10 Best Car Insurance Companies in New York of 2023

New York has over 12 million drivers, which is why its roads are the busiest in the U.S.

And with this many drivers on the road, there’s more chance for a driver to get into an accident.

So, if you drive and own a car, you need auto insurance not just for your protection but also because it’s mandated by New York state law.

Auto insurance comes at a high price in New York. And for full coverage, some drivers can’t afford it.

So, how do you find the best car insurance in New York that fits your needs and is relatively cheap?

According to a PropertyNest study, the average cost of a standard car insurance policy in New York state is $2,115 a year. The main factors that determine the cost are the company, where you live (whether it is rural or urban.), driving record, and discounts.

Whether you are shopping for your first policy or looking for a better premium, we did our research to make your search easier.

PropertyNest has ranked the best car insurance companies in New York based on several factors. The ranking was created using J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, financial stability ratings from AM Best, and affordability details collected over time by the PropertyNest research team.

PropertyNest pricing estimates were attained using research data collected on the average adult's traits, including age, drivers, driving history, education level, mileage use, and the most popular sold car model, Honda CR-V, in New York State.

The estimates are useful in learning what the average person with the average car might get quoted. However, you should shop for your quotes for personalized coverage and premiums.

Results may vary according to different metrics, such as your driving history, credit score,  car model, and safety features, to name a few.

It's important to remember that different insurance companies offer different types of discounts, which you may or may not qualify for.

Compare Car Insurance Rates in NY

Best Car Insurance Companies in New York

• Allstate - Best Car Insurance That Gives You Cash Back for Driving Safely
• Liberty Mutual - Best Car Insurance with the Ability to Give You a New Car
• State Farm - Best Car Insurance for Classic and Antique Cars
• Progressive - Best Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
• Amica - Best Car Insurance with a Standard Policy That Has Attractive Built-In Perks
• GEICO - Best Car Insurance with the Most Discounts
• Travelers Insurance - Best Car Insurance with Optional Features That Matter
• Chubb - Best for High-Net-Worth Clientele
• Nationwide - Best Car Insurance with Online Presence and Intuitive App
• Main Street America - Best Car Insurance with the Cheapest Rates

Allstate: Best Auto Insurance That Gives You Cash Back for Driving Safely

Allstate is the fourth largest car insurance company regarding the number of policies written.

Allstate is known for many things, but its most unique feature that other auto insurances lack is its “Drivewise” program.

You only need to download an app on your smartphone that will start tracking your driving habits.

If you drive safely, the app then calculates a cash reward.

In addition, you can earn reward points when you avoid hard braking, maintain the speed limit, and other driving-related habits.

Allstate's Customer Online and Mobile App Experience

Allstate can be found on its app and website, with many customers agreeing that the technology makes for ease of use.

Allstate didn't always have the best user experience on its website but has recently made many improvements that have made it much more user-friendly. Getting a quote and filing a claim online is fairly straightforward and fast, and it's easy to find any information you need.

Also, photos of your accident can easily be uploaded from your phone onto the mobile app, making a claim super easy.

Furthermore, all of Allstate's great features, like Drivewise, insurance ID cards, and roadside assistance, can be accessed via the app.

Liberty Mutual: Best Auto Insurance with the Ability to Give You a New Car

For new car replacements and better car replacements, Liberty Mutual can’t be beaten.

New Car Replacement

It pays for the cost of a new car if your new car is totaled or damaged in the first year you own it and has less than 15,000 miles. Other insurers use a depreciated value.

Better Car Replacement

The ultimate add-on option. If your vehicle is totaled during an accident, regardless of the age of the car and how much mileage you have on it, you can get reimbursed for a car that’s one year newer and with 15,000 fewer miles on it than your damaged vehicle.

Gap Insurance

If you damage your car in an accident, gap insurance covers the difference between what a car is currently worth—which your standard insurance will pay—and the amount you owe on the vehicle.

Read a full Liberty Mutual car insurance review.

Liberty Mutual's Customer Online and Mobile App Experience

Liberty Mutual is noted as one of the best digital experiences from any insurance company.

