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Do you hate searching the internet for Kentucky auto insurance providers, scouring through website after website to try to find the one that provides the coverage you need at rates you can afford? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the options in front of you, and aren’t quite sure where to start?

If you just answered “yes” to one or both of these questions, this comprehensive Kentucky auto insurance guide is for you. Whether you’ve been searching for auto insurance carriers for weeks or are just now considering your options, it’s important to know what coverages are available to you and which carriers will best meet your insurance needs.

If you are one of the approximately 4.4 million individuals currently residing in the state of Kentucky, there’s a fair chance that you might come up against one of the 11.50 percent of drivers in the state who are uninsured motorists. If this happens, you want to make sure you know your rights and are 100 percent covered in case of injury or damages.

Besides ensuring you’re secured and protected with sufficient Kentucky auto insurance coverages, finding the right carrier and policy to meet your needs could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the years ahead. Be sure to read here: minimum coverage for auto insurance in Kentucky.

Sounds like something you need to know about, right?

To start things off, compare Kentucky auto insurance rates in your area with our FREE online tool. Just enter your ZIP code to get started!

Alright, without further ado, let’s dive right into Kentucky auto insurance coverage and rates.

Kentucky Auto Insurance Coverage and Rates

The Bluegrass State has plenty to recommend it to visitors and residents alike, with incredible scenic wonders like the Mammoth Cave National Park and Cumberland Falls to the famous Kentucky Derby horse race to its fabulous wineries that are responsible for producing approximately 90 percent of the world’s bourbon. Residents are known for their fanatical love of college basketball with ardent fans forming tent cities just to secure tickets!

Besides natural beauty, excellent bourbon, and sports, the state is a hunter’s playground, with the sport being a popular pastime for newbies and pros alike. The state of Kentucky is home to 38 state parks and five national parks and is a part of three separate U.S. regions— the Interior Lowlands, the Appalachian Highlands, and the Coastal Plain.

One thing’s for sure— there is no shortage of breathtaking natural wonders to behold in the state of Kentucky. While Kentucky has a more modest population when compared to the rest of the U.S., the state is actually the 26th largest in the country with regards to the landmass.

Whether you’re considering a move to the Bluegrass state, recently moved to Kentucky, or have lived there all your life, it’s critical to learn exactly what your auto insurance requirements are under current state laws. Ensure you don’t run into any unwelcome surprises down the line, know your rights, and protect all the drivers in your family with the right policy options to keep you secure out on the open road.

Are you ready?

Let’s get down to business!

Kentucky Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements

The table above reveals the minimum coverages required under current Kentucky auto insurance laws. Let’s delve into what these mean in greater detail.

• $25,000 per person: to cover the costs of injuries incurred by another person or persons due to an accident you cause
• $50,000 per accident: to cover the total injuries incurred during the course of a single collision you were responsible for
• $25,000 for property damage: to cover total property damage incurred due to an accident you cause
• $10,000 in PIP: to pay for costs of things like medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred by you, or whoever was driving your car, or a passenger in your vehicle at the time of the accident

You may also take out a policy with a singular limit of $60,000.

It is important to note that Kentucky is one of a handful of states in the U.S. that adhere to the “choice no-fault” approach. This means that if you get into an accident and are injured as a result, you must file a auto insurance claim with your own PIP coverage to cover any costs incurred such as medical bills or lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

Check out the video below for a thorough explanation!

According to Nolo, you may not be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault individual and must instead go through your own PIP coverage unless your damages meet a certain monetary threshold. So, you won’t typically be able to file a liability claim against the at-fault party unless you meet certain requirements.

It is also worth noting, that following a collision, it is not just you as the vehicle owner who may receive PIP benefits. Whoever was driving your vehicle at the time of the collision, any passengers in the car, and any pedestrians injured from the crash are also eligible to have PIP benefits paid out.

