Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is a contract between you and the insuring company that protects you in the case of a covered accident. Car insurance helps pay for damages, including property damage and medical bills, depending on your specific plan. In exchange for paying a premium, your policy covers your losses and protects you from expenses you might otherwise have to pay. You're required by law to carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance in almost all states.

To apply for auto insurance, please contact us to get started. We'll ask you to provide some personal info along with a few details on your car to help see which policy meets your needs. As with most car insurance coverage, you'll have a choice of deductibles, features and options.

Almost every state has a minimum requirement for car insurance that you must carry. However, carrying the state minimum isn't always the best option. How much insurance you need depends on your specific situation, including the value of your assets, whether your car is owned or leased, your budget and other factors.

When thinking about how much car insurance you need, the 250/500/100 guideline is a common reference point. This rule means that your policy will cover up to $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and up to $100,000 per accident for property damage liability.

When you purchase auto insurance, you're purchasing several types of protection, or coverage.

The typical car insurance policy covers you against potential costs related to property damages, medical expenses and other liabilities. If your policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage, damages to your vehicle will be covered. Your specific level of protection will depend on your policy.

Comprehensive car insurance generally covers acts of nature, like storm damage or fallen tree branches. Add-ons to your auto insurance coverage, called riders, can also be purchased to increase your coverage limits for specific needs.

With auto insurance, a deductible is the amount you agree to pay in the event of a claim. For example, if you have a $500 deductible on your car insurance policy and it sustains $3,000 worth of damages in an accident, you'll be responsible for $500 toward the repairs, with your insurance paying the rest.

Usually, a higher deductible will result in a lower premium. It's important to consider the right deductible for your plan to ensure you can comfortably afford to pay for any potential claims.

Your auto insurance may cover you while you're driving a rental car, depending on the type of coverage you have. While car insurance typically follows the driver if they operate another car, there are limits you should ask your insurance agent about. For example, commercial driving and long-term rentals are typically not covered, and other exclusions may apply.

Yes. To get started with buying car insurance online with First Citizens, please contact us. We'll follow up to help you find the right policy for your needs.

Yes. You can cancel your auto insurance any time you want. However, your coverage will end, requiring you to secure new coverage if you plan to continue driving the car. If you cancel your car insurance before the renewal date, a refund or partial refund might be applied to your unused premium.