Brooklyn Car Insurance

Vehicle owners in Brooklyn are required by New York state law to have car insurance. Whether you are in a fender-bender on 13^th Avenue or a multivehicle collision on the Belt Parkway, a solid auto insurance policy can shield you from facing a large financial loss as a result.

Finding the best and most affordable car insurance is easy when you work with a local independent agent. These agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from a selection of New York’s best insurance companies. Contact an insurance agent in Brooklyn to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Brooklyn, NY?

The average cost of car insurance in New York is lower than the national average. Comparing rates from a few competing insurance companies lets you be sure you are getting your policy at a reasonable price.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• New York average annual car insurance cost: $1,013

Of course, rates can vary significantly from one driver to the next because they are based on the following factors.

• The make, model, year, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, marital status, and driving record
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Your claims history and credit score
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• Which, if any, coverage options you are including in your policy

You can usually earn significant rate reductions if have a long, safe driving record, you are a student with good grades, or you are bundling your car insurance with another insurance policy like home or renters insurance.

What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Brooklyn, NY?

New York is a no-fault state. This means that if you are injured in a collision, your own insurance will cover your injuries, regardless of who was at fault. In this state, all car insurance policies are required by law to include personal injury protection insurance, liability insurance, and uninsured motorist insurance.

Personal injury protection insurance: Sometimes referred to as PIP or no-fault coverage, this can provide a first line of coverage if you, your passengers, or pedestrians are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. Your policy must include a minimum of $50,000 worth of coverage. It can pay for the following.

• Any necessary medical treatments and rehabilitation
• 80% of lost earnings for up to three years
• Up to $25 a day to cover expenses like household help and transportation to and from medical appointments
• A death benefit of $2,000 paid to the estate of the deceased individual

Liability insurance: If you cause a collision, this can cover other people’s property damage as well as any medical bills and lost wages that go beyond what their PIP coverage can pay for. Your policy must include the following amounts, at a minimum.

• Bodily injury liability insurance: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident (in the event of a fatality, this coverage will double.)
• Property damage liability insurance: $10,000 per accident

Uninsured motorist insurance: This can cover medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in a collision that was caused by an uninsured driver. In New York, uninsured motorist will not cover property damage. Your policy must include the following amounts, at a minimum:

• UIM bodily injury insurance: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident (in the event of a fatality, this coverage will double)

What Else Can Brooklyn Car Insurance Cover?

In addition to the mandatory liability coverage mentioned above, your insurance provider will offer a variety of coverage options, some of the following you may want to include in your car insurance policy.

• Full coverage: This refers to coverage for loss or damage to your own vehicle. It is typically required by lenders if you are still paying for your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. Full coverage includes:
  • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is lost, totaled, or damaged by a non-collision hazard like a falling object or a flood.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the costs of assistance if your car becomes disabled and you need to call for help, such as if you get a flat tire or your engine overheats.
• Gap insurance: This can cover the gap between what your car is worth and what you still owe for it if it is totaled in a covered event. New cars depreciate quickly, so this coverage is usually recommended during the two or three years of new-car ownership.
• Rental car reimbursement: This can cover the cost of renting a vehicle while your car is being repaired following a covered event.
• Umbrella insurance: This is a separate policy that may be offered by your car insurance provider. It is an affordable way to significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage beyond the coverage limits of your primary policies.

You will want to be sure to consider your own needs as well as those of the members of your household when you are deciding which, if any, options are a good fit for you.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Brooklyn, NY?

It is illegal to drive without insurance in the state of New York. If caught, you can face a number of the following consequences.

• A fine ranging from $150 to $1,500
• Possible revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for up to three years
• A civil penalty fee of $750 if your license is revoked
• Possible impoundment of your vehicle
• Possible incarceration for up to 15 days
• Higher car insurance rates

Even if you are not driving while uninsured, you can face penalties for having a lapse in coverage. When your insurance lapses for any reason, the state is notified and you can incur daily fees until your vehicle is covered. These fees can range from $8 to $900 depending on how long you go without coverage.

Due in large part to these tough penalties, New York State has one of the lowest rates of uninsured drivers in the country:

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 12.6%
• Percentage of New York drivers who are uninsured: 6.1%

Because New York requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance, you can rest assured that if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you can quickly receive the compensation you are due.

Does Brooklyn Car Insurance Cover against Auto Theft?

The average auto theft rate in the state of New York, and in Brooklyn in particular, is much lower than the national average. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report about 1,700 stolen cars a year. 

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• New York auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.67
• Brooklyn auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.68

You should be aware that you can only be compensated for a stolen vehicle if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive (or “other than collision”) coverage.

If you are still paying for your car or if you have it on a lease, chances are good you have this coverage already. If not, you may want to look into how much it would cost to add comprehensive coverage to your Brooklyn car insurance policy so you can decide whether or not it is worth it for you and your family.

Why Let an Independent Insurance Agent in Brooklyn Help You?

When you are looking for the best and most affordable car insurance policy for you and your family, an independent agent can help. These agents work for you, not for a particular insurance company, so they can shop around to find the coverage you want at a competitive price.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with an independent insurance agent. Find an insurance agent near you to get answers to your coverage-related questions and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes from the best insurance companies in Brooklyn.