You do have the option to reject the no-fault system when selecting your Kentucky auto insurance policy— hence the term “choice no-fault”. In doing so, you still retain the right to file a liability claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party for an accident they cause. However, by rejecting the no-fault system, you are also vulnerable to a lawsuit yourself in the event you are responsible for an auto accident. In addition, if you opt out of the no-fault requirements, you will not qualify for PIP benefits for your insurance carrier if you sustain any injuries.

Individuals who decide to opt-out of the no-fault system must make an official notification to the Kentucky Department of Insurance in writing, by completing the Kentucky No-Fault Rejection Form. If all the drivers in your household opt-out of no-fault, any policy taken out on a family car must carry what is known as “guest” PIP insurance. This “guest” coverage will cover the costs of damages incurred by any pedestrian or passenger due to a collision in which your vehicle is involved.

Whether you decide to opt for no-fault coverage on your policy or not, you may still be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if you meet a certain mandatory threshold. If the accident caused:

• Medical bills totaling a minimum of $1,000, OR
• Fracture of a weight-bearing bone, permanent disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent injuries, or permanent deprivation of a particular body function

it is possible to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Another thing you should know is that the no-fault regulations are only applicable to injury claims against the at-fault individual. You have the right to file a property damage claim against the offending party following an accident, regardless of these at-fault rules.

Forms of Financial Responsibility in Kentucky

In addition to the minimum coverages required under Kentucky auto insurance laws, the state requires you to carry proof of financial responsibility with you at all times when you get behind the wheel. Under KRS 304.39-117, you must keep your proof of insurance either in electronic or paper format with you to provide to a law enforcement officer if requested.

If you do not carry the required minimum coverages and are unable to provide proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer, your registration will be revoked and you will incur criminal penalties. These include:

• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 for first-time offenders. Additional offenses will incur fines between $1,000 and $2,500.
• First-time offenders could face jail time up to 90 days or a fine and jail time. A subsequent offense can result in imprisonment up to 180 days or a steeper fine plus jail time.
• Unless you are able to furnish proof of insurance in court, your registration will be revoked for a period of one year for first and second-time offenders. Subsequent offenses will result in a two-year revocation.

If you wish to have your registration reinstated, you will be required to pay a $40 fee in addition to any court-related fees. You will also be required to furnish proof of your new policy with a Kentucky auto insurance carrier. If your license was revoked for more than one year, you will need to take and successfully pass a state driving exam.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Kentucky

As of the year 2017, the average personal income in Kentucky was 40,597. An individual’s personal income is the amount they retain to spend or save after taxes are taken out each month.

The average annual cost of Kentucky auto insurance is around $917.49, which comprises close to 2 percent of the typical annual income in the state. 

What does this mean for you?

Well, this data reveals that the average resident of the Bluegrass State has approximately $3,400 per month to save or spend and cover necessities like a mortgage, rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc. Your monthly auto insurance bill will subtract around $76 from that amount.

While that figure might seem small in comparison, every little bit counts and the numbers sure do add up! What’s more, this figure is merely a projection of the rates you can expect to pay, with many Kentucky auto insurance companies charging considerably higher annual policy premiums. So, these figures have the potential to make a real dent in your monthly costs.

The good news is, by adhering to safe driving habits and keeping your coverages up to date, you’ll save on rates and have more money to put into savings each month.

Now, let’s take a look at core auto insurance coverages in the state of Kentucky!

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates in KY (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive)

The data our researchers gathered above stems from the most recent study conducted by the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners). You should definitely gear up for Kentucky auto insurance rates to increase in 2019 and moving forward.

Additional Liability Coverage in Kentucky

If you take a look at the table above, you’ll see the data our researchers gathered from the NAIC regarding the average loss ratio for Kentucky auto insurance carriers in the state. The loss ratio comprises the percentage of losses a company is incurring in comparison to the premiums it is earning back.

