Schenectady Car Insurance

Even the most experienced drivers can sometimes cause accidents. That is why vehicle owners in Schenectady are required to have auto insurance. From fender benders on State Street to multi-car collisions on I-890, a reliable car insurance policy can prevent you from facing a large financial loss because of a collision.

Shopping for car insurance is easy when you work with an independent insurance agent in Schenectady. These agents can help you obtain and compare a variety of car insurance quotes. That way, you can be sure you are getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Find an insurance agent near you to get started.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in New York State

Every state has designated minimum requirements for auto insurance. In New York, all car insurance policies must include at least the following:

• Bodily injury liability: Required
• Property damage liability: Required
• Personal injury protection (PIP): Required
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Required
• Minimum liability limits: 25/50/10; coverage up to $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $25,000 for one individual; and $10,000 coverage for property damage.

Sure, a policy that merely meets the state-mandated minimums is the cheapest option and it is typically adequate to cover most minor accidents. However, if you cause a serious collision in which several people are badly injured, the resultant costs can greatly exceed what a minimum coverage policy can pay for. In that case you would be expected to make up the difference out of pocket. 

That is why many Schenectady drivers opt to purchase car insurance that has higher-than-required liability limits. Some residents of this city also purchase umbrella insurance in order to acquire even more liability coverage than their auto policy will allow. Your independent insurance agent can help you find the liability coverage you want at z price you can afford.

How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost in Schenectady, NY?

New York is the 6th least expensive state for car insurance. Rates in this state are significantly lower than the national average, and in Schenectady, rates are even lower. This is good news for residents who are in search of an affordable policy. 

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• New York average annual car insurance cost: $1,013
• Schenectady average annual car insurance cost: $918

Of course, the average costs listed above can only give you an idea of what you might actually be expected to pay. Car insurance rates vary from one driver to the next because they are calculated individually according to several factors. Insurance companies will take into account such things as: 

• The make, model, trim, and year of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• The number of vehicles you are including on your policy
• Your age, occupation, driving record, claims history, and credit score
• Information about the other drivers in your household
• The accident and auto theft rates in the vicinity of your home
• The coverage amounts you are purchasing
• Whether you own or rent your home

Frequently, you can get reduced rates if you bundle your coverage with other policies such as home insurance or renters insurance, or if you qualify for other policy discounts. Comparison shopping lets you find the coverage you need at the best price. Contact an independent agent in Schenectady to easily compare a selection of customized quotes.

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Number of Uninsured Motorists in New York

Although it is illegal in New York, about one in every 20 drivers you are sharing the roads with is operating an uninsured vehicle. If caught, these drivers can face fines, impoundment of their vehicles, suspension of their driving privileges, and potentially even jail time. Perhaps this is why New York has one of the lowest uninsured driver rates in the country.

• How many US drivers are uninsured? 13%.
• How many New York drivers are uninsured? 6.2%.

If you are in an accident that is caused by an uninsured driver, that driver is required to pay for your damage and necessary medical treatments. Uninsured motorist insurance was created to ensure that you can receive timely compensation without the need to take costly and time-consuming legal action against the at-fault driver.

Uninsured motorist insurance is optional in many states, but it is required in New York. This insurance can cover you if you are in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Your insurance company will then try to collect the money owed directly from the responsible driver and will absorb the costs if they are unsuccessful.

Number of Auto Thefts in Schenectady

The auto theft rate in the state of New York is lower than the national rate. However, in Schenectady, the rate is higher. Approximately 150 vehicles are stolen in this city in a typical year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.28
• New York auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 0.67
• Schenectady auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 3.03

You cannot get compensation for a stolen vehicle unless your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This “other than collision” insurance is optional, but most lenders will require you to include it in your auto insurance policy until your car loan is paid in full. 

Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of non-collision damages, including such hazards as falling objects, heavy winds, floods, fires, and property crimes. An independent insurance agent in Schenectady can help you review the cost of including this coverage in your car insurance policy.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?

As a vehicle owner in Schenectady, you can ask a local independent agent for help with finding the best auto insurance to meet your coverage and budgetary needs. Contact an insurance agent in or near Schenectady to start comparing customized car insurance quotes. You’ll soon discover how easy it can be to get reliable coverage at a great price.