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When it comes to car insurance, Rochester, New York, follows no-fault laws. This means you have to use your own auto insurance policy to get compensation for your losses, regardless of whether you’re the responsible party. Check out this helpful guide to learn more about auto insurance in Rochester.
How Much Auto Insurance Is Required in Rochester?
According to New York law, every vehicle operator is required to have proof of auto insurance in their vehicles at all times. The minimum car insurance requirements in the state are as follow:
- $25,000 for individual bodily injury liability.
- $50,000 for per-accident bodily injury liability.
- $10,000 for per-accident property damage liability.
- $50,000 for individual personal injury protection.
- $25,000 for individual uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury.
- $50,000 for per-accident uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury.
According to Insurify, bodily injury liability coverage pays for the medical bills of injured victims in an at-fault accident. In New York, the minimum coverage limits are $25,000 for each person’s injuries or death and $50,000 for all injuries and deaths resulting from a car crash. If you cause an accident, your liability coverage will protect you up to $50,000 in damages. Anything beyond this limit is your responsibility.
However, it’s important to note that the state-required minimum auto insurance coverage may not be enough to cover all your losses if you get into a major accident. Many New York drivers purchase the following coverage limits to better protect themselves on the road:
- $100,000 for individual bodily injury liability.
- $300,000 for per-accident bodily injury liability.
- $50,000 for per-accident property damage liability.
- $100,000 for individual personal injury protection.
- $25,000 for individual uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury.
- $50,000 for per-accident uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury.
- Collision coverage with a $500 deductible.
- Comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible.
What Is the Average Auto Insurance Cost in Rochester?
According to The Zebra, the typical driver in Rochester pays $1296 per year for auto insurance. That’s cheaper than the average cost of $1704 in New York and the national average of $1548.
How Are Auto Insurance Premiums Determined in Rochester?
In Rochester, insurance companies take many things into consideration when working out car insurance quotes, including:
Location
Your auto insurance premium may vary depending on your ZIP code. Generally, people who live in a highly populated city pay more for car insurance because the large number of motorists on the road increases the likelihood of an accident.
Age
Statistics show that young, inexperienced drivers have the highest chance of getting into an accident. Older drivers typically enjoy lower auto insurance rates because they pose less risk to insurers. If you’re a teen driver, you can try to reduce your premium by qualifying for a good student discount and taking a defensive driving course.
Credit Score
Your credit score is another important factor determining your auto insurance premium. If you have a low credit score, your car insurance rate may be double or triple that of someone with good credit.
Driving Record
You can expect your auto insurance premium to go up if you have a speeding ticket or another traffic violation on your driving record. Also, committing a major offense such as DUI can cause your insurer to deny you coverage. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, meaning they won’t penalize you for a minor violation.
Marital Status
Insurance companies may have different opinions on whether they should charge married or single drivers more. However, one advantage that married couples have over their single counterparts is that they can reduce their premiums by bundling policies. If you bundle your policy with your spouse’s or your homeowners policy, your insurance provider may give you a substantial discount.
Gender
According to an AutoinsuranceEZ.com survey, male and female drivers don’t pay significantly different premiums. Some insurance companies may charge women higher rates, while others may charge men more. Even if your insurer sets premiums based on gender, the difference is usually no more than 3 percent.
Driving Distance to Work
In Rochester, about 71 percent of commuters drive their own vehicles, spending an average of about 20 minutes traveling to and from work. Your driving habits may matter to some auto insurance companies, but they shouldn’t have a significant impact on your premium. For instance, the auto insurance cost of a person who drives tens of thousands of miles each year may be no more than 4 percent higher than that of someone who drives a few miles to work every day. However, business vehicles are generally 10 to 15 percent costlier to insure than personal vehicles.
Coverage and Deductible
The more auto insurance coverage you buy, the higher your premium will be. If you want to get the coverage you need without paying a high monthly rate, you can increase your deductible.
Education
AutoinsuranceEZ states that 28 percent of Rochester residents have completed high school, while 27 percent are just shy of it. It may be surprising, but pursuing a higher level of education may result in a lower auto insurance rate. Recent data reveals that college graduates are enjoying increasingly more favorable premiums, even beyond drivers who have high salaries and prestigious job titles.
How Do You Find the Best Auto Insurance Deal in Rochester?
The most effective way to reduce your auto insurance cost is to compare quotes from as many insurance companies as possible and choose the insurer that offers the best deal. In Rochester, the cheapest car insurance provider for ordinary drivers is GEICO. The following is a list of insurers in the city that offer competitive rates:
- GEICO: $1048 per year.
- NYCM Insurance: $1175 per year.
- Progressive: $1305 per year.
- State Farm: $1684 per year.
- Allstate: $1757 per year.
Although it’s important to keep your auto insurance cost low, you shouldn’t just buy the cheapest policy you can find. Instead, opt for a car insurance policy with higher limits and more coverages so that you’ll be well-protected if you get into an accident.
Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.
Sources:
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Rochester, NY (2021) | insurify.com
Rochester, NY Car Insurance | thezebra.com
Cheap Car Insurance in Rochester, NY | autoinsuranceez.com
Minimum Liability Insurance: Everything You Need to Know | caranddriver.com
Car Insurance Business Use: Everything You Need to Know | caranddriver.com
Car Insurance Hacks: Everything You Need to Know | caranddriver.com
Car Insurance | caranddriver.com
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