What this means, is that if a auto insurance company sustains a loss ratio over 100 percent, they are actually paying out more in claims to insureds than they are receiving back in written premiums. As you’ve probably gathered, if a carrier continues to have a loss ratio exceeding 100 percent, this is definitely not a good sign.

The table here reveals that Kentucky auto insurance companies are seeing average gains to losses in the normal, healthy range. The MedPay data from 2013 also shows that companies should have considered lowering their premiums for coverage because they were using less than 60 percent of all premiums to cover claims. However, those numbers have balanced out in recent years, showing a more healthy loss to the written premiums ratio.

Under current Kentucky auto insurance regulations, coverages such as MedPay and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance are not mandatory. That said, when you stop and consider that Kentucky ranks 26th in the country for uninsured motorists and that 11.50 percent of all Kentucky drivers are uninsured, it is wise to consider insuring you and your family with coverages above the minimum limits.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

In addition to optional coverages such as uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance, there are more add-ons you can include on your Kentucky auto insurance policy. Check these out!

• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Modified Auto Insurance Coverage
• Rental Reimbursement Coverage
• Non-Owner Insurance
• Classic Car Coverage
• Usage-Based Coverage

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in KY

If you check out the data below, you’ll see data we’ve gathered from top Kentucky auto insurance companies across the states. We set out to discover whether or not age and gender really do affect the auto insurance rates you’ll be charged.

As a rule of thumb, male drivers are usually charged higher annual insurance premiums than women, since they are considered to be higher risk motorists.

However, as with most rules, there are exceptions. See for yourself!

Demographic and Insurance Carrier

As you can see from the table above, top insurance carriers across the state charge single 17-year-old male drivers considerably higher rates than the majority of the general population. Not surprisingly, teen drivers seem to bear the brunt of the highest rates, with single 17-year-old female drivers coming in just under male drivers of their age group in terms of steep annual rates.

One clear example of the rate disparity for teen drivers is Allstate. While they charge married 35-year-old male drivers just over $4,000 in annual rates, the premiums climb above $17,000 for single teen males. That’s an approximate $13,000 rate difference.

As you might have gathered by now not only age and gender, but marital status can significantly affect your Kentucky auto insurance rates as well.

Rank by Demographic and Insurance Carrier

This table proves yet again that teen drivers are charged the highest annual premiums across the board in comparison with the rest of the general driving population. It is interesting to note that Safeco and Travelers charge among the highest annual rates for female teen drivers while USAA charges the lowest.

Highest and Lowest Rates in Kentucky by ZIP Code

Check out the tables below, featuring the highest and lowest Kentucky auto insurance rates based on ZIP code. Consider the averages listed to identify how they shift based on your current location.

The most expensive ZIP code is in Lookout and costs almost $4,000 more than the cheapest ZIP code.

Most Expensive/Least Expensive Carrier Rates by City

Use the tables below to discover the average carrier rates for your city.

Not very surprisingly, the insurer rates for larger cities tend to be higher than ones for smaller cities. So, the area you live in is also a very relevant factor in addition to elements such as age and gender.

Best Kentucky Auto Insurance Companies

Different carriers offer different rates compared to the state average.

Ready to see how Kentucky auto insurance carriers across the street rank with consumers?

Let’s go!

The 10 Largest Kentucky Auto Insurance Companies’ Financial Ratings

A.M.’s ratings indicate the financial strength of a carrier, as well as its likelihood to fulfill its obligations to insureds. A+ is the highest rating awarded, indicating that a company has a superior ability to fulfill their obligations to insureds. All other A ratings fall into the Excellent category.

Kentucky Auto Insurance Companies with the Best Customer Ratings

Kentucky Auto Insurance Companies with the Most Customer Complaints

The table above reveals the most recent data from 2014 compiled by the Kentucky Department of Insurance featuring carrier complaint data across the state. This data includes carrier data across a range of industries, but it’s interesting to note where your current company fits into the mix.

