Buying New York State Auto Insurance Coverage Online?

Buying New York state auto insurance coverage online can be a good choice for consumers, as long as they take the time to learn about their options and the companies offering coverage first. Having insurance coverage in place is a legal requirement for drivers in New York, but each company offering these types of financial products sets its own rates and coverage terms for its policyholders.

Before deciding to shop for auto insurance coverage online, a driver should think about the type and level of coverage that he or she needs. State law requires drivers to have at least a minimum level of protection in place, but that doesn’t mean that all drivers will be adequately protected with a policy which only provides a low level of coverage.

The right level of auto insurance protection varies, depending on the driver and the level of assets that he or she needs to protect. The consumer will also need to consider how much coverage he or she needs to protect him or herself if an accident occurs. This includes physical damage insurance (collision and comprehensive) as well as Personal Injury Protection coverage.

Another step in finding New York auto insurance coverage online is to confirm that the insurance company is licensed to sell policies in the state. The New York Insurance Department can provide this valuable information to consumers who want to make sure they are dealing with a reputable company.

New York Auto Insurance Coverage and Motor Vehicle Accidents

In New York, drivers who are involved in a motor vehicle accident must exchange insurance information if there were no injuries and the damage is confined to property only. For this reason, proof of coverage should be carried in the vehicle at all times. If the collision involves striking a parked car or other vehicle or if a car strikes an animal, the owner must be located and notified of the incident. A driver involved in the accident can also contact the police to report the incident.

Property Damage Over $1,000

In a situation where the property damage caused in an accident is over $1,000, all drivers involved in the incident are required to fill out an accident report, known as an MV-104 (Report of Motor Vehicle Accident). The document must be filed within 10 days or the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend the driver’s license.

Motor Vehicle Accident Causing Injuries or Fatalities

If the accident caused resulted in injuries or fatalities, all drivers involved in the incident are required to stay on the scene and the police must be called. It is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident resulting in personal injuries or one or more deaths.

The accident is noted on the driving record of all drivers involved. The Department of Motor Vehicles only collects the information; it is not responsible for determining which driver was at fault.