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Purchasing a vehicle is an investment that can be life-changing. Sometimes, it is hard to accommodate and make lifestyle adjustments for both a monthly car payment and a monthly insurance payment. Living in Buffalo, New York, complicates the matter, as rates are higher in New York, at $1,699 annually, as compared to the national average of $1,548 annually. Finding an inexpensive option to insure your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. Read on to learn about cheap car insurance options in Buffalo, New York, so you can protect your investment without having to sacrifice life’s pleasures.
New York State Insurance Requirements
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the state of New York requires that every registered vehicle has New York State-issued automobile liability coverage. Liability is the minimum requirement for car insurance in New York. Liability does not cover damages to your vehicle if you are at fault. In New York, the minimum amount of liability coverage is:
- $10,000 for property damage to a single vehicle
- $25,000 for bodily injury
- $50,000 for death of a person involved in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury for two or more people in an accident
- $100,000 for death of two or more people in an accident
Additionally, liability insurance for residents of New York must:
- Remain current while registration is valid, even if the vehicle is not in use
- Be New York state insurance coverage, issued by a company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the New York State DMV
- Be issued in the name of the vehicle registrant and remain in their name
Other considerations are often factored into how much an individual must pay for their car insurance in Buffalo. These include, but may not be limited to:
- Driving history
- Age
- Credit history
- Marital status
The area you live in within Buffalo affects your car insurance rates. This is because crime rates, theft, and uninsured motorist statistics vary by ZIP code. If your neighborhood has higher than average statistics, then car insurance companies may consider you a high risk. According to Zebra, rates in Buffalo can vary as much as 22% from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Some expensive Buffalo ZIP codes are 14208, 14215, 14203, 14204, and 14211. Some ZIP codes that typically have lower rates in Buffalo are 14217, 14218, 14224, 14225, and 14226.
Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Young Drivers in Buffalo
Car insurance is typically higher for younger drivers because they are considered a higher risk based on age and driving experience. Current coverage rates for drivers younger than 25 in New York range from $904 to $1,622.
Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Low Credit Scores in Buffalo
Low credit scores can have an impact on car insurance premiums. If a driver has a low credit score, they are considered a higher risk by many insurance carriers. Current coverage rates for middle-aged drivers with a low credit score range from $1,437 to $4,266 annually.
Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With One At-Fault Crash in Buffalo
Inevitably, if a driver has been in a car accident recently, usually within the past five years, and has been found at fault, meaning they caused the accident, the driver will incur a rise in insurance premium charges. The increase in rates is due to the risk the company takes by insuring a car and driver who has a history of accidents.
The rationale is that one car collision is due to driver negligence, and speaks of poor driving habits. According to insurance providers, the likelihood that a repeat accident happens is higher for drivers who have already been found at fault on other occasions. Current coverage rates for middle-aged drivers with at least one at-fault accident tend to increase slightly for a period of time as opposed to those with no at-fault accidents on their driving record. Rates range from about $1,749 to $2,305 annually.
Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With One DWI
Drivers who have a history of driving under the influence will face higher rates for a period of time. Insurance agencies consider just one DWI enough to raise rates. Insuring a driver with a DWI record is considered a risky investment and the rates will reflect that. Current coverage rates for a middle-aged driver with one DWI can vary from one insurance agency to another. Drivers in this situation can expect to pay anywhere from $2,402 to $6,084 annually.
Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Drivers 60+
Drivers over 60 typically have some of the lowest car rates compared to other age groups. However, as their age increases, prices will begin to increase as well. Fortunately, many providers offer senior citizen discounts to help offset the rate increase. Senior citizen drivers in Buffalo, New York, can expect to pay anywhere from $133 to $188 per month for coverage.
Other Considerations
Many vehicle insurance carriers offer discounts based on driving history, distance and frequency that drivers travel, or occupation. Many providers offer discount rates for military families, public service workers such as police officers and firefighters, and teachers. Families can also benefit from further discounts if they bundle home insurance and vehicle insurance. There are providers that offer discounts for insuring multiple vehicles and providers that offer special add-ons to protect belongings inside the vehicle in case of fire damage or even theft. Consider your needs and plan accordingly to ensure you meet state regulations and take care of your vehicle.
Proper Vehicle Maintenance
While you can’t predict the behavior and habits of other drivers, you can decrease the likelihood of being in an auto collision is by properly maintaining your vehicle. Vehicle owners can do this by periodically changing the oil and checking fluids, rotating tires, using wheel sizes according to factory recommendations, and performing other services as recommended by your vehicle’s maintenance manual. Keep in mind that different vehicles have different maintenance requirements depending on make, model, year, and the vehicle’s history. Winterizing a vehicle can help it respond properly to hazardous road conditions in snow, sleet, and rain. Getting a vehicle’s brakes inspected can increase driver safety on the road.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
