Understanding Auto Insurance Premiums

Auto insurance premiums are the price paid for coverage. This price is determined by the insurer’s assessment of your risk profile. This is affected by such factors as driving record, age, vehicle type, location and credit score. It should be understood that higher risks lead to higher costs. Bundling policies, discounts and safe driving may reduce them. Your premium is calculated by your insurer by estimating the chances that you will file a claim. This is balanced with your personal history with the expenses associated with theft, accidents and repairs in your area. 

Other Factors That May Influence Your Premium

A clean driving record will serve to lower your rates. Traffic violations, DUIs and accidents could increase them. Very young drivers, teenagers in particular, are a high statistical risk and so may come with higher premiums. Urban areas are more prone to accidents, theft and vandalism than rural areas and the premium rates will rise accordingly. Other things that can affect the price of your premiums are the model, make and year of your car as well as repair costs, safety features and theft rates. How often you use your car exposes it to more risk and thus affects premiums. Your credit score could have some bearing. Choosing comprehensive coverage levels or higher deductibles will change your premium. With this in mind, it is smart to maintain a clean driving record and strong credit history. Ask about bundle policies and other discounts and don’t forget to shop around. 

JC Demo Insurance Group Serving Matthews, NC 

If you are in the Matthews, NC area and need auto insurance, please contact us at JC Demo Insurance Group. We’re happy to help you find the right auto insurance policy for your specific needs.

Why Basic Auto Insurance May Not Be the Right Choice for You

Basic auto insurance is the least amount of coverage that you are required to carry. It is different from state to state, but in North Carolina it is 50/100/50. That is entirely liability coverage. $50,000 for one person injured in an accident with a max of $100,000 for all injuries. An additional $50,000 is allowed for property damage. 

Serving Matthews, NC, JC Demo Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency that can help you to determine what the right auto insurance is for you and your needs.

When Is Basic Insurance the Right Choice?

Basic auto insurance is acceptable if you own your vehicle outright and it has very little trade-in value. If you lease your vehicle or have an auto loan, you will be required to have additional coverage. They will want their investment in your vehicle covered, which means that you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. 

When Is Basic Insurance Not the Right Choice?

If you have a vehicle that you really like, and it has some value as a used vehicle, you may want to consider keeping your collision and comprehensive coverage even if you don’t owe anything. Most of us use our vehicle every day to drive to work, to run errands, chauffeur the kids and more. If you have an accident where you are responsible, and you don’t have collision and comprehensive coverage, you will be responsible for the repair or replacement yourself. 

For most people, that would be a hardship. The cost of even a used vehicle is high. Unless you have savings or are willing to take on another auto loan, you will be in a difficult situation. With those coverages, you will only have to cover the amount of the deductible. 

When you need auto insurance, give our office a call at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC. We are here to help. 

Can My North Carolina Auto Insurance Company Charge Me More Because of a Disability?

For drivers in Matthews, NC, who have a disability and want to understand the factors that influence auto insurance rates, JC Demo Insurance Group is here to help. Our agents can provide the most current information, remove any guesswork, and answer all your questions to ensure you’re being charged correctly.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Good news for North Carolina residents with disabilities who drive—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits insurance companies from increasing auto insurance rates solely because of a disability. While the ADA enforces non-discrimination laws to protect you, there are specific factors that may still affect your rates.

Factors That May Increase Insurance Rates

Several factors could impact your policy rates, including:

  • Modifications to customize your vehicle, such as extended pedals.
  • The option to increase your comprehensive and collision coverage to account for vehicle modifications.
  • Additional supplemental coverage to protect custom equipment and parts for your vehicle.
  • A medical condition that affects the safety of you and other drivers.
  • A physical limitation that may increase safety risks.

It’s important to note that only a medical professional or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles can determine whether you are fit to drive and whether a medical condition or physical limitation poses a safety risk.

Contact JC Demo Insurance Group

If you have questions about your auto insurance rates in Matthews, NC, and believe you may be overpaying due to a disability, call JC Demo Insurance Group. We’ll review your current policy and discuss options for a new plan that could save you money.

What Is the Difference Between Liability Only and Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

When you need auto insurance, it’s important to choose the right type of coverage for your vehicle and budget. There are several types of auto insurance available, including liability-only and comprehensive coverage. The professionals at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, can help you decide which type of auto insurance is best for your needs. If you have questions about liability-only and comprehensive auto insurance, we’re here to provide answers! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Liability-Only Auto Insurance?

Liability-only auto insurance is a type of coverage that pays for damages to the other vehicle if you cause an accident. However, it does not cover your own vehicle. This is the minimum type of auto insurance required in most states. Many people opt for liability-only insurance if they have older cars that they can afford to replace in the event of an accident.

What Is Comprehensive Auto Insurance?

Comprehensive auto insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle in the event of non-collision incidents, such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. However, it does not cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is a good option to consider if your vehicle is at high risk for theft or other non-collision events.

What Type of Auto Insurance Is Right for Me?

If you’re unsure about which type of auto insurance is best for your needs, the professionals at JC Demo Insurance Group, serving Matthews, NC, are here to help. We can assist you in shopping for an insurance policy that provides the right level of coverage at a price that fits your budget. Contact us today to get started!