Liberty Mutual is at the forefront of innovation. You can access your insurance needs anytime using the easy-to-navigate website and mobile app.

On the mobile app, you can do the following:

• Access your account, ID card, and documents
• Schedule payments through your bank or by using a credit or debit card
• File claims, upload images, and even get repair quotes
• Request a rental vehicle after an accident
• Contact emergency roadside assistance
• Electronically sign documents

GEICO: Best Auto Insurance with the Most Discounts

GEICO has a reputation for providing some of the most affordable full-coverage car insurance in New York.

But one thing that makes GEICO stand out is that it has the longest list of discounts in the industry. It's remarkable how many discounts a customer can accrue with GEICO.

GEICO offers more discounts for safety features on your car and responsible driving than other insurance companies, and it also rewards drivers who serve in the armed forces or work for the government.

This makes sense, considering that GEICO started as an insurance provider for specifically designated federal employees and their families. So, GEICO has long-standing loyalty to government employees and to providing the most competitive rates.

Offering plenty of discounts goes hand-in-hand with trying to save policyholders money.

Read a full GEICO car insurance review.

GEICO's Customer Online and Mobile App Experience

GEICO has also long had a reputation for utilizing technology and was one of the first insurance companies to provide online quotes on its website.

Both websites and mobile apps have a wide array of features that tech-savvy customers may appreciate.

These capabilities are comparable to their competitors and allow you to file a claim, call for roadside assistance, and adjust bill payment features.

However, the app provides a few other additional perks, such as providing recall alerts, car maintenance reminders, and settings that show you the types of places you want to see or find on a map, such as gas stations.

Main Street America: Best Car Insurance with the Cheapest Rates

We looked at many auto insurance companies to find one that had the cheapest rates, but none could beat Main Street’s premiums.

Main Street has the lowest minimum coverage and full coverage premiums and is a great choice if you want to keep your expenses down or if you are on a budget.

Main Street’s premiums are so cheap that they blew away the competition, including customer favorites like Progressive and GEICO.

And not only that, Main Street beat the average New York City rate.

Average Annual Coverage

• Average annual minimum coverage - $1,060.
• Average annual full coverage - $2,320.

Online Presence

Main Street’s website is highly intuitive and easy to navigate. You can easily find your auto insurance information, and the website allows policyholders to file claims.

However, the website lacks information about the insurer’s claims process.

And you can’t get a time frame response after making a claim online other than noting policyholders will be contacted ASAP after filing.

State Farm: Best Auto Insurance for Classic and Antique Cars

We know you love driving your CLK GTR Roadster, the most limited production that Mercedes-Benz ever built.

Your Roadster is often safely kept in your garage, and if you have State Farm Collector and Classic Car Insurance, that’s precisely where the company wants to keep your car.

To qualify for the Collector and Classic Car Insurance, your vehicle must be between 10 to 24 years old or over 25 years old and hold some historic interest.

We chose State Farm for classic cars because the insurance company offers fairly competitive rates and coverage options for classic cars.

Also, pricing is based on usage.

If you only take your car for a spin now and then, the pricing based on usage will give you a very enticing discount.

Ease of Use Experience and Easy to Use Technology

State Farm’s ease of use can’t be beaten. The company’s website is so intuitive and easy to navigate that anyone, not just the tech-savvy, can use it.

You can use the website to get a quote, buy a policy online, make a claim, and find a nearby agent, all of which will save you time.

The Pocket Agent mobile app lets you get a quote, submit a claim, and view your policy information.

Travelers Insurance: Best Auto Insurance with Optional Features That Matter

Travelers standard auto insurance has high marks for customer satisfaction and affordability.

But what makes it unique? Well, it has optional features.

Your premium will go up, but these two options seem necessary when you hit the road.

The optional Responsible Driver Plan features accident forgiveness or minor violation forgiveness.

The optional Premium New Car Replacement is a top-notch add-on.

If you have an accident and your car is totaled in the first five years you own it, Travelers will give you a brand-new model of the same make.

Ease of User Experience and Technology

Travelers’ technology makes it simple to use for many policyholders.

The company has both a website portal and a mobile app.

You can pay bills, track claims, and more on the portal.

