Here's what you need to know when driving in New York
Across the Empire State, there are 242,769 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped with the best and cheapest insurance, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in New York State
What's the cheapest car insurance in New York?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erie | $1,230 |
| 2 | Travelers | $1,544 |
| 3 | MetLife | $1,604 |
| 4 | Hanover | $1,895 |
| 5 | Safeco | $1,927 |
| 6 | USAA | $1,930 |
| 7 | Allstate | $2,231 |
| 8 | Preferred Mutual | $2,266 |
| 9 | State Farm | $2,381 |
| 10 | Progressive | $2,401 |
| 11 | GEICO | $2,410 |
| 12 | Metropolitan | $2,567 |
| 13 | New York Central Mutual | $2,736 |
| 14 | Mercury | $2,786 |
| 15 | Utica National | $3,034 |
| 16 | Liberty Mutual | $3,074 |
| 17 | Encompass | $3,210 |
| 18 | Nationwide | $4,788 |
| 19 | 21st Century | $5,642 |
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Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in New York
Good drivers can save money on car insurance if you have no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs. Insurance companies use your driving record as a way to predict what kind of risk you will pose to them. So, by not having any of these violations you are less risky and therefore cheaper customer for them. In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a Good Driver discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5-10%. If we’re looking beyond just average rates and at individual companies, Nationwide seems to have the cheapest rates for good drivers.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $212 | 12.79% |
| No Accidents | $497 | 25.59% |
| Good Credit | $1,431 | 49.78% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in New York
Young drivers, those between the ages of 16-25, pay the most for car insurance across the US. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. For teen drivers, historically the most expensive drivers to insure, we’ve found that Geico, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual are the cheapest companies.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $6,915 | $5,370 |
| 17 | $6,415 | $5,543 |
| 18 | $6,581 | $4,509 |
| 19 | $5,601 | $3,368 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in New York
Having a bad driving record can be a huge burden for getting cheap car insurance - no matter your location. In New York in 2017, a DUI raised rates an average of $1,208 a year. Other violations, such as an at-fault accident or a speeding ticket will also hurt your driving record. Based on our research, if you’ve had a DUI or at-fault accident, your best bet for cheap car insurance is to shop with Liberty Mutual, State Farm, or Nationwide.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,940 | 25.59% |
| DUI | $2,228 | 35.20% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,656 | 12.79% |
| Bad Credit | $2,875 | 49.78% |
What are the best car insurance companies in New York?
Every car insurance company brags about its low rates. But as with any service, the most affordable option is not always the best choice. Considering the stakes, it's worthwhile to do your due diligence to obtain an insurance policy that protects your vehicle adequately after a collision. Work to find the best value, instead of settling for the cheapest auto insurance you can find.
Compare top insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the quality of service you will receive. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and varying from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to fulfill its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| 21st Century | 3 | Excellent |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Amica | 4 | Superior |
| Central Mutual | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Erie | 5 | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| Mercury | 2 | Superior |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| New York Central Mutual | Not Rated | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| Safeco | 3 | Excellent |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What is the best auto insurance coverage in New York?
The minimum required insurance level in the state of New York is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $10,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you carry the legal minimum coverage level in New York, prepare to pay an average of $860 each year. This outlay is more than the nationwide average by 31%. If you opt for better coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, protecting against damages caused by car-vs.-car collisions, theft, or weather incidents. However, better auto insurance coverage comes with a cost: in New York, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible runs $1,428, 66% more than liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay 85% more than you might for liability-only coverage.
Contrast average expenditures for basic, good, and great insurance levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| New York | $859.55 | $1,427.54 | $1,587.29 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws
State minimum insurance requirements in New York
In New York, drivers are required to maintain insurance at or above the below state minimum coverage level:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $50,000 per person
Optional coverage in New York (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (SUM)
- Additional Personal Injury Protection (APIP)
- Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL)
Learn more about New York State's auto insurance requirements.
New York is a no-fault state!
What does this mean for you?
Put simply, a no-fault insurance laws system requires that drivers carry their own protection. When an accident happens, no matter who is at fault, your own insurance foots the bill. Each driver takes care of their own costs, and theoretically, the chances of someone suing over culpability are decreased. As a bonus, it guarantees every driver immediate medical treatment in the event of an accident.
New York does not allow insurers to use education or occupation as rating factors.
