Car Insurance in Garden City, NY

Vehicle owners in Garden City need car insurance. Whether you are involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the Southern State Parkway, get rear-ended at a stoplight on Franklin Avenue, or have a fender bender in the grocery store parking lot, a good auto insurance policy can save you from large financial losses.

Local independent agents make it easy to find the best auto coverage. These agents can obtain customized car insurance quotes from competing insurance providers on your behalf so you can choose the policy that offers the best value. Find an independent insurance agent in Garden City to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Garden City, NY?

The average cost of car insurance in New York State is lower than the national average. This is welcome news for Garden City drivers looking for an affordable policy.

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

Bear in mind that an average rate can only give you a general idea of how much a policy will cost you. Premiums are calculated on a case-by-case basis and can vary significantly from one driver to another. Some of the many considerations that can affect how much your policy costs include:

• Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and value
• Your age, occupation, gender, marital status, and driving record
• Your insurance claims history and credit score
• The approximate number of miles you drive per year
• The property crime and collision rates in the vicinity of your home
• The amount and types of coverage you want to purchase
• The size of your deductible

Every insurance company has its own method of calculating premiums, so you are likely to be quoted a different price by every provider you contact for rates. Comparison shopping lets you choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most affordable price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Is Car Insurance Required in Garden City, NY?

If you own a vehicle in New York State, you are required by law to have car insurance. Because New York is a no-fault state, if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, your own insurance policy will provide the first line of coverage for your injuries, regardless of who was at fault.

New York law mandates that all car insurance policies must meet or exceed the following minimum coverage requirements:

• Personal injury protection insurance (PIP): This covers medical treatment, lost wages, funeral costs, and other expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. Your policy must include, at a minimum:
  • PIP coverage per accident: $50,000
• Auto liability insurance: This covers your financial responsibilities to other people if you are at fault for a collision. It can pay for their property damage as well as any medical bills and related expenses that go beyond what their personal injury protection insurance can cover. Your policy must include, at a minimum:
  • Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
  • Property damage liability coverage per accident: $10,000
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UM): This covers medical bills for you or your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver. Your policy must include, at a minimum:
  • UM bodily injury insurance per person: $25,000
  • UM bodily injury insurance per accident: $50,000
  • UM property damage insurance is not available in New York State. Instead, you can be covered by collision insurance if you have included it in your policy.

What Else Does Garden City, NY Car Insurance Cover?

You can expect your insurance provider to offer various coverage options in addition to coverage that is required by state law. Some options you may want to consider include:

• Physical damage insurance: This is not required by law, but it is typically required by dealerships if you are leasing your car and by lenders if you are financing it. Physical damage 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 damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Gap insurance: This is designed to protect you if you owe more for your vehicle than its current depreciated value. It can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event.
• Windshield and glass replacement insurance: This covers the cost of replacing the safety glass in your vehicle’s windshield, sunroof, or windows if it is cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged.
• Towing and roadside assistance insurance: This can cover the cost of assistance if your car breaks down and you need to call for help.
• Rental car reimbursement: This can cover the cost of renting a vehicle while you are having your car repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.
• Umbrella insurance: This is a separate policy that your car insurance provider may offer. It can significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage beyond the coverage limits of your primary policies.

An independent agent can help you determine which, if any, options are a good fit for you.

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

Driving an uninsured vehicle is illegal in New York State. If you drive without insurance or if you allow someone else to drive your uninsured car, you can face several consequences if caught. Penalties can include:

• Fines ranging from $150 to $1,500
• The revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for up to three years
• The need to pay a $750 fee to get your driving privileges reinstated
• The possible impoundment of your vehicle
• Potential jail time

A conviction for uninsured driving can also place you in a high-risk driver category, which can mean much higher car insurance rates when you try to purchase a policy.

The good news is that 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 uninsured motorist insurance is a mandatory part of your car insurance policy, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will be able to quickly receive the compensation you are due without going through lengthy legal channels.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Garden City, NY?

The auto theft rate in the state of New York is much lower than the national rate, and in Garden City, the risk is even lower. Residents of this city report an average of around seven stolen cars a year. 

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• New York State’s auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.67
• Garden City's auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.36

Though your risk of car theft is relatively low, 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 financing or leasing your car, chances are that you have this coverage already. If not, you may want to look into how much it would cost to add comprehensive coverage to your car insurance.

Are There Any Car Insurance Discount Opportunities for Vehicle Owners in Garden City, NY?

One of the easiest ways to significantly lower your car insurance rates is by bundling your auto coverage with other policies like homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Other car insurance discounts you may encounter when shopping for coverage include rate reductions for:

• Safe drivers
• Military service members
• Good students
• Teachers
• Policyholders who are insuring multiple vehicles
• Members of certain groups of organizations

A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any offered discounts for which you may qualify.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Garden City, NY?

The best car insurance companies in New York are the ones that have a solid track record for consistently providing their policyholders with excellent coverage, responsive customer service, rapid claims processing, and competitive rates.

Independent agents in Garden City have partnerships with many of the area’s top-rated insurance providers, so they can offer you a selection of policies and quotes from companies you can trust.

How Can an Independent Agent in Garden City, NY Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

When you are looking for the best and most affordable auto insurance policy, an independent agent in Garden City can help. These agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company. This enables them to shop around to find the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

Getting guidance and advice from an independent agent won’t cost you anything. When you’re ready to get answers to your coverage-related questions and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes from highly rated insurers, contact an independent insurance agent near you.