3 Ways New York Drivers Can Save on Auto Insurance

Car insurance can be pretty pricey, but unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid it, especially if you live in New York. If you’re a driver in New York State, you’re required by law to have auto insurance coverage. The good news is, there are some things you can do to keep your insurance costs as low as possible. Some of them might surprise you! First, let’s see exactly how much insurance can cost you in New York, then look at some ways you can save some money.

What Is the Cost of Auto Insurance in New York?

New York is one of the priciest states for auto insurance, with drivers paying an average of $4,212 per year for their premiums. 

At a minimum, your policy must provide you withAuto_insurance Minimum_auto_insurance_requirements Consumers:

• $10,000 in property damage coverage per accident

• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for the death of a person involved in an accident

• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for the death of two or more people involved in an accident

The Best Ways to Save on Auto Insurance in New York

1. Drive Responsibly

Out of all the things that impact the cost of car insuranceInsurance Things That Impact Car Insurance Driving Resources, the way that you drive might just be one of the biggest. Safe and responsible drivers are less likely to get a traffic ticket, be involved in a car crash, or spend time in jail. They also have lower auto insurance rates! In fact, safe drivers can save anywhere from 10% to 30% on their car insurance premiums. Remember, this all depends on your insurance provider, so be sure to check what kind of good driver discounts they offer. 

Here are some driving tips to keep your insurance spending in check:

• Obey speed limits and traffic laws

• Avoid using your phone while driving and other forms of distracted drivingLaws Distracted Driving Driving Resources

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Practice defensive driving

Often, just a small change in your driving habits can make a big difference. 

2. Choose Your Vehicle Wisely

Driving a sports car, a luxury vehicle, or a large SUV certainly has its perks — but saving on your auto insurance isn’t one of them. Insurance companies set their prices based, in part, on the risk each covered person and vehicle presents.

Things like a car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft are all just a few of the factors that affect your insurance premium cost. When sports cars and luxury vehicles are involved in a crash, they’re notoriously expensive to repair. They’re also more likely to be stolen and are expensive to replace. High-powered vehicles tend to encourage more aggressive driving, which can increase the chances of a crash. And large SUVs tend to cause more damage when they’re in a crash, which can also increase the insurance company’s liability.

According to insurance website Sports Car Insurance Rate Comparisons Insuraviz.comInsuraviz.com, insuring a sports car on average costs $585 more per year than the average vehicle. 

Bottom line, if you want to save money on your car insurance, choose a less-powerful and less-expensive vehicle. 

3. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Did you know that completing a defensive driving course could also make you eligible for a pretty hefty car insurance discountInsurance 11 Insurance Discounts Driving Resources? In New York, drivers who have taken an approved defensive driving course are eligible for a 10% discount on their car insurance for 3 years.