Car Insurance NY

A Survival Guide for Driving in New York and Keeping Your Insurance Rate Low

According to a 1990 article from The New York Times, 8.5% of accidents in New York City were caused by uninsured drivers, a number that can only have increased in the 20 years since the publishing of the article. New York is one of a few states requiring its drivers to have insurance that covers them against bodily injury by hit-and-runs and by illegally uninsured drivers. There are, however, a few tricks to stay out of accidents and to keep your insurance rates low.

Keeping Insurance Low:

For starters, it is important not to be one of the uninsured drivers in New York City. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of injury and damage that you cannot afford to repair, you are doing the same to other motorists. Especially in the city, public transportation is so prevalent that there is no excuse for driving without insurance. New York drivers are surrounded by other options and should use them if they cannot afford insurance.

In order to be able to afford insurance, it is vital to shop around for the best deals you can find. By pulling up several insurance websites on the internet, you can compare similar plans from different insurance companies in one place to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

Also, make sure to only pay for what you need. If your car is on the older side, save yourself the money you would pour into collision coverage and use it to buy yourself another car. As long as your insurance covers any damage to your person, it does the job. If your car is brand new, it may be worth it to make sure you will be reimbursed the worth of the car should it be destroyed. All of this depends on your personal situation.

The easiest way to get a low rate and keep that rate is to avoid accidents. People’s insurance goes up because they are getting post-accident hikes, which insurance companies use to make back the money they just gave you for repairs and medical expenses. In order to stay out of accidents and keep your insurance rate low, use the following safety tips.

Safe Driving:

New York City is notorious for being a scary place to drive, but it is all in how you look at it. Most people find they do not need a car to get around New York City, and instead get from place to place via buses and subways. If you are going to drive a car around the city, you must have patience. Make sure you leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare so that you do not find yourself rushing. This is when accidents happen. Take your time and don’t be afraid to yield to another driver when the situation arises.

On the other side of things, be aggressive. In order to be an effective New York driver, you need to be a chameleon, able to change with the situation. If someone is being aggressive to the point that you fear they may become reckless or violent, let them have your way, but if you have the right of way, claim it. It is hesitation that leads people to pull out in front of each other, so if you begin to make a turn the instant you have the right of way, you do not stand the risk of somebody pulling out in front of you.

Use your horn wisely. Your horn is the only tool you have to make sure that people know you’re there, so don’t overuse it. It is correct to use a horn when someone is about to pull into you or when a pedestrian is in your line of traffic. It is incorrect to use a horn to complain about someone who did not hit the gas the instant a light turned green. Similarly, honking does not make traffic any less congested.

Learn from your mistakes. If you do get into an accident, remember how it happened and take some time to consider what you could have done differently. Do the same thing when you have near misses. The most important thing is to pay attention and remember that every detail counts. More than anything, do not be afraid. Scared drivers make less decisive movements and leave themselves open to more risks. Just get in your car, keep your eyes open, and stay calm.