The empire state has some rigorous car insurance laws that can be confusing. BuyCarInsurance.com is here to help! We have put together this guide that lists everything you need to know so that you can easily get the car insurance plan that fits your personal needs - at the lowest rate.

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Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in California

In New York, there are a few minimum car insurance requirements to be in compliance with the law. In most states bodily injury liability coverage is the minimum requirement with various limits, however, in New York, you must carry bodily injury liability, uninsured motorists, bodily injury, and personal injury protection. Listed below are the requirements and the limits:

Keep in mind the minimum requirements are not always enough protection. It is smart to view all your car insurance coverage options and to buy as much insurance as you can afford.

Is the Minimum Car Insurance Enough Coverage?

In New York the minimum requirements might seem extensive, however, the minimum is rarely enough coverage in most cases. At BuyCarInsurance.com we always advise purchasing the most insurance you can afford. This is a guaranteed way to get the most protection you can afford. Talking with a BuyCarInsurance.com agent about the different types of insurance can give you a better understanding of what you need coverage wise.

Types of Car Insurance Policies

Here is a list of additional car insurance coverages and how they protect you:

• Liability Coverage- In the event of an accident if you are found at fault, liability coverage will cover the damage to the property and the medical bills associated with the accident up to your policy limits for the other party. Remember this does not cover your medical bills or property damage.

• Collision Coverage- If you are in an accident, no matter whose fault it is, collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car after an accident.

• Comprehensive Coverage- This policy does not cover a typical traffic accident. Comprehensive coverage pays if your car is stolen or damaged by fire, flood, vandalism or something other than a collision.

• Medical Payments Coverage- In the event of an accident medical payment coverage will pay your and your passengers’ medical bills. If you are a passenger in another vehicle you will be covered as well. It also pays if you’re hurt while walking or biking.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage- This coverage goes a step further than medical payment coverage. This policy will cover medical bills for you and your passengers, but it will also cover things like lost wages and other nonmedical costs. All auto policies in Texas include PIP coverage. If you don’t want it, you must tell the company in writing.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage- If you are in an accident and the other party is found to be at fault but they didn’t have insurance or didn’t have enough to pay your medical and car repair bills this policy will cover you. If you find yourself in a  hit-and-run accident you will also be covered. Insurance companies must offer you this coverage. If you don’t want it, you must tell the company in writing.

• Towing and Labor Coverage- This is similar to roadside assistance. If your car cannot be driven this policy will cover the towing cost. It also pays for labor to change a flat tire or jump-start your battery.

• Rental Reimbursement Coverage- If your car was stolen or is in the shop being repaired from an accident, this coverage will pay for your rental car. Some policies also pay for taxis or ride-hailing services.

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars.

Teen Drivers in New York

To add any additional drivers to your policy will warrant an increase in premiums. This is especially true for teen drivers, your rates will likely increase exponentially. However, once your teen begins driving it is important to add them to your policy. This will ensure you, your teen, and your assets are protected. This will also ensure there are no additional tickets for not complying with the state laws.

Multiple Drivers in New York

It is important to list any drivers in your house without their own insurance policy on your policy as additional drivers. This will protect you and your car in the event of an accident. If someone in your household is using your vehicle and is not listed on the policy or doesn’t have a car insurance policy of their own this could cause many issues for you. For starters, additional premiums, out-of-pocket costs for any incidents, and your insurance company may decide to no longer offer insurance. Of course, this is the fullest extreme, but it is a scenario that can happen.

If you want to exclude drivers in your home that is perfectly fine, just make sure you do not let them use your vehicle. Your insurance company will not cover any damages. These costs would be your responsibility and be out-of-pocket.

Penalties for No Car Insurance in New York

New York is serious about their state required minimum car insurance. If you are driving without insurance you will face serious consequences.

• You could be charged $150-$1500 in fines.

• You could be sentenced to 15 days in jail.

• Your License and registration will be revoked for a minimum of a year.

• You will have to pay a reinstatement fee of $750.

• You will be charged a daily penalty ranging from $8-$12 for a lapse in insurance.

Car Insurance Discounts in New York

New York has many car insurance discounts available depending on the company. It is always a good idea to ask your car insurance company to give you a full list of discounts available, this will help you cut car insurance costs the most. Here are some common discounts:

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, boat insurance, or motorcycle insurance.

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of moving violations and accidents.

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount.

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