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.

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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.

New York orchestras are among the most widely known and respected in the world, but the city is also home to several youth, amateur and community symphonies. These NY orchestras offer the same high-quality entertainment and musical variety as their professional counterparts, with a diversity that reflects the city's diverse population and multi-layered history. And, many orchestras in NY make a special effort to bring music to the general public, through free outdoor concerts, and opportunities for young people and other aspiring musicians to showcase their talents.

Attending a New York City symphony orchestra is a great way to entertain potential clients or business associates, or you can give season or individual tickets to valued customers or employees to show your appreciation.

New York symphony orchestras are home to:

1. Professional groups that frequently host internationally known singers and musicians
2. Community NYC orchestras that offer free public concerts
3. Youth symphonies that offer high-caliber entertainment

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Enjoy internationally known entertainment at a professional New York symphony

New York's professional orchestras are comprised of some of the best trained and most experienced musicians in the world. These symphonies offer both classical music and modern compositions, while also hosting world-renowned artists.

I recommend: The New York Philharmonic is probably the best-known symphony in New York; the American Symphony Orchestra is also well-respected, performing concerts at Lincoln Center, in addition to appearing at several festivals. The Riverside Symphony also performs at Lincoln Center, and regularly releases internationally acclaimed CDs. The Chamber Orchestra of New York is a professional orchestra dedicated to offering performance opportunities for young professional musicians.

Support amateur musicians by attending a community NYC symphony concert

Just as New York's professional symphonies strive to bring music to the people, community and amateur orchestra groups spotlight the talents of the general public. Many of these orchestras are just as respected as their more famous siblings, while also offering more community-oriented events.

I recommend: Check out a performance by the Musica Bella Orchestra of New York, a non-professional, not-for-profit orchestra founded in 2001, or a concert from the NYU Community Orchestra, which includes students from New York University, in addition to community members.

See the future of orchestral music at a New York youth symphony orchestra

New York is one city that makes a special effort to encourage the artistic talents of its younger population. These youth orchestras are just as professional and rigorously trained as adult musicians, and many tour the world just as often. And, despite their youth, these musicians live up to the musical reputation New York is known for.

I recommend: See New York's youngest musicians at a performance of the New York Youth Symphony, or the Youth Orchestra at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at New York University.

Book a New York symphony orchestra for your next corporate event

Many smaller orchestras primarily play private events such as awards ceremonies, banquets or other corporate functions, and can make your company's next event something employees will look forward to attending.

I recommend: New York Orchestras features the Central Park Orchestra, seen on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, and is also home to the East Village Orchestra. Larry King Productions includes bands and orchestras, classical groups, string trios and quartets, and pianists and harpists.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many NYC orchestras also air their performances on the radio, allowing you to enjoy top-notch musical entertainment even if you can't make it to the theater. Their websites usually include airtimes, as will the websites for the radio stations that feature their concerts.

New York symphony orchestras play a vital role in providing a cultural experience to patrons in New York City and around the state. The New York orchestras often do business with many businesses that become corporate sponsors or purchase bulk tickets over the course of the season.

Take a moment to learn about some of the common terms you might come across when purchasing corporate sponsorships or tickets. Here are some of those terms along with some resources for further information.

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Convenience fee

A convenience fee is an additional charge added to the price of a ticket when it is purchased through a ticket agency or online ticketing service. Purchasing tickets at the physical box office usually allows one to avoid the convenience fee.

I recommend: Visit the website for Carnegie Hall for further information regarding the convenience fee.

Group ticketing or group discounts

Group ticketing refers to a large block of tickets that has been purchased for a symphony orchestra event. Usually a purchase of 20 tickets or more garners a group ticket discount to a New York symphony orchestra performance.

I recommend: Visit the website for the New York Philharmonic for further information on their group ticketing policies, procedures and specialized customer service offered to large block purchases.

Corporate membership or corporate sponsorship

A corporate membership or corporate sponsorship refers to a donation made by a corporation to support the New York area symphony. Usually in return, the corporation gets a number of allotted tickets to upcoming symphony events.

I recommend: Visit the website for Symphony Space for further information on corporate sponsorships and what these entail for a New York symphony orchestra.

Logo credit

Logo credit refers to credit given to a donor in the form of placement of their logo on programs, tickets, posters and other promotional material as a condition of their monetary donation. For instance, if a local real estate company sponsors a New York symphony orchestra, their logo might appear on the bottom of a ticket stub.

I recommend: Visit the website for the American Symphony, which performs in New York, for further information on logo credit and how sponsors can obtain it.

Obstructed view seats

Obstructed view seats refer to seats that do not allow the patron a full view of the stage. In relation to New York City orchestras, these seats are usually sold at a discount.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Opera Orchestra of New York for more information on obstructed view seats.

Planned or deferred donations

Planned or deferred donations and gifts refer to monetary donations that are made by an individual, trust or business that helps support the New York orchestra. These donations are tax deductible.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Orchestra of St. Luke's for further information on planned or deferred gifts to the orchestra program.

Keep the edge in your music performance by using the best resources for New York symphony orchestras supplies and equipment. There are many different types of equipment from percussion to woodwinds to brass, not to mention supplies necessary for performance.

NY orchestras use classic instruments, vintage instruments and contemporary instruments. Keep this in mind when hunting for equipment and supplies. Some points you might want to keep in mind when considering New York orchestra equipment and supplies include the following aspects:

1. Find distributors who offer a variety of instruments for New York orchestras.

2. Consider renting your supplies for a New York symphony orchestra.

3. Keep your equipment for the NYC symphony and other orchestras in top form by purchasing from companies that also offer repair services.

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Follow examples of the finest New York orchestras, purchasing from reputable distributors

Whether you purchase equipment for use in a symphony in NYC or some other part of NY state, find a distributor that offers varied inventory and has a stellar reputation. Look for distributors that carry classic and modern instruments at reasonable prices.

I recommend: Rayburn Music has a nice selection of instruments for professionals in the music world. It specializes in selling both contemporary and classical instruments.

Consider renting equipment for an orchestra in New York

If you play for the New York city symphony orchestra or some other NY orchestra, consider renting a high-quality instrument. Sometimes the concert program presents period pieces that use vintage instruments. Rather than investing in the instrument, consider renting to save costs.

I recommend: Carroll Musical Instrument Rentals offers a large and varied inventory for instrument rental. It provides contemporary and vintage instruments, so professionals don't need to purchase instruments needed only for period pieces. S.I.R. offers rental equipment ranging from orchestral bells to a concert drum bass along with other products. It tries to find equipment you need even if you don't see it on its website.

Find NYC symphony and other orchestra equipment providers who offer repair services

When playing for a symphony in New York it's important to keep your instrument in top condition. Purchasing your supplies and equipment from companies offering repair services keeps your equipment ready for optimal performance.

I recommend: The East Village Music Store keeps instruments working optimally with its maintenance and repair services for professional gear. It offers a 30-day warranty for all repairs and has more than 30 years of experience in the instrument repair industry. New York Woodwind and Brass Music prides itself in its repair services for vintage and antique instruments. It also does instrument overhauls for professional musicians and other clients.