Just bear in mind that complaints are based on total customer satisfaction, and should not be the only measuring stick you take into account when considering Kentucky auto insurance carriers. Check out the Kentucky Department of Insurance’s Consumer Complaint Ratio Information page to learn more.

Kentucky Auto Insurance Rates by Provider

Of course, rates are a huge factor you’ll consider when selecting the best Kentucky auto insurance company to meet your needs. Check out the table below, revealing the top auto insurance providers in the state and their average annual premiums compared to the state average.

Based on the data above, you’ll note that Allstate charges the highest annual premiums and USAA the lowest. The gap is pretty wide too, with a rate difference of nearly $4,400!

Commute Rates

As the table above shows, your insurance rates may change depending on your average commute, but it really comes down to the company. For example, carriers such as Allstate and Travelers charge the exact same rates regardless of commute, while companies like USAA have an almost $200 rate difference for insureds with 10 vs. 25-mile commutes.

However, commute times don’t impact your rates nearly as much as some other factors.

Coverage Level Rates

Credit History Rates

The table below shows how your credit history could affect the rates a Kentucky auto insurance company will charge you. Take Allstate for example. They charge insureds with poor credit over $4,000 more in annual rates than individuals with good credit. That’s a pretty big rate change!

A study conducted by Experian revealed that the average Kentucky resident has a VantageScore of 663, which a total of 2.78 credit cards to their name and an average balance of $5,555. In most states, including Kentucky, your credit history has a palpable effect on your annual premiums.

Auto insurance carriers use a variety of factors, including your credit score, to assess the level of risk you pose as one of its insureds. If you have a poor credit score, this could drastically elevate your Kentucky auto insurance rates because companies would see this is a sign that you are less likely to pay your monthly bill.

The good news is, if you practice responsible credit habits by not charging more than you can pay in a given month and paying your bills on time, you can avoid these unwelcome rate spikes.

Driving Record Rates

Your driving history is also a key factor insurance companies will consider when assessing your annual premiums. With that said, some Kentucky auto insurance carriers have less drastic rate changes than others based on driving records.

Case in point, Allstate has about a $2,300 rate difference for insureds with a clean record vs. a DUI. However, a company like USAA has an approximate $1,500 rate difference between the two records.

In short, your driving record matters. You should foster safe driving habits on the road for the sake of your wellbeing, those on the road with you, and to keep your rates down! At the end of the day though, the insurance company you select could be an even greater determinant of the premiums you can expect to pay.

The 10 Largest Auto Insurance Companies in Kentucky

Number of Auto Insurance Providers in Kentucky

Driving Laws in Kentucky

Ready to learn about the key driving laws in Kentucky you need to know to stay safe on the open road?

Trust us, you won’t want to miss these!

Kentucky’s Auto Insurance Laws

Kentucky enforces a strict no texting ban for all drivers, including both hand-held and hands-free mobile devices. The current seat belt and child safety seat laws in Kentucky also apply to 15-passenger vans.

Another interesting Kentucky auto insurance law of note mandates that drivers call the police to the scene of a collision if damages exceed $500. If police are unable to come to the scene, you must file a report within 10 days of the accident.

Let’s delve deep into the auto insurance laws you need to know before you get behind the wheel!

High-Risk Insurance

If you have a poor driving record with multiple accidents or violations, you might find it exceedingly difficult or impossible to secure Kentucky auto insurance coverage. If this applies to you, high-risk insurance might be your only option.

Kentucky’s high-risk insurance plan is known as the Kentucky Automobile Insurance Plan or KY AIP. KY AIP is an organization that assigns high-risk drivers to auto insurance companies. In fact, any insurer who wants to write premiums in Kentucky is required to take part in the KY AIP program to help distribute the high-risk driver population.

The Kentucky Automobile Insurance Plan assigns insurance companies to high-risk drivers based on the amount of business the carrier conducts in the state. For example, if Allstate handles 15 percent of the total auto insurance market in Kentucky, they would need to take on 15 percent of high-risk drivers in the program.

