Owning a car makes your life easier in the US. You will need it to get to work, run errands, and go on vacation. But owning a car also comes with responsibilities. One of those is getting auto insurance. As you must be aware, car insurance is not cheap in New York and most other states. If you live in or near New York City, the cost of car insurance can be even higher.
In Long Island, New York, the average cost of car insurance is $159 per month. However, the average in the entire US is $81. That means some places pay less than half of what New Yorkers do for the same coverage.
Can you find cheap insurance for your car on Long Island? You can expect to pay more than the average, but there are still ways to save money. Follow these tips to get cheaper auto insurance rates in Long Island, New York.
1. Compare Insurance Quotes
Contacting insurers for quotes will help you ascertain the average insurance cost in your area. The insurers will also give you an idea of the different coverage options available. Get at least three quotes from other insurers and compare them. Consider the cost of each policy and its terms and conditions.
You can get quotes online or by visiting the insurer’s offices. Online insurance quotes comparison websites will save you time by allowing you to get multiple quotes concurrently. When getting quotes, have the following details ready.
- The make, model, and year of your car.
- Your driving history for the past five years.
- The amount of coverage you need.
- Your credit scores
- Your zip codes
Some insurers will offer you a discount if you have a good credit score. It is worth checking your credit score before getting car insurance quotes in Long Island. Also, double-check your driving record and license to see if there are any blemishes.
2. Look For Discounts
When you have the quotes, find out if there are any discounts you qualify for. Many insurers offer discounts for safe drivers, people with high credit scores, and students.
Some insurers also offer discounts for installing anti-theft devices in your car or being a member of specific organizations. You can check if you qualify for any discounts before buying a policy. For instance, a tracker device can help you get a discount and give your vehicle the added security of being tracked.
Some insurers offer sign-up discounts, while others do so when the client renews their contract. Be on the lookout for such offers to save money on your policy. Never underestimate the power of a discount when trying to get cheap insurance.
3. Sign Up for a Defensive Driving Course
Your safety on the road will protect you and help lower your insurance rates. One way to show insurers that you are a safe driver is by taking and passing a defensive driving course.
Most insurers will give you up to a 10% discount if you complete such a course. The courses are not long, and you can even take them online. They will help you learn how to drive defensively and avoid accidents. Remember to present your certificate to the insurer to get the discount. The courses are not expensive, and you will more than recoup the cost through lower premiums. If unsure, ask the insurer if it is available.
4. Increase Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay towards repairs before your insurer gets involved. Most people go for the minimum $500 deductible, but you can increase it to $1000 and save on premiums.
A higher deductible means you pay more out of pocket in repair costs. The insurer pays the extra cost. However, the amount you save in premiums will be more than the increased deductible. It is not every time you will cause an accident. Another advantage of higher deductibles is settling most repair costs without involving your insurer. The less you claim, the lower your rates become over time. You can use the money you save on premiums to cover the increased deductible if you have an accident.
5. Consider Getting Liability Only Coverage
Liability-only coverage is the minimum requirement for car insurance in New York. The policy will not cover any damages to your car. The coverage is relatively cheap, and it can help you save on premiums.
Liability-only coverage is a good option if you only intend to use your car for work or school and have a limited budget. The policy is also ideal for people with old cars whose value has diminished significantly. It is no use to insure an old car for its value. This coverage is not ideal if you have a new or expensive car. For instance, the latest Mercedes Benz will be costlier to repair, and you want full coverage for such a car. The policy is also not ideal if you frequently use your vehicle for long-distance travel.
6. Check the Available Payment Plans
Most insurers will allow you to pay your premiums in monthly or yearly installments. Annual payment is cheaper in the long run, but it might not be possible for everyone. You can, however, take advantage of the available payment plans to save on premiums. Some insurers will give you a discount for paying your premiums upfront. Others will offer a discount for signing up for auto-pay. The auto-pay feature allows the insurer to deduct the premiums from your account.
You can also take advantage of discounts for paying your premiums on time. Late payments attract penalties that will raise your rates. Ensure you understand the available payment plans before signing up for a policy.
Summing Up
Insurance rates in Long Island, New York, are some of the highest in the country. However, there are ways you can get cheap insurance and save on premiums. The tips above should help you get started with your affordable car insurance policy search. Remember to compare rates from different insurers before settling for a policy.
