Best New York City, NY Car Insurance in 2024

Imported from Manual Input

From the Statue of Liberty watching over New York Harbor to the glitz and glamour of Broadway, New York City has some of the most famous landmarks in the entire country.

It is no wonder that the Big Apple attracts 62.8 million visitors annually. When all of these visitors combine with the approximately 8.6 million people that call New York their home it can create a traffic nightmare.

More people on New York City roadways also poses an increased chance for car accidents which can cause more headaches if you don’t have the right car insurance provider on your side. That is where we come in.

We have collected all of the information you need to make a good investment in your car insurance policy in one place. Enter your zip code above to get started and then keep reading to find out how we can help you save even more money.

Cost of Car Insurance in New York City

The price that you will pay for car insurance in the Big Apple depends on a lot of factors.

But what are the factors that affect car insurance rates? According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), some of these factors could include your driving record, age, gender, how much you drive your car, and which neighborhood you call home.

Even your credit score could be driving up your car insurance rates. Not to worry though. We will help you see how each of these factors relates to the price that you pay for car insurance and give you a few tips for lowering your costs.

Male vs. Female vs. Age

Male or female, old or young, at some point in your life you are probably going to need some type of car insurance coverage.

It is no secret that teen drivers pay more either, but did you know that older women have some of the highest rates nationally?

It is true. In fact, a 2017 study conducted by Consumer Federation of America (CFA) found that:

Most large auto insurers charge 40 and 60-year-old women higher rates than men, often more than $100 per year.

This is something that all residents of the Big Apple should keep in mind considering that the median age in New York City is 36.6 years of age according to Data USA.

No matter how old you are, everyone wants to save money on car insurance. Take a look at the table below to see what the average cost for premiums could look like for your age group.

New York City by age

Looking at the data reveals that car insurance rates in New York City follow conventional wisdom to some degree when it comes to age and lower rates. Those rates look a bit different though when age is considered alongside gender.

New York gender age marital

As you can see from the data, teenage males are considerably more expensive to insure than their female counterparts, but there are options for cheap car insurance for young male drivers. Females who are in the 60-year-old category also enjoy cheaper rates than 60-year-old males.

Women who fall into the 35-year old category are more expensive to insure than 35-year-old men though which seems to underscore the findings from CFA.

Women on the whole in New York City are cheaper to insure than men though which is in keeping with conventional wisdom.

Cheapest Zip Codes in New York City

While many people know that age and gender contribute to the price that they will pay for their car insurance policy many don’t realize that the neighborhood that they call home could impact their rates as well.

Knowing how your zip code compares to those around you is especially important as a resident of New York state as well considering that the Insurance Information Institute (III) has ranked New York State as having the 3rd highest insurance premiums in the country.

The table below can help you see just how car insurance rates in your neighborhood compare to those of the surrounding areas in New York City.

New York City Zip

As you can see, zip code 10023 near Central Park pays approximately $5,000 less in car insurance premiums than residents residing in Brooklyn within zip code 11212. Car insurance rates in Brooklyn are also some of the highest in the nation.

Picking up and moving to save on car insurance is not a very practical solution for many people though which is why it is so important to shop around for the best prices in your area.

What is the Best Car Insurance Company in New York City?

Now that you are starting to understand how things like your age, gender, and zip code can impact your car insurance rates you may be wondering just who is the best car insurance company in the Big Apple.

The answer to that question depends on your needs. For instance, some companies might be cheaper when it comes to insuring teen drivers, while others might be best for married people or those who desire more coverage. In fact, your material status can have a big impact on your insurance rates. For more details, see the difference between married car insurance vs. single car insurance.

Keep scrolling to find out what we mean.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by Company

While cheaper rates do not always mean that a company is better looking at who has the lowest price is always a good place to start.

Considering who has the best price for your age group, gender, and marital status is also a smart way to begin your search for the best companies in your area. Take a look at the table below to see how the car insurance providers in your area stack up.

New York City Cheapest Rates

As you can see, a married 35-year old female pays around $500 more than her male counterpart. Single 25-year-old females also pay around $100 more than single 25-year-old males.

When it comes to car insurance men in the New York area between the ages of 25 to 35 really do have the advantage then.

Best Car Insurance for Commute Rates

Your age and marital status are not the only things to think about when looking for the best car insurance provider for you and your family. How far you commute each day can also have a significant impact on your rates.

Data collected by the Federal Highway Administration reveals that New Yorkers put an average of 11,421 miles behind them per licensed driver in the state just in 2014.

Car insurance providers are thinking about this as they set your rates since more time spent behind the wheel often translates into more claims for traffic incidents.