You will not be able to select your auto insurance carrier if you opt to receive coverage through the Kentucky Automobile Insurance Plan. The KY AIP should be a final resort if you are unable to obtain coverage any other way.

In order to be considered eligible for KY AIP, you are required to try to find coverage first through the regular insurance market. When applying for KY AIP, you will need to verify that you have tried and been unable to secure coverage over the past 60 days.

To apply to the program you must:

• Have a valid Kentucky driver’s license
• A registered vehicle, OR
• Be prepared to register your vehicle

If the program discovers that you were not paying your auto insurance bills to your prior carrier or put false information on your application, you will be denied coverage through KY AIP. Make sure that you don’t have any outstanding bills owed to your prior insurer and carefully fill out your application to ensure no misrepresentation of fact.

Misrepresentation on your application could bar you from applying again for a full year, which means you wouldn’t be able to drive at all (unless you decide to self-insure). 

That said, if you do have unpaid auto insurance bills and pay them, you can apply for KY AIP right away!

Low-Cost Insurance

Only a small handful of states sponsor low-cost insurance government programs, but Kentucky is not one of them.

Windshield Coverage

A number of states require a waived deductible in the event windshield repairs are needed, while others only allow you to use manufacturer replacement parts. Kentucky does not have any laws specific to windshields, so you can choose where you have any repairs done.

Just know that you might have to make up the difference based on the repair shop you pick and whether you select Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM parts.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Kentucky

Automobile insurance fraud is a punishable crime in the state of Kentucky. What is insurance fraud, you ask?

In basic terms, insurance fraud is when someone tries to receive a benefit from an insurance policy by deceptive and improper means that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. Both insurers and insureds can be found guilty of committing insurance fraud, but for the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on consumer insurance fraud.

Insurance fraud itself can be divided into two separate categories; soft insurance fraud and hard insurance fraud. Soft insurance fraud occurs when someone exaggerates the severity of damages or injuries sustained to increase the value (and therefore the payout) of an insurance claim.

Hard insurance fraud is when an individual pretends to have sustained some type of injury or damage to illicitly receive funds from an insurance company. Both could land you in serious trouble, as they are strictly criminalized under Kentucky’s Fraud Insurance Act.

The following acts are held to be insurance fraud under Kentucky state laws:

• Preparing or putting out partially complete, false, or deceptive statements in the course of an insurance claim to receive a benefit under a policy
• Knowingly making untrue statements on an application for an insurance policy
• Taking part in any type of agreement that violates the Fraud Insurance Act
• Accepting money for the purpose of purchasing insurance but failing to do so
• Not making insurance payments as mandated by a legal commitment or agreement
• Deceptively issuing or presenting phony insurance policies, insurance ID cards, certificates of insurance, binders, or other types of documentation to give the appearance of insurance
• Falsely representing facts about the disability or death of an insured individual to receive payouts from an insurance company
• Aid or abetting another individual in committing a fraudulent insurance offense in accordance with the Fraudulent Insurance Act

If an individual is found guilty of violating the Fraudulent Insurance Act and the value of the fraud is at or below $500, the offense is categorized as a misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment and/or $1,000 in fines. The guilty party may also be required to pay restitution.

For fraudulent acts valued above $500, the crime is categorized as a felony, punishable by one to five year’s imprisonment and/or $10,000 in fines. Restitution may also be required.

Anyone found working as part of a group of five or more individuals to commit or further the fraudulent offense could face 10 to 20 year’s imprisonment and/or $10,000 in fines, plus restitution.

Phew! We know that’s a lot. Long story short, don’t commit insurance fraud, and you can rest easy!

Statute of Limitations

If you are injured as the result of an auto accident in Kentucky, you might consider pursuing a claim against the at-fault party for damages.

Remember! Kentucky is a choice no-fault auto insurance state, which means you’ll need to seek damages through your own PIP policy (unless waived) to receive compensation for expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. This is true no matter who is at fault. Your claim for damages must meet a certain threshold in order to go beyond the no-fault rules and file a claim against the offending party.

