Best-New-York-Auto-Insurance

1) Some of the best coverage options are the least expensive.

Looking for maximum coverage at minimum cost?  You’re not alone.  Auto insurance may not be the smallest of your bills, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good deal. 

Avoiding optional coverage is a common mistake among policy holders.  But this is the simplest way to get the most out of your premium.  Standard insurance policies are priced to the cover fixed costs and estimated liabilities of your insurance provider.  So add-ons such as gap insurance, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage offer outstanding benefits at a nominal increase. 

As an example, comprehensive coverage (usually the most expensive of these options) can be obtained at half the cost of basic collision or liability coverage.  Most relevant today is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  New research has proven that for every percentage increase in unemployment, the number of uninsured motorists increases by ¾ of percent.  Considering the state of the economy, this could be an astronomical number.  Don’t get blindsided with medical bills – always research your coverage options!

2) Your car can drive up insurance premiums.

If you’ve already bought a new dodge viper with a racing stripe – expect to pay more than your neighbor (and focus on the other tips in this article).  For the rest of us, a little planning can create big savings on new york auto insurance. 

If you haven’t settled on particular car model, try to keep an open mind.  Insurance companies rate cars based on a number of factors.  And the higher the number, the higher your premium.  So if you’re looking for ways to reduce your rate, one minute on Google could save you significant cash.  Before selecting the make and model, search online for the most and least expensive cars to insure.  Many reputable companies and websites have posted findings on this subject. 

If the car you’re considering isn’t on either list, compare it to the ones that are.  The results are generally predictable.  For example, if a Jaguar XK is on the high end of the list, assume the Porsche 911 is as well.  Generally, the safer and more sensible the car – the more reasonable the cost to insure it. 

3) Increasing your credit score can decrease your premium.

There seems to be some confusion on how or why credit affects auto premiums.  But research has proven drivers with poor credit scores file more claims.  And that’s all insurance companies need to hear.

So what can you do?  First, determine if you have good or bad credit.  If you have great credit you’re in good shape.  If your credit score is questionable, there may be some quick ways to clean it up.  If you’ve had an increase in short-term activity, for example, let things return to normal before buying a new policy.  Also, don’t assume your report is accurate.  Thoroughly check for errors and get them fixed.  Limit the use of credit cards, and pay down outstanding balances wherever possible. 

If you have limited credit history or a bankruptcy in your past, start rebuilding good credit as soon as possible.  A healthy history is the key to better credit.  And better credit will yield a better price on your auto premium.

4) Consolidate your coverage.

These days, most people are paying for more than one type of insurance.  And like most companies, your auto provider would love to have more of your business.  So much in fact, they will pay you for it. 

Consolidating your insurance to one provider is the easiest way to save money on premiums for very little effort.  Simply pool together the various insurance policies you and your spouse currently hold.  Chances are you have an opportunity to combine your homeowners and auto insurance, for example, to one carrier.  Many providers offer a formal multi-policy discount, and others would simply be willing to negotiate a lower rate to earn more of your business. This can be a great excuse to reassess your total premium without changing providers completely.

The same is true for multiple vehicles.  If your spouse uses a different auto provider, moving a vehicle onto your policy can result in a lower rate or preferred customer discount.

5) Take a deeper look at discounts.

Have you recently changed jobs?  Had a birthday?  Renewed your policy? Any of these could result in a lower new york auto insurance premium.  That’s because just about everyone qualifies for a discount.  But not everyone knows it. 

Don’t miss out on savings you’ve already earned. Always talk to your insurance provider about their available discount programs.  Most offer a variety to plentiful to list in this article.  A few of these include driving record, age, commute and employer discounts.  Most of these we don’t even think about.  But if you’re new employer is only a few miles from your house, you’re likely to qualify for a discount.  Age and marital status may also result in a lower premium.  So be sure to inform your insurance provider if you were recently married.

Another easy discount nearly everyone qualifies for is upfront payments.  Simply paying your premium in full at renewal can result in up to 10% savings.  So if you have the bank account to cover it, the savings are worth while.

Need more advice or still have questions? We’d love to help. Contact us for helpful information and New York Auto Insurance Quotes.