Given the behavior of some commuters on public transportation though it is no wonder that many people choose to drive alone in New York City.

If you do choose to drive alone then the data below can give you an idea of just how much your annual commute will cost you when it comes to your car insurance premiums.

New York city commute rates

At first glance, Geico car insurance seems to be the best company no matter how far your commute rate is. If you have speeding tickets or require a higher coverage level Geico may not be a clear choice. Keep reading to see what we mean.

Best Car Insurance for Coverage Levels

Everyone knows that the more coverage that you purchase the higher your car insurance rates will be. Sometimes you get a choice in your coverage amounts and sometimes you don’t though.

If you have an older car then purchasing only what the state requires might be best for you. If you have bought a new car through the lender may require that you carry full coverage. For more details, see what’s the difference between liability and full coverage car insurance?

Take a look at the table below to see how things like this can impact your bottom line.

New York City coverage levels

As in the case of commute rates, Geico seems to be the best car insurance provider across the board. Be aware though that your rates with any of these companies can shift significantly based on other factors that you never even considered.

One of these factors could be the appearance of your credit score.

Best Car Insurance for Credit History Rates

Most people know that their credit rating can have a big impact on the price that they will pay when they are making major purchases.

Your credit score doesn’t just determine what kind of deal you get when shopping for a house or car though. It can also make a huge difference in the amount that you pay for your car insurance policy in the New York City area.

Take a look at the table below to see what we mean.

New York City Credit

Looking at the numbers you can see that there is an average difference of around $4,500 in the prices that someone with good credit will pay versus what a person with poor credit shells out. With numbers like that it really makes it easy to see why keeping an eye on your credit report is so important.

So why do car insurance companies use your credit score to help them set your rates? And are there any car insurance with no credit check requirements?

According to Consumer Reports, car insurance providers are looking at your credit history in order to predict how likely you are to file a claim.

Consumer Reports also asserted that:

Pricing dynamic also artificially reduces the true sting of careless driving in states like New York. If you have an accident, your premium takes less of a hit because you have already paid for the losses that your merely “good” score predicted you would have.

You can save yourself and all of your neighbors some money simply by keeping an eye on your credit report and driving responsibly. And if you have a high credit score, you might be eligible for a good credit discount.

Not sure what is on your credit report? You can find out simply by requesting the one free copy of your credit report a year that you are entitled to from each of the three major reporting agencies:

• Equifax
• TransUnion
• Experian

Best Car Insurance for Driving Record Rates

While things such as your credit score and commute rate might seem like hidden factors everyone knows that your driving record can drive up the price that you will pay for car insurance if you aren’t careful.

How much you will pay depends on why type of driving infraction you have. The table below shows you just what that speeding ticket or accident will cost you on average.

New York City driving record

As you can see, of all of the things that you can do behind the wheel, drinking and driving will cost you the most money. Check out New York DUI insurance laws. More than that though, it could cost you your life or the lives of others so always drink responsibly and designate a driver.

The price you pay for an Uber is nothing compared to the financial, physical, or emotional costs of drinking and driving.

Just as with your credit score, it can pay to keep an eye on your driving record as well. You can do this by contacting the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and requesting a copy.

Once you receive your copy you should look it over for any errors or out-of-date information. If you find any you can bring it to the attention of the Traffic Violation Bureau and request that the information on your driving record be corrected.

If the points reflected on your driving record actually do belong to you and you would like to have some of them removed then you can do so by enrolling in, and completing, a Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP).

Car Insurance Factors in New York City

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into how your car insurance provider determines your rates. This is why it is so important to understand how things like your age, gender or zip code could impact the price that you pay for your car insurance premiums.

Getting a good deal on car insurance also means understanding how the growth and prosperity of New York City drive the prices in the overall car insurance market.

This is something that you play a key role in since whether or not you own a home or have a higher-education contributes to the growth and prosperity found in the Big Apple. Keep reading to find out what we mean.

Growth and Prosperity

According to the Brookings Institute, the New York metropolitan area ranks 22nd in growth and 30th in prosperity for the 10 year period between 2005 and 2015.

During this same period, job growth rose 8.2 percent which exceeded the expected job growth by 0.6 percent.

The Big Apple also saw its productivity rise by 4.1 percent and the standard of living increase by 7.3 percent as a result of the higher wages that increased productivity and job growth brought with it.

This type of growth is good news for you as a consumer because it means that when you purchase your car insurance policy you are buying into a market that is highly competitive which keeps costs down.

Job growth could also lead to higher premiums in some cases though because more jobs often translate to more cars on the roads as people make their way to work which is why it pays to shop around.

