CarInsuranceCalculator.info's guide to car insurance - North Dakota
Any auto insurance quote for North Dakota should calculate with the following insurance coverage or financial responsibility at a minimum:
25/50/25 – This is shorthand for the liability policy limits required which means you need a minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 for death or injury to one person;
- $50,000 for death or injury to two or more people; and
- $25,000 for property damage to others
You also have to buy uninsured and underinsured coverage for bodily injury and property damage of at least equal to the coverage purchase for your liability limits.
Additionally, you must also purchase Personal Injury Protection (No Fault) coverage of at least $30,000 for each person to cover of economic losses suffered in an auto accident without regard to fault.
Nearly all car insurance policies have a provision that will adjust your coverage from the minimums required in your state to the minimum insurance or proof of financial responsibility in another U.S. state. So you do not need to get a new insurance policy for each state you are driving through. However, if you buy a policy in a low limits state (like North Dakota) but live in a high limits state (like Maine or Wisconsin), insurers will only write a policy where your car is principally garaged. So if your home is in Maine, you should buy the minimum limits for Maine.
North Dakota’s required insurance limits are low, considering the cost of repair and damages likely to occur in an accident. If you are in a serious collision and the damages you caused are greater than the coverage limits you purchased, you may be personally liable to pay for those damages that exceed your insurance coverage.
Car Insurance Law’s and Regulations in North Dakota
North Dakota is a no-fault/modified comparative fault state with a 50% rule. This is a legal defense that means that a plaintiff can recover for an injury, reducing the amount that the plaintiff can recover based on the percentage of which the plaintiff is at fault if it is determined that his or her fault in causing the injury is less than 50%. If the plaintiff’s fault level reaches 50% or more, he or she cannot recover any damages resulting from the accident.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
In North Dakota, a second time offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a misdemeanor offense. If you are 21 years or older, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08% or higher while driving, North Dakota law presumes you are driving while intoxicated. If you are under 21, a lower BAC may apply to you.
1st DWI
If convicted, you may be sentenced from 1 day up to 24 months in jail, depending on whether aggravating factors are present (over .18 BAC, minor in vehicle at time of arrest, etc.). A court fine of up to $4000 may be imposed. You will also be responsible for other court fees. You may also be required to complete at least 24 hours of community service. Your license will be suspended for at least 6 months up to 1 year. SR-22 or FR-44 forms will be required for a 1st DWI.
2nd DWI
If convicted, you may be sentenced from 1 day up to 24 months in jail, depending on whether aggravating factors are present (over .18 BAC, minor in vehicle at time of arrest, etc.). Fines may be imposed up to $4000. Your license will be suspended for 2 years if your second conviction is within 3 years of your first conviction. Otherwise, your license will be suspended for at least 1 year. You will be required to install an ignition interlock device. You may also be required to complete 24-72 hours of community service. You will also be required to complete alcohol abuse treatment. SR-22 or FR-44 forms will be required for a 2nd DWI.
Top Ten Auto Insurance Carriers in North Dakota
These are the top ten auto insurance carriers as rated by 2010 market share in the state:
- State Farm
- American Family Mutual Insurance Company
- Nodak Mutual Insurance
- Progressive Insurance Group
- National Farmers Union Prop & Casualty
- Center Mutual Insurance Company
- Owners Insurance Company
- North Star Mutual Insurance Company
- Farmers Insurance Exchange
- Allstate
