Yes. This is because insurance companies believe people with poor credit are more likely to file a claim. They use your credit score when determining your insurance score. It is this insurance score that is used to calculate your rates.
Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to customers, and some of these can result in big price breaks on your premium. One of the most common discounts is a good-driver discount, which is generally given to motorists with no moving violations or at-fault accidents for several years. Other discounts may include:
- Driver Education Course
- Multi-Car
- Alternative Fuel / Hybrid Car Discount
- Multi-line Policy Discount (Home and Auto on the Same Policy)
- New Car Discount
- Anti-Lock Brake Discount
- Anti-Theft Discount
- Accident Free Discount
- Continuous Car Insurance Discount
- Good Student Discount
- Electronic Stability Control Discount
- Organization or Club Membership Discount
- Passive Restraint
- Vehicle Safety
- Home Ownership
Kentucky law allows insurers to provide you with proof of insurance electronically, and it allows you to prove you have insurance by showing your electronic ID card on your phone or other mobile device.
Allowing your coverage to lapse or failure to maintain the proper amount of insurance in Kentucky can result in monetary fines, jail time, and other severe penalties.
It’s illegal to drive in Kentucky with the following BAC percentages:
.08%+ for 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ for under 21 years old
Drivers can be convicted of DUI in Kentucky at levels lower than 0.08 if there’s evidence of impairment. Plus, a DUI in Kentucky can be charged for driving while under the influence of any substance that impairs driving, including prescription medications, gasoline, glue, OTC drugs, spray paint, etc.
As is common across the U.S., Kentucky is an “implied consent” state. This means that by operating a motor vehicle, you are considered to have given consent to blood, breath, and urine testing for the purpose of determining your BAC or the presence of another impairing substance. If you refuse to take one of these tests, you will lose your license for up to 120 days for the first offense and up to 60 months for a 4th offense within a five-year period.
For a first offense DUI in Kentucky, you may receive a fine of up to $500, 2 to 30 days in jail, 90 days of alcohol or drug abuse treatment, and 30 to 120 days of license suspension. You may also receive up to 30 days of community service. The penalties increase with each offense within a 10-year period, with a 4th offense considered a Class D Felony that carries a minimum of 120 days in jail, 60 months without a license, and a year of substance abuse treatment.
Kentucky insurance providers may offer discounts to drivers who voluntarily complete a defensive driving course. Make sure any course you take is approved by the state and that your insurer allows for a discount.
If you’re like many, you’re probably paying too much for your car insurance. Shop around for the best rates and discounts, and ask for higher deductibles to save money. Also, maintain a good credit record, reduce coverage on older vehicles, and pay your bill upfront to save even more.
No. Kentucky does not require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. However, this type of insurance is a great supplement to add to your policy. Uninsured motorist helps cover medical bills and lost wages if the other driver does not have insurance.