Median Household Income in New York City

As the growth and prosperity of New York City continue to trend upward a lot of residents of the Big Apple are finding themselves with more cash on hand. In fact, Data USA reports that the median income for New York City is $60,879.

Just because you have a few extra bucks in your pocket doesn’t mean that you want to pay more for car insurance though.

Looking at the breakdown of the median income for New Yorkers and how that translates to the amount that they spend monthly for car insurance you really see why every penny you save matters.

With a median income of $60,879 and the average annual cost for insurance standing at $5,780.61, residents of the Big Apple are spending approximately $482 of their $5,073 monthly budget on car insurance. That breaks down to 9.5 percent of their yearly income being spent just to maintain their car insurance policies.

You can use the calculator below to see just how much of your annual income is being dedicated to your car insurance premiums each year.

Looking at how much of your budget is being spent to keep your car insurance policy valid makes it easy to understand how important it really is to get the best price of car insurance.

Home Ownership in New York City

An April 2019 Kiplinger study revealed that the New York metro area is the most expensive place to live in the country ranking Queens as number nine, Brooklyn as number four, and Manhatten in the top spot.

According to Investopedia the average monthly cost of a family-sized apartment on the Upper East Side can run you $20,000 and a tiny apartment in Queens will set you back about $2,000 for the same time period as well.

Consumer Federation of America (CFA) also reported in 2016 that:

Premiums averaged seven percent higher – about $112 per year – for drivers who rent instead of own homes.

No wonder so many people in the Big Apple would rather own than rent if given the chance.

Even though homeownership is part of the American Dream only 37.7 percent of New York City residents had managed to achieve it in 2017. The median value of these homes also sat at around $609,500 according to Data USA.

If you are one of the fortunate few New York residents who have managed to buy into one of the hottest real estate markets in the country you could save even more money on your car insurance by asking about bundling policies for car and home insurance.

Education in New York City

Conventional wisdom holds that the higher your education level is the more likely you are to own a home, but as with so many other traditions Millenials are paving a new way forward for generations to come.

In fact, a study done by Urban.org revealed that:

 Although millennials are more highly educated, even the homeownership rate among highly educated millennials has fallen 5 percentage points compared with the prior two generations.

Part of the reason for this is that Millenials are more likely to have higher student loan debt which often hinders their ability to buy into the housing market.

Student loan debt can also lead to lower credit scores which can impact the price that these Millenials are paying for car insurance. Even with this in mind, many Millenials and New Yorkers of all ages are opting to go on and get a higher education.

According to Data USA, at 7.8 percent, the most common concentration that New Yorkers were enrolled under in 2017 was Generally Psychology. Other popular majors include:

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
• General Business Administration
• General Economics
• Registered Nursing

City-Data.com also revealed that the biggest colleges and universities in the New York metro area were:

• New York University
• Columbia University in the City of New York 
• Pace University-New York 
• Touro College 
• The New School 
• Fashion Institute of Technology
• Berkeley College-New York 
• Technical Career Institutes 
• School of Visual Arts 
• Yeshiva University 
• Teachers College at Columbia University 
• DeVry College of New York 
• Marymount Manhattan College 

There are several City University of New York campuses throughout the Big Apple as well.

Women from the Big Apple were more likely to be enrolled in degree-seeking programs in 2016 than their male counterparts too according to Data USA.

Whether you are looking to advance your career or simply find some self-fulfillment, higher education is always a good investment. Choosing to go back to school could also save you some money on car insurance if you find a provider that offers student discounts.

Wage by Race and Ethnicity in New York City

While getting a degree or certification from an institution for higher learning can help you earn a higher wage there are also a few common jobs for you to choose from in the New York metro area that pay well without advanced degrees. These include miscellaneous manager positions, elementary and middle school teachers, administrative assistants, retail salespersons, and nursing and other health aides.

The highest-paid race/ethnicity in the New York area in 2017 was white workers.

No matter what race or ethnicity you are, the real cost of car insurance can be seen when you look at the percentage of income that New Yorkers are spending on their premiums for the jobs listed above.

NY NY common jobs race and ethnicty

The data reveals that the less money you make the higher the percentage of your annual income you are spending on your car insurance premiums.

You can save a few bucks though by knowing which factors car insurance companies will use to set your rates and being aware of any discounts that might be available to you.

Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

Although there have been many national and state initiatives aimed at closing the wage gap the fact is that income inequality between the sexes still exists. Males in the Big Apple made 1.29 times more than their female counterparts in 2017. Considering this fact in relation to the percentage of income spent by each gender on car insurance really makes it clear why shopping around for car insurance is critical.

NY NY gender percentage of income

All told, women in the Big Apple are allocating a higher percentage of their annual income to their car insurance premiums than males in the same occupations are.