Those thresholds used to measure eligibility to file suit are:

• A minimum of $1,000 in medical bills due to the crash
• Fracture of a weight-bearing bone
• Compound, displaced or compressed bone fractures
• Irreparable disfigurement
• An enduring loss of a bodily function

A case’s statute time limit is the amount of time you have under state law to file a lawsuit. This does not refer to the claim you make with your company after an auto crash. If you get into an accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurer right away or at least provide notice of claim. Most insurers will require you to file your claim within days or a couple of weeks following the collision.

The statute of limitations for an injury claim in Kentucky is one year from the date of the accident. So, if you are injured as a result of another driver’s negligence and you meet the threshold requirements, you must file your case within one year of the date of the accident to meet the statute of limitations deadline.

In the case of a family wishing to file a lawsuit on behalf of a deceased relative who was killed due to a collision, the statute of limitations starts running on the date of that individual’s death.

For property damage claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file suit. Any effort to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has run out will almost certainly be dismissed.

Kentucky’s Comparative Negligence Law

Provided you meet the thresholds listed above to file your injury claim against the at-fault driver, another important law to be aware of is Kentucky’s Comparative Negligence Law. According to KRS 411.182, the damages you sustain in a car accident case can and will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear in the collision.

Let’s give an example.

Say for instance that your case goes to court and the jury decides that your total damages, including injuries, lost wages, pain, and suffering, etc., equal $50,000. Let us also say that the jury determines that you were 20 percent at fault for the accident. If this were the case, your total damages would be reduced by 20 percent, or $10,000. You would then have $40,000 remaining.

You can still recover damages even if you bear the majority of fault in a crash, however, your damages could be cut significantly.

Kentucky’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

Now that you have a thorough understanding of Kentucky’s key auto insurance laws, it’s time to take a look at vehicle licensing laws in the state.

Let’s get down to business!

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

If you are caught driving without insurance, you face a range of penalties depending on whether you are a first time offender or not. For first time offenders the penalties for driving uninsured are:

• Between $500 and $1,000 in fines, and/or
• Imprisonment up to 90 days
• Revocation of license plates and registration for one year (or until proof of insurance is provided)

For a second offense within five years, the penalties include:

• 180 days imprisonment, and/or
• Fines between $1,000 and $2,500
• Revocation of license plates and registration for one year (or until proof of insurance is provided)

You may provide the following proof of insurance forms:

• Your insurer issued paper proof of insurance card
• Electronic proof of insurance

If you are ever pulled over by a law enforcement officer in Kentucky and asked to furnish proof of insurance, they have access to a database known as the Mobile Data Terminal. The Mobile Data Terminal is connected to another database called the Automated Vehicle Information System or AVIS for short.

AVIS holds key information about drivers statewide, including registration and title details. As such, the police officer will be able to verify your current coverages and detect if yours have lapsed.

If an insurance company cancels a policy or does not renew it, the carrier must send the Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation the VIN number of that car. Under KRS 186A.40, when the VIN number doesn’t pop up in AVIS for two months in a row, the Department is obligated to notify the insured individual.  If the insured doesn’t provide proof of insurance within a 30-day window they face revocation of their registration.

Teen Driver Laws

Here’s what you need to know about teen driver laws in the state of Kentucky.

Teen drivers must be at least 16 years old to obtain their learner’s license. Before obtaining an intermediate license or full license, you are required to:

• Have held your learner’s license at least 6 months
• Complete a minimum of 60 hours of driving time, 10 of which must be at night
• Be at least 16 years and six months of age

In addition, Kentucky requires all teen drivers under the age of 18 to go through a driver’s ed course or state-approved traffic school to obtain a full license.

