After a crash, you may have questions about North Carolina car insurance requirements and whether the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy will cover your medical expenses. Under current North Carolina car insurance requirements, vehicle owners must carry at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person, $100,000 in bodily injury coverage for two or more people, and $50,000 in property damage coverage. You may also see this written as 50/100/50 coverage.
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you may need a skilled North Carolina car crash attorney to manage your insurance claim while you focus on your health. The law firm Hardison & Cochran has over 40 years of experience helping injured people in North Carolina rebuild their lives after serious injuries, with six offices across the state. We have a strong record of fighting for just financial compensation for car accident victims, including those harmed by uninsured drivers.
North Carolina’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
North Carolina law requires that all vehicles registered in the state have auto liability insurance. This coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause when you are legally responsible for a crash. The other driver’s insurance pays for your medical bills and losses if the other driver was at fault.
The NC minimum liability insurance limits are 50/100/50. Here is what the required minimums cover:
- $50,000 in Bodily Injury Liability Per Person – This coverage pays up to $50,000 for injuries to one person in a car accident.
- $100,000 in Bodily Injury Liability Per Accident – If a car accident injures two or more people, the auto insurance policy pays up to $100,000 total for their bodily injury claims.
- $50,000 in Property Damage Liability Per Accident – This coverage pays up to $50,000 for damage to a person’s vehicle or other property.
The higher limits went into effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to all auto policies issued or renewed on or after that date. North Carolina insurance laws require continuous liability insurance coverage on all registered vehicles. North Carolina drivers can purchase auto insurance coverage above the minimum limits to have added financial protection.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in North Carolina
North Carolina law requires auto insurance policies sold in North Carolina to include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UM/UIM coverages provide compensation when a driver who caused a crash is uninsured or does not have adequate insurance to cover the resulting losses. The North Carolina Department of Insurance requires uninsured motorist coverage limits to mirror the state’s minimum liability limits of $50,000/$100,000/$50,000.
Your uninsured motorist coverage in North Carolina applies if another driver hits you and is driving uninsured. Your UM policy covers bodily injuries sustained by you and your passengers, as well as damage to your vehicle. UM coverage may also apply if you are injured by a hit-and-run driver who flees the scene and is not identified.
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when an at-fault driver does not have sufficient liability insurance to compensate you for your injuries and other accident-related losses.
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina law requires motorcycle operators to carry liability insurance for their motorcycles registered in North Carolina. They are subject to the same insurance minimum requirements as other registered motor vehicles. North Carolina motorcycle insurance requirements include at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person, $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $50,000 in property damage coverage.
Insurance is not the only requirement for riding legally. North Carolina also requires motorcycle operators to have a motorcycle endorsement on a regular or full provisional driver’s license, unless they are operating under a valid motorcycle learner’s permit. To obtain an endorsement, a motorcyclist must meet the state’s motorcycle testing requirements.
Motorcycle owners must also provide proof of financial responsibility when registering their motorcycle and maintain that coverage throughout the registration period. North Carolina permits proof of insurance in physical or electronic form. Acceptable documents include an insurance card, policy, binder, or qualifying insurance form.
Penalties for Letting Your Insurance Lapse in North Carolina
All registered vehicles must carry continuous liability coverage. Any time a policy is canceled or a vehicle owner’s coverage lapses, insurance companies notify the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), which then sends the owner a notice requiring a response.
A lapse in your insurance coverage can lead to civil penalties of $50, $100, or $150, depending on the number of prior lapses within the previous three years. You may also face additional penalties such as registration revocation and a $50 restoration fee when renewing your registration. To avoid a lapse, you should always surrender your North Carolina license plate before canceling your liability insurance, such as when you are moving out of state.
Why North Carolina’s Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough
Even if you meet North Carolina’s auto minimum insurance requirements, that does not necessarily mean you will have enough coverage in the event of a crash causing serious injuries. The required 50/100/50 limits place a cap on the amount an insurer will pay to resolve claims. If your injuries require surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, or ongoing care, the costs can quickly add up. Your medical costs could surpass the other driver’s policy limits.
Drivers do have the option of purchasing auto insurance coverage beyond the state minimums. Discuss the available coverage and appropriate limits with your insurance agent.
Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver? Contact Hardison & Cochran
Car accidents and motorcycle accidents involving uninsured or underinsured vehicle operators can be very frustrating. You might be angry that the other driver was not taking their responsibility under North Carolina law seriously and wondering how you will pay your medical bills and replace lost income.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Hardison & Cochran can help. We have been helping injured North Carolina residents for over 40 years and have grown our law firm to six offices across the state. Our results include a $1.55 million settlement for a client who sustained fractured bones and internal injuries after being struck head-on by a driver who crossed the center line of Highway 86 north of Yanceyville. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other case.
As Toney H., a former client, wrote of his experience with us:
“My interaction with Hardison & Cochran was superb. They kept me fully informed of my case and advise on what to expect and everything went accordingly. I especially was elated with the client/attorney confidentiality and relationship. Hardison & Cochran was at my disposal for my every need and question! Thumbs up!”
Toney H.
If you are facing the aftermath of a serious car accident and you are worried about having the compensation you will need, reach out to Hardison & Cochran for a free consultation. A North Carolina personal injury attorney can review your motor vehicle accident and help you evaluate your legal options.
