Despite the state of Kentucky being known as the horse capital of the world, most residents of the Bluegrass State still choose to travel by car. Whether you are a new Kentucky driver or thinking about moving to Kentucky, you will need to have car insurance.
Just like in most other states, Kentucky requires its drivers to be properly insured before hitting the road. Car insurance laws vary from state to state, so keep reading to learn more about car insurance laws in Kentucky.
Kentucky Uninsured Motorist Notice
To crack down on uninsured drivers, the state of Kentucky started an enforcement program which takes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) reported by insurance companies and compares it to the state’s vehicle registration database.
If the two numbers don’t match, the state of Kentucky will send you an “Uninsured Motorist Notice” that will require you to verify that you have insurance coverage. The owner has 30 days to show proof that they have not been driving uninsured or proof of their current insurance.
Kentucky Car Insurance Requirements
Every state has agency over their car insurance laws and limits. Here is what the state of Kentucky requires you to have on your car insurance plan:
- At least $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per car accident.
- At least $10,000 of property damage liability per car accident.
- At least $25,000 of uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per car accident.
- At least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) per car accident.
Note that if you do not want to add uninsured motorist coverage to your car insurance policy, you can opt to detest it. However, you must submit a formal letter in writing to do so.
Getting A Kentucky Driver’s License
Before you are able to drive legally in Kentucky, you will need to apply for your driver’s license. To get a Kentucky driver’s license, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be able to show proof that you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident.
- You need to be at least 16 years old. Additionally, if you have a driver’s license from another state, you will need to be at least 16 years old to transfer your driver’s permit or license to Kentucky. If your previous driver’s license from a different state is up-to-date by the time you move to Kentucky, you will not have to take a test.
- You will need to show proof of identity by having the following items:
- A valid out-of-state license (if applicable).
- Social Security card.
- Birth certificate.
- You must be able to show proof of Kentucky residency by having any of the following documents:
- Deed in your name.
- Property tax bill.
- Utility agreement or bill.
- Rental housing agreement.
Driver’s licenses are issued at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the Kentucky county where you live. If you do not have an out-of-state license when you move to Kentucky, you will need to show your current driving record or a letter of clearance from the state that you are moving from. If you have a permit from another state, you will need to transfer it over to Kentucky before becoming eligible to apply for a driver’s license. Cost varies based off of what license you are applying for.
Teen Drivers In Kentucky
Kentucky follows a graduated license program for new teen drivers. Teen drivers in Kentucky must:
- Be 16 years old to apply. If you are under the age of 18 years old, you will need to submit a parent’s signature as well as submit a School Compliance Verification Form.
- Take and pass a written and vision test.
- Drive with a licensed passenger in the car who is at least 21 years old, if the driver is a permit holder.
- Not have more than one non-relative passenger in the car who is under the age of 20 years old.
- Not driver between the hours of midnight at 6:00 am.
- Obtain a permit for at least 180 days if they are younger than 21 years old, and at least 30 days if they are 21 and older. Permit holders under the age of 18 will be required to complete at least 60 hours of driving practice, and at least 10 of these hours will need to take place at night.
The second phase in the graduated licensing program is the intermediate license. To enter phase two of this process you will need to:
- Take and pass a road skills test.
- Obtain their intermediate license for 180 days and take a state-approved driver’s education course before becoming eligible to apply for an unrestricted license.
The unrestricted license is the final phase of the graduated licensing program. Once the driver achieves this phase, they will be able to drive free of time and passenger restrictions.