In Kentucky, just like anywhere else in the U.S., drivers are required to have auto insurance. Even though this state is thought of as running at a slower pace with their horse farms, the Kentucky Derby, bourbon, and Bluegrass, this doesn’t seem to be the case when it comes to automobile drivers.
Car accidents are common and usually caused by driver error, whether it’s speeding or driving impaired. Every year, Kentucky sees almost 15,000 DUI arrests. Not only that, but Kentucky has higher than average traffic fatalities. Car accidents in this state result in 1.36 deaths per 100 million miles driven, with the national average of 1.1 deaths.
With these statistics, it’s vitally important to have good auto insurance. Before you start comparing insurance companies to find the best one, there are a few things you should know.
Table of Contents
Kentucky’s Insurance Requirements
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Kentucky
Factors that Affect Insurance Premiums in Kentucky
Car Insurance Rates for Different Cities
High-Risk Drivers in Kentucky
What Kind of Coverage is Best in Kentucky?
How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Kentucky
FAQs about Auto Insurance in Kentucky
1 What information will I need to provide for car insurance?
2 What proof of insurance will I need to register my car at the MVD in Kentucky?
3 What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Kentucky?
4 Is Kentucky a No-Fault state for car insurance?
5 Do I need uninsured motorist insurance in Kentucky?
Kentucky’s Insurance Requirements
Kentucky has strict laws on liability insurance and requires you to insure all vehicles.
The minimum liability insurance that Kentucky requires is:
- $25,000 for bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury for two or more persons involved in the accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP)
Because Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state, you can choose to opt-out, in which case you are no longer required to have PIP. You can learn more about this in the FAQs.
You may want to consider more coverage than the minimum, or you may find yourself paying out of pocket if you cause an accident.
Another option is to purchase a $60,000 single-limit liability policy.
Seasonal or historical vehicles are common in Kentucky. If you own one and don’t want to have insurance year-round, you’ll need to unregister them and turn in your license plate to the County Clerk’s Office. When you want to drive it again, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance to receive your license plate back.
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Kentucky
Auto insurance costs depend on a variety of factors, which we’ll go over later. However, Kentucky has relatively expensive insurance and ranks near the bottom on the most affordable car insurance rates in the United States at number 40.
Kentucky’s average cost of auto insurance is $931 for minimum coverage and $1,710 for full coverage. This is much higher than the national average of about $1,555. It’s also much higher than surrounding states like Ohio and Tennessee, which average about half as much for minimum coverage.
Factors that Affect Insurance Premiums in Kentucky
There are many different factors that affect your auto insurance rates, no matter where you live. In Kentucky, the main factor that affects your premiums has to do with your driving record, but that’s not the only one.
All insurance companies will charge higher rates for younger drivers. But, 16-year-olds in Kentucky will pay 394% more than 55-year-olds.
Marital status matters, too. Married drivers will pay 5% less than single drivers.
Your driving history makes the most difference when it comes to insurance rates. Dings on your record will drive your cost up.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much extra you’ll pay:
’s a quick breakdown of how much extra you’ll pay:
- 7% for not-at-fault accident
- 24% for a red-light infraction
- 25% for a speeding ticket
- 41% for having an open alcoholic container in your car
- 53% for an at-fault accident
- 129% for reckless driving
- 138% for a DUI
- 143% for a suspended license
How much you drive your car also plays a role. You’ll pay an extra 5% if you drive 20,000 miles per year, as compared to 7,500 miles annually.
Of course, the type of coverage you choose will also change your rates. Expect to pay 157% more for full coverage than you would if you selected the minimum.
Car Insurance Rates for Different Cities
Auto insurance rates vary from city to city, with urban populations in Kentucky having higher premiums than rural towns. In this vein, Louisville residents will pay considerably more than a city like Owensboro.
Here’s a list of the average premiums throughout the state:
- Bowling Green $1,198
- Covington $1,257
- Elizabethtown $1,278
- Florence $1,205
- Georgetown $1,239
- Louisville $1,741
- Nicholasville $1,246
- Owensboro $1,160
- Richmond $1,206
With a population of 600,000, Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and has the highest insurance rates on average. Owensboro has the lowest, with its smaller population of around 60,000.
High-Risk Drivers in Kentucky
Every state has some sort of plan for high-risk drivers. Suppose you haven’t been able to get auto insurance from a private company due to a poor driving record. In that case, you can apply for the Kentucky Auto Insurance Plan, and they’ll connect you with an insurance company.
