Auto Insurance in New York

Strategies to help you find the best New York car insurance rate

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---