Man or woman, no one wants to pay to much for car insurance which is why comparing the prices between car insurance providers is always the smartest thing to do before you make your purchase.

Poverty by Age and Gender

Your gender and the type of job that you occupy are not the only two things that can combine to cost you more when it comes time to purchase your car insurance policy.

Age and gender can also impact your car insurance rates because they often coincide with the rates of poverty across certain demographics.

Information collected from Data USA reveals that nearly 20 percent of New York City’s population lived in poverty as of 2017. Of all of these residents, the majority were females between the ages of 25-35 years of age.

If you fall into this demographic don’t despair. Many car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that could help you save a few dollars on your car insurance policy.

Poverty by Race and Ethnicity

Women between the ages of 25-35 are not the only ones who are susceptible to poverty.

The Hispanic population in New York City also has a higher rate of poverty than any other race or ethnicity in the metro area. This means that because people who are Hispanic make less money on the average they will have to dedicate a higher percentage of their annual income to their car insurance premiums.

Employment by Occupation

The most common job in New York City is that of Office and Administrative Support, followed by management and sales-related occupations. However, the highest paid jobs in the metro area were those in the legal occupations.

According to the Buffalo News, insurance companies in New York State used to be able to consider a driver’s occupation and level of education when setting auto insurance rates, but a change implemented in 2018 by the state’s Department of Financial Services made it so that these two factors could no longer play a part.

What you do for a living determines how much money you have to spend on car insurance though so these factors are still important to your bottom line.

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Driving in New York City

By now you are probably thinking that buying car insurance is as complicated as negotiating the streets of Manhattan during rush hour.

Not to worry. We are here to help you through the entire process by offering you insight and advice. Keep reading to find out more.

Roads in New York City

If you have spent any time negotiating the streets of the Big Apple then you have probably figured out that roadways in New York City are laid out in a classic grid design.

The reason for this according to Thirteen.org is that:

In 1807, frustrated by years of uncontrolled development and a decade of public health epidemics attributed to lower Manhattan’s cramped and irregular streets, New York City’s Common Council (the predecessor to today’s City Council) petitioned the State Legislature to develop a street plan for Manhattan above Houston Street

While this may make it easier to figure out how to get someplace in the Big Apple it doesn’t make actually getting there any faster.

With so many people and so many cars in such a confined space, traffic and the conditions of the roads in New York City can end up adding to your overall vehicle operating costs.

We have collected the data on each of these things to help you figure out which ones are impacting you the most before you purchase your car insurance policy.

Major Highways in New York City

New York City is more of a city street than a major highway sort of town. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t a lot of ways into and out of each borough.

Some of the major interstates that feed into the Big Apple include:

• Interstate 78
• Interstate 87
• Interstate 278
• Interstate 478
• Interstate 678
• Interstate 95
• Interstate 295
• Interstate 495
• Interstate 695
• New York State Route 440
• New York State Route 495
• And New York State Route 895

New York City also has a number of expressways that help commuters make their way into and out of the city on a daily basis. Some of these include:

• The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
• The George Washington Bridge Expressway
• The JFK Expressway
• The Lincoln Tunnel
• The Log Islan Expressway
• The Staten Island Expressway
• The Trans-Manhattan Expressway

The New York State Department of Transportation also asserts that:

In NYC, State legislation has designated approximately 235 miles of the most heavily used freeways and expressways as part of the NY State Arterial System.

No matter how you slice it then, residents of the Big Apple really are on the move. This drive doesn’t come cheap though.

Some of the tunnels and bridges leading in an out of the city have a toll attached to them with costs that can vary. Take a look.

• George Washington Bridge…$15.00 eastbound only.
• Lincoln Tunnel…$15.00 inbound to NYC only.
• Queens Midtown Tunnel…$9.50 each way.
• Hugh L. Carey Tunnel…$9.50 each way.
• Goethals Bridge…$15.00 inbound to Staten Island only.
• Bayonne Bridge…$15.00 inbound to Staten Island only.

Paying for tolls can really add money to your vehicle operating costs. The New York State Thruway Authority does offer an EZPass discount though to help save you a few bucks.

You can also help keep your vehicle operating costs down by shopping around for the best price on car insurance.

Popular Road Trip Destinations in New York City

From Broadway and the Theater District to the Central Park Zoo, there is a lot to see and do in the New York City area.

Looking to get out of the city? Long Island boasts several wineries that offer tours and tastings and Storm King Art Center is just an hour away and offers 500 acres of large and interesting sculptures for your viewing pleasure.

Whichever day trip you choose you should always plan ahead by looking at the New York City Department of Transportation’s website to see what types of roadworks projects might be ging on along your route.

