If you're driving through Franklin Square on your daily commute down Hempstead Turnpike, you've probably noticed how busy this Nassau County hamlet can get. With a population of over 30,000 and proximity to New York City, Franklin Square presents unique challenges for drivers—and those challenges show up in your auto insurance premium. The good news? Understanding how car insurance works in New York's no-fault system can help you find the right coverage without overpaying.
Whether you're a longtime Franklin Square resident or just moved to this diverse Long Island community, navigating auto insurance requirements can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about coverage minimums, what drives your costs, and how to get the best value for your insurance dollar.
Understanding New York's No-Fault Insurance System
Here's something that confuses a lot of New York drivers: no-fault insurance doesn't mean accidents are nobody's fault. It means your own insurance company pays your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. This system was designed to speed up claims and reduce litigation, but it also makes New York insurance more expensive than in many other states.
In Franklin Square, like everywhere else in New York, you're required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $50,000 per person. This coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic losses after an accident—up to $50,000—no matter who was at fault. If you're rear-ended at the light on Franklin Avenue, your PIP coverage kicks in immediately to cover your emergency room visit, follow-up care, and time off work.
Beyond PIP, New York requires 25/50/10 liability coverage. That breaks down to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for all injuries combined, and $10,000 for property damage. You also need uninsured motorist coverage at 25/50 limits. While these are the legal minimums, many financial experts recommend carrying higher limits—especially in Nassau County, where a serious accident can easily exceed these amounts.
What Drives Insurance Costs in Franklin Square
Franklin Square drivers face higher insurance rates than the national average, and there are several reasons why. First, location matters enormously. As a Nassau County community just miles from New York City, Franklin Square deals with heavy traffic congestion, particularly along major corridors like Hempstead Turnpike. More traffic means more accidents—Nassau County saw over 78,000 car accidents in 2022 alone.
Your commute also affects your premium. The average Nassau County commute is 37.2 minutes—longer than most of the country. Insurance companies factor this in because more time on the road equals higher risk. If you're commuting from Franklin Square to Manhattan via the LIRR and only drive locally on weekends, make sure your insurer knows. You might qualify for a low-mileage discount.
Personal factors play a huge role too. In New York, insurers can use your credit score to calculate an insurance score, which affects your rate. Young drivers under 25—especially males—pay significantly higher premiums. The type of vehicle you drive matters as well. A high-end sedan will cost more to insure than a basic SUV or pickup truck, both because it's more expensive to repair and because it's a more attractive target for theft.
As of 2026, New York drivers are paying an average of $3,303 per year for full coverage, or about $275 per month. Some sources show even higher averages—up to $4,095 annually. In Franklin Square specifically, your rate will depend on your exact zip code, driving record, and the factors mentioned above. The good news? Insurance rate increases are slowing down, with 2026 projections showing less than 1% growth compared to recent years that saw much larger jumps.
Beyond the Minimums: Coverage You Should Consider
While New York's minimum requirements will keep you legal, they won't necessarily keep you financially protected. Think about this scenario: you cause a multi-car accident on the Southern State Parkway during rush hour. Three people are injured. Your 25/50 liability coverage gives you just $25,000 per person and $50,000 total. If medical bills exceed that—and they easily could—you're personally liable for the difference. That could mean wage garnishment, liens on your home, or even bankruptcy.
Most insurance agents recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage—$100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage. If you own a home in Franklin Square or have significant assets, consider even higher limits or an umbrella policy that provides an additional $1 million or more in liability protection.
Collision and comprehensive coverage aren't legally required, but they're essential if you're financing or leasing your vehicle—your lender will demand it. Collision covers damage to your car in an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive handles theft, vandalism, weather damage, and other non-collision incidents. Given Franklin Square's suburban location and generally lower crime rates compared to urban areas, comprehensive coverage is relatively affordable and worth having for peace of mind.
Don't overlook rental reimbursement coverage either. If your car is in the shop after an accident, this pays for a rental vehicle—usually around $30 per day. For most drivers, this costs just a few dollars more per month and can save you the hassle and expense of being without transportation while your car is being repaired.
How to Save Money on Franklin Square Auto Insurance
The single best way to save on car insurance is to shop around. Rates vary wildly between companies. Progressive currently offers the cheapest full coverage in New York at an average of $199 per month—significantly less than the state average of $341. Get quotes from at least three insurers, and don't just focus on price. Look at customer service ratings, claims handling, and financial strength too.
Ask about every discount you might qualify for. Common ones include multi-policy discounts (bundling auto and homeowners insurance), good student discounts for young drivers maintaining a B average or better, defensive driving course discounts, and low-mileage discounts if you drive fewer than average annual miles. Many insurers also offer discounts for safety features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices.
Consider raising your deductible if you can afford to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premium by 10% to 20%. Just make sure you have that amount set aside in savings so you're not caught short if you need to file a claim.
Maintain a clean driving record. Tickets and accidents can dramatically increase your premium—sometimes by 20% to 40% or more. A single DUI can double or triple your rate. If you do get a ticket, ask about taking a defensive driving course to have it dismissed or reduce points on your license.
Getting Started with Your Franklin Square Auto Insurance
Ready to find the right coverage for your needs? Start by gathering the information insurers will need: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance policy details if you have one, and your driving history for the past three to five years. If you have multiple drivers in your household, you'll need their information too.
Get quotes from several insurers—both national companies and regional providers that specialize in New York. Don't just compare bottom-line prices. Look at what's included in each policy, the deductibles, and any coverage gaps. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. A good agent will take the time to explain your options clearly.
Once you've chosen a policy, review it carefully before you sign. Make sure all the information is correct—errors in your address, vehicle details, or driver information can cause claim denials down the road. Understand what's covered, what's excluded, and how to file a claim if you need to. Keep your insurance card in your vehicle at all times—New York law requires you to carry proof of insurance, and you can face fines and license suspension if you can't produce it when asked.
Auto insurance in Franklin Square doesn't have to be a mystery or a budget-breaker. By understanding New York's requirements, shopping strategically, and choosing coverage that truly protects you, you can drive with confidence knowing you're covered when it matters most. Take the time to compare options, ask questions, and find a policy that fits both your needs and your wallet.
