5 Best Tricks to Lower Auto Insurance Costs in New York, NY

Overwhelmed by the number of auto insurance companies in New York? Lot’s of other consumers are too. There are so many companies to choose from that it can be a challenge to find the perfect company for you.

How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in New York, NY

Getting a lower price on insurance doesn’t have to be difficult. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes comparing price quotes online with multiple companies. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

One of the best ways to get the best comparison quotes is a comparison rater form click here to open form in new window. This easy form prevents you from having to do repetitive form entry for each company. Taking the time to complete one form compares rates from multiple low-cost companies. It’s definitely the quickest method.
Another way to obtain and compare quotes online requires a visit to each company’s website and request a quote. For instance, we’ll pretend you want to compare Liberty Mutual, Esurance and Travelers. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in New York, click here.

Whichever method you choose, make darn sure you compare the exact same deductibles and coverage limits for every quote you compare. If you enter mixed coverages then you won’t be able to make a fair comparison in New York.

Cut your auto insurance rates with these 5 discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but discounts can save money and there are some available to reduce the price significantly. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but some must be specifically requested before you will receive the discount. If you don’t get every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Multiple Policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Good Student – This discount can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
Air Bag Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts of up to 25% or more.
Clubs and Organizations – Being a member of a qualifying organization could trigger savings when buying auto insurance.
Discount for Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with better rates if you take out life insurance from them.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies don’t profit that way. Any amount of discount will help reduce the cost of coverage.

For a list of providers offering auto insurance discounts in New York, click this link.

You are unique and your auto insurance should be too

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different.

These are some specific questions can aid in determining whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-37.jpg" alt="New York car insurance prices”/>

Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
How much underlying liability do I need for an umbrella policy?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

Auto insurance policy coverages

Knowing the specifics of a auto insurance policy aids in choosing which coverages you need and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.

Liability car insurance

Liability coverage will cover damage that occurs to a person or their property by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have policy limits of 50/100/50 which stand for $50,000 bodily injury coverage, a total of $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a limit of $50,000 paid for damaged property. Another option is one number which is a combined single limit which provides one coverage limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.

Liability coverage pays for things like medical expenses, medical services, pain and suffering, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and structural damage. How much coverage you buy is a personal decision, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford. New York state law requires minimum liability limits of 25,000/50,000/10,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy more liability than the minimum.

Medical costs insurance

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for short-term medical expenses like doctor visits, nursing services, pain medications and ambulance fees. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. They cover you and your occupants and also covers getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not available in all states and may carry a deductible

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against things like falling objects, fire damage, damage from a tornado or hurricane, damage from getting keyed and hail damage. The maximum payout a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Auto collision coverage

Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision insurance covers claims such as scraping a guard rail, driving through your garage door, rolling your car, colliding with a tree and sideswiping another vehicle. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from older vehicles. You can also raise the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.

UM/UIM Coverage

This coverage gives you protection from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. It can pay for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.

Since many New York drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (New York limits are 25/50/10), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Normally these coverages are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Much more information about auto insurance in New York can be found on the New York Department of Financial Services website. Click here for link. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, learn about specific coverages, and discover disciplinary actions.