Kentucky Auto Insurance Requirements
by Doug Cohen

With car insurance rates in Kentucky being what they are, it is so important to shop for cheap car insurance without sacrificing coverage and service. But before you do, know what is required and what is optional to help make a more informed decision.

What is the Mandatory Auto Insurance Law?

Kentucky’s choice No-Fault driving law requires all drivers, whether in Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, Bowling Green, or even along the shores of Covington and Newport, to have auto insurance Liability with at least the required minimum limits.

What are those required minimums in the Bluegrass State?

Kentucky law requires you to carry the following auto insurance coverage and limits:

Liability Coverage (mandatory):
$25,000 per person, for bodily injury,
$50,000 per accident, for bodily injury, and
$10,000 per accident, for damage to another’s property, usually their car.

Personal Injury Protection, aka PIP or No Fault (mandatory):
$10,000

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (mandatory):
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident

Comprehensive (optional):
Covers physical damage to your auto that results from non-collision damage, subject often times to a deductible.

Collision (optional):
Covers damage to your car that results from a collision with another car or object, subject to a deductible.

Kentucky is a choice no-fault state which means that if you carry car insurance and get into an accident, your insurance will cover you and your losses, and the other driver’s insurance will cover them, up to the limits of your policy. But if you agree to let the insurance company cover your damages and medical expenses you essentially waive your right to sue the other driver. You have the right to not participate in this system and instead elect for the traditional tort system whereby you can sue the person or persons you feel are responsible for your injuries and damages.

Proof of Insurance

Current proof of Kentucky auto insurance is required to be kept in the car at all times. If stopped by Kentucky law enforcement you must present a valid Kentucky ID card showing the car is insured. Your Kentucky car insurance company will provide this card when they issue or renew your car insurance liability policy. Any time you request it, the insurance company must provide you this card for each car covered under your policy and if you purchase your insurance here from InstantCarInsurance.com or from Ensurance.com you can always print your ID cards instantly online anytime of day, for free.

The insurance ID cards include the name of the car insurance company, the insurance policy number, and the insurance policy effective and expiration dates. It also includes a description of the insured car(s) and the name(s) of the insured driver.

Kentucky has mandatory financial responsibility laws that are easily satisfied through buying car insurance from a Kentucky Licensed Insurance Carrier. All registered cars and trucks are required to have minimum liability coverage, although here at InstantCarInsurance.com we strongly recommend that you buy higher limits and additional types of coverage as you can afford it.

Where can I find a licensed Kentucky Auto Insurance Company?

Go to the top of this page to begin your quote; and by completing one application you will be shopping 15 auto insurance companies instantly and anonymously.

How to Find the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Kentucky?

It is very important to comparison shop for the best coverage in Kentucky at the lowest rates. Let's face it, Kentucky auto insurance is not cheap. But there are many online resources that provide free quotes from licensed Kentucky insurance companies accepted by the Kentucky DMV. If you think you may be paying too much for auto insurance, Kentucky residents can save time and money by comparing car insurance quotes quickly and anonymously between all the top name auto insurance carriers simply by logging on here at InstantCarInsurance.com.

Just remember, the State of Kentucky requires minimum car insurance limits of 25/50/10 as long as you have a valid Kentucky car registration. Keep this in mind when shopping for basic coverage and evaluate it against auto insurance quotes with higher coverage limits for a little more money. Cheap car insurance is not always the best car insurance.

We recommend the following tips for lowering your auto insurance bill:

When Shopping for Personal Automobile Insurance

Gather information you'll need before you begin to shop.

Be reminded that the cheapest deal isn't always the best deal. Great insurance value occurs when you find the right price and the most coverage from a quality service provider.

Answer all questions truthfully and correctly.

Check to see what discounts can save you money.

Make sure the premium charge quotes you get are for the same term and coverage. For example, not all companies will offer the same options and deductibles. Decide what you need before shopping.

Tips For Lowering Your Premium

• Shop around and compare prices.
• Maintain a good driving record.
• Take the highest deductible you can afford on collision and comprehensive coverage.
• On cars with market value less than $3,000, consider carrying only liability coverage.
• Pay your premium well in advance of due date. No grace period applies to automobile insurance.
• Review your policy periodically and update coverage accordingly.

For parents of teen-aged drivers: If your teenagers don’t own cars, name them on your policy as occasional operators of your least expensive cars. They may be named as an occasional driver if they don’t drive to and from school or work. If they do own cars, cover them under your policy. This would also qualify you for a multi-car discount. It is important that you report actual driving habits to the company. It’s not uncommon to have juveniles automatically assigned to your most expensive car.

Check into discounts for a driver’s education course or good academic record. If the young driver goes to school more than 100 miles away—without a car—another discount may apply.

Young singles on their own: Avoid high performance or “turbo cars.” A turbo engine can add more than 10 percent to your premium.

Older people: Take a defensive-driving course that’s approved by the State Board of Education or National Safety Council. You may earn a 5 to 15 percent discount off your premium.

Ask About Discounts

Ask your agent or company if you are eligible for any discounts. Here are some discounts you should ask about:

• Two or more cars on a policy
• Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course
• Driver Education Courses
• Good student drivers under age 25
• Mature driver (between 50 and 65 years of age)
• Airbags, anti-lock braking system, and other safety equipment
• Anti-theft devices
• Low mileage
• Carpooler
• Clean driving record
• Accident free record
• Auto/home insurance on same policy or with same company

One last tip: Shop, and shop often! Why? Most people don’t realize that insurance companies change rates continuously and typically repost new rates twice monthly. Thus we recommend returning and re-rating your cars on the 1st and the 16th of each month just to be sure you are still getting the best deal at the rock-bottom, cheapest price you can find for car insurance! Why not? It’s free. And in Kentucky, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall."

more information, contact the Kentucky State Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing