Making the most of auto insurance in New York requires that you choose the right auto insurance company. You will need to ensure that your auto insurance is able to handle your claims efficiently, fairly and quickly. You may want to check a database of national claims for any complaints on a company. Another strategy is to check with your state’s insurance department for the number of consumer complaints on a company compared to the number of policies it sold.

You should also feel comfortable with your NY auto insurance purchase method. You can buy insurance from a local agent, directly from the company or online. Auto insurance consists of the following types of coverage:

1. Liability coverage for personal injury and property damage; car insurance companies in New York should provide the minimum coverage that the state requires;

2. Property coverage; this pays for damages and theft of your vehicle;

3. Medical coverage that pays for treating injuries and rehabilitation; this may also cover funeral expenses and lost wages.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out more about New York auto insurance laws

Each state has its own laws regarding auto insurance. These laws cover such issues as the minimum liability coverage, acceptable proof of financial responsibility and the procedure for obtaining license plates in New York.

I recommend: New York Car Insurance provides specific information on auto insurance laws and also offers related resources. The New York State Insurance Department regulates all types of insurance in New York and also provides many specific resources in auto insurance.

Get New York auto insurance quotes

There are many websites that provide insurance quotes online based on specific information about your vehicle. These websites may also provide other information on car insurance.

I recommend: NewYorkinsurancequotes.net provides specific information on required auto insurance coverage for New York and also provides quotes on auto insurance based on zip code. Esurance provides tips for reducing your premium and offers auto insurance quotes by state and zip code.

Find more information on auto insurance from New York state car insurance companies

Car insurance companies in New York frequently may be more familiar with local insurance regulations than national competitors. They may also offer articles on car insurance in New York.

I recommend: CarInsuranceRates.com provides a detailed overview on auto insurance specifically for New York residents. CarInsurance.com offers information on buying gap insurance in New York and also provides quotes on auto insurance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get price quotes from at least three different auto insurance companies. You may also be able to get a comparison of prices charged by major providers of car insurance. New York premiums will also be partially based on your vehicle's sticker price, repair costs, safety record and likelihood of theft.

Car insurance in New York, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, New York car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Empire State" should have; it's something they must have.

New York auto insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in New York, you need auto insurance in New York. Here's what kind and how much, according to New York state law:

1. When buying automotive insurance, New York drivers must purchase bodily injury (BI) and property damage (PD) liability insurance, as well as personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage; collision, comprehensive and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. When buying car insurance, New York drivers must buy PIP coverage, which will cover all of your medical costs -- up to $50,000 -- if you’re in an accident and up to 80 percent of the income you would have earned if you weren’t injured.
3. Auto insurance in New York must include liability insurance; your policy needs at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in BI coverage for costs associated with the injury or death of other people in a car accident, and at least $10,000 in PD coverage to pay for damage to others’ property.
4. In New York, car insurance must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage in the event that you’re in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Action Steps
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Browse New York automobile insurance quotes online

If you need a New York auto insurance rate, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in New York, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from New York auto insurance companies at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit NY auto insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in New York and all provide competitive New York State car insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in New York are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in New York.

Get New York auto insurance from local and regional companies

Rates for auto insurance in New York can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance in New York, try a locally-based New York car insurance company or broker, such as New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Sterling Insurance Company or Country-Wide Insurance Company. Also consider local programs like the New York Automobile Insurance Plan, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in New York.

Use an independent agent to find New York auto insurance bargains

Buying auto insurance in New York via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you auto insurance in New York, search the member directory of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York.

Choose New York auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with New York auto insurance companies, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in New York. Another good resource is the New York State Insurance Department, which licenses car insurance companies in New York and compiles statistics on complaints against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before buying car insurance, New York drivers should consider the real cost of car repairs and medical bills after an accident; because the state's minimum New York auto insurance requirements might not be enough, you might consider buying additional coverage.
• •  If they don't have car insurance, New York drivers face stiff penalties, including driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as cash fines and vehicle impoundment.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better New York auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in New York.

Auto insurance in New York education and training will teach you how to evaluate multiple auto insurance policies and recommend the best one to benefit your customer. You may also need to know about the insurance business in general.

The requirements needed to work for car insurance companies in New York are determined by the state and also depend on the type of auto insurance coverage being issued. There are three general categories of car insurance coverage:

1. Collision car insurance in New York covers damage to the car due to a collision with some object. The cause of collision damage is typically another car but may also be a falling rock or branch. If the insured driver is at fault, collision coverage will generally cover the repair cost up to the coverage limit after the deductible has been paid.
2. Complete insurance covers damage to the insured driver’s vehicle caused by something other than collision. Non-collision damage typically includes damage due to burglary, fire and corrosive liquids.
   
3. Liability covers damages to other persons or other property that is the fault of the insured driver. It typically includes damage to other vehicles, medical bills of other people and legal expenses.
   

Action Steps
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Complete the courses needed to work for New York auto insurance companies

There are a variety of on-site universities and distance learning classes that teach students the various aspects of New York auto insurance. These courses should be updated frequently to reflect changes in federal and New York insurance law.

I recommend: Hudson Valley Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree with an insurance option for students pursuing an insurance career. Lehman College provides insurance pre-licensing courses that are approved by the New York State Insurance department.

Learn the laws regarding New York state car insurance

Auto insurance brokers and agents in New York will need to be familiar with the state laws about their profession. The required coverage limits on auto insurance vary widely by state.

I recommend: New York Car Insurance contains extensive information on insurance laws in New York, especially coverage limits. CarInsurance.com provides answers to specific questions on car insurance, such as New York coverage limits.

Obtain the license required by a NY car insurance company

New York has four different types of insurance licenses: a life insurance agent, life insurance broker, property and casualty insurance agent and property and casualty insurance broker. Get licensing information necessary for a career in NY auto insurance.

I recommend: The New York State Insurance Department provides extensive information on obtaining insurance licenses in New York. ProSchools provides the specific licensing requirements for New York.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Auto insurance professionals in New York should set themselves apart by becoming a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). This designation is respected throughout the insurance industry and identifies the holder as a dedicated and knowledgeable professional. A variety of NY auto insurance professionals may become CPCUs such as agents, brokers, claim adjusters and risk managers. Many attorneys, consultants and educators may also hold the CPCU designation.