Before you go that route, try companies like State Farm, Progressive, or Geico, as they are financially strong and will usually cover you.
What Kind of Coverage is Best in Kentucky?
Whether you choose to stay with “no-fault” or opt-out of it, it’s still a good idea to get full coverage. You never know how much you’ll end up owing when you get in a car accident. That’s why it’s recommended to get a policy that’ll safeguard you in even the worst-case scenario.
Insurance professionals recommend that you get at least $100,000 bodily liability insurance per person and $300,000 per accident. This will cover most accidents, so you’re not left in the lurch.
Other add-ons that you may want to consider are medical payment coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage.
With over 15% of drivers uninsured, that coverage could really come in handy. If you opted out and don’t have PIP, medical payments coverage will cover injury costs. Collision will cover damages from hitting trees, poles, animals, etc. Comprehensive coverage protects you from unexpected things like storm damage, theft, and floods.
How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Kentucky
To find the best auto insurance in the state, you’ll first need to figure out what type of coverage you need. Choose whether you’ll stay with the “no-fault” system or opt-out.
You’ll also need to decide on how high you want your deductible costs. Lower deductibles will save you from paying a lot when you get in an accident, but they come with higher premiums. Conversely, you can choose a higher deductible and lower your rates. $500 is the average deductible for drivers in Kentucky.
The three top auto insurance companies in Kentucky are Geico, State Farm, and Travelers. USAA also tops the list but is only available to military and veterans. Some of the regional companies are also a great choice. Kentucky Farm Bureau and Cincinnati Financial are two of the best in the area.
Here at QuotePurple, we’ll do the work for you. We’ll show you coverage from the best carriers to help you find the most affordable price.
FAQs about Auto Insurance in Kentucky
1. What information will I need to provide for car insurance?
When purchasing car insurance, you’ll need to provide the company with information on your vehicle, your driving record, and other documents to get you all set up with your policy.
You’ll also likely need to provide:
- Driver’s license
- Social Security number
- Your bank information
- Make, Model, Year, and VIN of your car
- Safety and anti-theft features of your car
- Estimate of how many miles you’ll drive annually
Once you’ve signed up, look out for your insurance cards in the mail!
2. What proof of insurance will I need to register my car at the MVD in Kentucky?
Anytime you register a vehicle with the MVD, you’re required to show proof of insurance. Kentucky does accept digital insurance cards, which is very convenient. Make sure to talk to your insurance company to see if this is an option and download the app or software you need to use it. It’s always a good idea to keep a paper copy in your car, though, just in case you can’t pull up the digital version.
You’ll need to show the MVD one of these to register your vehicle:
- Current insurance card (paper or digital)
- A copy of your insurance policy
- A letter from your insurance company that verifies your coverage (This must be on paper with the company letterhead.)
3. What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Kentucky?
Kentucky is pretty strict when it comes to having car insurance. If you’re caught without it, you’ll be fined $500-$1,000 for the first offense. You could also serve up to 90 days in jail, and both your license and registration will be suspended. A repeat offense could get you up to 180 days in prison and a fine between $1,000-$2,500.
4. Is Kentucky a No-Fault state for car insurance?
Yes, Kentucky is a no-fault state. This means that regardless of who’s at fault for the accident, each driver’s insurance will pay for their own medical bills. This is why Kentucky requires drivers to carry $10,000 in PIP (personal injury protection) insurance.
However, Kentucky is one of only three “choice no-fault” states, which means drivers can opt-out of the no-fault system. In this case, they wouldn’t be required to purchase PIP, and there wouldn’t be any limitations on filing a lawsuit after an accident. If drivers choose not to opt-out, a case can only be filed against the at-fault party if the other person’s medical expenses exceed $1,000 or they’ve suffered a broken bone, permanent injury, or death.
5. Do I need uninsured motorist insurance in Kentucky?
No, Kentucky doesn’t require uninsured motorist coverage, although it must be offered and rejected in writing. However, with a 15.8% uninsured rate, it might be a good idea to add it to your policy, so you’re not stuck paying out of pocket if you’re in an accident caused by someone without insurance.
Kentucky does require personal injury protection (PIP) unless the driver opts out of the no-fault coverage.
Figuring out your car insurance premium can be difficult and time-consuming. To be sure you get the right rates and the best rates, call QuotePurple at (877) 200-6113 to speak with a car insurance specialist and get a quote today!