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New York City can feel like its own world – but when it comes to auto insurance, the city is still part of New York State, and drivers are required to follow state laws. For drivers in New York City, auto insurance is a necessity, and without the proper insurance you risk the possibility of fines and having your license suspended.
In the event of an accident, not having New York City auto insurance will also put you in a difficult situation both physically and financially. No matter whose fault the accident is, the situation can become costly; vehicles and other property can be damaged, and worse, those involved may sustain bodily injuries. Having the right insurance will protect you from having to pay out-of-pocket for such costs, and offset the financial burden that comes with such an unfortunate event.
What kind of New York City auto insurance do I need?
The Department of Motor Vehicles requires every driver to have several basic types of coverage. The first type is liability coverage with a minimum of $25,000 and maximum of $50,000 for injury, $50,000 to $100,000 for death, and $10,000 for property damage. This is the backbone of the insurance, the bare minimum that all drivers must have.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is also required, at a minimum of $50,000. This helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers.
In the event that you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, New York requires a minimum of $25,000 to $50,000 of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. This will help pay for any medical expenses that the other, uninsured driver is unable to pay.
It’s good to know that New York is a ‘no-fault’ state. This means that whichever insurance company you choose, they are obligated to promptly pay all injury claims, no matter who was responsible for the accident.
What happens when I don’t have insurance?
If you don’t have liability insurance, you must turn in your vehicle plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles. New York City auto insurance is as crucial as having a license and registration. If you choose to operate a vehicle you own without insurance, you can have your registration and license suspended for an indefinite period of time.
Even letting your insurance lapse can be problematic. You can incur a fine for every day you don’t have insurance, even if the reason is because you have one policy that is ending, and there is a delay before your new one begins. Make sure to keep track of your New York City auto insurance so that careless errors don’t hinder you from driving your car.
What other New York City auto insurance is available?
If you use a vehicle for your business, or drive frequently, looking at supplemental New York City auto insurance coverage can be useful. Collision Insurance, for example, can pay for the repair of your vehicle, or offer cash settlements if it is beyond repair. Loss of Use insurance will cover a rental while your car is in the shop – this is very useful for people who rely on driving on a daily basis. Other smaller coverage types, like Car Towing insurance depends on a case-by-case basis and your preference.
While state law does not require these types of insurance, they may be recommended. Speaking with an agent will help determine what types of insurance you may require.
How Do I Get a Quote?
There are two ways to get a New York City auto insurance quote – online or through an agent. By searching on the internet, you can look at several insurance companies and fill out online forms for a free quote. Then, compare and contrast these quotes to see which fits your needs best. This can be a frustrating process however, as it may not be entirely clear what types of insurance you need and which policy suits you best.
An independent agent is the fastest and most reliable way to get a quote. As they are a non-exclusive source, you can be sure to receive a variety policies and companies to choose from. You can also feel confident that each recommendation is unbiased, and endorsed only because it is the right match for your needs.
We all know how traffic congested New York City can be; if you live here, it’s hard to deny that the risk of an accident is always there. Don’t put off finding the right New York City auto insurance – ask for a free quote today.
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