Living in Plainview means you get the best of Long Island: tree-lined streets in Nassau County, excellent schools in the Plainview-Old Bethpage district, and easy access to everything New York has to offer. But here's what many new residents don't realize until they move here—insurance in Plainview works a little differently than most places. New York's no-fault insurance system, Long Island's coastal risks, and Nassau County's higher-than-average costs all mean you need to understand what you're buying before you sign on the dotted line.
Whether you're moving to Plainview for the first time or you've lived here for years and want to make sure you're properly covered, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about auto, home, and other insurance in this Nassau County community.
Auto Insurance in Plainview: What You're Required to Carry
New York is one of only a dozen states with a no-fault insurance system, and if you're coming from somewhere else, this takes some getting used to. Here's what no-fault means: when you're in an accident, your own insurance pays for your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. You can't sue the other driver unless your injuries meet specific thresholds.
Because of this system, New York requires three types of coverage that many other states don't bundle together. First, you need liability insurance—$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage. Second, you must carry personal injury protection with a $50,000 minimum, which covers your medical expenses after an accident. Third, you need uninsured motorist coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident to protect you if someone without insurance hits you.
Now here's the reality check: auto insurance in New York is expensive. The average driver in the state pays around $3,303 per year for full coverage, or about $275 per month. That's significantly higher than the national average, and it's driven by high repair costs, expensive medical care, and the fact that New York is densely populated with plenty of claims. In 2026, rates are expected to increase slightly, though the year-over-year jump will be less than 1%, which is the smallest increase since 2022.
Your actual rate depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and how much coverage you choose beyond the minimums. While state minimums are legal, they may not offer enough protection after a serious accident. If you cause a crash and someone's medical bills exceed $25,000, you're personally liable for the rest. That's why many insurance experts recommend increasing your liability limits and considering umbrella insurance if you have significant assets to protect.
Homeowners Insurance in Nassau County: Coastal Risks Drive Costs
Plainview sits in Nassau County on Long Island, and while you're not directly on the coast, you're close enough that insurers consider you exposed to coastal storm risks. That geography matters when it comes to your homeowners insurance premium. The average Long Island homeowner pays about $2,882 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible. Compare that to the New York state average of $2,124, and you can see how location drives your costs up.
The market has gotten more challenging recently. Some homeowners in Nassau County have seen their premiums double in the past few years. In one example from South Massapequa, a homeowner's premium jumped from $1,900 in 2022 to $4,700 in 2025. Why? Two major insurers left the New York market, reducing competition. Climate-related storm damage is increasing. And repair costs for everything from roofs to siding have climbed significantly.
Your homeowners policy typically covers damage from fire, wind, hail, theft, and liability if someone gets injured on your property. What it doesn't cover is flood damage. Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding, and if you're anywhere near water or in a designated flood zone, you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Flood insurance can add $1,800 or more to your annual insurance bill, depending on your property's elevation and flood risk.
Here's a tip that can save you money: increase your deductible. Moving from a $1,000 deductible to $2,500 can lower your premium by 15-20%. Just make sure you have that deductible amount saved in case you need to file a claim. Also ask about discounts for security systems, bundling home and auto policies, and loyalty discounts if you've been claim-free for several years.
Working with Local Insurance Agents in Plainview
Plainview has five established local insurance agencies, and working with a local agent has real advantages when you're navigating New York's insurance requirements. Independent agents can quote you with multiple insurers, which means you're comparing options without calling six different companies yourself. They understand Nassau County's specific risks—like wind damage from nor'easters or the quirks of insuring older homes in established neighborhoods.
Local agencies in Plainview include Affiliated Agency Inc., which offers auto, home, business, and life insurance; Secur-All Agency Inc., a Progressive agent; and Edward Lehmann's Allstate office, which has been serving Plainview since 2009. You'll also find Acrisure LLC and several other agencies along Old Country Road and Executive Drive.
When you meet with an agent, come prepared with information about your vehicles, home value, any safety features like alarm systems, and your current coverage if you're switching providers. Ask about discounts you qualify for—things like good student discounts for young drivers, multi-policy bundling, or professional association memberships. And don't just focus on price. Ask what the claims process looks like, how quickly they respond when you have questions, and whether they'll review your coverage every year to make sure it still fits your needs.
Other Coverage to Consider in Plainview
Beyond auto and home insurance, there are a few other types of coverage worth thinking about. Umbrella insurance provides extra liability protection beyond what your auto and home policies cover—typically $1 million or more. If someone sues you after an accident and your standard liability limits aren't enough, umbrella insurance kicks in. It's relatively inexpensive, often $200-400 per year for $1 million in coverage, and it's especially worth considering if you have significant assets or if you have teenage drivers.
Life insurance is another gap many people have without realizing it. If someone depends on your income—a spouse, kids, aging parents—life insurance ensures they're financially protected if something happens to you. Term life insurance is the most affordable option and provides coverage for a specific period, like 20 or 30 years, which matches the years when your family would need the financial support most.
Finally, if you're part of Plainview's substantial population of remote workers or small business owners, don't forget about business insurance. A home-based business typically isn't covered under your homeowners policy. You may need a business owner's policy or professional liability insurance depending on what you do.
How to Get Started
Getting the right insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start by taking inventory of what you need to protect—your vehicles, home, income, and assets. Then reach out to at least three agents or insurers to get quotes. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples by requesting the same coverage limits and deductibles from each provider.
Look beyond the premium. Check customer reviews, claims satisfaction ratings, and financial strength ratings from agencies like AM Best. You want an insurer that's still going to be around and financially stable when you need to file a claim five years from now.
And once you have coverage in place, review it annually. Your life changes—you pay off your car, renovate your kitchen, add a teenage driver, or buy a vacation home. Your insurance should change with you. Set a reminder each year to sit down with your agent and make sure your coverage still matches your needs. That 20 minutes could save you thousands if you ever need to file a claim.
