Twenty-three people from New York and New Jersey -- among them a Hunterdon County man -- have been charged with fraud after claiming to be Keystone State residents in order to save money on car insurance, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.
Also charged in the rate evasion scheme is a Reading, Pa., woman, the news release says. It was not immediately clear why she is charged.
Rate evaders are out-of-state residents who provide false information to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in order to obtain state driver's licenses or vehicle registrations, the release says. They use the state-provided documentation to obtain Pennsylvania insurance policies for their vehicles, the release says.
Attorney General Tom Corbett estimates that rate evaders account for $12 million to $15 million worth of insurance claims each year on Pennsylvania policies. That leads to higher premiums for everyone, he said.
“Because of differences in automobile insurance premiums and coverage requirements, some New York or New Jersey drivers can save anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per year by falsely claiming to live in Pennsylvania and insuring their vehicles here,” Corbett said.
“The real financial losers in this scam are the honest drivers of Pennsylvania, whose premiums increase when their insurance companies pay claims for drivers who lied about living in our state.”
Source
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
New York Auto Accident Lawyer Offers Tips On What To Do After A Motor Vehicle Crash
“When someone has just been the victim of an automobile accident, their mind is usually racing, as they try to get a grip on what just happened,” says George W. Ilchert, Esq., a partner with Lurie, Ilchert, Mac Donnell and Ryan, LLP
a car accident law firm with experience in New York auto accident cases. “The most pressing decision for a victim, following the accident, is what to do next.”
What an accident victim does next, he says, may shape their future.
“The first and most important thing that a victim must do following a motor vehicle accident is call the police,” says Ilchert. “The accident report that the police will generate will prove crucial if the accident results in some type of litigation.”
Next, Ilchert says that if the victim of an auto accident has been injured in any way, it is imperative that the individual seek immediate medical attention.
“Some auto accident injuries may be immediately apparent, while others may take days to develop,” says Ilchert. “It is best, following an auto accident, to request that an ambulance take them to a hospital for evaluation.”
Ilchert reminds accident victims that even if they have been given a clean bill of health from emergency room staff members, they should follow up with their own physician for further evaluation.
Of course, Ilchert says that the accident should be reported to the victim’s insurance company as soon as possible.
“However, accident victims should never accept a settlement offer from any insurance company before speaking with an accident attorney,” says Ilchert. “A good accident attorney will offer a free consultation to accident victims. So, it is imperative that a victim consult a personal injury attorney following an accident.”
Source
a car accident law firm with experience in New York auto accident cases. “The most pressing decision for a victim, following the accident, is what to do next.”
What an accident victim does next, he says, may shape their future.
“The first and most important thing that a victim must do following a motor vehicle accident is call the police,” says Ilchert. “The accident report that the police will generate will prove crucial if the accident results in some type of litigation.”
Next, Ilchert says that if the victim of an auto accident has been injured in any way, it is imperative that the individual seek immediate medical attention.
“Some auto accident injuries may be immediately apparent, while others may take days to develop,” says Ilchert. “It is best, following an auto accident, to request that an ambulance take them to a hospital for evaluation.”
Ilchert reminds accident victims that even if they have been given a clean bill of health from emergency room staff members, they should follow up with their own physician for further evaluation.
Of course, Ilchert says that the accident should be reported to the victim’s insurance company as soon as possible.
“However, accident victims should never accept a settlement offer from any insurance company before speaking with an accident attorney,” says Ilchert. “A good accident attorney will offer a free consultation to accident victims. So, it is imperative that a victim consult a personal injury attorney following an accident.”
Source
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Woodhaven residents track cars with non-New York license plates parked for extended periods
Fed up with out-of-state cars that hog parking spots for weeks at a time, a group of Queens residents have pledged to take matters into their own hands.
Members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association will now track cars with non-New York plates and report them to their home states if they are parked in the same spot for extended periods of time.
"We started looking for outside-the-box solutions for some of the quality-of-life issues," said Edward Wendell, president of the association. "One resident said she hasn't been able to get a parking spot on her block for over a year."
It's unclear whether these vehicles belong to visitors or local residents who illegally register them in states such as Florida or Maryland where car insurance is cheaper.
Parking is at a premium in the densely populated neighborhood, where the streets are lined with single-family homes and Jamaica Ave. is a major shopping and commuting destination.
