5 Little-Known Benefits of Auto Insurance for New York Drivers

Do you know just how hard car insurance can work for you? Here’s every perk you could be enjoying for your monthly premiums.

Key takeaways:

New York auto insurance benefits go beyond accident coverage.
These policies can help with medical costs and legal expenses.
They can also provide financial protection against New York’s many uninsured drivers.
Comprehensive auto insurance can also protect members of your household.

With the ever-increasing costs of auto coverage, drivers in the Empire State (and especially those in the Big Apple) are looking for all the New York auto insurance benefits they can get. For many, this may just be lower premiums or as much assistance as possible in the event of an accident.

However, there’s a lot more help waiting on the sidelines than you might think. Let’s uncover five surprising perks that illustrate just how big a benefit the right coverage can be.

(Ready to see what the right coverage can do for you? Get your custom auto quote today.)

Why New York Auto Insurance Is More Powerful Than You Think

It’s common for New York drivers to have only a basic knowledge of their auto insurance coverage. Insurance terminology can be vague and confusing. (If you agree, you can read our simple breakdown of key insurance terms and jargon here.)

Many have a policy in place to ensure they’re covered in the event of a collision, yet comprehensive auto insurance has the potential to do so much more.

For example, did you know your auto insurance policy can assist you with medical bills and litigation?

It can even protect you against other drivers who have no insurance, and that’s a hefty demographic: around 8.6% of New York drivers have no coverage at all, which adds up to more than 242,000 uninsured vehicles.

Getting familiar with New York auto insurance benefits can help you get full value from your plan, and one of the biggest returns on that investment is on the legal front.

#1. Legal Defense Costs Are Often Covered

One of the most advantageous aspects of auto insurance is that it doesn’t just cover the costs associated with the other driver’s damages or injuries…it also helps to financially cover you in court if you’re sued following an accident.

And those expenses can quickly mount up, with court filings and attorney fees taking a bite out of your bottom line well before a settlement amount is even discussed.

The good news is that comprehensive auto insurance will still contribute to these costs even if you’re the one deemed at fault. Just make sure you know how far your policy limits go in protecting you against legal action.

#2. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Protects You (and Your Passengers)

A new report from the Insurance Research Council revealed that 1 in 3 U.S. drivers is either uninsured or underinsured. That’s a massive 33.4%, proving that millions of people are choosing to accept that accidents can happen to themselves and others, but aren’t taking steps toward damage control.

New York State requires the following minimum amounts in auto liability insurance:

$10,000 covering property damage for a single accident or crash.
$25,000 to cover bodily injury.
$50,000 against the death of a person involved in an accident or crash.
$50,000 for bodily injury.
$100,000 to cover the deaths of two or more people in an accident or crash.

Some New York auto insurance benefits, like uninsured motorist coverage, are automatic for responsibly minded drivers.

Unfortunately, a significant percentage of New York drivers ignore the state’s mandatory requirements, but those who do have it are protected should an uninsured/underinsured driver hit them. This coverage helps pay for things like lost wages, medical bills, and sometimes pain and suffering.

#3. Comprehensive Auto Insurance Covers More Than Collisions

New York auto insurance benefits protect drivers against a range of things. Some of these don’t qualify as accidents, but they can (and do) happen just as easily.

Some non-accident events that comprehensive auto insurance in New York can cover you against include:

Theft or vandalism.
Fire, falling objects, or animal collisions.
Storm, hail, or flood damage.
Broken glass and windshield repairs.

Sooner or later, one of these events will affect your vehicle. These are the built-in risks that come with urban living, driving near nature, or just existing in a world where the negative impact of climate change is elevating New York’s environmental danger ratings.

#4. Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance Add Convenience

Cars and bikes can fail right when we need them most. Whether you’re running errands or on the way to work, the last thing you want is screeching to a halt and wondering what to do next.

This is where New York auto insurance benefits come to the rescue, provided you have the right optional add-ons to make repairs and breakdowns much less of a problem.

For relatively little cost, roadside assistance can provide a range of services covering things like jump starts, lockout services, flat tire repair, and towing.

Rental reimbursement covers the cost of a rental vehicle while yours undergoes repair following a covered loss. These add-ons can make a huge difference when you’re in a tight spot, helping you manage stress and expenses that can quickly become unmanageable.

#5. Coverage for Others in Your Household

You may not be the only one using your covered vehicle. Spouses, children, other family members, or even roommates may occasionally take it for a spin. Depending on your insurance provider’s rules, all these people could be protected under your existing policy.

Of all the New York auto insurance benefits, this one is tailor-made for multi-person households. It’s certainly one less worry if you’re passing your keys to someone with limited motoring experience, like a student driver.

The big takeaway is this: whether you’re cruising the bustling streets of NYC or enjoying a scenic drive in upstate New York, a well-rounded auto insurance policy can be a true money saver in risky or unexpected situations.

How NICRIS Helps You Unlock the Full Value of Your Auto Policy

Discover just how much protection you can unlock…get a personalized quote now.

At NICRIS, we know regular policy reviews are essential in discovering all the New York auto insurance benefits your current coverage has to offer.

Our personalized assessments can then help you decide if you’ve got the right blend of core protection and add-ons to create the kind of comprehensive auto insurance that brings peace of mind.

Annual coverage check-ins also keep your auto insurance in line with the changing landscape of your life.