Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in New York

• The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in New York is $2,882 annually. Minimum coverage averages $1,249 annually ($104 monthly).
• Progressive is cheapest in several categories, including full coverage and for drivers with a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI.
• Regional insurer New York Central Mutual (NYCM) offers the cheapest minimum coverage and competitive rates for households with teen drivers.
• GEICO offers the most affordable rates for drivers with low credit.
• New York City, being densely populated, has higher-than-average premiums, with full coverage insurance costs averaging $4,615 annually ($385 monthly).

Progressive offers the most affordable full coverage auto insurance in New York at $1,848 annually ($154 per month). It’s a top choice for drivers seeking the lowest premiums without sacrificing essential coverage. Progressive is also known for competitive pricing across different driving scenarios, such as after a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI.

NYCM ($2,227 annually or $186 monthly) and USAA ($2,239 annually or $187 monthly) also offer competitive rates, with higher ratings for customer satisfaction. Note that USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.

Minimum coverage is the least expensive form of auto insurance, but it may not be sufficient in the event of a serious accident. If you’re opting for minimum coverage, NYCM offers the cheapest rate in New York at $592 annually ($49 monthly). This is more than half below the cost of the average minimum coverage premium in the state ($1,249). While it’s an affordable option, remember that it only meets the state’s minimum requirements and doesn’t provide much protection beyond that.

USAA ($855 annually or $71 monthly), Progressive ($903 annually or $75 monthly), and GEICO ($1,059 annually or $88 monthly) also offer cheap rates for minimum coverage in New York.

Having low credit can significantly raise your auto insurance rates in New York, but GEICO offers the most affordable rates at $2,900 annually ($242 monthly). This represents significant savings compared to the state average of $5,759 annually for drivers with poor credit.

USAA ($3,816 annually or $318 monthly) also offers competitive rates for eligible military members and their families. Erie ($4,248 annually or $354 monthly) is another solid option, with policies sold through local agents who can help you find coverage that fits your needs.

In New York, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores to determine rates, which means drivers with lower credit scores typically pay substantially more—often double or triple the standard rates.

A speeding ticket can hike your auto insurance premiums in New York by around 6 percent. Progressive offers the most affordable rate for drivers with a speeding ticket at $1,980 annually ($165 monthly).

USAA ($2,219 annually or $185 monthly) and NYCM ($2,370 annually or $197 monthly) are the next cheapest providers in New York. In New York, speeding violations remain on your driving record for 18 months from the date of conviction.¹

For drivers with an at-fault accident on their records, Progressive has the cheapest average rates at $2,013 annually ($168 monthly). This is significantly cheaper than the state average of $3,246 per year.

USAA ($2,251 annually or $188 monthly) and NYCM ($2,275 annually or $190 monthly) are the next cheapest insurance providers in the state.

While USAA is only available to veterans, military members, and their families, the carrier is worth considering if you’re eligible for membership. NYCM only writes policies in the state of New York and also provides a high level of customer service.

In New York’s no-fault system, all drivers file claims with their own insurance regardless of fault, but at-fault accidents still affect your rates and generally remain on your record for three years.

A DUI in New York can significantly increase your auto insurance rates. If you’re searching for coverage after a DUI in New York, Progressive provides the cheapest option at $2,028 annually ($169 monthly). This is substantially lower than the state average of $3,851 per year.

USAA offers the second-lowest rates at $2,832 annually ($236 monthly) for eligible military members and their families, while NYCM follows at $2,916 annually ($243 monthly).

In New York, a DUI (called DWI in New York) remains on your driving record for 10 years, and you may need to file an SR-22 form (certificate of financial responsibility) to maintain your license.²

Teens are one of the most expensive groups to insure due to their lack of driving experience. In New York, the average cost of a policy with a teen driver is $5,725 annually. NYCM is cheapest at $4,183 annually ($349 monthly), which is 27 percent below the state average. Progressive ($4,590 annually or $383 monthly) and regional provider Erie ($4,842 annually or $404 monthly) also provide competitive rates. Erie also ranks highly for customer and claims satisfaction.

Regional provider NYCM received the highest score for customer satisfaction in New York in the latest study by J.D. Power. USAA also scored highly, but availability is limited to military families. Nationwide and State Farm also scored highly.

Most providers scored in the C-/C range on CRASH Network’s Insurer Report Card, which surveys collision repair shops on insurers’ claims practices. Erie rose above the rest of the companies surveyed with an A-.

Car insurance rates vary significantly across New York depending on where you live. Urban areas with higher population density, more traffic, and increased theft rates typically have higher premiums than rural areas. The Bronx and Long Island tend to have the highest average full coverage premiums in New York state, with rates often exceeding $5,000 annually.

Rochester has the lowest average car insurance rates among New York’s metropolitan centers at $2,063 annually ($172 monthly), while the Bronx has among the highest at $5,391 annually ($449 monthly).

New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers must file claims with their own insurance company after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to reduce litigation and speed up the claims process.

New York requires the following minimum auto insurance coverage for all drivers:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
• Personal injury protection: $50,000 per person

While these are the state minimums, it’s wise to purchase higher coverage limits to ensure adequate financial protection. Medical costs and vehicle repairs can quickly exceed minimum coverage limits, potentially leaving you personally liable for the difference.

Here are some tips to ensure you find the most affordable auto insurance in New York:

• Compare Quotes: Always obtain quotes from multiple providers to see which offers the best rates for your specific situation. Get quotes from at least three to five providers for identical coverage levels to make an accurate comparison.
• Ask About Discounts: Many providers offer discounts for safe driving, bundling home and auto insurance, and having anti-theft devices. Other common discounts include good student discounts, military discounts, and discounts for completing defensive driving courses. New York allows a 10 percent discount for completing an approved defensive driving course.⁷ Speak to a representative from your provider and make sure all discounts are being applied.
• Consider Increasing Your Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your premium, but be sure it fits within your budget in case of a claim. In general, a $1,000 deductible is a good middle ground, although ultimately, the decision will depend upon your personal finances.
• Drive Safely: Participating in telematics programs or staying accident-free can lead to lower premiums over time. Many insurers now offer usage-based insurance programs that monitor your driving habits and reward safe behaviors with discounts of up to 25 percent or more. Maintaining a clean driving record not only helps with your insurance rates but also promotes overall safety on the road.
• Bundle Your Policies: Many insurers offer significant discounts—often 5 to 25 percent—when you bundle your auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance. This can result in savings of several hundred dollars per year.