On the mobile app, available on iOS and Android, you can also pay bills, claim, call for roadside assistance, and view policy documents.

The most advanced technology is voice assistance. You can manage your Travelers account if you have a device that uses Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant.

Average Annual Premium Cost

• The standard minimum coverage annual cost is $535.
• For full coverage, the annual cost is $1,428.

Multi-Policy Discount

When you purchase Travelers auto, home, and additional policies, you may receive up to 13% savings on your auto policy.

Progressive: Best Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI

A DUI can lead to jail time and can also lead to higher costs on your premium.

In New York, a DUI on a standard auto insurance company can be 42% more expensive than a person who also has a standard auto but has no DUI.

If you’re hit with a high premium rate, Progressive is DUI-friendly and can give you the cheapest rate possible.

That’s because Progressive’s rates, in general, are 15% cheaper than average for full coverage insurance and don’t drive your coverage too high because you had an accident.

Read a full Progressive car insurance review.

Engaging Website

Progressive has found a way to humanize the digital experience. It uses Flo, the company’s iconic brand character, for ease of use.

It’s like she’s by your side as she helps you navigate the website so you can easily get a quote, find your insurance information, and pay a bill, for example.

Amica: Best Auto Insurance with a Standard Policy That Has Attractive Built-In Perks

Amica has the best customer satisfaction ratings and fewer consumer complaints than expected compared to other premiums of the same size.

But what customers love is that standard coverage comes with some enticing built-in perks. Some of them are as follows:

• Depreciation won't be considered if your car is totaled within the first year of ownership.
• Lock replacement if you lose your keys is free.
• If your airbag deploys, Amica will repair it.
• If your liability coverage kicks in because of an accident, you are reimbursed for lost earnings from your job if you have to go to court at Amica’s prompting.
• Free repair for damaged auto glass.

Average annual full coverage cost - $1,215.

Digital Experience

Amica’s website and mobile app are both designed to be extremely user-friendly and simple.

You can do many things on the company’s website and mobile app, such as file and track claims and manage your policy.

In addition, use the mobile app to pay bills or get roadside assistance 24/7.

Chubb: Best Auto Insurance for High-Net-Worth Clientele

If you live a high life or have a high-net-worth job or family, then Chubb is your auto insurance.

It focuses on “white-glove perks” for those with expensive vehicles, but the downside is that it doesn’t focus on cheap insurance rates.

But it’s great if you have money. Chubb has its Masterpiece policy that focuses on owners who have expensive cars.

Optional coverages are outstanding.

Agreed value for collision and comprehensive insurance.

You and Chubb agree on the price of your car when you purchase the policy.

And then, if your car is totaled or stolen, Chubb easily reimburses you for the agreed-upon price.

A standard policy from other companies can’t do that.

Rather than paying for your car, you’re reimbursed for its market value at the time of your accident or incident, minus your deductible.

Despite being the most costly auto insurance, Chubb has received some great professional ratings.

Average premium annual cost - $1,835.

Lease Gap Coverage

If you lease a totaled or stolen car, you get coverage for what you owe to the leasing company, including forfeited security deposits and early termination fees.

Pet injury coverage up to $2,000.

You can choose up to $10 million in liability insurance.

Digital Technology Claims Reporting System

The website is simple and easy to access. The online claim reporting option stands out, as you can use it to file multiple types of claims, not just auto but also home.

Also, Chubb Mobile allows you to pay bills, file and track claims, and upload claim documents from your phone.

The Mobile Estimate app lets you get car repair estimates after an accident.

Multi-Policy Discount

• Bundling your home and auto coverage.
• Insuring more than one vehicle.

Nationwide: Best Auto Insurance with Online Presence and Intuitive App

Nationwide is all about simplicity. Their auto insurance has apps and a website portal that you can use to do many things.

The Nationwide mobile app—for Android, iPhone, and iPad—keeps all your documents in order on your phone.

So now you don’t have to search for your insurance card in your over-stuffed glove compartment if you’re stopped.

The app allows you to manage your policy, create a claim, or call for roadside assistance. You can also use the app to make a payment, manage payment methods, and get claim status info.