Road Conditions in New York City

So many people using the same roads day in and day out is bound to take a toll on road surfaces. This helps explain the data collected by Tripnet.org which puts the average vehicle operating costs for residents of the New York-Newark metro area at $719 a year.

Included in these costs are things such as vehicle maintenance, fuel, and the cost of maintaining valid car insurance. The costs can really add up if your car becomes damaged by one of the many potholes or roadway imperfections found on New York City streets.

Approximately 46 percent of the streets in the New York-Newark area are in poor condition. Part of the reason for this is that there are over 6,000 miles of city streets to be maintained.

No matter what the reason is, the damage to New York City’s streets can add costly repairs to your bottom line if you are not careful so always keep your eyes open and avoid bad roads whenever you can.

Does New York City Use Red Light Cameras?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

In 2017, 890 people were killed in crashes that involved red light running.

In an effort to save some of these lives, The City of New York has an active network of traffic cameras that monitor red-light running. If you aren’t used to red light cameras, it can be difficult to spot them without knowing what red light cameras look like.

The New York City Department of Transportation has also provided an overview and report of their red light camera program which reveals that as of 2017 there were 211 active cameras in the city which observed 559,317 events resulting in 11,951 hearing requests.

Of these requests, 92 percent of the requesters were found guilty or guilty with a sentence reduction. It is plain to see then that New York City takes running red lights very serious.

New York City also expanded its speed camera program in 2019. These cameras are meant to keep the children of New York City safer by targeting speeders who disregard the law in school zones.

If you are headed out on the road you can avoid a speeding ticket and save lives in the process simply by slowing down and/or leaving the house earlier.

Vehicles in New York City

The car culture in New York City is almost non-existent compared to other major cities in the United States. Part of the reason for this is that the Big Apple has such a massive public transit system.

That doesn’t mean that New Yorkers don’t drive. Instead, it means that because there are so many people in such a small area sometimes driving isn’t exactly the most efficient way to travel.

If you do own a car though you will definitely need to carry the minimum car insurance required by each state – including New York – and part of getting the best deal on your car insurance policy means understanding the small car culture that does exist in the Big Apple.

Most Popular Vehicle Owned in New York City

The most unusually popular vehicle owned in New York City according to YourMechanic.com is the BMW 328i.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2019 model is a top safety pick. This model also gets 33 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG in the city.

If you are looking to purchase the BMW 328i it will set you back around $54,000 to start. The parts for this model are also quite expensive which could end up costing you more in vehicle operating costs.

Cars Per Household in New York City

As fun as cars can be to drive, many residents if the New York metro area are opting out of car ownership altogether and very few own 2 or more.

According to Nycedu.com:

Ownership is lowest in Manhattan, where only 22 percent of households own a car, while ownership is highest in Staten Island where cars are owned by 83 percent of all households. Queens (62 percent) is also above the city average, while the Bronx (40 percent) and Brooklyn (44 percent) look more like the city as a whole.

If you are one of the few residents of the Big Apple that has opted into car ownership then you are going to need car insurance

New York City Households Without a Car

If you are not into car ownership then you are not alone in the Big Apple. Data collected by Governing.com reveals that 54.5 percent of all New York City residents have chosen the same route.

There are a lot of reasons to purchase car insurance though even if you don’t own a car though.

For instance, many car insurance companies offer non-owner car insurance policies for people who may not own a car but who like to borrow a friend’s car on the weekends.

Speed Traps in New York City

Because New York City is so densely populated the city really doesn’t lend itself well to speed traps. That is not to say that the Big Apple that there aren’t any though.

As we discussed earlier, the New York City Department of Transportation has also increased its speeding camera program from 140 to 750 school zones throughout the metro area.

Be aware that if you are caught speeding you can be fined $50 minimum.

Vehicle Thefts in New York City

Owning a car in New York means protecting it from things such as theft, vandalism, and sometimes even natural disasters. Should any of these things befall your car having comprehensive coverage can really come in handy.

How useful is comprehensive car insurance in New York City? Pretty useful considering that according to the NYPD there were 155 grand larceny auto cases active or reported just for the calendar period between January and August of 2019. It’s a good idea to compare these numbers against the 15 states with the highest vehicle theft rates.

Crime is a part of living in all major cities, but being aware of the types of crimes that you might be exposed to in your neighborhood can really help you protect your family, yourself, and your property.

Neighborhood Scout is a good place to start when looking at how your borough compares to those around you. Here is some of what their data revealed.

NY NY annual crime

These numbers make New York City safer than 30 percent of other U.S. cities. The Big Apple also has a lower rate of murder and rape than the national average according to Neighborhood Scout.