During a recent meeting of the block association, members were asked to air their top gripes about the neighborhood. They rattled off a list that included illegal dumping, illegal conversions and late-night house parties, Wendell said. But parking remained one of the biggest problems.
"This has been going on for a long, long time," said Maria Thompson of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. "We feel that if they park in New York streets, they should have New York license plates."
The block association is asking residents to contact them if they see a vehicle with out-of-state plates parked on the street for more than a month. They will contact the state's motor vehicle agency, via phone and mail, and ask them to investigate whether the vehicle is legally registered.
After a Daily News report revealed that the city was failing to collect millions of dollars from out-of-state vehicles racking up parking tickets, the Finance Department inked a deal last year to collect fines from vehicles registered in a dozen states.
Source
Members of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association will now track cars with non-New York plates and report them to their home states if they are parked in the same spot for extended periods of time.
"We started looking for outside-the-box solutions for some of the quality-of-life issues," said Edward Wendell, president of the association. "One resident said she hasn't been able to get a parking spot on her block for over a year."
It's unclear whether these vehicles belong to visitors or local residents who illegally register them in states such as Florida or Maryland where car insurance is cheaper.
Parking is at a premium in the densely populated neighborhood, where the streets are lined with single-family homes and Jamaica Ave. is a major shopping and commuting destination.
During a recent meeting of the block association, members were asked to air their top gripes about the neighborhood. They rattled off a list that included illegal dumping, illegal conversions and late-night house parties, Wendell said. But parking remained one of the biggest problems.
"This has been going on for a long, long time," said Maria Thompson of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. "We feel that if they park in New York streets, they should have New York license plates."
The block association is asking residents to contact them if they see a vehicle with out-of-state plates parked on the street for more than a month. They will contact the state's motor vehicle agency, via phone and mail, and ask them to investigate whether the vehicle is legally registered.
After a Daily News report revealed that the city was failing to collect millions of dollars from out-of-state vehicles racking up parking tickets, the Finance Department inked a deal last year to collect fines from vehicles registered in a dozen states.
Source
Monday, September 14, 2009
Driver safety course helps people adjust
Thirteen area drivers are now just a little bit safer when they hit the roads.
These drivers participated in a driver safety class sponsored by AARP Monday morning. The motorists, who are all over 50 years of age, learned about new driving laws and reviewed the Driver’s Handbook put out by the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as learning a little about defensive driving through observation.
According to Bill Lundy, the instructor for the course, those over the age of 50 should take the class once every three years. It is offered four times each year in Surry County either at the Jones Family Resource Center where Monday’s class met or at Central United Methodist Church which will host a class in September.
“It’s designed primarily to remind older drivers that their driving abilities are not what they used to be,” he said, referring to reaction time, vision problems and hearing problems. “The laws have changed quite a bit since they started driving. The highways have improved and the speed limits are faster. It’s just a different ball game.”
Participants in the class Monday learned about the cell phone usage laws in North Carolina as well as the seat belt laws, both of which have changed in recent years.
Participants decided to sign up for the class, which costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, for different reasons. In many states, including Virginia and South Carolina, insurance companies are mandated to offer a discounted rate to drivers who complete the course. In North Carolina, it is optional whether or not a discount is offered.
Grace Adams encourages everyone to take the class, saying that she learned a great deal from it.
“I took it to make me feel better. I think we all need to keep trying to educate ourselves, no matter how old we are,” she said.
Oscar Fain is one of those hoping to see a reduction in his insurance rates.
“I signed up to better my driving ability and maybe get a reduction in my insurance,” he said, noting that he learned about new signs, new laws and different regulations. “More people should take the class for their own good.”
Another of the participants attended the class for a unique reason. She just moved to Surry County from New York and had never driven a car. She relied on public transportation such as subways and buses to get around in New York. Once she moved to Surry County, she had to learn to drive a car to get around. So, she called her insurance company to get a new policy and learned that it would cost $552 each month to cover her because of her age and the fact that she has only been driving for a year.
She has since gotten her insurance down to $192 per month and hopes to see it drop even farther.
“I’m hoping and wishing nothing happens to my driving. That’s why I’m here taking this class,” she said. “We need more public transportation in this town.”
Source
These drivers participated in a driver safety class sponsored by AARP Monday morning. The motorists, who are all over 50 years of age, learned about new driving laws and reviewed the Driver’s Handbook put out by the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as learning a little about defensive driving through observation.