In addition, there’s a separate Nationwide app that you can use to track your driving, such as not speeding, and then the company will offer you discounts for safe driving.

Nationwide’s online website features a portal where you can pay a bill, manage your policies, and file and track claims.

So you have two smart-tech ways to get information about your insurance and more.

Multi-Policy Discount

• Bundle home and car insurance and save up to 20%.
• Combine auto, home, and life insurance and save on your insurance bill.
• Insure more than one car and save.

The Average Cost of Car Insurance in New York

The cost of car insurance varies depending on the company, where you live (whether rural or urban), and your driving record.

A PropertyNest study found that an average New York state policy costs $2,115 per year; however, there are many factors involved in determining this price tag, including your age as well as whether or not any discounts apply to a customer’s quote for coverage - these can include things such like having good student/employee grades at school or being injured during work hours, so they don't have costly medical bills come up later downline.

Why is New York Auto Insurance Expensive?

New York is the third most expensive state for auto insurance.

That’s due to the following:

A high number of drivers. With many on the road, above all in New York City, there’s more risk for crashes and accidents.

To deal with this risk, auto insurance companies charge a higher premium.

Weather conditions like severe storms, winter storms, floods, and heavy snow are prominent in New York and can lead to increased auto insurance rates.

As such, the minimum auto coverage required by law in New York State may not be sufficient to protect you against an accident.

New Yorkers should buy insurance not for minimal coverage but rather for full coverage.

And if full coverage is not enough, you can also buy optional coverage.

Since many auto insurance covers New York, your best bet is to find the right company by comparing quotes from different insurers.

That way, you can get the right coverages that are important to you and for the right price.

Not having enough insurance means you may have to pay out-of-pocket in the event of an accident or injury.

What are the Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in New York?

You need coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and even death.

This is called liability insurance, part of your New York policy.

For example, if you have an accident and cause “serious” injuries to a person as defined by New York State law, your liability will pay for your legal defense and lawsuit judgment up to your policy’s limits.

For property damage that you cause to others, an example would be mowing down someone’s fence.

In terms of price, New York requires minimum liability coverage of:

• $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
• $25,000 for bodily injury per person not resulting in death and $50,000 for the death of a person involved in an accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury not resulting in death and $100,000 for the death of two or more people in an accident
• $50,000 for personal injury protection (PIP)
• $25,000 statutory uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $50,000 statutory uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

Optional Coverage in New York, Which Varies by Carrier

• Comprehensive
• Collision
• Loan/Lease Payoff
• Medical Payments
• Rental Car Reimbursement
• Roadside Assistance
• Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
• Additional Personal Injury Protection

Ease of Use & Technology Presence

What is the ease of use?

Ease of use is a basic concept that describes how easily users can use a product.

For auto insurers, ease of use means simple website navigation and how quickly it is to find information about your policy online or via a mobile app.

Also, for auto insurers, ease of use and technology presence go hand in hand.

Each auto insurance company we reviewed has its website and mobile app. But some don’t, so you should always be on the lookout.

You’ll need either or both to painlessly and easily make a claim or check up on your policy details.

Either on the site or the app or both, it should be simple for users to navigate to complete common insurance tasks quickly.

Filing claims, applying for coverage, making changes to your policy, paying bills, and many others should be readily available on the auto insurer’s website or app.

If an auto insurance company can’t make it easier for you or doesn’t have a web or mobile app presence, you may wonder if you should turn to another, more tech-savvy auto insurer.

Minimum or Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Which Should You Get?

Purchasing a policy with minimum coverage can save you money.

But if you cause an accident, you may have to pay an exorbitant amount of out-of-pocket expenses.

Full coverage is better, as it comes with higher liability limits. As a result, you will have more financial protection, which is why most auto insurers recommend higher limits.

Minimum coverage does not include comprehensive or collision coverages, which pay for damage to your car. To get these, you need to buy full coverage auto insurance.

It makes sense to shell out for additional coverage over minimum requirements if you have priceless assets to protect, such as a limited-edition car.

If your liability coverage is insufficient when a claim is made against you, the other or injured driver can take you to court for monetary damages that you will have to suck up and pay.

