How to Find Cheap Car Insurance Rates in New York City, NY
Driving in New York City is a unique experience that combines the thrill of navigating bustling streets with the challenge of contending with heavy traffic and diverse roads. As one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world, New York City’s streets are constantly alive with activity, from the iconic yellow taxis darting through avenues to the steady flow of pedestrians crossing. In The Big Apple, drivers need to make sure they have the best car insurance coverage at the cheapest policy rates.
InsuranceQuotes offers New Yorkers a user-friendly quote form and real-time cost comparison tool for finding an affordable coverage rate. Drivers who compare multiple free car insurance quotes from both national and local companies can get the best coverage at the most competitive prices. Our cost comparison database helps you find the best insurance companies and offers peace of mind on your next drive through The Big Apple!
What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in New York City?
- State minimum liability on average in New York City costs $305 a month or $3,654 a year. Full coverage auto policies costs around $601 a month or $7,216 a year in NYC.
InsuranceQuotes cost rates are pulled from our real-time auto insurance database from recent quotes in New York City – Rates are based on a used car driver who is single, middle aged & has a clean driving record. Read on to learn about the cheapest local rates filtered by insurance providers, new cars, vehicle types and age.
Which Company Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in New York City?
- In New York City the cheapest car insurance companies on average are GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. State minimum liability car insurance starts at $90 a month or $1,085 a year with GEICO. The cheapest full coverage car insurance starts at $290 a month or $3,485 a year with State Farm.
Here are the average policy rates from the cheapest local and national insurance providers in New York City from our cost database of used-car drivers who are single, middle aged and have a clean driving record:
| Insurance Company: | State Minimum Liability: | Monthly: | Full Coverage: | Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,085 | $90 | $3,601 | $300 |
| Allstate | $1,291 | $108 | $3,555 | $296 |
| State Farm | $1,516 | $126 | $3,485 | $290 |
| Standard Fire Ins. Co | $2,192 | $183 | $4,251 | $354 |
| Progressive | $2,499 | $208 | $5,583 | $465 |
New York City State Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements
The state minimum liability coverage requirements for New York City drivers are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in an accident
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident for all persons injured
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
How to Choose the Best Car Insurance Coverage Amount in NYC
In New York City there are multiple options for the amount of auto insurance coverage you can choose from. Here are a list of the different policy types from minimum liability to full coverage and more:
- Liability Coverage: This is the basic coverage required by law in New York and covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident where you are at fault. It includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses. It can also cover hit-and-run accidents.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Also known as “no-fault” coverage, PIP pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
- Collision Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
- Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage: This optional coverage helps pay for the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered accident.
- Towing and Labor Coverage: This optional coverage helps pay for towing and labor costs if your vehicle breaks down and needs to be towed to a repair shop.
When selecting car insurance coverage options in New York, it’s important to consider your individual needs, budget, and risk tolerance – our certified InsuranceQuotes agents can help you decide which policy option is best for you over the phone if needed.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Auto Policy
- Shop Multiple Car Insurance Quotes: Using InsuranceQuotes to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates. Each insurer may offer different discounts and pricing structures, so shopping around can help you find the most competitive option.
- Bundle Policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies, such as auto and homeowner’s insurance, with the same provider.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record: Insurance companies often offer lower rates to drivers with clean driving records. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to qualify for lower premiums.
- Consider Higher Deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. Just make sure you can afford to pay the deductible out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
- Drive Less: Some insurance companies offer discounts for low-mileage drivers. If you drive fewer miles than average, inquire about mileage-based discounts.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for various factors, such as being a good student, having safety features installed in your car, or completing a defensive driving course. Ask your insurance company about available discounts and eligibility criteria.
- Maintain Good Credit: New York insurance companies often use credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums. Maintaining a good credit score can help you qualify for lower rates.
- Drive a Safe Vehicle: Some cars are cheaper to insure than others due to factors like safety ratings, repair costs, and theft rates. Before purchasing a vehicle, research insurance costs for different makes and models.
- Review Your Coverage Option Every Few Months: Periodically review your insurance coverage to ensure you’re not paying for more coverage than you need. Adjust your coverage limits and deductibles as your circumstances change.
- Ask About Affiliation Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for members of certain organizations, alumni associations, or professional groups. Inquire whether you qualify for any affiliation discounts.
NYC Driving Conditions and Hazards
Some say that in NYC, the best way to drive is to put someone else behind the wheel. While this may be stretching the truth, anyone who operates a vehicle on New York City streets will have a few things to consider. Pedestrians top the list. Their “New York minute” proclivities will often tempt them to cross mid-block or against the light, and they will frequently do so en masse. Other hazards of which to beware include bicycles, horses, buses and cabs. Livery drivers in particular often take chances. It’s best to drive defensively and steer clear of them if you can.
NYC Driving Laws
New York City’s rules for traffic safety follow the dictates of the statewide highway safety program.
Seat Belt Law
New York state law requires that all children under age 4 ride in a child safety seat and all children under age 8 ride in a child restraint system, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Meanwhile, all front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt, and children under age 16 must wear a seat belt while riding in the front or back seat.
Cellphone Law
Under New York state law, you can’t use a handheld mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving. The fine for a first-time offense is $50 to $200, and $50 to $250 for a second-time offense.
Helmet Laws in NYC
In New York state, all motorcycle operators and passengers must wear a helmet.
Meanwhile, all bicyclists under age 14 must wear a helmet as an operator or passenger. In addition, children age 1 to 4 must sit in a special child safety seat; no under age 1 is allowed to ride on a bicycle.
Impaired Driving Law
A driver 21 or older can be charged with DWI with blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more. For a driver under 21, the BAC window is 0.02 percent to 0.07 percent under the state’s “zero tolerance” law.
For someone 21 and over convicted of a first-time DWI offense, the fine ranges between $500 and $1,000, and a license suspension lasts at least six months. For a second-time offense, a five-day jail sentence or 30 days of community service is required, while the fine is $500 to $5,000, and the license suspension is at least one year. In both cases, installation of an ignition interlock device is mandated.
Refusal to take a BAC chemical test results in at least a one-year license suspension.
While driving in NYC can be difficult, it is not impossible, and an awareness of the area’s specific laws will make it that much safer.
