Auto Insurance Coverages Required By Louisville, KY

Most states require drivers to carry some type of minimum car insurance coverage. Not only does this coverage protect you as the driver, but it also protects others on the road. When driving in Louisville, Kentucky, you need to have specific types of minimum auto insurance coverage, and you must carry proof with you in case you need to provide information to law enforcement officials. Use this guide to learn what type of coverage you must have and what you should consider adding.

Minimum Insurance Coverage in Kentucky

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According to Bankrate, Kentucky is one of the most affordable states when it comes to car insurance rates with the average cost of car insurance ranging from $748 to $2,128 depending on the type of coverage. The amount of minimum coverage required by Kentucky law is similar to that you’ll find in other states. Also, since Kentucky is a no-fault state, you must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in addition to liability coverage. The breakdown of coverage includes the following:

• $25,000 for bodily injury for each person. This refers to how much money your insurer will pay for one person’s injuries due to an accident you caused.
• $50,000 for bodily injury for each accident. This is the total amount of money available to cover the costs for everyone injured in an accident you caused.
• $25,000 for property damage for each accident. This is the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay for damage to someone else’s property due to an accident you caused.
• $10,000 for PIP for each person. PIP coverage means that your insurer must pay for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This can include funeral benefits and income loss benefits.

What this means is that Kentucky follows a 25/50/25 for liability limits. You should note, however, that like several states, Kentucky allows you to have a combined limit of $60,000 that you can apply to any of those coverages.

Optional Insurance Coverage

Just because you carry the legally required minimum insurance coverage, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have enough coverage. For instance, if you’re involved in an accident involving several people and vehicles, the liability limits might run out quickly. Without additional coverage, you might end up paying medical bills and vehicle repairs out of pocket. As a result, you might want to add optional insurance coverage, most of which are available through most insurers:

• Collision. This type of coverage involves damage your vehicle receives due to a collision.
• Comprehensive. This type of coverage pays for damages done by your vehicle that don’t involve a collision. Inclement weather and theft are two of the more common types of damage included.
• Medical payments. Similar to PIP coverage, this type of coverage pays for injuries that all people sustained in your vehicle.
• Rental car reimbursement. If the accident caused significant damage and you are unable to drive your vehicle, this type of coverage pays for a rental until your vehicle is repaired.
• Roadside assistance. This type of coverage helps if break down along the side of the road. It might include battery jumps, towing, and tire changes. Make sure you know what your insurer offers since plans may vary.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UI and UIM) bodily injury. This type of coverage covers medical expenses if the other driver lacks insurance or doesn’t carry enough.
• Uninsured motorist property damage. This type of coverage is similar to the UI and UIM bodily injury coverage and covers your property against those who cannot pay for damages they cause.

Penalty for Driving Without Coverage

You’re not allowed to operate a vehicle in Kentucky unless you obtain insurance. Failing to have the minimum auto insurance coverage in Louisville will incur, including the following for first-time offenders:

• Up to 90 days in jail.
• Revoked vehicle registration for one year.
• A fine between $500 to $1,000.

Second-time or repeat offenders are subject to the following:

• Up to 180 days in jail.
• Revoked vehicle registration for one year and two years for every offense after the second.
• A fine between $1,000 to $2,500.

Before you can get your license reinstated, you must pay $40 in addition to court fees and show proof that you’ve since obtained insurance. Second-time offenders might need to retake a driver’s license test if the suspension is more than one year.

Exceptions for Auto Insurance in Louisville

There are exceptions for owning auto insurance in Louisville. If you’re a student attending school in Kentucky but your home state is a different one, you don’t need to apply for auto insurance in Kentucky. You must, however, carry a current student identification card from your college or university at all times when operating your vehicle.

Another instance of exception is if you’re an active duty military personnel. You can use your out-of-state insurance on your vehicle if you’re a resident of another state but are currently serving in Kentucky. You need to register your vehicle as a standard personal policy with the county clerk’s office rather than a military personnel vehicle to avoid it being flagged up as uninsured. The reason behind this is that the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing in Kentucky sends a monthly list of registered vehicles, but military insurance policies aren’t included in this list. 

If you operate a seasonal vehicle, such as a motorcycle or RV, you might consider dropping insurance coverage when the vehicle is not in use. To avoid penalties for not having insurance, you must visit the county clerk’s office and turn in your license plate before canceling the insurance policy. When you’re ready to get your vehicle back on the road, simply bring your proof of insurance to the office and you will receive your plates.

When you’re in the Louisville area and are in the need of a new or used vehicle, stop into Oxmoor Ford and talk with one of our experienced sales staff members. They can help you locate the best vehicle for your needs and budget, so you can hit the road in your dream vehicle today.