Keep in mind that if you are leasing your car, the lender will, in all likelihood, make you purchase full coverage insurance.

Full Coverage Car Insurance in New York

Full coverage is always better than minimum New York state requirements.

Full coverage is divided into liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Liability Coverage

Auto liability is included in your standard car insurance.

Bodily injury liability coverage covers medical expenses, ongoing medical payments, loss of income, and legal protection used to treat injuries no matter who was driving.

The person injured can be someone you know in your car, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Property damage liability (PD) covers repairs you cause to someone else’s car or property.

You destroy something physical that doesn’t belong to you, such as the front of a house or building.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehension and collision coverage are typically bundled and have the same limits.

Collision coverage is when your car runs into another car, an animal, and lampposts, to name a few.

Comprehensive coverage protects you from collision claims and nearly anything that happens to your car, such as if it’s stolen, if a tree falls on it and damages it, or if there are theft or weather incidents.

While this doesn’t apply to New Yorkers, comprehensive coverage also covers your car if it’s “carried off” by a tornado or drowned in a flood.

Personal Injury Protection, Medical Payments, and Health Insurance

All three coverages are needed to save you from paying catastrophic medical bills.

Each is unique and covers accident-related injuries in different ways.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP, known more as the No-Fault Law, works in your favor.

New York state law stipulates that your auto insurance policy will pay for any damages after an accident, no matter who is at fault for causing the accident.

That includes reimbursement for medical costs and other losses, such as lost wages.

Are You Required to Carry a Minimum Level of PIP?

In many states, PIP is optional or recommended.

But be alert now. In New York, drivers are mandated to carry PIP per the state’s No-Fault Law.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) 

MedPay is almost the same as PIP, except it covers rehabilitative care or lost wages. It also will pay for funeral expenses.

Don’t overlook rehabilitative care.

For example, if you injure a pedestrian in the legs, that person may not need surgery but need rehabilitative care to walk properly again.

Also, since your policy is linked to the driver and not the car, if you are injured in an accident while riding in an Uber or someone else’s vehicle, or if you’re a pedestrian and someone’s car hits you, MedPay will kick in.

Unlike PIP, in the state of New York, MedPay is optional.

Does Everyone Get the Same Rate When Buying Auto Insurance?

In a word, no. Just because you have never been in an accident and have a clean driving record doesn’t mean your rate will be low.

There are many factors that New York auto insurers use to calculate your rate. These include past insurance claims, driving records, and car models.

In addition, New York auto insurers use the below factors to calculate your rate.

Your Age

An insurance quote for a 21-year-old will be different for a 65-year-old.

Young drivers have to get a lot of insurance quotes because they tend to have more accidents and collisions based on how inexperienced they are on the road.

As such, rates for young ones can be quite high.

Rates for seniors will keep increasing as they get older due to limited vision or bodily issues as a result of natural aging.

To get the best rate, seniors should go with a company that has discounts designed for them. For example, your rate will decrease if you retire and you are no longer commuting to work each day.

Credit Score

Most car insurers will check your credit score before they offer you a policy.

Your rate will be low if you have good to great credit (675-740).

But if you have poor credit because you fail to pay your bills on time or miss payments, you will be slammed with a high rate.

A driver with a good credit score pays an average rate of $1,861 in New York.

In contrast, those with poor credit scores pay an average rate of $3,494.

Notice the difference?

That’s an 88% increase!

Travelers, Progressive, and Nationwide, have the highest rates for those with poor credit. The average annual premium for these three companies is $4,000.

Gender

Because men and women drive differently, insurers take gender into account.

Young men, for example, pay a higher premium because they tend to be riskier drivers.

Women tend to drive more safely.

Zip code

Your rate will be higher if you live in dense areas like New York City and its five boroughs.

And if you live in an expensive zip code in New York, you may have to cough up over $4,000 more per year on auto insurance than those living in the least expensive neighborhoods.

Education

Certain auto insurance companies will consider your education level when deciding on your rate.

Many studies show that drivers with advanced degrees are less likely to claim those without.

The most important thing to note here is that the state law in New York does not allow auto companies to use education or occupation as rating factors.

