New York Auto Insurance Information   by Miles Henry

in Business    (submitted 2011-01-31)

You do not have to drive in New York, or even been there for that matter, to know how hectic an experience it can be. New York is home to more than 11,000,000 licensed drivers, not to mention the constant flow of visitors and tourists that seem to invade the state at any given time. Therefore, auto insurance in New York is very important to its residents. Knowing the state’s laws on insurance, licensing, and registration requirements is essential before moving to New York.

In order to register your vehicle in the state of New York and get a New York license plate, automobile insurance is required. No-Fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Liability, and Uninsured Motorist provisions are all required. The hope of the required $50,000 No-Fault PIP limit is to pay medical expenses incurred due to an accident as quickly as possible regardless of who is at fault of the accident. Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability protect you against the claims of other drivers. Uninsured Motorist coverage protects you and your passengers from injuries sustained on behalf of other drivers who are uninsured.

Aside from the minimum requirements, there are many additional options of auto insurance in New York available. Minimum requirements are often fairly low to ensure that more people can afford to drive legally, but increased bodily injury coverage is highly advisable in any state if you are able. Some companies offer a combined limit for bodily injury and property damage liabilities, which pays out a maximum lump sum for all damages incurred. The minimum property damage liability coverage is only $10,000, but oftentimes cars are worth much more than this limit. Therefore, purchasing higher PDL limits is also good idea to cover higher priced property. Additional PIP benefits, Supplementary Uninsured Motorist, Collision, Comprehensive, Medical Payments, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Supplemental Spousal Liability, and Gap coverage are among the add-on options that can be purchased.

New residents of New York must obtain a New York issued driver’s license within 30 days of established residence. Typically, you will have to surrender your out-of-state license upon obtaining your New York license, but exceptions can be made in some cases. Proof of both your identity and your date of birth must be presented. A simple trade-in of your old valid license and paying to have a new one made will get you your New York license. You do not have to retake any tests. Your vehicle must also be registered with the state. An application, proofs of ownership, identity, date of birth, New York insurance, purchase price, and the original title and registration must be presented.

Look around online to obtain free quotes and policy plan draw-ups and compare rates. Big, recognizable names do not necessarily meet individual coverage and budgeting needs the best, so shop around before officially deciding on your coverage policy. There is a company that can build your optimal plan for auto insurance in New York if you just do a little research.

About the Author

Visit Auto Insurance In New York for more information or visit our blog at http://www.insurance-newyork.org/auto-insurance-in-new-york/.