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Our research team found that New York Central Mutual (NYCM) offers the most affordable car insurance coverage for drivers in the Empire State.
Crash Course:
- New York drivers can find the most affordable car insurance from providers like NYCM, Erie Insurance, Geico, Progressive, and The Hanover.
- Progressive offers reasonable rates for those with high-risk driver profiles.
- Geico has several available discounts, making it another great option for cheap car insurance.
With so many choices for your New York car insurance, it’s hard to know which company will provide you with the best coverage and cheapest car insurance rates. We’ve narrowed down the list with best car insurance companies for New Yorkers based on our industry-wide research on coverage, costs, customer reviews, and more. We also discuss state requirements and other important information.
What Is The Best Cheap Car Insurance In New York?
Based on our research, we chose New York Central Mutual (NYCM) as the best cheap car insurance provider for drivers in the Empire State because of its local service and low costs. However, we also recommend getting quotes from Erie Insurance, Geico, Progressive, and The Hanover.
New York Car Insurance Company Comparison
Below is a side-by-side comparison of our top five picks for the best cheap car insurance in New York, along with what makes each provider stand out.
| Best New York Car Insurance | Automoblog Rating | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 1. NYCM | 4.0 | Best Local Provider |
| 2. Erie Insurance | 4.6 | Best Claims Experience |
| 3. Geico | 4.4 | Most Discount Options |
| 4. Progressive | 4.5 | Best for Accident-Prone Drivers |
| 5. The Hanover | 4.1 | TK |
5 Best New York Car Insurance Companies
Below, we give our top five picks for New York car insurance providers, as well as what kind of drivers they’re best for. We also provide regional customer service ratings from the J.D. Power 2023 Auto Insurance Study J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study? and claims satisfaction ratings from the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction StudySM .
#1 New York Central Mutual (NYCM): Best Local Provider
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $1,508 per year, $126 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $1,097 per year, $91 per month
New York Customer Service Rating: 842/1,000
Claims Satisfaction Rating: Not rated
We made NYCM our top choice for best car insurance in New York due to its low rates and local expertise–it knows the needs of New Yorkers, since it’s only available in the state. Although it doesn’t offer as many additional coverages as other options, NYCM does provide quality auto insurance with benefits like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. It holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the highest possible rating for New York in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study.
| NYCM Pros | NYCM Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable rates | Not the most coverage options |
| Strong local service | |
| Excellent financial strength rating from AM Best |
#2 Erie Insurance: Best Claims Experience
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $2,691 per year, $224 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $1,189 per year, $99 per month
New York Customer Service Rating: Not rated
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 902/1,000
Erie Insurance is a regional provider that serves 12 states and Washington, D.C, and is one of the more affordable auto insurers for New York drivers. Erie finished second in the nationwide J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study?, scoring 902 of a possible 1,000 points, and it carries an A+ rating from the BBB. Along with all the standard coverages you’d expect, Erie offers add-ons like pet insurance, first accident forgiveness, and a package called Erie Auto Plus® that includes a diminishing deductible (meaning your deductible decreases the longer you go without a claim) and a $10,000 death benefit.
| Erie Insurance Pros | Erie Insurance Cons |
|---|---|
| High claims satisfaction ratings | No usage-based insurance option |
| Affordable rates | |
| Superior financial strength rating from AM Best |
#3 Geico: Most Discount Options
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $2,830 per year, $236 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $1,511 per year, $126 per month
New York Customer Service Rating: 821/1,000
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000
In our research, we found that Geico car insurance rates are some of the lowest in the state, and they can get even lower with the provider’s generous amount of discounts, including those for military members, federal employees, good students, safe drivers, bundling with other policies like homeowners, and more. Geico insurance policies come with benefits including emergency road services and rental car reimbursement. The company is also the leading insurance provider for mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which is like a basic factory warranty that protects vital car parts in the event of a mechanical breakdown.
