Best car insurance in New York (2024)

The best cheap car insurance companies in New York are American Kemper, Progressive, Main Street America, NYCM, and GEICO — though rates will depend on your driving record and other factors.

Headshot of Andrew Hurst

By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.
|

Reviewed by

Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Certified Financial PlannerIan Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.

Updated|3 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money.

We found that, on average, Kemper has the cheapest car insurance rates in New York. Car insurance from Kemper costs $79 per month ($951 per year), which is $1,097 cheaper per year than the state average.

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Other cheap car insurance companies in New York state include Progressive, Main Street America, NYCM, and GEICO. But the company with the lowest average rates may not be the cheapest for you, so find your best car insurance rates by comparing quotes before you buy.

Average cost per month

Kemper

$79

Progressive

$91

Main Street America

$94

NYCM

$94

GEICO

$109

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Property damage liability: $50,000

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

  • Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in New York

Kemper

Kemper logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.9

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A-

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Mobile app

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Offers gap coverage

Accident forgiveness

Why we chose itchevron icon

Kemper has cheaper-than-average rates for many drivers in New York, including the ones who might have a hard time finding affordable coverage with other companies.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers perks like diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness

  • Has new car replacement and gap insurance

  • Known for insuring high-risk drivers

Cons

  • Lower claims satisfaction scores than competitors

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Kemper:

Kemper is one of the best and cheapest car insurance companies in New York, and rates are affordable even for some drivers with an accident, DUI, speeding ticket, or poor credit.

In addition to low rates, Kemper offers a few add-ons like new car replacement or gap insurance coverage and perks like accident forgiveness and diminishing deductible.

How does the cost of car insurance from Kemper compare to average in New York?

The average cost of car insurance from Kemper in New York is $79 a month or $951 per year, which is 54% cheaper than the statewide average.

Progressive

Progressive

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.3

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

All 50 states

Good student discount

Mobile app

Offers gap coverage

Offers motorcycle insurance

Usage-based discount

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Why we chose itchevron icon

Progressive’s rates for car insurance are cheaper than average in New York, especially if you have any driving violations on your record. Drivers can also save by opting into Snapshot, which rewards safe driving with lower rates.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Rewards safe drivers

  • Offers rideshare insurance and other less-common coverages

  • Variety of discounts and ways to save

Cons

  • Premiums are above industry average

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Progressive:

Progressive is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in New York, even for drivers with an accident, DUI, or another violation on their record.

There are a wide range of coverage add-ons available, including gap insurance (which may be required by your lessor or lender), custom parts coverage, and pet coverage in case your companion is injured in a car accident.

How does the cost of car insurance from Progressive compare to average in New York?

The average cost of car insurance from Progressive in New York is $91 a month or $1,093 per year, which is 47% cheaper than the statewide average.

Main Street America

a logo of the main street america insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.3

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Accident forgiveness

Offers gap coverage

Why we chose itchevron icon

Part of the American Family group of companies, Main Street America offers cheaper-than-average rates in New York and lots of coverage options to choose from.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Lower-than-average rates

  • Offers affordable coverage to high-risk drivers

  • Receives fewer complaints than average for its service

Cons

  • Coverage isn’t available in every state

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Main Street America:

Main Street America, which is a part of American Family’s group of insurance companies, is one of the best and cheapest options for car insurance in New York, and offers a small handful of discount options.

You can upgrade a basic Main Street America policy with a range of add-ons that some larger companies don’t offer, including gap insurance, new car replacement, OEM parts replacement, and personal belongings coverage.

How does the cost of car insurance from Main Street America compare to average in New York?

The average cost of car insurance from Main Street America in New York is $94 a month or $1,122 per year, which is 45% cheaper than the statewide average.

NYCM

Logo for NYCM insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.6

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

Good student discount

Offers motorcycle insurance

Offers classic car insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

NYCM is a regional car insurance company that only offers coverage in New York. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for straightforward, affordable coverage — but another company might be better if you want to customize your policy.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Rates tend to be much lower than average

  • Offers a few levels of roadside assistance

  • Receives very few complaints from policyholders

Cons

  • Very few options for adding coverage to a basic policy

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose NYCM:

We found that NYCM has some of the cheapest car insurance in the Empire State, especially if you’re a young driver or there’s a teen driver in your family.

We recommend NYCM for its simplicity, but it’s not for everyone. You can add roadside assistance to a basic full-coverage NYMC policy, but otherwise there’s not a lot of room to customize your coverage.