NY violent crime

Data from U.S. News and World Report also reveals that the crime rate in the Big Apple is actually less than it is in both Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Some of the safest neighborhoods in the Big Apple according to NYC Crime Map put out by the New York City government and the NYPD include the 109th Precinct, the 62nd Precinct, and the 121st Precinct.

The Manhattan South Precinct had some of the worst neighborhoods fro crime.

To find out which precinct you reside in, and to pull up specific crime statistics for your area, you can visit the NYPD website.

New York City Traffic

If you live in one of the five boroughs then you already know that the city streets can get crowded. In fact, the New York Times reported in August of 2019 that traffic in Manhattan is moving the slowest it has ever moved in over a decade.

In an effort to combat some of these traffic headaches New York City has become the first city in the United States to approve congestion pricing.

Many New York City residents can see the advantages of congestion pricing even if they don’t like the idea of it. Congestion in the Big Apple is just a snapshot of the bigger traffic problems that New York State is facing as well.

Traffic Congestion in New York State

While rural New York doesn’t seem to have a congestion problem, during rush hour in Manhattan it can seem like every car in the state is trying to navigate New York City roads.

INRIX even ranked New York City as 5th in the top 10 worst cities for traffic. All told, New Yorkers lose an average of 133 hours a year to congestion costing them approximately $1,860 a year as well according to INRIX.

Rush hour in the Big Apple runs from 7 am and 9 am if you are traveling into the city or between 4 pm and 6 pm if you are trying to make your way out of town.

NBC’s New York affiliate also reported that:

The stretch of road (I-95) on Cross Bronx Expressway from Exit 1C/Alexander Hamilton Bridge West to Exit 6A/1-278 was ranked as the corridor with the worst traffic.

Congestion in New York State dies down outside of the Big Apple as the population numbers start to decrease of course.

Transportation in New York City

The average commute time for residents of the Big Apple according to Data USA is 40 minutes.

This is 3 minutes shorter than commute times fro Richmond County indicated by the top bar on the chart above. New Yorkers have a longer commute than the national average though which stands at around 25 minutes and is indicated by the bottom bar.

Data USA also notes that around 8 percent of New York City’s workforce engages in ‘Super Commutes’ which are in excess of 90 minutes. Most of these workers choose to ride into the city using some form of public transportation. This is unlike the rest of the United States which opts into driving alone.

Busiest Highways in New York City

Some of the busiest highways in the New York metro ara include Interstate 95 and US-9.

Interstate 78, Interstate 95, and Interstate 278 also boast the most lanes in the metro area of New York-Newark.

More lanes can help alleviate some of the congestion that New York suffers from but it also means more of a chance for traffic incidents.

Should you become involved in a traffic accident it will be nice to know that you did your homework and got a great deal from the best car insurance provider available.

How Safe are New York City Streets and Roads?

Now that you know all about the road conditions in the Big Apple you may be wondering how New York City streets compare to the streets in the counties around you.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected data on a variety of traffic incidents to help you compare.

Imported from Manual Input

Looking at the fatalities in the counties that surround New York City you can see that Suffolk County had the highest number of traffic fatalities in the entire state for the period between 2013 and 2017.

Kings County which is home to Brooklyn, and Queens County which is home to Queens, also ranked pretty high considering that car ownership is relatively low in those areas.

NY NY alcohol fatalities

Kings County and Queens County also had some of the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities according to the NTHSA data with 21 fatalities occurring in Queens County in 2017 alone.

Alcohol is not the only cause for fatal accidents in the New York City area though.

NY NY speeding fatal

As you can see, speeding also claimed a lot of lives in Queens and Kings Counties in the period between 2013 and 2017. A lot of these fatal car crashes involved a single vehicle as well.

NY NY single vehicle fatal

Suffolk, Kings, and Queens Counties all occupied the top three spots for fatal traffic crashes involving a single vehicle. Many of these also involved roadway departures.

Ny NY road depart fatal

Some of the reasons for roadway departures could be attributed to speed or alcohol use, while others were simply the result of distracted driving. Distracted driving is also a problem at many intersections throughout New York.

NY NY intersection fatalities

New York County saw 27 intersection fatalities in 2017 alone and Richmond County saw about half that many.

ny ny passenger fatal

Kings County trended downward when it came to passenger vehicle fatalities lowering the number of deaths in this type of crash from 17 in 2013 to just 7 in 2017.

Queens County also reduced its numbers for these types of accidents but New York County saw a rise from three fatalities in 2013 to seven fatalities in 2017.

Traffic fatalities do not just involve people driving or riding in motor vehicles. Sometimes pedestrians also become victims.