Restrictions during the intermediate licensing period include:

• No driving between the hours of midnight and 6 A.M.
• No more than one passenger under the age of 20 unless under the supervision of a driving instructor

Nighttime and passenger restrictions are removed after 6 months or once the teen driver turns 18, whichever occurs first. You must be at least 17 years old to have all restrictions lifted.

Older Driver and General Population License Renewal Procedures

Below are the license renewal procedures for both older drivers and the general population:

• Renew once every 8 years
• No proof of adequate vision is required
• Online or mail renewal is not allowed

Kentucky previously required drivers to renew their license once every four years. As part of the transition from four to eight years, the Transporation Cabinet reserves the right to renew operator licenses either four or eight years until the beginning of 2023.

New Residents

If you just moved to the Bluegrass State, here’s what you need to know about obtaining your new state license.

To obtain your license:

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your permit or license
• You must complete written, vision, and skills tests proctored by the Kentucky State Police
• If under 18 years old, the parent or guardian must complete an ID card application form
• If under 18 years old, a School Compliance Verification form from the teen’s school district must be provided

To apply for your Kentucky driver’s license, you’ll need to provide the following in your application:

• Your complete legal name
• Your date of birth
• Your Social Security Number
• Proof of residency in Kentucky

Your birth certificate is acceptable proof of your legal name, and your Social Security Card will fulfill the Social Security Number requirement. The card must not be laminated.

Negligent Operator Treatment System

Kentucky law requires drivers to operate a vehicle with caution and regard for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and cars. Some instances that are held to be reckless or negligent driving in the Bluegrass State include:

• Driving over 15 miles above the speed limit
• Making unneeded and turbulent lane changes
• Passing at an inopportune time
• Drag racing
• Any act that shows a disregard for the safety of others, including drivers, pedestrians, etc.

Penalties for irresponsible driving include:

• Between $20 and $100 in fines
• License revocation for the third conviction in a one-year period
• Four demerit points on the driver’s record

If you gather 12 or more points in a two-year window, you risk having your license suspended.

Kentucky’s Rules of the Road

You’ve made it this far. Ready to learn all about Kentucky’s rules of the road for drivers?

Let’s go!

Fault vs. No-Fault

Remember! Kentucky is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that drivers must go through their own policy to be compensated for injury-related damages and can only pursue the at-fault party in specific instances. If you get into an accident and are injured as a result, you must go through your own PIP coverage first and will only be permitted to pursue a case against the other individual should you meet the thresholds we discussed previously.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.340 is the state’s keep right law, requiring slower moving traffic to stay right. Drivers are advised to keep to the right side of the road if possible unless the left side is sufficiently clear to allow you to pass another car without interfering with the car you are passing or any approaching vehicles.

Drivers are to return to the right lane as soon as possible. If you enter oncoming traffic you must return to the right lane before entering within 200 feet of an approaching car. Drivers are not permitted to operate in the left lane of four-lane, limited-access highways with a speed limit of at least 65 mph unless passing, yielding, or if it is unsafe to use the center or right lanes.

Kentucky’s move-over law requires drivers nearing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights that are going in the same direction to move over to the nearest lane if safe and able to do so. If not, you must slow down to a safe driving speed based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.

Speed Limits

In the state of Kentucky, the speed limit on rural interstates is generally 65 mph or 70 mph on specific segments of the roadway. The speed limit on urban interstates and other limited-access roads is 65 mph as well. For all other roads, the speed limit is 55 mph.

Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat Laws in Kentucky

According to IIHS, children 7 years of age and younger who are more than 57 inches tall must be restrained with an adult safety belt. All children 8 years of age and up must be fastened in securely with an adult seat belt. The fine for first-time violations is $25.

Children who are 40 inches or less in height must be fastened in a child safety seat. Young children 7 years of age and under who are between 40 and 57 inches in height are required to be secured in a booster seat.

Children must be over 57 inches tall to start wearing an adult belt. The fine for violating the child restraint law is $50 for first-time offenders and $30 for the first violation of the booster seat regulations.

