Upstate New York Auto Insurance - The Basics
The Catskills…the Adirondacks…the Finger Lakes…Thousand Islands…Niagara Falls. However you define Upstate New York, one thing is certain: drivers in Upstate face varied driving conditions, whether it's snow, congestion on the NYS Thruway, or even skittish deer on scenic back roads. You want to make sure you have the right car insurance in Upstate New York to safeguard yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle. GEICO can help by offering great protection and competitive car insurance rates throughout New York State. You can get a New York car insurance quote online in minutes.
Driving Conditions in Upstate New York
When it comes to driving, there are two challenging seasons in Upstate New York: winter and “Construction.” Snow accumulations in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse can top 7-8 feet per year. Be sure your vehicle is equipped for a snowstorm: a shovel, sand bags, and good all-weather or snow tires can prevent mishaps, especially if snow arrives unexpectedly. Once all the snow melts, be prepared for potholes, and stay alert for construction zones and workers along city streets and major highways. Check weather and traffic reports before you leave; roads such as the Skyway in Buffalo may unexpectedly close due to inclement weather.
Highways of New York State
The primary thoroughfare of New York State is the Governor Thomas E. Dewey (New York State) Thruway. Traveling from Exit 1 to Exit 61 on the NYS Thruway will take you 495.5 miles through the Empire State (and cost you more than $20 in tolls). The NYS Thruway travels north/south as Interstate 87 through Westchester and the Hudson Valley up to the state capital of Albany; there it turns westward and becomes Interstate 90, passing through (or near) Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.
At Buffalo Niagara International Airport, near Cheektowaga, the Thruway cuts southwest and travels parallel with the shoreline of Lake Erie to the New York-Pennsylvania border. Other large highways in New York State include the Adirondack Northway, which is the continuation of Interstate 87 from Albany north beyond Plattsburgh.
Places to Go and Things to Do in New York State
Snowy winters and scenic mountain ranges make Upstate New York a great place for winter sports enthusiasts. In fact, New York State ranks fourth in the U.S. in number of skier visits, and downhill and cross-country skiing resorts abound across the state. Whiteface and Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks boast vertical drops over 3,000 and 2,000 feet, respectively. Other popular New York State winter sports include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
With the Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park, New York State is a mecca for fine dining, and home to hundreds of wineries. Many vineyards are concentrated around the Finger Lakes, but you can find them all over the state, from the northern Adirondacks to Thousand Islands to the Chautauqua region. When touring New York’s wineries by car, remember to designate a driver.
More information about New York car insurance
Looking for additional information on New York State car insurance requirements or teen driving laws in the state? Our New York car insurance page can help you find what you need to know.