Living in New Bern, NC, offers many perks: beautiful coastal scenery, a rich history, and a close-knit community. However, with the joys of coastal living come unique challenges, especially when it comes to driving. Whether you’re cruising along the waterfront or navigating the town’s charming streets, having the right car insurance is essential to keep you protected.

In this article, we’ll explore the top five reasons why having car insurance in New Bern is not only necessary but also smart. We’ll look at the specific risks coastal living brings and how the right coverage can give you peace of mind.

1. Hurricane and Storm Risks

New Bern, like much of coastal North Carolina, is prone to hurricanes and severe storms. These storms can cause significant damage to vehicles, from flooding to falling trees.

How Hurricanes Affect Your Vehicle:

• Flooding: Rising waters during storms can flood your car, potentially causing irreversible damage to the engine, electrical systems, and interior.
• Flying Debris: High winds can send debris like branches, roofing materials, and other items crashing into your vehicle.
• Falling Trees: In New Bern’s tree-filled neighborhoods, storms often cause large branches or entire trees to fall on parked cars.

Why Car Insurance Helps:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This part of your insurance will cover damages caused by weather events like flooding or falling objects, ensuring you don’t have to bear the full cost of repairs or replacement.

By having the right car insurance, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle is protected, even during hurricane season.

2. Tourist Traffic and Busy Roads

New Bern is a popular destination, attracting tourists year-round to visit its historical sites and waterfront. More visitors mean more cars on the road, which can increase your chances of being in an accident.

Increased Risk of Accidents:

• Unfamiliar Drivers: Tourists often don’t know the area well and may make sudden stops or turns, creating more hazards for local drivers.
• Congested Roads: During peak seasons, the influx of tourists can lead to heavy traffic, increasing the likelihood of fender benders or other accidents.
• Parking Lot Incidents: Popular areas like downtown or near the water can have crowded parking lots, where minor accidents like door dings or backing into another vehicle can happen.

Why Car Insurance Helps:

• Collision Coverage: This type of coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident with another car, even if you’re at fault.
• Liability Coverage: If you’re involved in an accident that causes injury to others or damages their property, liability coverage will help cover those costs.

With car insurance, you’re protected against the potential risks of driving in a busy tourist town.

3. Flood-Prone Areas

Living near the water is one of the most charming aspects of New Bern, but it also means dealing with occasional flooding, even outside of hurricane season. Certain areas of New Bern are particularly prone to flooding during heavy rains or storms.

How Flooding Affects Your Car:

• Roadway Flooding: Low-lying streets may flood quickly, especially near the waterfront. Driving through these flooded areas can lead to engine failure or damage to your car’s electronics.
• Flash Floods: Sudden, heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, making it dangerous to drive or park in certain parts of town.

Why Car Insurance Helps:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Just like with hurricanes, comprehensive insurance can cover flood damage to your vehicle. This is especially important in New Bern, where flooding can happen with little warning.

If you live or drive through flood-prone areas, car insurance with comprehensive coverage is a must to protect your vehicle from unexpected water damage.

4. Wildlife Hazards on Coastal Roads

New Bern is surrounded by nature, with lush forests, rivers, and coastal areas nearby. While this adds to the beauty of the area, it also means you might encounter wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn or dusk.

Common Wildlife Hazards:

• Deer Collisions: Deer are common in the New Bern area, and collisions with these animals can cause significant damage to your car.
• Small Animals: Raccoons, squirrels, and other small animals can dart into the road, potentially causing accidents if you swerve to avoid them.

Why Car Insurance Helps:

• Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage also protects you if you hit an animal, like a deer, which could result in thousands of dollars of damage.

Having comprehensive insurance ensures you’re protected from the financial burden of wildlife-related accidents, which can happen frequently in more rural or wooded parts of New Bern.

5. Peace of Mind on Every Drive

Perhaps the most important reason to have car insurance in New Bern is the peace of mind it provides. Whether you’re driving along the Neuse River, heading to a local park, or taking a day trip to the nearby beaches, knowing that you’re covered in case of an accident or damage gives you confidence on the road.

What Car Insurance Can Do for You:

• Covers Repair Costs: If your car is damaged due to an accident, storm, or other covered events, your insurance will help pay for repairs.
• Provides Liability Protection: If you’re responsible for an accident that injures someone else or damages their property, your insurance will cover their medical expenses or repair costs.
• Helps with Medical Bills: In case of an accident, car insurance can help cover medical costs for you and your passengers.

Without car insurance, even a minor fender bender or a run-in with a deer could cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. Having insurance ensures you’re financially protected, no matter what happens.

What Type of Car Insurance Do You Need in New Bern?

Now that we’ve covered why car insurance is essential, let’s look at the types of coverage that will best protect you in New Bern’s unique environment.

Essential Coverage Options:

• Liability Insurance: This is the minimum required by North Carolina law and covers costs related to injuries or property damage caused by an accident you’re at fault for.
• Comprehensive Coverage: As discussed, this covers damage to your car from events other than a collision, like hurricanes, flooding, or wildlife.
• Collision Coverage: This helps pay for repairs if you’re in an accident with another vehicle or object.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage, this helps cover your costs.

Contact Robinson & Stith Insurance to Protect Yourself on New Bern’s Coastal Roads

New Bern, NC, is a wonderful place to live and drive, but its coastal location brings specific challenges. From hurricanes and floods to wildlife and tourist traffic, the risks are real. Fortunately, with the help of Robinson & Stith, you can be protected from these hazards with car insurance in New Bern, NC.

Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season, navigating the busy tourist season, or simply driving around town, car insurance provides the financial and emotional security you need. Comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage ensure that you’re ready for whatever comes your way on the road.

So contact us today by giving us a call or by visiting the contact page on our website and filling out an online form.