There is no state law in place preventing passengers from riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck.

Ridesharing

Rideshare providers such as Uber and Lyft typically require all drivers to maintain personal auto insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the state minimum. While drivers do not usually carry their own commercial liability insurance coverage, in the state of Kentucky rideshare services are required to carry a one million dollar commercial policy for each driver for the protection of all involved.

Automation on the Road

Currently, Kentucky has authorized the platooning technology, letting multiple buses or trucks travel as a unit with specific distances in between each at electronically regulated speeds.

Who knows what lies in the works for automation on the road in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s Safety Laws

An important part of keeping your rates down and staying secure on the road is understanding the critical safety laws that govern all drivers in the state of Kentucky.

Let’s check them out!

DUI Laws

Getting caught driving under the influence is a serious offense and the penalties increase with each incident. Take a look:

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Currently, there are no marijuana-specific drugged driving laws in the state of Kentucky.

Distracted Driving Laws

Kentucky enforces a strict no texting ban on all drivers, while drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use cell phones or any mobile communication device, period.

Kentucky Fascinating Facts You Need to Know

Now that we’ve dug deep into the nitty-gritty of everything from Kentucky auto insurance carrier rates to state laws and beyond, it’s time to explore some fascinating facts we bet you didn’t know about the Bluegrass State.

Vehicle Theft in Kentucky

In 2013, there were over 2,000 vehicle thefts in Lousiville metro area alone. Check out the table below, revealing the top 10 stolen cars in the state of Kentucky.

Risky/Harmful Driving Behavior

Pay close attention to these risky driving behaviors to sharpen your safe driving habits out on the open road.

Traffic Fatality Rates by City

Here are the statistics for the major metro areas in Kentucky.

2017 Traffic Fatalities

As you can see below, the fatality rate is higher in rural areas of Kentucky.

Fatalities by Person Type

Obviously drivers and passengers of cars make up the majority of traffic fatalities. Here is how they compare with motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Fatalities by Crash Type

Traffic accidents occur under many circumstances and, unfortunately, often result in deaths.

Five Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

The counties below have seen the most traffic deaths between 2013 and 2017.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by Top 10 Counties

Speeding is a common cause of traffic accidents. Here’s a look at the highest number of speeding-related deaths over the same five-year period.

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver by Top 10 Counties

Like speeding, drinking and driving also often results in fatal traffic accidents.

Teen Drinking and Driving

Next, let’s take a look at the teen drinking and driving statistics in Kentucky.

EMS Response Time

How long will it take help to arrive if you are in an accident? The answer may depend on where the incident occurred.

Transportation

It goes without saying that getting around Kentucky is much easier if you own your own vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the transportation statistics in the state.

Check out the most recent data below about car ownership, commute time, and commuter transportation in the Bluegrass State!

Car Ownership

Two-car households make up the majority of car owners in Kentucky. For second place, those with three cars slightly edge out those who own one car.

Commute Time

Did you know that the average Kentucky resident spends approximately 22.5 minutes commuting to work each way? This figure is a few minutes below the national average of 25.7 minutes, while just 1.75 percent of workers in the state have what are known as super commutes exceeding 90 minutes.

Commuter Transportation

Kentucky workers must like their alone time. 82.4 percent of commuters drive alone to work while only 9.36 percent carpool. 4.06 percent of workers don’t need to worry about commuting since they work from home.

Top Two Cities in Kentucky for Traffic Congestion

As you can see from the table above, the traffic congestion you face on your daily commute can make a significant cost dent over the course of a given year.

Don’t get bummed out sitting in traffic, wondering how you’re going to find the right Kentucky auto insurance carrier that offers the coverage you need at the rates you want.

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Obtain your FREE rate quote today by comparison shopping with our online tool. Simply enter your ZIP code below to get started!

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11.10.2020 / auto insurance by state / auto insurance companies / cheap auto insurance / kentucky auto insurance