Best cheap car insurance in New York for 2023

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Gianetta PalmerContributing WriterGianetta Palmer is a contributing writer at Policygenius, where she covers life insurance, home insurance, and auto insurance. Her writing has also appeared in TIME, Readers Digest, Healthline, and elsewhere.&Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance ExpertAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.
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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|4 min read

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

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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.

Company

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

Kemper

$79

$951

Progressive

$91

$1,093

American Family

$93

$1,122

NYCM

$94

$1,125

GEICO

$109

$1,303

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

3.4

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

Kemper logo

Kemper is one of the overall cheapest car insurance companies in New York State. It’s also known for offering coverage to drivers who have a history of driving violations and who might have trouble getting insured elsewhere.

Pros

  • Rates tend to be near the national average

  • 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

The cheapest car insurance in New York comes from Kemper. On average, a full-coverage auto policy from Kemper costs an average of $79 per month, or $951 per year. That makes it the only insurance company in New York with average annual rates lower than $1,000.

Kemper is also one of the cheapest companies in New York for drivers with a past violation on their driving record. If you’re a high-risk driver living in the Empire State, consider Kemper.

Progressive

4.4

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

Progressive logo

Progressive usually offers rates that are around (or cheaper than) average. But drivers with a past driving violation may find that Progressive offers better rates than other companies. Its number of coverage add-ons also sets Progressive apart.

Pros

  • Rates tend to be around average compared to other companies

  • Lots of useful endorsements to upgrade a basic policy

  • Wide range of discounts to help save money

  • Affordable policies for high-risk and newly-licensed drivers

Cons

  • Mixed reputation for customer service

Progressive is the second cheapest car insurance company in New York, according to our analysis. On average, full-coverage from Progressive is only $91 per month ($1,093 per year). That’s $955 cheaper per year than the statewide average in New York.

Main Street America

Main Street America logo

Part of the American Family group of companies, Main Street America offers cheaper-than-average rates wherever it’s available. Drivers can also choose from lots of coverage add-ons for more protection.

Pros

  • Lower-than-average rates

  • Offers affordable coverage to high-risk drivers

  • Receives fewer complaints than average for its service

  • Plenty of available endorsements for more-than-basic coverage

  • Lots of discounts to help drivers save

Cons

  • Coverage isn’t available in every state

The third-cheapest car insurance company in New York is Main Street America, at $94 per month for full coverage. Main Street is $926 cheaper per year than average in New York. Drivers who have a past accident or violation on their records can also usually get cheap insurance from Main Street America.

NYCM

NYCM logo

Despite its relatively small size, NYCM often has some of the best rates. And it’s a regional company with a focus on New Yorkers, so it’s a good choice for drivers looking for a company with local expertise

Pros

  • Rates tend to be much lower than average

  • Offers a few levels of roadside assistance

  • Receives very few complaints from policyholders

  • Homeowners can bundle coverage and save

Cons

  • Very few options for adding coverage to a basic policy

New York Central Mutual, or NYCM, has some of the cheapest car insurance in New York. On average, NYCM offers car insurance for $94 per month, or $1,125 per year. We also found that NYCM is also the cheapest insurance company in New York for drivers under 21 who get their own policy.

GEICO

4.7

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

GEICO logo

GEICO is nationally available and often has some of the cheapest rates. GEICO gets fewer service complaints than average, even though claims satisfaction can be mixed. Drivers can also customize their car insurance from GEICO with a few useful add-ons.

Pros

  • Available in every state and the District of Columbia

  • Usually has some of the cheapest rates

  • Gets fewer complaints than expected for its service

  • Allows drivers to add different types of useful coverages to a basic policy

Cons

  • Mixed reputation for claims satisfaction

GEICO is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in New York. Full coverage from GEICO costs New Yorkers $109 per month, $745 cheaper per year than the statewide average. We also found that GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company in New York State for drivers with bad or poor credit.

Best car insurance companies in New York

The best car insurance company in New York is USAA, according to customer service ratings. J.D. Power’s 2022 Auto Insurance Survey measures how policyholders feel about their company, including customer service, billing, claims, and premiums. USAA received the highest score  of New York.

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.

Rank

Company

Score

1

USAA

891

2

NYCM

834

3

State Farm

831

4

GEICO

829

5

Travelers

822

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

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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. If you are involved in an accident or receive a citation, your rates will return to average after a few years of safe driving.

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

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

DUI

$1,402

$1,190

$1,476

$1,851

$3,775

$2,164

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

Speeding

$1,402

$1,348

$1,476

$1,509

$2,039

$1,716

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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.

Company

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

Car insurance costs in New York cities

If you live in New York City, you’re going to pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country. But the cost of insurance is lower in other parts of New York State.

Here are the average car insurance rates for the ten largest cities in New York, based on population.

  • New York City: $4,534

  • Buffalo: $2,061

  • Rochester: $1,440

  • Yonkers: $2,739

  • Syracuse: $1,545

  • Albany: $1,503

  • New Rochelle: $2,230

  • Cheektowaga: $1,578

  • Mount Vernon: $2,876

  • Schenectady: $1,480

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

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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.

Authors

Gianetta Palmer is a contributing writer at Policygenius, where she covers life insurance, home insurance, and auto insurance. Her writing has also appeared in TIME, Readers Digest, Healthline, and elsewhere.

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.

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