According to Bill Lundy, the instructor for the course, those over the age of 50 should take the class once every three years. It is offered four times each year in Surry County either at the Jones Family Resource Center where Monday’s class met or at Central United Methodist Church which will host a class in September.
“It’s designed primarily to remind older drivers that their driving abilities are not what they used to be,” he said, referring to reaction time, vision problems and hearing problems. “The laws have changed quite a bit since they started driving. The highways have improved and the speed limits are faster. It’s just a different ball game.”
Participants in the class Monday learned about the cell phone usage laws in North Carolina as well as the seat belt laws, both of which have changed in recent years.
Participants decided to sign up for the class, which costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, for different reasons. In many states, including Virginia and South Carolina, insurance companies are mandated to offer a discounted rate to drivers who complete the course. In North Carolina, it is optional whether or not a discount is offered.
Grace Adams encourages everyone to take the class, saying that she learned a great deal from it.
“I took it to make me feel better. I think we all need to keep trying to educate ourselves, no matter how old we are,” she said.
Oscar Fain is one of those hoping to see a reduction in his insurance rates.
“I signed up to better my driving ability and maybe get a reduction in my insurance,” he said, noting that he learned about new signs, new laws and different regulations. “More people should take the class for their own good.”
Another of the participants attended the class for a unique reason. She just moved to Surry County from New York and had never driven a car. She relied on public transportation such as subways and buses to get around in New York. Once she moved to Surry County, she had to learn to drive a car to get around. So, she called her insurance company to get a new policy and learned that it would cost $552 each month to cover her because of her age and the fact that she has only been driving for a year.
She has since gotten her insurance down to $192 per month and hopes to see it drop even farther.
“I’m hoping and wishing nothing happens to my driving. That’s why I’m here taking this class,” she said. “We need more public transportation in this town.”
Source
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Allstate study ranks Buffalo as less safe for accidents
Drivers in Buffalo are more likely to experience an accident than in other cities of upstate New York or other parts of the country on average, though not as much so as in New York City or Yonkers, according to a new study by insurer Allstate Corp.
The study found that the average driver in Buffalo will suffer a car collision every 8.5 years, making drivers here 17.5 percent more likely to experience an accident than the national average. Nationwide, the average driver has an accident every 10 years, according to Allstate data.
That ranked Buffalo 126th in driving safety out of the 197 largest U. S. cities served by Allstate. By contrast, Rochester drivers have an accident every 9.4 years, while in Syracuse it’s every 9.8 years. And while Rochester and Syracuse drivers got better, Buffalo drivers got worse, with accidents occurring more often than in 2005.
However, Buffalo is the third-best Northeastern city out of 15 metropolitan areas. Syracuse was first, followed by Buffalo and then Pittsburgh. Hartford, Conn., was last in the Northeast, and ranked 190 nationwide.
“We don’t want drivers in Buffalo to be discouraged by their ranking,” said Allstate spokeswoman Krista Conte. “Instead, we want the report to challenge drivers in Buffalo to make positive changes to their driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to live, work and raise families.”
The fifth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” ranks the cities based on car collision frequency. The company’s actuaries analyzed company claims data over a two year period from January 2006 to December 2007, to ensure external factors like weather or road construction didn’t affect the results, and then computed a weighted average. The data reflects where drivers live, not where the crashes occurred.
The nation’s “safest” city, based on the data, is Sioux Falls, S. D., where crashes occur every 13.5 years, and drivers are 26.1 percent less likely to be in a crash than the average driver nationally. That was followed by Fort Collins, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Knoxville, Tenn.
Drivers in large cities with populations of more than 1 million are more likely to experience collisions. Phoenix was the safest of those, with collisions every 9.2 years, followed by San Diego and New York. By contrast, Philadelphia was the most dangerous big city, with crashes every 6.4 years and drivers 57.1 percent more likely than average to have an accident.
Among the 10 most improved cities — those that most improved the number of years between accidents — five were in Virginia.
Source
The study found that the average driver in Buffalo will suffer a car collision every 8.5 years, making drivers here 17.5 percent more likely to experience an accident than the national average. Nationwide, the average driver has an accident every 10 years, according to Allstate data.
That ranked Buffalo 126th in driving safety out of the 197 largest U. S. cities served by Allstate. By contrast, Rochester drivers have an accident every 9.4 years, while in Syracuse it’s every 9.8 years. And while Rochester and Syracuse drivers got better, Buffalo drivers got worse, with accidents occurring more often than in 2005.
