How to Find Cheap Bare Minimum Auto Insurance in New York

Last Updated on October 27, 2020

Anyone living in New York knows just how expensive it can get, particularly if you are living in the big city. One of the things that is often more expensive in New York than in other states is car insurance. Car insurance companies often consider having a car in New York to be more risky, because the high population density and congested traffic leads to higher risk of an accident. This is their rationale for charging high insurance premiums. However, car insurance is still required if you want to drive – which can pose a dilemma if you are living on a budget. One of the more popular ways of cutting on your insurance costs is to get the least amount of coverage that is legally required by the state. Continue reading below to learn how you can find the cheapest possible bare minimum car insurance coverage in New York.

Know the minimum insurance requirements.

Before you go shopping for your minimum coverage insurance policy, you should be aware of what the minimum required insurance is in New York. Otherwise, you might find that insurance salespeople try to upsell you, and you will end up paying more than you want. Right now, New York State requires motorists to have liability, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection insurance. The liability minimums are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage, and $10,000 per accident of property damage coverage. You will also need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of uninsured motorist protection, and $50,000 in personal injury protection. Any other types of coverage, such as comprehensive coverage, roadside assistance coverage, collision coverage, and more, are optional.

Keep your driving record clean.

The absolute best way to keep your premiums as low as possible is to have a clean driving record. When car insurance companies see that your record is clean, they consider you to be much less of a risk to them, so they offer you lower premiums. The longer you can keep your record clean, the lower your auto insurance premiums will be. In New York state, you can also take a DMV-approved safe driving class and receive a discount on your insurance to lower your premiums even further. Although mistakes do happen, making a concerted effort to be safe will pay off for you in the long run.

Consider your location.

Your location within New York state matters when it comes to car insurance. For example, your insurance is going to be much more expensive in an urban area like Manhattan than it would be in a small town. Even moving from New York City to a smaller city, like Buffalo or Rochester, can make a big difference. It will also lower your general cost of living. If you are planning a move to New York, keep this in consideration so you can keep your costs down.

Look at usage-based insurance options.

Some insurance companies are starting to offer usage-based car insurance in New York. These insurance policies only charge you for the miles you actually drive, so you are essentially rewarded for driving less. In a state like New York, where public transportation is very reliable in many places, usage-based programs can save you a lot of money. One of these programs is Allstate’s Drivewise, which offers discounts of up to 30 percent if you keep your mileage low and your driving habits safe. Another similar option is Progressive’s Snapshot. These programs use tracking devices, which you plug into your car, to keep track of your driving.

Maintain a good credit score.

In New York, it’s legal for car insurance companies to factor your credit into your overall premium costs. Even if you are planning to get the lowest amount of coverage required by law, taking the appropriate steps to maintain a good credit score can help keep your premiums as low as possible. Always pay your bills on time and be smart with your credit usage. You should also make sure you stay in good standing with your car insurance company over time – if you miss a payment, they could potentially raise your rates in the future.

Shop around.

When you are on the hunt for cheap minimum coverage insurance, you should look at as many companies as possible to see what they have to offer. You never know which one might ultimately end up being the cheapest. You also shouldn’t hesitate to let companies know that you are shopping around. They want your business, and there’s always a chance they will give you a discount in an attempt to win you over. You can also ask insurance companies about the possible discounts they offer – you never know which ones may apply to you.

Finding cheap car insurance can be daunting, especially in a state like New York where premiums are so high. However, with some determination and savviness, you can find rates that don’t break the bank. Get quotes from as many insurers as possible and dig deep into their discount list. If you’re using bare minimum auto insurance, be sure to stay safe on the road, and look for other transit options when available.