Question 1

Why is car insurance more expensive in Staten Island than other parts of New York?

Accepted Answer

Staten Island residents pay higher auto insurance rates—averaging $2,348 annually for full coverage—because they drive more frequently than residents in other NYC boroughs. More time on the road means higher accident risk. Additionally, many Staten Island neighborhoods are flood-prone, which insurers factor into premiums even for auto policies. The borough's car-dependent culture and geographic vulnerabilities combine to push rates above the state average of $2,184 per year.

Question 2

Do I really need flood insurance if I don't live directly on the water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, flood insurance is important even if you're not on the waterfront. Staten Island has multiple FEMA flood zones that extend well inland, and standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover any flood damage. Hurricane Sandy proved that storm surge can reach far beyond coastal properties. If you have a federally-backed mortgage and live in a high-risk zone, flood insurance is legally required. Even without a mortgage requirement, consider the financial risk of paying out-of-pocket for flood damage that could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Question 3

What's the difference between the 2% hurricane deductible and my regular homeowners deductible?

Accepted Answer

Your regular homeowners deductible is typically a flat amount like $500 or $1,000. A 2% hurricane deductible is calculated as 2% of your home's insured value. If your home is insured for $400,000, you'll pay the first $8,000 of hurricane damage before insurance coverage begins. This is standard for Staten Island homeowners policies and applies specifically to hurricane-related claims, not regular perils like theft or fire.

Question 4

How do I find out what flood zone my Staten Island property is in?

Accepted Answer

You can check your property's flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. Enter your address to see which of Staten Island's five flood zones your property falls into: A, AE, VE (high-risk zones), or shaded/unshaded X (moderate to low-risk zones). Your flood zone directly affects whether you're required to carry flood insurance and how much it will cost. You can also ask your insurance agent or check your mortgage documents, as lenders identify flood zones during the loan process.

Question 5

Can I save money by bundling my home and auto insurance in Staten Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bundling home and auto insurance with the same company typically saves Staten Island residents up to 17% on their combined premiums. Most major insurers offer multi-policy discounts because customers who bundle are more likely to stay with the company long-term. However, always compare the bundled price against buying separate policies from different carriers—sometimes the best deal is still to split your coverage between companies that specialize in each type.

Question 6

What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover in New York?

Accepted Answer

Personal Injury Protection covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other reasonable costs after an auto accident, regardless of who caused it. New York requires at least $50,000 in PIP coverage because it's a no-fault state. This means your own insurance pays your medical bills first, rather than going through the at-fault driver's liability coverage. PIP also covers passengers in your vehicle and can include rehabilitation costs and funeral expenses up to your policy limits.

Insurance Agents in Staten Island, New York (NY)

Insurance agencies serving Staten Island

Alpha Omega Coverage Corp

D M A S Inc

Insurance Agents in Staten Island, New York (NY)

Insurance agencies serving Staten Island

Alpha Omega Coverage Corp

D M A S Inc

Driven Insurance Group

Office General

Regency Agency, Inc.

Thomas J. Carbone Insurance Agency

W.H. Roth & Co. Inc.

Insurance Guides for Staten Island

Insurance in Staten Island, New York: Your Complete Guide

Home Insurance in Staten Island, New York

Frequently asked questions