How does the cost of car insurance from NYCM compare to average in New York?

The average cost of car insurance from NYCM in New York is $94 a month or $1,125 per year, which is 45% cheaper than the statewide average.

GEICO

Logo for GEICO insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.7

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers classic car insurance

All 50 states

Offers motorcycle insurance

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

GEICO is among our picks for top car insurance companies in New York because of its low rates, convenient mobile app, and solid customer service.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Available in all 50 states

  • Easy-to-use digital tools

  • Plenty of discounts

Cons

  • Only sells through GEICO agents

  • Doesn’t underwrite its other products

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose GEICO

GEICO is one of the best and cheapest car insurance companies in New York. You can even find cheap car insurance with GEICO if you have poor credit or if you need to add a teen driver to your policy.

We also like GEICO’s mobile app, which lets you estimate your repair costs after an accident. Despite its large size, GEICO still gets fewer complaints from its customers than expected.

How does the cost of car insurance from GEICO compare to average in New York?

The average cost of car insurance from GEICO in New York is $109 a month or $1,303 per year, which is 36% cheaper than the statewide average.

Best car insurance companies in New York

The best car insurance company in New York is USAA according to J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Study, which measures how policyholders feel about their company’s service, billing, claims, and premiums. [1]

NYCM is the second-best company in New York, and the best for people who aren’t affiliated with the military and aren’t eligible for coverage from USAA.

Company

Score

1

USAA

879

2

New York Central Mutual

842

3

State Farm

826

4

GEICO

821

4

Travelers

821

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in New York

In New York, young drivers tend to pay higher car insurance rates than more experienced drivers. That’s because they’re more likely to be in an accident and make a claim. The good news is that as teen drivers get older and more experienced, costs tend to decrease.

We found that the cheapest car insurance in New York for newly licensed drivers is NYCM.

Age

Cheapest company

Average cost

16

New York Central Mutual

$2,463

18

New York Central Mutual

$2,023

21

New York Central Mutual

$1,552

25

Kemper

$1,137

30

Kemper

$1,003

35

Kemper

$949

45

Kemper

$903

55

Kemper

$839

60

Kemper

$815

65

Kemper

$844

70

Kemper

$876

Collapse table

Choosing the right car insurance company in New York

With so many factors that determine the price of car insurance, it can be overwhelming to find a policy that works for you. Here’s what to look for when choosing a new car insurance company:

  • Customer Service: Does the company have a website? How easy is it to use? Are there offices nearby where you can speak directly with an agent? Do they return phone calls promptly?

  • Cost: Don’t overpay for car insurance. Ask about discounts and other ways to save on your insurance, and compare quotes to find your best rates.

  • Coverage options: Does the company offer all the types of coverage you need? Can you bundle your home, renters, boat or motorcycle coverage with them too?

Policygenius can help you get car insurance quotes and choose the best coverage based on your needs.

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in New York

With car insurance rates already so pricey in New York, the last thing you need is a speeding ticket, accident, or other violation raising your rates. Your rates will return to average after a few years of safe driving.

We found that the cheapest car insurance for New York drivers with a past accident or driving violation is usually Progressive, Main Street America or Kemper.

A bar graph showing the cheapest car insurance companies in New York; Kemper has the best rates.

Violation

Kemper

Progressive

Main Street America

New York Central Mutual

GEICO

USAA

At-fault accident

$1,429

$1,777

$1,524

$1,509

$2,039

$1,919

Suspended license

$1,402

$1,613

$1,476

$1,851

$2,671

$1,941

Open container

$1,280

$1,174

$1,476

$1,181

$1,410

$1,652

Expired registration

$1,280

$1,174

$1,249

$1,181

$1,279

$1,652

Driving without lights

$1,280

$1,174

$1,249

$1,181

$1,410

$1,652

Running a red light

$1,280

$1,174

$1,249

$1,181

$1,410

$1,652

Following too closely

$1,280

$1,174

$1,249

$1,181

$1,410

$1,652

Hit and run

$1,402

$1,613

$1,476

$1,851

$3,775

$2,164

Not-at-fault accident

$1,000

$1,140

$1,198

$1,181

$1,343

$1,652

Passing a school bus

$1,280

$1,174

$1,476

$1,181

$1,410

$1,652

Reckless driving

$1,402

$1,613

$1,476

$1,692

$2,671

$2,164

Collapse table

Cheapest car insurance after an accident in New York

The cheapest car insurance company in New York after an at-fault accident is Kemper. The average cost of car insurance from Kemper after an accident is $119 a month, or $1,429 a year once there’s an at-fault accident on your record.