To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our Geico review.
| Geico Pros | Geico Cons |
|---|---|
| A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and A+ rating from the BBB | Usage-based app not available in New York |
| Numerous car insurance discounts and affordable rates | Below-average claims experience |
| Offers MBI |
#4 Progressive: Best for Accident-Prone Drivers
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $4,499 per year, $375 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $981 per year, $82 per month
New York Customer Service Rating: 818/1,000
Claims Satisfaction Rating: 870/1,000
Progressive is another of our top picks for auto insurance companies in New York for providing affordable car insurance costs for high-risk drivers, including those with at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs in their driving history. Progressive offers small and large accident forgiveness and a deductible savings bank to help drivers save even more on their car insurance premiums. Progressive has a variety of coverage options, like loan/leases payoff, roadside assistance, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about the provider in our in-depth Progressive insurance review.
| Progressive Pros | Progressive Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable for high-risk drivers | Not the cheapest for those with a clean driving record |
| A variety of coverage options | Below-average claims experience |
| Superior financial strength rating from AM Best and A rating from the BBB |
#5 The Hanover Insurance Group
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $3,865 per year, $322 per month
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $2,237 per year, $186 per month
New York Customer Service Rating: Not rated
Claims Satisfaction Rating: Not rated
The Hanover is among the oldest insurance companies in the country, having been founded in 1852. It also has a reputation for outstanding customer service with a 4.7 out of 5.0-star rating based on more than 3,400 Trustpilot reviews. Along with standard coverages, The Hanover offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness, and GAP insurance (which covers the difference between your car’s value and what you owe on it in the event of a total loss).
| The Hanover Pros | The Hanover Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent financial strength rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from the BBB | Not the most affordable provider |
| Strong customer service ratings | |
| Multiple coverage options |
What Is The Average Cost Of Car Insurance In New York?
The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in the state of New York in 2023 was $3,371 per year or $281 per month. This means full coverage in the Empire State costs about 70% more than the national average of $1,983 per year.
One reason New York car insurance is so expensive is because the state has a high population density. The more people that are in an area, the more opportunities there are for accidents, theft, and vandalism, which is why car insurance providers may raise rates. Car insurance rates are even higher in New York City, which is the most populous city in the nation. As a result, NYC auto insurance rates are also some of the highest among cities across the nation.
Factors That Affect New York Car Insurance Quotes
When you’re shopping for cheap New York car insurance quotes, your rates probably won’t be the same as your friends or family members. That’s because the amount you pay for car insurance depends on many factors:
- Your age, gender, marital status, and other demographic factors
- Your driving record
- Vehicle’s year, make, and model
- Your credit score
- Your location
- Annual mileage
New York State Minimum Coverage
New York and a handful of other states follow a no-fault system for car accidents. Essentially, this means that your insurance company covers your damages in the case of an auto accident, regardless of who’s at fault. There are some exceptions in cases of serious injury, but for the most part, each driver’s insurance pays for their medical bills and damages.
Because of the no-fault system and other laws in New York, drivers must carry liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage in the following amounts:
| Insurance Type | Required Coverage Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000/person and $50,000/accident |
| Wrongful Death Coverage | $50,000/person and $100,000/accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000/accident |
| Personal Injury Protection | $50,000/accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000/person and $50,000/accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | Optional |
| Collision Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage | Optional |
Non-Insured Motorist Penalties In New York
Due to New York’s no-fault laws, it’s illegal for New York residents to drive without insurance or even have somebody else operate their vehicle without insurance. Penalties for driving without New York auto insurance include:
- Revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for at least one year
- A $750 civil penalty that must be paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Traffic court fines of as much as $1,500
Best Car Insurance In New York: Conclusion
Although the Empire State has some of the highest insurance rates in the country, safe drivers who are willing to shop around can get car insurance quotes that will help them find more affordable premiums. We found that New York Central Mutual, Erie Insurance, and Geico are some of the cheapest options in the state.
Best Car Insurance In New York: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best car insurance in New York:
What is the average cost of car insurance in New York?
According to cost data from Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of a full-coverage auto insurance policy in New York is $3,371 per year. This is about 70% higher than the national average of $1,983 per year.
Who has the lowest car insurance rates in New York?
Our research shows that New York Central Mutual (NYCM) offers the lowest rates for a full-coverage car insurance policy in the Empire State. Erie Insurance and Geico are other affordable auto coverage options for New Yorkers.
What kind of car insurance do I need in NYC?
New York drivers need bodily injury liability coverage, personal property liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection. These insurance requirements apply to the state of New York, including NYC.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
- Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