However, Buffalo is the third-best Northeastern city out of 15 metropolitan areas. Syracuse was first, followed by Buffalo and then Pittsburgh. Hartford, Conn., was last in the Northeast, and ranked 190 nationwide.
“We don’t want drivers in Buffalo to be discouraged by their ranking,” said Allstate spokeswoman Krista Conte. “Instead, we want the report to challenge drivers in Buffalo to make positive changes to their driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to live, work and raise families.”
The fifth annual “Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report” ranks the cities based on car collision frequency. The company’s actuaries analyzed company claims data over a two year period from January 2006 to December 2007, to ensure external factors like weather or road construction didn’t affect the results, and then computed a weighted average. The data reflects where drivers live, not where the crashes occurred.
The nation’s “safest” city, based on the data, is Sioux Falls, S. D., where crashes occur every 13.5 years, and drivers are 26.1 percent less likely to be in a crash than the average driver nationally. That was followed by Fort Collins, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Knoxville, Tenn.
Drivers in large cities with populations of more than 1 million are more likely to experience collisions. Phoenix was the safest of those, with collisions every 9.2 years, followed by San Diego and New York. By contrast, Philadelphia was the most dangerous big city, with crashes every 6.4 years and drivers 57.1 percent more likely than average to have an accident.
Among the 10 most improved cities — those that most improved the number of years between accidents — five were in Virginia.
Source
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A growing problem: More risking driving uninsured
Rose Roper said she has finally resolved issues over a wreck she and her daughter had in March 2006.
By the numbers
Citations for violation of proof of insurance written by area police
Departments: 2008; 2009*
Florence: 1,623; 494
Muscle Shoals: 304; 64
Russellville: 706; 407
Sheffield: 404; 200
Tuscumbia: 112; 75
*From January 2009 to July 2009
Source: Area court clerks
Their car was totaled, and the man driving the vehicle that struck it did not have insurance.
Authorities expect that kind of problem to increase as more people drop their insurance coverage in a bad economy.
Roper said the situation surrounding their accident wasn't settled until she hired an attorney.
"We had to pay out of pocket and then had to use an attorney to get our money back," said the Muscle Shoals resident. "Insurance is expensive, but I'm glad I had full coverage. I don't know what I would have done without it."
John Heid, an official with Allstate Insurance in Atlanta, said that in 2007, 26 percent of Alabama drivers were uninsured.
"It stands to reason that the increase in the percentage of uninsured drivers will result in a greater likelihood that if you're involved in an auto accident, it will be with someone who has no auto insurance," Heid said.
Alabama is among 49 states that require drivers to carry insurance, and it requires drivers to have at least liability insurance.
Still, uninsured drivers are a problem.
"We continue to write citations for no insurance," said Florence police Lt. Tony Barnett.
Carolyn Gorman, an official with the Insurance Information Institute in New York, said the problem is not limited to a few states.
"It's a national problem and one that is growing," he said.
Officials with the Insurance Research Council noted that in 2007, 13.8 percent of drivers nationwide had no car insurance. That percentage is expected to increase to 16 or higher by 2010.
Gorman said research reveals that several hundred thousand motorists are expected to drop their insurance as the unemployment rate climbs.
In a recent study by Direct General, a Nashville-based automobile insurance provider, 36 percent of drivers say they will continue to drive even if they are unable to keep their car insurance.
"Our company wants people to think twice about driving without adequate automobile insurance coverage," said Direct General CEO Dan Tarantin. "Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, and yet consumers do think that many are willing to risk getting caught if it means continuing to be able to drive."
Gorman said when people lose their jobs, they could eventually be forced to make a decision on paying bills or feeding their families.
"And because of those kinds of decisions, they let insurance premiums lapse," Gorman said.
"It's really a tough decision. You have to work - most people have to drive to get there - so there's going to be a lot of general lawbreakers who are driving without insurance because they feel they have no choice."
Gorman said nearly all insurance carriers have something written into their comprehensive coverage plans to cover an accident with an uninsured driver, "which costs the consumer extra."
Alfa insurance agent Terry Oakley, of Florence, said that in Alabama, comprehensive policies include "uninsured, underinsured motorists."
"And if someone does not want that, they must sign a waiver for it to be excluded from their policy," Oakley said.
He said the uninsured, underinsured motorists policies cover personal injury to the driver if there is a collision with an uninsured driver.
"If I don't have the underinsured insurance and the driver that hits me doesn't have insurance, I'm up the creek," Oakley said.
