known as a "premium". Several factors go in to determining your premium.
Length of Driving Experience / Age - One of the biggest factors in determining your premium is how long you have been licensed. Newer drivers will pay more than experienced drivers. Generally, drivers with less than 3 years of United States driving experience will pay higher rates than those with more than 3 years. In North Carolina, age is not as important as years of US experience. This can put individuals moving from other countries at a disadvantage so be sure to ask about foreign experience credits.
Type of Car - The type of vehicle you drive, it's age, and value can affect your insurance premium. Sometimes different sub-types (such as LX, EX, etc...) of cars of the same year, make, and model can have different premiums. However, the type of vehicle usually only affects your premium if you have comprehensive and collision coverages. Liability only policies aren't usually affected.
Driving History - Your driving history will also play an important role in how much you pay for car insurance. Drivers with speeding tickets, accidents, or other violations will see an increase in premium.
Where You Live - The city, county, and even individual zip code you live in will affect your premium. For example, drivers living in Union County, NC will generally see lower rates than those living in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County.
Type of Coverage - The type and amount of insurance coverage you purchase as well as the deductibles you choose will impact your premium. Lower deductibles (your out of pocket cost) will result in higher premiums. With a higher deductible (such as $1,000), you agree to share more of the cost to repair your car and you will save money on your premium.
Insurance History - Have you always paid your insurance bills on time and renewed without any gaps? Generally the longer you maintain insurance without gaps (called a "lapse") in coverage, the less you will pay. Usually you will see a drop in premium after your first 6 months of continuous coverage.
Vehicle Use - Do you drive 30 miles to work everyday or is your job right across the street? Do you drive your car to multiple job sites each day? How you use your car will affect your premium. Retired people and homemakers will receive a lower premium since they only use their car for "pleasure use". People who commute more than 10 miles to work each way may see slightly higher rates. Contractors, realtors, or other people who use their cars for work may also see higher rates.
Credit History - Your credit history can affect your premium. Statistically drivers with higher credit scores will file fewer claims. Does this mean that if you have bad credit you will pay a lot more? Not necessarily. That is why you shop around. An agency like TGI represents different insurance companies that each view credit differently. This allows us to find the best rate for you.
Other Factors - Many other factors can influence your premium. Various discounts can lower price, such as ABS, air bags, even employer group discounts. Homeowners will usually pay less than renters and if you package your insurance with a home or renters policy, you can also get extra savings.
Types of Policies
- Personal Auto Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Motorcycles, ATVs, Dirt Bikes, Golf Carts
- Boats
- And More!
The Right Auto Insurance Policy For Your Needs
Because TGI is an independent insurance agency, we have DIRECT access to many top rated insurers such as MetLife, Progressive, Victoria, Universal, and National General. As a consumer, this means you can receive competitive quotes from multiple insurers with just one phone call!
Through our multiple-company rating, TGI Insurance is able to offer quality coverage at affordable premiums to all drivers. Some of our insurers specialize in high quality coverage and offer exceptional discounts to good drivers while some of our other insurers specialize in more value driven insurance.
With our comparative rating, exceptional service, and attention to your needs, you just can't go wrong with TGI!
What Areas Does TGI Serve?
TGI insures drivers all over North Carolina. From our home office in Matthews, we can serve all of Mecklenburg & Union County including Charlotte, Matthews, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Monroe, Mint Hill, Stallings, Pineville & More.
Discover why TGI is one the top Charlotte Insurance Agencies!
Use our online application or call us at (704) 846-1400 for a FREE, no obligation quote.