This is so that all drivers buying auto insurance have fair access to affordable coverage.

So, rates are not decided by non-driving-specific details but rather on driving performance.

How to Get the Lowest Car Insurance Rates

Many people can’t afford auto coverage. If you need to keep your rates down, you have some options.

Shop Around

Once again, you need to shop around and get quotes from several policies to get the lowest car insurance. Then, compare quotes.

Don’t get hung up on premiums when you compare. Inspect the limits that are featured with each liability.

The greater the coverage amount, the better the policy.

This step is the time you should consider what features you’re looking for in an auto insurance policy.

Look for the one with the most coverage that fits your budget.

This may be the best route in your quest to find affordable insurance.

Improve Your Credit Score

In New York, a good credit score can get you a reduction in your insurance.

To boost your credit score, try to pay on time, more than the minimum amount, or fully pay down a credit card.

If you manage to pay your balance on a credit card in full, here’s a tip. Don’t cancel or close the account.

Credit history, i.e., how long you’ve had an account, can increase your score even if you are no longer using the credit card.

Increase Your Deductible

The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.

Speak to a Live, Licensed Agent

If you talk to an agent about your coverage, he or she can decide on what you need and what is right for you.

This is a way in which you can find out all the discounts you may be eligible for, so it’s important to make the call.

Discounts

If you still can’t find insurance that’s affordable to you or fits your budget, you do have a last option.

This would be taking advantage of the discounts that auto insurers all have.

Just keep in mind that the discounts will vary based on what policy you are considering and which state you are in.

But no matter what, your rate will go down if you qualify for a discount.

We’ve collected the most common discounts.

Multi-Policy Discount

Does your car insurance sell other life, homeowners, and rental insurance?

If you bundle your auto insurance with any of these insurances, you’ll get a rate discount.

Multi-Car Discount

If you insure more than one car on a single policy, you most likely will get a discount.

Repeat Renewal Discount

If you keep your auto insurance each consecutive year without changing policies, this loyalty endeavor will get you a discount.

Good Driver Discount

You’ll get a good driver discount if you don’t have any accidents or issues like DUIs or if you haven’t had any traffic violations.

This will cover the three past years. However, some companies will only loosen their purse strings if you’ve been clean for five consecutive years.

Defensive Driving Discount

You may get a discount if you pass a licensed defensive driving course.

However, your policy may want you to retake the course every year or so to maintain the discount.

Safety Features Discount

If your car has some safety features, your rate will go lower.

Some examples are four-wheel drive cars, anti-theft devices, daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes, and more.

Reduced Mileage Discount

Many auto insurers may require you to plug a mileage tracker into your car to prove that you’re driving less than 10,000 miles per year.

Do it because you’ll get a better rate.

Going Paperless

While the discount may be small, you’ll still want to get something if you go paperless and receive communication with your insurer via e-mail.

How We Picked the Best Car Insurance Companies in New York

Many auto insurance companies are on the market, and it can be hard to differentiate between the best and most affordable.

We considered many factors in our selection, including policy quotes, policy discount offers, and the most affordable rates.

We compared rates from over twenty auto insurers in New York to find the most affordable options for various driver types, with a few white-glove policies thrown in.

The following criteria had the biggest impact on which insurance to put on our list.

Research

We looked at sites that reviewed auto insurance and kept an eye out for those rated highly by rating companies like AM Best, JD Powers, and BBB, to name a few.

We also used first-hand experience on insurance sites to understand the user experience online.

Pricing

We obtained pricing for each company based on traits of the average adult driver in New York State seeking standard coverage in major urban and suburban areas.

Our findings show that pricing can vary dramatically from company to company.

Some insurance carriers offer a little more in their standard coverage or offer more discounts, contributing to price variation.

The risk assessment of each prospective policyholder may also differ from company to company.

Features and Technology

Ultimately, we focused on auto insurance companies with unique features like new and better car replacements.

However, we also focused on insurance companies with user-friendly websites and apps that facilitate the customer's insurance purchase process and claims processing.

Location

We've researched and compared the car insurance quotes and averages in major New York City boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. We looked at how the prices compare to the rest of the New York state and major cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Albany.