Spiraling Cost of Insurance in New York

Navigating New York's Rising Insurance Costs: Your Concise Guide to Saving on Home and Auto

Are your insurance premiums soaring? Many New York homeowners and drivers are facing significantly higher property and casualty (P&C) insurance rates. This isn't just a minor adjustment; it's a major shift in the insurance market, often called a "hard market," where claims are more frequent and severe, and underwriting is stricter. This guide will explain why this is happening in New York and, more importantly, provide clear, actionable steps to help you reduce your costs.  

The Core Challenge: Extreme Weather and Its Fallout

The biggest factor driving up P&C insurance rates, especially in New York, is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. What were once rare "100-year storms" are now common, leading to massive losses for insurers. In 2024 alone, the U.S. saw 27 weather and climate disasters, each costing over $1 billion. New York has experienced similar superstorms, flooding, and brushfires.  

This trend fundamentally challenges how insurance works. Insurers traditionally spread risk across many policyholders, assuming only a small, unrelated percentage will claim at any given time. But widespread climate disasters mean many claims hit simultaneously, reducing the benefits of this diversification. This forces insurers to raise premiums, limit coverage, or even leave high-risk markets entirely. For example, United Property & Casualty Insurance Co. and Adirondack Insurance Exchange both withdrew from New York due to mounting losses. Fewer insurers mean less competition and, inevitably, higher prices for you.  

Adding to this, the cost to repair and rebuild homes and vehicles has surged due to global supply chain disruptions, persistent inflation, and labor shortages. Higher material costs (like lumber, concrete, and steel) and a shortage of skilled labor directly increase rebuilding expenses, which insurers factor into your premiums. Similarly, expensive imported car parts make vehicle repairs pricier, sometimes leading to vehicles being declared total losses. Even reinsurance (insurance for insurance companies) costs have risen due to increased claims from severe weather, and these higher costs are passed down to policyholders.  

Finally, "social inflation"—the rising costs of litigation, including increasingly large jury awards (often called "nuclear verdicts"), and the growing influence of third-party litigation funding—also drives up liability claims across the P&C sector, indirectly affecting overall rates. New York's specific legal environment contributes to higher litigation rates compared to many other states.  

Your Action Plan: Saving on Home Insurance

New York homeowners have seen premiums rise significantly (19% cumulatively since 2018, with a 3.8% increase in 2024). Here’s how to fight back:  

  Shop Around & Review Coverage: Don't just accept your renewal offer. Compare quotes from various providers to find more affordable premiums or better coverage for the same price.   

Bundle Policies: Many insurers offer substantial discounts when you combine multiple policies, such as homeowners and auto insurance, with the same provider.  

Increase Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible (the out-of-pocket amount you pay before insurance coverage begins) can lower your premium. Just ensure you can comfortably afford this higher amount if a claim arises.  

Fortify Your Home for Resilience: Making your home safer and more resilient to extreme weather events can significantly reduce your premiums, as insurers often reward these proactive steps.  

    Install storm-proof windows, add a sump pump to prevent basement flooding, or enhance fire safety with smoke detectors or sprinkler systems.   

Utilize climate-resilient materials and designs that are inherently resistant to climate-related damage.  

Install smart home technologies, such as smart water monitors, shutoff devices, and electrical fire sensors, to help monitor and respond to climate-related events.  

Conduct regular property assessments and maintenance to identify potential vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of damage.  

Leverage New York State Incentives: New York is actively encouraging climate mitigation efforts. Senate Bill S7761 aims to provide grants (up to $60,000 for homeowners) for storm recovery and long-term climate resilience improvements. Insurers in New York are also encouraged to offer actuarially appropriate discounts for the installation of devices or systems that mitigate losses, including snow load alarms, ice dam prevention systems, tornado-resistant features, and retrofitting with impact-resistant windows and reinforced roofing.  

Stay Informed & Advocate: Keep up-to-date on legislative changes that impact insurance rates, as new laws and regulations can create opportunities for savings. Participating in local homeowner advocacy groups can also provide a collective voice in discussions concerning rising insurance costs.  