NY NY ped. fatal

Given the number of people who choose to walk in New York City, it is little wonder that New York County saw 39 people lose their lives in pedestrian-related car crashes. Pedalcyclists are also in danger when navigating the city streets.

NY Ny bike deaths

In 2017 a total of 10 bicyclists lost their lives in New York County and 8 cyclists died as a result of a car crash in Kings County. These types of accidents can be avoided if everyone involved slows down and keeps their eyes on their surroundings.

Knowing which types of roadways in New York State report the most fatalities could also save a life. Take a look at the data provided by NHTSA below.

ny ny fars

As you can see, local roads saw the most traffic-related fatalities in 2017. This is an indication that driving home on auto-pilot might not be the best idea.

You should also keep your wits about you when walking around the city streets or wandering along the subway platforms in New York City.

The Journal of Forensic Science did a study on deaths involving subway trains which revealed that about 76 of the 211 subway fatalities which occurred between 2013 and 2007 were accidental.

Business Insider also revealed that around 48 people a year lost their lives to accidents involving subway trains just in 2016.

Allstate America’s Best Driver’s Report

Life on New York City roadways and subways is not all bad. According to Allstate’s America’s Best Driver’s Report for 2019, New York City is the 111th safest city for driving out of the 200 cities that were included in the rankings.

New Yorkers also saw an average of 8.8 years between car insurance claim filings which is just slightly above the national average of 10.6 years.

Residents of the Big Apple saw a hard-braking event about every 32 miles. though

Hard-braking incidents can be reduced by keeping your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel.

Ridesharing

New Yorkers are pretty inventive when it comes to ways to avoid driving themselves. This is why in the Big Apple you can take anything from a horse-drawn carriage to the subway system to get around town.

For a long time, the taxi service in New York City cornered the market on ridesharing as well.

According to RideGuru.com, those days are over though. If you want to get around the Big Apple nowadays you have some of the following options:

• Arro
• Blacklane
• Carmel
• Curb
• Jayride
• Juno
• Kid Car
• Limos.com
• Lyft
• Uber
• And the traditional Taxi Service

Be aware that Uber and Lyft have limits set on the size of their fleets in the Big Apple so they might be harder to come by.

If you are planning to drive for a rideshare service you should also be aware that you will need to notify your car insurance provider and ask about the proper coverage amounts according to state laws before you pick up your first fare.

EStar Repair Shops

Part of owning a car is making sure that you keep it well maintained. If you are ever involved in an accident you will also want to make sure that you will get quality repairs done.

One of the best ways to do this is to locate an EStar Repair Shop near you. You can do this using the convenient EStar locator tool.

Here are a few that are closest to Midtown Manhattan to get you started.

NY NY ESTAR

When you choose an EStar Repair shop you can rest assured that your repairs will be done with both quality and care in mind.

Weather in New York City

All New Yorkers know that the winters in the Big Apple can create quite a commuter headache for everyone. Thankfully it can’t snow all the time, but it is still important to know how to drive safely in bad weather.

In fact, the average annual high temperature in New York City is 62.3 degrees and the average annual low is only 48 degrees, according to U.S. Climate Data, which are both well above freezing. New York City also enjoys approximately 2677 hours of sunlight a year and only sees about 121 days of rain.

All in all the weather in the Big Apple is pretty pleasant then.

New York City has seen its fair share of natural disasters though according to City-Data.com.

The Big Apple has had 17 natural disasters which is greater than the national average of 13. Most of these have been the result of hurricanes, storms, and blizzards. That is to be expected in a city by the Atlantic Coast for the most part though.

Public Transit in New York City

When bad weather hits New York City it is more likely to disrupt the public transit system than it is to cause any major traffic delays. This is because New Yorkers are so heavily reliant on the MTA to get them around town.

If you are a local then you already know that the MTA has several ways to pay the fares and tolls around the city including the following:

• MetroCard
• Reduced-fare Metro Card
• EasyPay Metro Card

Reduced-fare is for those residents of the Big Apple who are 65 years or older. The MTA also offers everything for subway passes to bus passes.

Because the fares and tolls can vary so widely depending on how you are choosing to utilize the MTA it is always a good idea to visit their Fares & Tolls page to find out what the prices and schedules for your route will be.

Alternate Transportation in New York City

As we have discussed, New York City really isn’t really all that big on car usage. New Yorkers are into alternate forms of transportation though which is causing city planners to rethink the use of the limited space available to them.

One of the more popular ways to get around the Big Apple is to rent a bike. In fact, Citi Bike has approximately 12,000 bikes and 750 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Jersey City alone.

Curbed New York also rents out electric mopeds in the Big Apple if you are not into pedal power.