"Most people are buying insurance to protect themselves if they hit someone, but with comprehensive coverage, which has the additional underinsured coverage, you are buying protection in case you are hit by an uninsured driver."
Oakley said generally $25,000 of coverage for the underinsured protection would cost $31 every six months. For $100,000 coverage, the premium would be $54 every six months, per vehicle.
"People who are living from day to day, they see (insurance) as an unnecessary expense. I see it as a part of my budget and a necessary expense," he said.
Barnett said some drivers have insurance, but let the premium default and don't renew it.
"They have to have insurance to get their vehicle tags, and a lot of people will pay the premium for a couple of months to get the tags, then when it's time to renew they just don't," he said. "So they're riding around without, insurance and that's the problem."
Some think the problem can't be corrected until the economy improves. Others think stiffer penalties could be the solution.
Violation of Alabama's insured drivers law can be costly.
According to the state statute, the first violation of failure to have proof of insurance can cost up to a $500 fine plus court costs. A second violation can mean a fine up to $1,000 and the suspension of the driver's license for up to six months, plus court costs.
Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said impounding vehicles could be another possibility.
"Then make them provide proof of insurance before the car is released back to them," Ray said. "I don't know if that's the answer, but I agree something needs to be done. We still write a lot of noninsured citations and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better."
Source
By the numbers
Citations for violation of proof of insurance written by area police
Departments: 2008; 2009*
Florence: 1,623; 494
Muscle Shoals: 304; 64
Russellville: 706; 407
Sheffield: 404; 200
Tuscumbia: 112; 75
*From January 2009 to July 2009
Source: Area court clerks
Their car was totaled, and the man driving the vehicle that struck it did not have insurance.
Authorities expect that kind of problem to increase as more people drop their insurance coverage in a bad economy.
Roper said the situation surrounding their accident wasn't settled until she hired an attorney.
"We had to pay out of pocket and then had to use an attorney to get our money back," said the Muscle Shoals resident. "Insurance is expensive, but I'm glad I had full coverage. I don't know what I would have done without it."
John Heid, an official with Allstate Insurance in Atlanta, said that in 2007, 26 percent of Alabama drivers were uninsured.
"It stands to reason that the increase in the percentage of uninsured drivers will result in a greater likelihood that if you're involved in an auto accident, it will be with someone who has no auto insurance," Heid said.
Alabama is among 49 states that require drivers to carry insurance, and it requires drivers to have at least liability insurance.
Still, uninsured drivers are a problem.
"We continue to write citations for no insurance," said Florence police Lt. Tony Barnett.
Carolyn Gorman, an official with the Insurance Information Institute in New York, said the problem is not limited to a few states.
"It's a national problem and one that is growing," he said.
Officials with the Insurance Research Council noted that in 2007, 13.8 percent of drivers nationwide had no car insurance. That percentage is expected to increase to 16 or higher by 2010.
Gorman said research reveals that several hundred thousand motorists are expected to drop their insurance as the unemployment rate climbs.
In a recent study by Direct General, a Nashville-based automobile insurance provider, 36 percent of drivers say they will continue to drive even if they are unable to keep their car insurance.
"Our company wants people to think twice about driving without adequate automobile insurance coverage," said Direct General CEO Dan Tarantin. "Driving without insurance is illegal in most states, and yet consumers do think that many are willing to risk getting caught if it means continuing to be able to drive."
Gorman said when people lose their jobs, they could eventually be forced to make a decision on paying bills or feeding their families.
"And because of those kinds of decisions, they let insurance premiums lapse," Gorman said.
"It's really a tough decision. You have to work - most people have to drive to get there - so there's going to be a lot of general lawbreakers who are driving without insurance because they feel they have no choice."
Gorman said nearly all insurance carriers have something written into their comprehensive coverage plans to cover an accident with an uninsured driver, "which costs the consumer extra."
Alfa insurance agent Terry Oakley, of Florence, said that in Alabama, comprehensive policies include "uninsured, underinsured motorists."
"And if someone does not want that, they must sign a waiver for it to be excluded from their policy," Oakley said.
He said the uninsured, underinsured motorists policies cover personal injury to the driver if there is a collision with an uninsured driver.
"If I don't have the underinsured insurance and the driver that hits me doesn't have insurance, I'm up the creek," Oakley said.
"Most people are buying insurance to protect themselves if they hit someone, but with comprehensive coverage, which has the additional underinsured coverage, you are buying protection in case you are hit by an uninsured driver."
