New York drivers face unique challenges on the road. Having the right car insurance policy is a critical safeguard against these risks, which include:  

• Congested Roadways: New York is home to some of the busiest streets in the country, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 
• Severe Weather Conditions: Snow, ice, and rain create dangerous driving conditions, raising the risk of vehicle damage and collisions. 
• Theft and Vandalism: In densely populated or tourist-heavy areas like New York City, cars are at higher risk of theft or vandalism, making comprehensive insurance crucial for peace of mind. 

New York is a “no-fault” state, meaning your own insurance policy covers your medical expenses and certain other damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The state also mandates specific minimum coverage requirements to legally drive. These minimums include:  

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.  
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum requirement of $10,000. 
• Supplement Spousal Liability: Helps pay for bodily injury (death or injury) caused by your spouse. This is typically included in your standard bodily injury coveragte unless you decline it in writing. This does not increase your overall bodily injury coverage limits. 
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers up to $50,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs after an accident.  
  • New York Drivers have the option of adding an additional $50,000 or $100,000 to their policy. This also extends coverage to out-of-state guest occupants if an accident happens in the state of New York. 
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Bodily Injury Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance or a hit-and-run driver, with a $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimum. 
  • New York has Statutory & Supplementary UM/UIM coverage. Statutory is the standard coverage. Supplementary is optional, but it covers drivers up to the same amount of the liability coverage they have selected if it’s more than the statutory limits. 
  • UM/UIM property damage will need to be added to the policy if one wishes to include it. 

Fault still needs to be determined in an accident in New York. To fully protect yourself and your vehicle, additional coverage is necessary. 

To ensure that you and your assets have coverage, consider adding the following coverage options to your auto insurance policy in New York:  

• Optional Basic Economic Loss: Coverage that provides $25,000 for basic economic losses, loss of earnings from work, psychiatric, physical, or occupational therapy and rehabilitation or any combination of 2 or 3. 
  • You and resident relative passengers are covered both inside and outside of New York, however guest passengers are only covered in the state of New York. 
• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible. 
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible. 
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown. 
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. 
• Increase Liability Limits: Some drivers see the benefit of increasing their liability limits to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses if they’re found to be at fault. 
• Rideshare Coverage: Provides protection for rideshare drivers in busy tourist cities like New York City, covering gaps between personal and commercial insurance. 

This isn’t a full list of options, so if you fall into a more unique or specific situation, bring it up to one of our agents. At Goosehead, we specialize in providing our clients with customized policies that fit their needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

In addition to coverage selection and levels, several factors influence the cost of car insurance in New York. Common factors include:  

• Your Driving Record: Drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations may pay higher premiums.  
• Type of Vehicle: Luxury or high-performance cars generally cost more to insure due to their higher repair or replacement costs.  
• Location: Drivers in urban areas like New York City often face higher premiums due to higher risks of accidents and theft. 
• Age: Younger drivers, especially those under 25, typically face higher insurance premiums due to their lack of experience and statistically higher risk of accidents. 

On average, New Yorkers pay an average of $1,800 annually for the legal minimum amount of car insurance. Those with policies that have more coverage pay an average of up to $4,100 annually. 

There are several strategies to reduce your car insurance costs while maintaining excellent coverage. Consider the following tips to save on your policy in New York:  

• Bundle Policies: Combine your auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, to receive a multi-policy discount.  
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your premiums low.  
• Shop Around for the Best Rates: Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at the lowest price.  
• Look for Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for taking defensive driving courses. Check if you qualify to save on your premiums. 

Our team at Goosehead Insurance can help identify additional discounts and savings opportunities tailored to your needs.  

A car insurance policy isn’t just about protecting your vehicle; it’s about protecting you and your financial well-being. Here’s why New York drivers trust Goosehead Insurance for their car insurance needs:  

• Comprehensive Comparisons: We shop policies from top-rated carriers to find the best coverage options for you.  
• Personalized Guidance: Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and concerns.  
• Streamlined Process: We make it easy to compare and select the right policy, handling the hard work for you.  
• Unmatched Customer Service: Our advisors are available to answer your questions and adjust your policy as needed.