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New York state requires drivers to maintain auto insurance coverage, including $10,000 for property damage liability, $25,000 for bodily injury liability with a per-accident max of $50,000, and death liability of $50,000, with a per-accident max of $100,000. For those unfamiliar, it can be overwhelming to shop for a new auto insurance policy. Here are a few tips for finding the right coverage.

Do:

Raise deductibles and eliminate unnecessary coverage.

Your deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance provider also starts contributing. The higher the deductible, the less you pay in premiums. The trade-off is that you save money each month, but risk having to spend more on if you file a claim in the future. Take the time to assess your current plan. Drop what you no longer need, and ask about policies that can help fill gaps in your coverage. For instance, if your car is old, paid-off, and well-worn, you may no longer need collision or comprehensive coverage.  

Provide a no-claims certificate.

Auto insuranceIf you haven’t made any claims in the past year, your insurer should provide you with a “no-claims certificate.” This usually entitles you to a premium discount, since carriers prefer when their clients drive safely. Your insurer should send you the certificate with your renewal letter, and you may be able to use this to renew at a lower rate.

Don't:

Choose based on the lowest price.

Instead of going for the lowest priced policy, select the one that offers the best value. For example, if you can lower your deductible, raise your policy limits, or cover something excluded by a cheaper policy, it's often worth paying more for the better coverage.

Choose only the bare minimum.

The state legal minimums are just that: minimum amounts. They don't pay for injuries to you or your passengers or damages to your vehicle. To boost your level of protection, consider collision coverage, which pays for your accident damages, and comprehensive coverage, which pays for losses due to fire, flood, vandalism, and theft. Also, consider medical payments coverage, which helps pay for treatments for injuries suffered by you or your passengers.

 

For help getting the most out of your auto insurance, contact Truax Insurance in Ogdensburg, NY. They have served clients in and around St. Lawrence County since 1949, and they maintain a second location in Sandy Creek, NY.  In addition to auto insurance, they also carry home, business, health, and life insurance. Call them at (315) 387-3113 to request the help of an experienced insurance agent or request an online insurance quote through their website.

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