Best Cheap Car Insurance in New York for 2022

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New York?

There are many things to love about New York State, but New York car insurance rates may not be one of them. According to data from our Cheapest Car Insurance study, the average cost of car insurance in New York is $1,924 a year. That's 46% more than the national average, which is $1,321 a year. Drivers in New York City can expect even higher rates.

Keep in mind that auto insurance rates vary from person to person, and the average rates in this study may not be indicative of your actual rates. Your rates may be higher or lower based on your age, driving record, credit history, zip code, and the type of vehicle you drive, among other things. Your rates will also vary based on the coverage options you choose, though all New York drivers must carry the minimum amount of state-required liability insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance for You in New York

Even though data suggests New York auto insurance rates are higher than the national average, you may be able to find cheaper car insurance with several of the insurers included in our study. For drivers in the Empire State, Progressive may be the key to unlocking the lowest rates. The average cost of a Progressive auto insurance policy in New York is about $666 a year, which is 65% less than the state average. USAA ($1,237), Geico ($1,417), and Allstate ($1,465) place second, third, and fourth in our study, respectively. However, their average rates are still considerably higher than those offered by Progressive.

New York Rates for Teen Drivers

Progressive's average rates are 55% to 59% less than the state average and the lowest in our study. American Family Insurance has the most expensive insurance for this group with rates that are more than double the state average for both male and female teens.

New York Rates for Young Adults

Young adults will likely find the cheapest car insurance rates with Progressive. Their rates are between 61% and 64% less than the state average. They're also significantly lower than American Family Insurance's average rates, which are the highest in our study.

New York Rates for Seniors

Senior drivers may unlock significant savings with Progressive. Their rates are 66% to 70% lower than the state average and 45% to 52% lower than USAA's average rates, which are the second cheapest in our study. The average American Family Insurance rates are the highest in our survey and more than double the state average for both genders in this age group.

New York Rates for Drivers With Poor Credit

New York drivers with a poor credit score will likely find the best rates with Geico or Allstate, which are 51% and 58% less than the state average, respectively. The opposite is true for Progressive, American Family Insurance, and NYCM Insurance, all of which have the highest rates in our study for this group of drivers.

New York Rates for Good Drivers

A clean driving record can score New Yorkers serious savings with Progressive, as our study reveals their rates are 65% lower than the state average. American Family Insurance average rates are the highest in our survey and nearly 115% more than the state average.

New York Rates After a Speeding Ticket

For drivers with a speeding ticket, Progressive's rates are about $1,350 less than the state average and the lowest in our study. American Family Insurance's rates remain some of the highest in our survey, exceeding the state average by nearly $2,100.

New York Rates After an Accident

With average rates that are 66% lower than the state average, Progressive maintains a first-place ranking for drivers who have an accident on their record. American Family Insurance also holds its place as the most expensive insurance provider after an accident, on average, with rates more than double the state average.

New York Rates After a DUI

Even after a DUI, which will likely increase your rates regardless of your insurer, Progressive maintains the lead with rates that are 75% less than the state average. American Family Insurance rates for this group are the highest in our study.

How Much Is High Coverage Car Insurance in New York?

If you want high or full coverage in New York, Progressive rates are 64% less than the state average and the lowest in our study. American Family Insurance family again claims the last spot in our survey, with rates about 41% higher than the state average.

How Much Is Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in New York?

On average, Progressive's rates for minimum car insurance in New York are the lowest in our study and $1,200 less than the state average. American Family Insurance rates are about $2,100 more than the state average, making them the highest in our study.

New York Car Insurance FAQs

Is Car Insurance Required in New York?

Yes, all New York drivers must purchase the minimum amount of liability insurance required by New York State law.

Which Cars Are Required To Be Insured in New York?

All passenger and commercial cars, SUVs, trucks and motorcycles must be insured to be registered in New York State.

When Should I Get Car Insurance in New York?

If you plan to register your vehicle in New York, you must purchase auto insurance first. You cannot operate your vehicle on a public road or highway until it’s insured and registered with the state. If you move to New York, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident.

How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in New York?

To comply with New York State insurance laws, you must carry the following types and amounts of liability insurance:

How Much Is Car Insurance in My City in New York?

The cost of cover insurance depends on several factors, including your driving record, credit score, age, and the coverage options you choose. Even your zip code and where you live can affect your rates. Drivers in urban parts of New York tend to have higher rates than those living in the suburbs or rural parts of the state.

New York City drivers can expect to pay about $3,756 a year for car insurance, or nearly 95% more than the state average. Residents of Yonkers and Mount Vernon can expect rates that are 45% to 49% more than the state average, respectively. New Yorkers who live in Schenectady, Rochester and Albany typically pay less for car insurance, with average rates between $1,419 and $1,447.

The best way to determine how much car insurance costs in your city is to get and compare rate quotes from various insurers authorized to sell car insurance in New York.

What Happens if My Car Is Not Properly Insured in New York?

If you fail to insure your car, the DMV will suspend your registration and potentially your driver's license. You may also receive a ticket, be arrested, have your car impounded or be required to pay fees and penalties. For more information on the penalties for driving without proper insurance, visit the New York DMV website.

Is New York a No-Fault State?

Yes, New York is a no-fault state. You must carry no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover the medical expenses, lost earnings or other relevant expenses if you are responsible for a car accident that injures another driver, passenger or pedestrian.

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in New York?

Yes, drivers with vehicles registered in New York State are required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage.

Is Liability Insurance Required in New York?

Yes, all New York drivers must carry the state minimum amount of liability coverage. If you’re registering your car in New York, your liability insurance should meet the following limits:

The state of New York also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same minimum bodily injury limits as required for liability insurance, or $25,000 for one person.

Does New York Accept Digital Insurance Cards?

Yes, you can use a digital insurance card to show proof of insurance in New York. A digital insurance card can be used during a traffic stop, at the DMV or in court. Check with your insurance company or agent to find out if they offer digital insurance cards.

How We Created This New York Car Insurance Review

At U.S. News, we’re all about helping people make life’s important decisions. Our college rankings, launched in 1983, set the standard in educational rankings. Our rankings in other fields, like healthcare, government, and the automotive sphere, help people and thought leaders make choices that make lives better. Now we’re continuing to empower you with the information you need to make the right choices for your life with our Cheapest Car Insurance Rankings.

Our Study Rates

To get comparative insurance rates for this study, U.S. News also worked with Quadrant Information Services to analyze a report of insurance rates in all 50 states from most of the largest national car insurance companies, though not every company operates in every state. Quadrant obtained publicly available rate data that car insurers file with state regulators. Our study rates are based on profiles for both male and female drivers aged 17, 25, and 60. Vehicles used include the 2015 Honda Civic, 2015 Toyota RAV4, and 2015 Ford F-150, with annual mileage ranging from 6,000 and 12,000. Three car insurance coverage levels were used, as were credit tiers of good, fair, and poor. Clean driving records and records with one accident, one speeding violation, and one DUI were also used in the calculations of certain driver archetypes. 

To get the study rates shown here, we computed the mean rate for male and female drivers aged 25, 35, and 60 who drive 12,000 miles per year and have medium coverage, good credit, and a clean driving record. The rates shown here are for comparative purposes only and should not be considered “average” rates available by individual insurers. Because car insurance rates are based on individual factors, your car insurance rates will differ from the rates shown here.