Rates for drivers with an at-fault accident

Kemper

$1,429

Main Street America

$1,524

NYCM

$1,509

Progressive

$1,777

USAA

$1,919

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in New York

The cheapest car insurance company with a DUI on your record in New York is Progressive. On average, the cost of car insurance from Progressive after a DUI is $99 a month or $1,190 a year.

Rates for drivers with DUIs

Progressive

$1,190

Kemper

$1,402

Main Street America

$1,476

New York Central Mutual

$1,851

USAA

$2,164

GEICO

$3,775

Collapse table

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in New York

The cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket in New York is Progressive. On average, you can get coverage from Progressive with a speeding ticket for $112 a month or $1,348 a year.

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

Progressive

$1,348

Kemper

$1,402

Main Street America

$1,476

New York Central Mutual

$1,509

USAA

$1,716

GEICO

$2,039

Collapse table

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in New York

Insurance companies use your credit score to determine insurance rates, and poor credit can lead to more expensive premiums.

The cheapest company for drivers in New York who have poor or bad credit is GEICO.

Rates for drivers with bad credit

GEICO

$1,637

Utica National

$2,434

Kemper

$2,551

New York Central Mutual

$2,713

USAA

$2,877

Cheapest car insurance in New York by city

The cost of car insurance where you live depends on crime rates, population density, the number of accidents nearby, and other local factors. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in the 10 most populated cities in New York.

Largest cities

Cheapest company

Average yearly rate for the cheapest company

Overall citywide average

New York

Kemper

$1,464

$4,534

Hempstead

NYCM

$1,525

$3,346

Brookhaven

Kemper

$1,049

$2,326

Islip

Kemper

$1,047

$2,594

Oyster Bay

Kemper

$1,143

$2,698

Buffalo

Kemper

$900

$2,061

Babylon

Kemper

$1,131

$2,615

Rochester

Kemper

$679

$1,440

Yonkers

Kemper

$1,093

$2,739

Huntington

Kemper

$1,114

$2,595

Collapse table

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Buying car insurance in New York

If your vehicle is registered in New York, state law says drivers must meet the following minimum insurance requirements:

  • $10,000 for property damage for a single accident

  • $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident

  • $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident

  • Have continuous coverage on a vehicle even if it is inoperable or not being driven.

  • The insurance must be issued by a company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the NY State DMV.

New York is a no-fault state, which means that your car insurance company will pay your medical bills whether you caused the accident or not. No-fault insurance, also called PIP, only covers bodily injury and does not pay for auto body repair to your or another party’s damaged vehicle or personal property. 

If you want to recoup the costs to repair a damaged or totaled vehicle, you should consider adding additional coverage like comprehensive or collision insurance to your policy. Working with our insurance experts can help you find the coverage you need at the best price.

→ Learn about pre-insurance CARCO inspections

How to get cheap car insurance in New York

Many insurance companies in New York offer ways to save on your car insurance. Here are some of the most common car insurance discounts and how to qualify:

  • Bundling discount: Combining your home and car insurance policy

  • Multi-car discount: Having more than one car and driver on your insurance policy

  • Safe-driver discount: For drivers without any accident claims during a given time frame or for those drivers who take a defensive driving course

  • Military discount: A discount for active-duty military and their family members

  • Good student discount: A discount for young drivers who earn good grades

These are just a few of the discounts offered by insurance companies, so be sure and ask about what others may apply to you.

Find car insurance in your city:

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Frequently asked questions

Who has the lowest car insurance in New York?

According to our research, Kemper has the lowest rates in New York state, at $79 per month or $951 per year for full coverage.

What is the monthly cost of car insurance in New York?

The average monthly cost of car insurance in New York is $171, or $2,048 per year. But drivers can get cheaper rates from many companies in the state.

Does my driving history affect my car insurance rates?

Yes, having an accident or driving violation on your record will cause your rates to go up — sometimes significantly. We found that having an accident or a ticket can raise your rates by hundreds of dollars per year in New York.

What is the best company for young drivers in New York?

The best and cheapest car insurance company for young drivers in New York is NYCM. We found that it has the lowest average rates for drivers 21 years old and younger.

References

dropdown arrow

Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. J.D. Power

    . "

    2023 Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Study

    ." Accessed December 08, 2023.

Author

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

Questions about this page? Email us at .