Explore Regional Insurers: Consider exploring options with smaller, regional insurers, as they may have a better understanding of local climate conditions and can personalize plans to meet unique needs, potentially preventing overpayment for coverage.  

Your Action Plan: Saving on Car Insurance

New York drivers face some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, with a dramatic 50% increase in average annual premiums from 2023 to 2024. Here’s how to drive down your costs:  

    Shop Around: Comparing quotes from various providers is a crucial first step, as rates can differ significantly based on an insurer's risk assessment and policy structure.   

Increase Your Deductible: Raising the deductible on collision and comprehensive coverages can lower your premium. Ensure you can comfortably afford this higher out-of-pocket cost if a claim occurs.  

Review Coverage for Older Cars: For older vehicles, the cost of collision and comprehensive coverage might eventually outweigh the vehicle's actual cash value. Eliminating these coverages could be a viable cost-saving option.  

Reduce Your Mileage: If you reduce your annual mileage (e.g., by working remotely or using public transportation), inform your carrier to inquire about potential price reductions.  

Choose Safe Cars: When purchasing a new vehicle, choosing models with high safety ratings can lead to lower coverage premiums, as these vehicles typically incur reduced repair costs and are associated with lower accident rates.  

Maximize Your Discounts: Many insurers offer a range of discounts that can help reduce premiums. Ask your insurer about all available options :  

    Safe Driver: Maintain a clean driving record, avoiding traffic violations, accidents, and DUI convictions. Some insurers even offer accident forgiveness programs.   

Multi-Policy: Bundle auto insurance with home or other policies through the same provider.  

Good Student: Young drivers who are good students and meet academic requirements may be eligible.  

Affiliation Discounts: Check if your employer or professional association offers any partnerships or group discounts.  

Accident Prevention Course: Completing a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles-approved accident prevention course (classroom or online) can provide a discount on liability, collision, and No-Fault coverages for three years.  

Vehicle Safety Features: Discounts are available for vehicles equipped with automatic seat belts or airbags (for model year 1990 or later vehicles), factory-installed anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and factory-installed daytime running lamps (DRL).  

Anti-Theft Devices: Several anti-theft devices qualify for a reduction on the comprehensive portion of the premium, including electronic-tracking devices and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching on window glass.  

Combat Auto Theft (CAT) Program: In areas where local police departments participate, enrolling in a CAT Program (where vehicles displaying an official decal may be stopped between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. to deter theft) can also qualify for a discount.  

Improve Your Credit Score: In New York, insurers are permitted to use credit-based insurance scores as a factor in determining rates. A higher credit score can lead to lower insurance premiums.  

Consider Usage-Based Insurance (UBI): These "pay-as-you-drive" or telematics programs utilize technology to monitor driving behavior (speed, braking patterns, mileage, and time of day) and offer discounts to drivers who demonstrate safe habits and low mileage. New York is actively moving to formally authorize and regulate the use of telematics and UBI.  

Conclusion: Taking Control in a Changing Market

The property and casualty insurance market in New York is challenging, driven by climate change, escalating rebuilding costs, and the pervasive impact of social inflation. These trends have led to higher premiums, stricter underwriting, and even insurer withdrawals, leaving many New Yorkers feeling financially exposed.

However, you are not powerless. By understanding these dynamics and proactively implementing strategic measures, you can significantly mitigate the impact on your personal finances.

To navigate these rising costs and secure the protection needed for your home and vehicle, we encourage you to:

    Review policies annually and diligently compare quotes from multiple providers.

    Invest in home resilience, leveraging New York's emerging legislative incentives and grants.

    Maximize every available discount for both home and auto insurance.

    Maintain excellent driving habits and credit scores, as these factors directly influence insurance rates.

    Explore usage-based insurance programs if your driving habits align with potential savings.

In a volatile insurance landscape, knowledge is power, and proactive steps are your best defense. By being an informed and engaged policyholder, you can navigate these rising costs and secure the essential protection for your home and vehicle.