Reviewed By Jacob Unger
Edited By Kristine Lee
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.
Affordable insurance companies New York
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 |
Compare insurance quotes from dozens of companies that provide coverage in New York by entering your ZIP code below.
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Cheap auto insurance for good drivers in New York
Good drivers can save money on car insurance if they 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 auto 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 auto 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% |
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Top rated 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.
Use the table below to better understand the quality of service you'll receive. You'll see reviews for popular auto insurers' financial strength, claims satisfaction, and customer satisfaction including an internal satisfaction score from The Zebra's customers.
| Insurance Company |
Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
Customer Satisfaction (The Zebra) |
| Allstate | Average | Average | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| Amica | Excellent | Excellent | Superior | N/A |
| Erie | Excellent | Above average | Superior | 4.5 / 5 |
| Liberty Mutual | Average | Above average | Good | 4.2 / 5 |
| MetLife | N/A | Below average | Excellent | N/A |
| Progressive | Below average | Below average | Excellent | 4.3 / 5 |
| Safeco | Average | Average | Excellent | N/A |
| State Farm | Above average | Above average | Superior | 4.5 / 5 |
| Travelers | Average | Below average | Superior | 4.3 / 5 |
| USAA | Excellent | Excellent | Superior | 4.6 / 5 |
New York auto insurance laws
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) (required since NY is considered a no-fault state)
- $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)
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.
Learn more about New York State's auto insurance requirements.
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How tickets change 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.
New York Car Insurance FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance in New York?
Our data indicate Erie ($615) and Travelers ($772) have the cheapest premiums in New York.
What is the average cost of car insurance in New York?
The average cost of car insurance in New York is $1,587 per year for full coverage and $859 for liability-only insurance.
Why is car insurance so expensive in New York?
New York is an expensive state in which to get car insurance, but much of this depends on where you live. Drivers in New York City pay $1,600 more per year for auto insurance than do drivers in the rest of the U.S. It has to do with the number of insured drivers and claims per ZIP code. Learn more about how to save on car insurance with The Zebra.
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.
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