FAQs

Last Updated on January 19, 2026

We get a lot of the same questions about car insurance shopping, coverage basics, and finding local help. If you don’t see what you need here, you can always contact us.

How Do I Start Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes?

Our quote process is designed to help you compare options quickly. Here’s what to expect:

1. Enter your ZIP code to see options available in your area.
2. Answer a few questions about your vehicle and driving profile (for example: vehicle details, garaging location, and the coverages you want).
3. Review results and follow up with a licensed insurance professional, if needed, to confirm coverages, discounts, and final pricing.

What Is NewYorkMotorInsurance.com (And What Isn’t It)?

NewYorkMotorInsurance.com is an information and comparison resource. We are not an insurance carrier, and we do not set rates. Any policy you purchase is underwritten and issued by an insurance company, and quotes and coverage details should always be confirmed with a licensed insurance professional.

Final premium, eligibility, and discounts are determined during underwriting and can change based on details such as driving history, garaging address, vehicle characteristics, prior coverage, household drivers, and claim history.

Can You Help If I’m Not in New York?

We focus heavily on New York auto insurance topics, but many drivers outside New York can still use online quote tools and educational resources to start shopping. Insurance rules, required coverages, and underwriting guidelines vary by state and insurer, so always review your state-specific requirements before buying.

What Do I Need Before I Request Quotes?

Having the right details ready can speed up quoting and reduce follow-up questions from an agent or carrier.

What To Gather	Why It Matters
Vehicle details (VIN, year/make/model)	Helps match safety features, repair costs, and eligibility for certain coverages.
Garaging address and typical mileage	Rates depend heavily on where the car is kept and how it’s used.
Driver details (license status, household drivers)	Insurers rate based on who regularly drives the vehicle and their history.
Current declarations page (if you have one)	Makes it easier to match limits and deductibles for an accurate comparison.
Claim/ticket history (approximate dates)	Underwriting and pricing often consider recent loss and violation history.

What Are New York’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements?

New York requires specific coverages to register and operate most vehicles, including liability and no-fault coverage. Minimum limits are a legal starting point—not necessarily what’s best for your situation.

Coverage Type	Minimum Required in New York
Bodily Injury Liability (Non-Fatal Injuries)	$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Death Liability	$50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability	$10,000 per accident
No-Fault (PIP)	$50,000 per person
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury	$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident

Note: Requirements can differ for certain vehicle types and situations (for example, motorcycles and commercial use). Always verify what applies to your specific vehicle and registration.

What Optional Coverages Should I Consider Beyond the Minimums?

Optional coverages can help protect your vehicle and your finances. What makes sense depends on your car’s value, whether it’s financed/leased, and how much risk you’re comfortable absorbing out of pocket.

Optional Coverage	When It Can Be Worth Considering
Higher Liability Limits	If you want more protection against lawsuits or major injury/property damage claims.
Collision	If repairing or replacing your vehicle after an at-fault crash would be a financial strain (often required by lenders).
Comprehensive	If you want coverage for non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, hail, or falling objects (often required by lenders).
Roadside Assistance / Towing	If you want help with breakdowns, dead batteries, lockouts, or towing.
Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM)	If you want more protection when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance (availability and limits vary by insurer).

How Can I Lower My Auto Insurance Premium?

There’s no single “best” way to reduce cost, but these steps are common starting points when reviewing a policy with an agent or carrier:

• Confirm your garaging address and mileage (small differences can affect rating).
• Review deductibles and choose amounts you can realistically pay after a loss.
• Ask about verified discounts (safe driver, multi-car, bundling, anti-theft/safety features, paperless, pay-in-full, or telematics—availability varies).
• Keep coverage continuous when possible; lapses can increase premiums and reduce options.
• Re-shop at renewal and after major life changes (move, new car, adding/removing a driver).

How Do I Find a Local New York Agent?

If you prefer working with someone in your area, browse our directory of New York agents here: https://www.newyorkmotorinsurance.com/agents/.

Which Carrier Guides Do You Cover?

We publish educational guides on many national carriers. Availability, appetite, and pricing vary by ZIP code, driver profile, and underwriting guidelines. Use these resources to learn what to ask when comparing options:

Carrier	New York Guide
Liberty Mutual	Read the Liberty Mutual guide
Mercury	Read the Mercury guide
MetLife (Legacy)	Read the MetLife guide
Safeco	Read the Safeco guide
Nationwide	Read the Nationwide guide
GEICO	Read the GEICO guide
Allstate	Read the Allstate guide
Progressive	Read the Progressive guide
State Farm	Read the State Farm guide

For official guidance on New York insurance requirements and no-fault coverage, review these resources:

• New York DMV: Insurance Requirements
• New York DFS: Consumer FAQs About No-Fault Insurance
• NIPR: Getting Started With Insurance Licensing

What Are the Most Common Questions About New York Motor Insurance?