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:
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.