10 Tips for Getting Online Car Insurance Quotes in New York - State by State - Car Insurance

Go on, just get ready to click your heels together at how ahead of the game you will be after soaking in these ten tips for getting the best deals for online car insurance in New York.

1. Know the Basics

It’s important to be aware that according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you have to get "the basics.” NY State minimums for liability insurance coverage fulfilling the financial responsibility law include:

$25,000/50,000 for injury
$50,000/100,000 for death
$10,000 for property damage caused by any one accident

2. No-Fault Insurance

Remember, New York is a no-fault state. And if the car is registered, you must keep up with the liability coverage – even if the vehicle is not being driven at the time.

3. Review Your Policy

Open up that file drawer, find the big packet you got from your insurance guy or gal, and actually read it. Don't have the time? Pick up the phone and ask your agent to highlight your policy. Your needs change over time, and maybe you do not need the specific coverage (or low deductible) that you once needed. Data shows that most adults haven’t looked at or changed their car insurance policy in over a decade. Don’t be in that data pool.

4. Get Your Insurance Paperwork

Have all of your information ready for data-entry online: speeding tickets, any traffic violations, employment history, rental or home ownership information, etc.

5. Shop Around

Shop, shop, shop – then pit, pit, pit. Pit those online agencies against each other. Think of it as a game, and watch 'em try to beat each other. It is a must-do. Collect a couple of quotes, then go for the "ask". Something like "X company just offered the following deal; can you match it?" (Side note: This is always a great technique to use when buying a car, as well. Go to three dealerships that are offering the exact same car. With certainty, you will buy or lease from dealership #3 because they will beat the competition's price. It works. Every time.)

6. Compare Coverage

Start with the basic coverage requirements that are listed above. Ask for the bottom-line quote for the required injury, death, and property damage coverage. This will give you a strong understanding of how the various companies stack up against each other. From there, augment the coverage with what you are used to – and what you genuinely need.

7. Pay Attention to Discounts

Get the credit you deserve! Do you park in a parking garage for work or home? Is your commute to work below thirty miles? Are you insuring more than one car? And the obvious one – do you have a great driving record? If so – speak up. A lot of people lose out on the benefit of getting credit because of where they simply park their cars. Be sure to ask about any and all credits and discounts; the savings add up quickly!

8. Become a Defensive Driver

For a mere $25, you can take a quick online defensive driving class and get a whopping 10% off your yearly premium! Go for it. You will get that $25 back and up to $200 off your premium! And you know what? We should all do this from time to time. It is just a good incentive. Be safe out there!

9. Know Your Insurance Carrier

Stick with the better known companies. It will be easy to focus on "the best deal" – but this is not only about dollars and cents. It is about actually being able to get the coverage and customer service if an accident happens.

10. Negotiate

Finally, go to your provider's website and send the one-liner: "I am shopping around to find a better deal. The best rate I have been quoted is from ABC agency for $X/year. Can you beat this quote? If so, given my specific needs, what is the very best rate you can provide for me?" Sit back and wait for results. In this economy, the bottom dollar (and good coverage, of course) wins out over customer loyalty for that year-in-year-out renewable policy.

This is the time to be loyal to yourself – and your bank account.