No matter how you choose to cruise the city streets always keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to your surroundings.

Parking in Metro Areas in New York City

Parking in the New York Metro area can set you back anywhere from $16 to $50 depending on where you park and the time of day that you are looking for a spot.

There is no shortage of spots in the Big Apple either according to Parkopedia.

Some of these options are valet while others are park-and-ride. The U.S. Department of Energy has also worked with New York City to establish electric vehicle stations throughout the Big Apple.

No matter how you intend to travel, the best thing to do is plan ahead if you are contemplating taking your car into the city.

Air Quality in New York City

Just like parking, global warming is something that nobody likes to think about until they have to. The reality is that we are all contributing to in though each time we hail a cab, ride the subway, or jump in our own personal vehicle and crank up the engine.

Global warming isn’t just the latest trend for environmentalists. The warming of the earth has serious consequences for future generations.

Getting from place to place is a necessity of life but there are ways that you can help reduce your carbon footprint. The first thing you can do is understand how what you do on a daily basis contributes to the amount of good or bad air quality days in the Big Apple.

Take a look at the data collected from the EPA to help you get started.

NY NY air quality

As you can see, the New York metro area spent more days in the moderate range than in any other category. This number could be reduced if more people cut back on the things that contribute to global warming such as:

• Using energy-efficient light bulbs
• Recycling more
• Maintaining proper tire pressure
• Driving less
• Planting a tree
• Pumping gas at the cooler part of the day

You may not be able to do all of these things, but every little bit helps.

You can also look into choosing a more efficient car such as a hybrid or electric model which will not only reduce your carbon footprint; it can also save you some moneyon car insurance.

Military Members and Veterans

Owners of electric and hybrid cars are not the only ones that enjoy discounts on car insurance. Serving in the military has benefits that extend beyond pride and patriotism as well.

Syracuse.com asserts that:

In New York County, home to Manhattan, there are 33 vets for every 1,000 people.

And New York County is just one county encompassing the five boroughs.

All told, according to the City of New York:

New York State is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 225,000 of whom call New York City home, and nearly 30,000 active duty military personnel and 30,000 National Guard and Reserve personnel statewide.

According to Data USA, most of the veterans who live in the New York Metro area fought in the Vietnam War as well.

With so many military installations surrounding the New York metro area, it is no wonder that military members and veterans alike chose to call the Big Apple home.

Some of these installations include:

• The U.S. Army Department
• The Miltary and Naval Affairs Office
• The 369th Regiment Armory
• The New York Air National Guard
• The U.S. Army Reserve
• Thakur Naval Base
• The Kaplan Foundation
• And the U.S. Navy Department

As you can see, New York is more of a military town than people realize.

If you are an active duty member or a veteran you deserve to be rewarded for your service so be sure to ask your car insurance agent about car insurance discounts for military members that you might qualify for.

Some of the providers in your area that offer these types of discounts include:

• Allstate car insurance 
• Farmers car insurance 
• Geico car insurance 
• Liberty Mutual car insurance 
• MetLife car insurance
• Safeco car insurance
• USAA car insurance 

Not all benefits are offered to both active military and veterans alike from these providers. The discount amounts can also vary so be sure to ask your agent for the specifics.

Unique NYC Laws

New York City truly is an amazing place to live, work, and play. Sometimes the things that happen in the Big Apple lead to some pretty unique laws.

Some of the strangest laws include the following:

• It is illegal to sell cat or dog hair.
• Flirting could result in a $25 fine.
• And it is against the law to put on a puppet show from a window.

There aren’t just unique laws when it comes to living your best life in NYC either. The Big Apple also has a few driving laws that are unlike others around the country.

One of the most surprising for most people is the fact that it sanitation vehicles have now been included in the “Move Over” law. This means that you must slow down and/or move over when you see sanitation trucks working alongside the roadways.

New York City does not allow rights on red either unless there is a sign stating that it is allowed in that specific spot.

You should also be aware that traffic patterns are time-of-day driven which means that there are signs everywhere telling you when you can or cannot park, turn, stop, or unload so always pay attention to your surroundings.

You can also receive a traffic ticket 24/7 in the Big Apple so make sure you are looking for the time limits in the areas that you are parking and always feed the meter.

The City of New York has specific rules for Mobile Food Vending. Using your personal vehicle as part of a food truck requirements operation will not just require you to follow these rules.

You will need to notify your car insurance provider of your intentions as well.

Now that you have a good grasp of the ins and outs of driving, living, and working in the Big Apple its time to put your knowledge to work for you shopping around for the best deal on car insurance. If you have any more questions just stop back by or enter your zip code below to get started. Whichever way you choose to go, will be here to help you through it all.

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