Car insurance companies aren't allowed to judge potential clients by their occupation or education levels. This state law is intended to ensure fair access to affordable auto insurance, with rates based on driving performance, rather than non-driving-specific details.
New York State car insurance FAQs
Do you need car insurance in New York?
Yes. As in most states, car insurance is a legal requirement in New York state.
Why is car insurance so expensive in New York?
New York is a no-fault state, which can make car insurance more expensive because drivers are required to carry PIP coverage. Moreover, uninsured motorist coverage is also required by law in New York state. In order to see a complete picture of why your rate is so expensive, consider your driving profile. Do you live in a dense area such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx? Do you have accidents on your record? Are you with the right company? These questions can help you determine why you might be paying too much for car insurance.
What happens when your car insurance lapses in New York?
This depends on the length for which your insurance coverage lapsed. New York state assigns daily fees depending on the length of the lapse. The longer you allow coverage to lapse, the greater your fine will be.
How much does car insurance cost in New York cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Irondequoit, New York, and the most expensive in Hempstead, New York.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hempstead | $3,133 |
| 2 | New York | $3,004 |
| 3 | Freeport | $2,902 |
| 4 | Mount Vernon | $2,524 |
| 5 | Brentwood | $2,517 |
| 6 | Levittown | $2,418 |
| 7 | Yonkers | $2,373 |
| 8 | West Babylon | $2,371 |
| 9 | Hicksville | $2,305 |
| 10 | Coram | $2,128 |
| 11 | New Rochelle | $2,006 |
| 12 | White Plains | $1,931 |
| 13 | Buffalo | $1,699 |
| 14 | Niagara Falls | $1,476 |
| 15 | Syracuse | $1,417 |
| 16 | Utica | $1,416 |
| 17 | Cheektowaga | $1,388 |
| 18 | Tonawanda | $1,357 |
| 19 | Albany | $1,329 |
| 20 | Schenectady | $1,325 |
| 21 | Troy | $1,303 |
| 22 | Rochester | $1,296 |
| 23 | Binghamton | $1,223 |
| 24 | Irondequoit | $1,217 |
Recent New York Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can another insurance company find out about my at-fault accident if I pay for my own damage?
Sorry to hear about the situation. There are a few things to think about here.
How can an insurance company add an accident to your record that never happened?
I would contact the insurance company that listed the claim and start a dispute. They really shouldn't be able to put you down for this claim.
Do we need to add our nanny to our auto insurance?
I would strongly advise not letting your nanny drive your kids without insurance. If she were to get in an accident, no coverage would be in place and she would have to foot the bill for damages to all vehicles and potential injuries for your children. Your nanny will need to get insurance for her personal and business use to adequately protect herself and your family. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Do any US auto insurance companies offer auto insurance coverage in Canada?
Many insurance policies may cover you in Canada — if it is for short term trips. I would check with your current carrier, but it is likely you'll need to select a Canadian insurance provider if you'll be living there for two years.
Driving laws in NY State
New York Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on hand-held cell phones
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
New York DUI Laws
The lookback period for most DWI offenses in New York is 10 years. However, multiple offenses within a 25-year period may also lead to enhanced penalties.
All penalties include an annual assessment fine of $250 for three years and a possible requirement to attend the New York Drinking Driver Program at the offender’s expense.
First-time DWI or DWAI-Drug offenses in New York lead to:
- Up to one year in jail
- $500 to $1,000 in fines
- License revoked for at least six months for DWI
- License suspended for at least six months for DWAI-Drugs
How do citations impact car insurance rates in New York?
When you receive a ticket your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much your rates rise depends on the violation's severity, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a snapshot of typical auto insurance rates in New York after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $3,073 | 82% | $1,385 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $3,014 | 79% | $1,326 |
| DUI | $3,014 | 79% | $1,326 |
| Racing | $2,383 | 41% | $695 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,649 | 57% | $961 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,326 | 38% | $638 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,939 | 15% | $251 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,811 | 7% | $123 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,778 | 5% | $90 |
| Improper Passing | $1,778 | 5% | $90 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Speeding | $1,874 | 11% | $186 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,794 | 6% | $106 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,794 | 6% | $106 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,781 | 5% | $93 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,717 | 2% | $29 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,717 | 2% | $29 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,688 | 0% | $0 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,688 | 0% | $0 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,688 | 0% | $0 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,688 | 0% | $0 |
New York Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the New York area, while also getting an insider view of the Empire State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.