Find Out How to Get Cheap New York Auto Insurance Quotes
Moving to a different state is very challenging indeed. If you are just moving to New York, you have to be aware of the laws and the regulations that you need to fulfill. This includes knowing about how to get a New York auto insurance quote. Some people get sticker shock when they move to this state since they have higher rates compared to others in the country. But there are things that you can do to spend less on this expense.
New York abides by the 'no fault' law meaning that the general rule is for each party's insurance provider to pay for the injury claims in case of an accident. It does not matter who the person at fault is. Because of this, every driver in this state must carry PIP or Personal Injury Protection that is at a minimum of $50,000. The PIP will shoulder your medical expenses, lost wages, and even a death benefit if needed.
Aside from this, driver in New York should also carry liability insurance so that they can pay for any bodily injury or property damage that is met by the other party in case you are the one who caused the accident. The minimum for property damage liability is $10,000. Bodily injury is at $25,000 for each person with $50,000 for each accident. Aside from this, you also have to carry at least a $25,000/$50,000 coverage for uninsured motorists.
As a whole, your New York auto insurance will probably cost you around $400 higher for each year compared to the country's average. This is because there are higher limits imposed by the law as well as you having to carry additional PIP coverage to shoulder your own medical fees.
There are things that you can do to save up on your insurance costs in New York. You can work at reducing the deductible and by taking only the basic coverage that you can. You may also not use the car for other purposes other than personal use. Try to get a smaller car that has safety features installed in them such as airbags, seat belts, and car alarms.
You can save more if you buy more than a single insurance coverage from the same provider. This will give you something they call a multipolicy discount. Your credit history should be well-maintained so you can bargain and get a cheaper rate.
New York Car Insurance Requirements, Laws and Coverage
Each state has a different set of rules and regulations concerning auto insurance. New York’s insurance laws and regulations are quite clear and enforced with very little leniency. The state of New York requires that all licensed drivers who drive a vehicle which is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles carry a minimum amount of $25,000 worth of coverage for bodily injury, for one individual, which does not result in death or $50,000 coverage in the event there is a death. In addition, minimum coverage is $50,000 for the bodily injury of two or more individuals, not resulting in death, and $100,000 for bodily injury to two or more people that do result in death.
Because the minimum amount of coverage allowed by law in terms of property damage liability protection is $10,000 for each accident, the liability limits are often referred to as 25/50/10, or $25,000-$50,000-$10,000. In addition, New York has very stringent laws regarding financial responsibility and failure to adhere to the rules and regulations imposed. The following are some of the penalties which may result in defaulting on the requirements of the financial responsibility laws.
Lapse in Insurance Coverage
Failure to maintain continuous insurance coverage will result in driver’s license suspension, as well as registration suspension. If an uninsured driver should be involved in an accident, the state of New York will absolutely revoke his/her license and registration for a minimum period of one year. The law does not care whether or not the accident was the uninsured motorist fault or the fault of the other party, the same penalties will apply. An uninsured driver could be fined as much as $1,500 for driving without the required amount of insurance coverage, or for allowing an individual who is uninsured to operate his/her vehicle. In order for the individual to reinstate his/her driver’s license, he/she will have to pay the Department of Motor Vehicles an additional civil penalty in the amount of $750.
There will also be a number of other fees involved with inadequate insurance coverage, including a driver license reinstatement fee of $25. Additionally, New York holds to the motto, “No License, No Plates” meaning, if a driver has had his/her license suspended, he/she must immediately turn in the license plate off his/her car.
In short, it does not seem like a wise idea to drive a car without insurance, not only because of the financial ramifications involved with such an act, but also because of the legal consequences which will be imposed.
New York Department of Insurance
- 25 Beaver Street
- New York, NY 10004
- Phone: 212-480-6400
- www.ins.state.ny.us
New York Department of Transportation
- 50 Wolf Road
- Albany, NY 12232
- Phone: (518) 457-6300
- www.nysdot.gov
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