Spending Too Much for Auto Insurance in New York? Here’s How to Save!

Purchasing low-cost New York auto insurance on the web can seem to be problematic for beginners to price shopping online. With so many online companies available, how can you even start to compare them all to find the cheapest available price?

How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in New York, NY

Getting better auto insurance pricing is not rocket science. Drivers just need to invest a little time comparing rate quotes online with multiple companies. This is very easy and can be done in a couple of different ways.

  • One of the best ways to get quotes for comparison is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This type of form saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions for each company you want a rate for. Completing one form will return price quotes . This is perfect if you don’t have a lot of time.
  • A slightly less efficient method to compare rate quotes requires a trip to the website for each individual company and request a quote. For example, we’ll pretend you want comparison quotes from GEICO, Progressive and Liberty Mutual. You would have to spend time on each company’s site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker.

    For a list of links to insurance companies in New York, click here.

  • The hardest way of getting rate comparisons is to spend time driving to and from local New York insurance agencies. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you prefer the trained guidance of a local New York agent. However, consumers can comparison shop your insurance online and get advice from an agent in your area. We’ll cover that shortly.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just double check that you are using exactly the same coverage limits with every price quote. If each company quotes different values for each quote you can’t possibly determine which rate is truly the best in New York.

Take advantage of discounts

Auto insurance companies don’t always advertise all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list some of the best known and the harder-to-find ways to save on auto insurance. If they aren’t giving you every credit you qualify for, you’re paying more than you need to.

  • Anti-theft Discount – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Multi-policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.
  • Discount for Swiching Early – A few companies offer discounts for signing up before your current policy expires. The savings is around 10%.
  • Save with a New Car – Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Safe Driver Discount – Safe drivers may receive a discount up to 45% less than drivers with accidents.
  • No Claims – Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts when compared to accident-prone drivers.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in New York, click this link.

Shop online but buy locally

A small number of people would prefer to talk to a local agent and that is just fine! Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent.

To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, the quote information gets sent to companies in New York who will return price quotes to get your business. You won’t need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. How cool is that?!

Selecting an provider should depend on more than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

  • Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
  • Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
  • Can glass repairs be made at your home?
  • Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
  • Does the agency support the community they serve?
  • Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
  • Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?

Pick the best car insurance agent in New York for you

When searching for local New York agents, there are a couple of types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agencies in New York are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s important to know how they are different since it may influence buying decisions.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-102.jpg" alt="New York insurance quotes” />

Agency Captives

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company such as Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some consumers prefer to buy from captive agents mainly due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Listed below is a short list of captive agents in New York that are able to give comparison quotes.

  • Liberty Mutual Insurance – 1133 Avenue Of The Americas – New York, NY 10036 – (212) 391-7500
  • Allstate Insurance Co – 14 Bowery – New York, NY 10013 – (212) 385-0300
  • American Family Celebration – 275 7th Ave – New York, NY 10001 – (212) 206-1066
Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies which may provide better rates.

Below is a list of independent agencies in New York that are able to give price quote information.

  • B David KANE Agency Inc – 171 Madison Ave – New York, NY 10016 – (212) 686-7410
  • Continental Insurance – 180 Maiden Ln – New York, NY 10038 – (212) 440-3000
  • Charles Holzberg Agency – 275 Madison Ave # 34 – New York, NY 10016 – (212) 279-7500
  • H Al Roth Agency – 116 John St # 2212 – New York, NY 10038 – (212) 233-1616
  • Miguel Peribanez Insurance – 375 S End Ave – New York, NY 10280 – (212) 809-6663

To view a complete directory of insurance agents in New York, please click here.

After receiving good answers for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.

There’s no such thing as the perfect policy

When it comes to buying coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s needs are different.

Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

  • Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
  • Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
  • Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Do I need rental car coverage?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • Does my vehicle qualify for pleasure use?

If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

It’s important that you understand the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates enables informed choices that could result in lower auto insurance prices.

New York insurance quotes

  • Performance influences rates – The performance level of the vehicle you are insuring makes a huge difference in how high your rates are. The most favorable rates are for low performance passenger vehicles, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
  • Battle of the sexes – The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. That doesn’t necessarily mean that men are worse drivers. Women and men cause accidents in similar numbers, but the male of the species cause more damage. Men also tend to get more serious tickets such as DWI and reckless driving. Youthful male drivers tend to get in the most accidents and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
  • Your location affects your rates – Living in less populated areas can be a good thing when it comes to auto insurance. Fewer people translates into fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft. Urban drivers have to deal with much more traffic to deal with and longer commutes to work. More time on the road means more change of being in an accident.
  • Liability coverage protects you – Your policy’s liability coverage is the coverage that protects you when a court rules you are at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It provides legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
  • Save money with special equipment – Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system can thwart auto theft.
  • Drive less and save money – The more you drive in a year’s time the higher your rate. The majority of insurers apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles that are left in the garage receive lower rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Verify your auto insurance policy is showing the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

A tidy conclusion

As you restructure your insurance plan, don’t be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage and learned later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Consumers change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, unfair underwriting practices, high rates after DUI convictions or even delays in responding to claim requests. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching auto insurance companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

In this article, we covered a lot of tips how to get a better price on auto insurance. It’s most important to understand that the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the best price on auto insurance is with a small local company.

Additional consumer information websites

More detailed New York auto insurance information is available at the New York Department of Financial Services website. New York drivers can read consumer alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, report car insurance fraud, and read state legal mandates and laws.

Also read more on this online resource for auto insurance quotes in New York and this resource to find New York, NY insurance agents.