The best car insurance in New York

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in New York is $2,172 per year. Compared to the national average of $1,652 per year, drivers in the Empire State pay about $520 more for car insurance. The price of car insurance is different for everyone, factors such as your age, location, and driving record all help to determine the price you pay.

Our experts here at Policygenius can help you save money on your insurance by showing you quotes from top companies so that you can select the best coverage for your needs.

Cheapest car insurance companies in New York

Car insurance rates are determined by many factors, like your location, driving history, and the kind of vehicle you drive. 

Since insurance is so expensive in New York, you’ll want to shop around for the best rates before you settle on a policy. The table below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in New York.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in New York

For New Yorkers, age 16 is when a new driver can apply for a driver’s license. Statistics show young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to be in an accident — that’s why their car insurance rates are so expensive.

The table below shows the company with the lowest rates in every age group.

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 company that offers a policy that works for you. Here’s what to look for when choosing a new 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.

• 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 quotes and choose the best coverage based on your insurance needs.

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 raising your rates. The easiest way to save on your car insurance is to obey posted speed limit signs, obey all traffic laws and never get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking.

The average rates for New York drivers with speeding tickets or other moving violations are shown below.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in New York

A few late payments are all it takes for some car insurance companies to raise your rates. Insurance companies use your credit score to determine insurance rates, and those late payments can lead to more expensive premiums.

Below are the average rates for drivers in New York with bad credit.

Car insurance costs in New York cities

We know that the average car insurance rates in New York are $2,172 per year for full coverage. But statistics like crime rates and population density also impact rates too. Below are the average car insurance rates for the ten largest cities in New York, based on population.

• New York City: $4,822

• Buffalo: $2,194

• Rochester: $1,516

• Yonkers: $2,921

• Syracuse: $1,653

• Albany: $1,593

• New Rochelle: $2,394

• Cheektowaga: $1,646

• Mount Vernon: $3,052

• Schenectady: $1,587

If you live in New York City, you’re going to pay some of the highest insurance rates in the country. To help offset these costs, it’s always a good idea to compare online quotes from top companies to find the best coverage for you.

Buying car insurance in New York

If your vehicle is registered in New York, state law says drivers must meet the following minimum liability 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.

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 discounts most companies offer:

• 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.

Methodology

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: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• 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.