AUTO INSURANCE FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
About Auto Insurance
Collision Insurance pays for damages caused be a covered accident involving a collision with another vehicle, a light post, a tree, etc. Comprehensive Insurance pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and deer hits – which are not collision-related.
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Insurance can help cover the difference between your bills and the driver’s coverage, up to the limits of your policy.
- Uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for medical expenses or damage caused by a driver who is uninsured. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is automatic on every New York State policy, but to a limit.
- Underinsured motorist coverage covers you when someone hits you, but their liability coverage limits aren’t high enough to cover your injury. If you are hit by one of these drivers, underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for the damage.
Full-Glass coverage means there is no deductible when getting your damaged windows replaced. You are covered in full and most Auto Insurance policies include it.
No. Your car would be covered under the comprehensive section of your Auto Insurance policy.
They are the same thing.
Bodily Injury is part of the liability line of your insurance. This protection covers the driver(s) and passengers of other vehicles involved in an accident, as well as any other pedestrians or bystanders injured in the accident when you are responsible.
Medical Payments Coverage covers you, your family members and passengers of your vehicle at the time of the accident regardless of who is at fault. And if you’re hit while you’re walking or riding your bike, you may be covered, too.
Yes. In New York State, your car insurance follows the vehicle. It doesn’t matter who is driving—you’re covered. Even if the car is stolen.
A car is totaled when the cost to repair it exceeds 80% of the market value of the car. If your car is worth $10,000 and the cost to repair it is greater than $8,000, it’s considered totaled.
No. You must turn in your license plates if you cancel your insurance for each car. The DMV will fine you if you have plates with no insurance. For example, as of 2022, if you decide not to drive a car over the winter and you cancel the insurance, but don’t turn in the plates, the DMV will fine you $8 a day per car.
Typically, 39 months.
Yes. Insurance companies require six months of continuous insurance to get the best rate. Our advice is to never let your insurance lapse.
Yes. You will save 10% on Auto Insurance (except for the Comprehensive premium) for the vehicle you drive for three years. This also applies if you are leasing your car.
No. You need to add it to your policy.
Yes. After the insurance company does an inspection of your damaged vehicle, you can take your car to be repaired anywhere you wish.
No. Your personal property in the vehicle would be covered by your Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance –not your Auto Insurance.
No. This is a myth. Insurance companies do not inquire about the color of your car when purchasing Auto Insurance.
No, the majority of insurance companies do not cover Uber or Lyft drivers. You’ll need to check with your agent to find out if your insurance company has an endorsement for ride sharing.
Yes. In New York State the minimum liability is $25,000 per person.
Yes. Your personal Auto Insurance policy will not cover it.
Yes, and there are several reasons why: 1) Insurance companies look at factors like age and driving experience when deciding insurance premiums, and teenage drivers with little or no experience behind-the-wheel experience can potentially lead to more accidents.
Yes. If you drive only occasionally—what some companies call ‘pleasure use’—you’ll pay less. For example, if you work from home, and you’re not commuting back and forth to work or school, your Auto Insurance rates will be lower.
Yes. After the insurance company does an inspection of your damaged vehicle, you can take your car to be repaired anywhere you wish.