Oakley said generally $25,000 of coverage for the underinsured protection would cost $31 every six months. For $100,000 coverage, the premium would be $54 every six months, per vehicle.
"People who are living from day to day, they see (insurance) as an unnecessary expense. I see it as a part of my budget and a necessary expense," he said.
Barnett said some drivers have insurance, but let the premium default and don't renew it.
"They have to have insurance to get their vehicle tags, and a lot of people will pay the premium for a couple of months to get the tags, then when it's time to renew they just don't," he said. "So they're riding around without, insurance and that's the problem."
Some think the problem can't be corrected until the economy improves. Others think stiffer penalties could be the solution.
Violation of Alabama's insured drivers law can be costly.
According to the state statute, the first violation of failure to have proof of insurance can cost up to a $500 fine plus court costs. A second violation can mean a fine up to $1,000 and the suspension of the driver's license for up to six months, plus court costs.
Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said impounding vehicles could be another possibility.
"Then make them provide proof of insurance before the car is released back to them," Ray said. "I don't know if that's the answer, but I agree something needs to be done. We still write a lot of noninsured citations and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better."
Source
Monday, July 20, 2009
An Overview of New York Auto Insurance Requirements
Insurance laws and requirements can be complicated and vary from state to state. New York auto insurance is no exception to this statement. There are several different types of coverage that fall into the auto insurance category. Some of the coverage types are optional while others are required by state law.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is required in nearly every state. car insurance laws in New York require $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 in coverage. These amounts cover bodily injury liability per person/total bodily injury per accident/property damage per accident, respectively.
New York State is unique in that it requires double the bodily injury liability limits in the event the accident results in death, taking the limits to $50,000/$100,000.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection or PIP is required in NY, as well as several other states. It is an extended type of auto coverage that assists with medical costs and can cover lost wages and other miscellaneous charges.
Medical Coverage
New York is what is referred to as a "no-fault" state. All individuals that have auto insurance are required to have this coverage. This covers the insured's medical costs, regardless of fault. There is some controversy over this type of coverage as it is generally expensive and is thought to create redundant coverage when the insured also has regular medical insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states but, required in NY. This coverage will cover the insured, up to the limits they have purchased, if they are in an accident caused by another driver and that driver is not insured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the full liability. Another common case that this type of insurance is helpful is in the event of a hit and run.
Other New York Car Insurance Requirements
New York State requires that auto insurance remain in effect while a vehicle is registered, regardless whether or not the vehicle is being used. If a vehicle is not being used, New York State requires that plates are returned to the state to cancel the registration.
New York auto insurance law requires that New York drivers have insurance in the state, out of state insurance is not acceptable. This state also requires that the insurance must be in the same name as the registered owner. Neglecting to follow this requirement will result in a lapse of insurance and the registration will be suspended; the owners?driver's license will also be suspended if the lapse exceeds 90 days.
Source
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is required in nearly every state. car insurance laws in New York require $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 in coverage. These amounts cover bodily injury liability per person/total bodily injury per accident/property damage per accident, respectively.
New York State is unique in that it requires double the bodily injury liability limits in the event the accident results in death, taking the limits to $50,000/$100,000.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection or PIP is required in NY, as well as several other states. It is an extended type of auto coverage that assists with medical costs and can cover lost wages and other miscellaneous charges.
Medical Coverage
New York is what is referred to as a "no-fault" state. All individuals that have auto insurance are required to have this coverage. This covers the insured's medical costs, regardless of fault. There is some controversy over this type of coverage as it is generally expensive and is thought to create redundant coverage when the insured also has regular medical insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states but, required in NY. This coverage will cover the insured, up to the limits they have purchased, if they are in an accident caused by another driver and that driver is not insured or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the full liability. Another common case that this type of insurance is helpful is in the event of a hit and run.
Other New York Car Insurance Requirements
New York State requires that auto insurance remain in effect while a vehicle is registered, regardless whether or not the vehicle is being used. If a vehicle is not being used, New York State requires that plates are returned to the state to cancel the registration.
New York auto insurance law requires that New York drivers have insurance in the state, out of state insurance is not acceptable. This state also requires that the insurance must be in the same name as the registered owner. Neglecting to follow this requirement will result in a lapse of insurance and the registration will be suspended; the owners?driver's license will also be suspended if the lapse exceeds 90 days.
Source
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