Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New York (2026)
Car insurance for high-risk drivers in New York state is generally more expensive, but it’s still possible to find an affordable policy.
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Jess UllrichFreelance Insurance Writer
10+ years in personal finance writing and editing
Investopedia, Wall Street Journal, and The HuffPost
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Edited byMacKenzie Korris
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MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
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10+ years editing experience
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Reviewed byDavid Marlett
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David MarlettAdvisor
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Past driving incidents can affect car insurance costs for New York drivers. A spotty driving record generally means rate increases, with drivers paying a monthly average of $191 for liability car insurance. People with a clean driving record pay a monthly average of $153 for a liability policy.
Car insurance may be more expensive if the insurance company considers you a high-risk driver, but you’ll still need to meet the state-minimum liability coverage required by law. This can be challenging, though, as some insurers don’t offer coverage for high-risk drivers.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re a high-risk driver shopping for a car insurance policy in New York.
Quick Facts
Your insurance company may deem you a high-risk New York driver if you have a past at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or DUI conviction.
CSAA offers the cheapest average rates for high-risk drivers, but it’s important to get multiple car insurance quotes.
Taking a defensive driving course, getting legal help for infractions, and maintaining a safe record could help reduce your costs.
Who is a high-risk driver in New York?
Your insurance company may deem you a high-risk driver if you have past incidents on your record, such as speeding tickets, a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, or at-fault accidents.
New York state also has a points system, in which drivers may be subject to fines and license suspensions for certain driving infractions. If you accumulate six points within 18 months, you’ll be fined, and if you accumulate 11 points within the same time period, the state will suspend your license.[1]
Find Cheap Car Insurance in New York
Liability quotes start at $93 per month for drivers with an incident
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Best New York auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
If you’re a high-risk driver, the cost of your car insurance can vary depending on your driving infractions, so it’s important to shop around. Here are some of the best insurers if you’re currently seeking new coverage.
CSAA: Best for affordable coverage
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.5 /10 |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $224/mo |
4.5
Best choiceBased on 2,350 verified driver reviews and ratings
CSAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.3 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.3 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about CSAA
Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Michigan on May 3, 2026
Great rates, friendly customer service.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Missouri on April 5, 2026
Check rates first, then choose.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Michigan on March 21, 2026
Contact and conversation prior to completing the deal are great. I personally feel insulted by the lack of cooperation after requesting a complete outline and explanation for my completely overcharged policy. I know for a fact that my driving and claims history is exceptional as I am a former state trooper and US Air Marshal. I am currently paying more with one vehicle insured than I previously paid for two. I have yet to receive the phone call as requested to explain the high rates given my professional background and history. To say I am frustrated with MEEMIC (AAA) is grossly understated.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
664
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.28
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Why we picked this company
Auto insurance can be more expensive for high-risk drivers, but CSAA offers the lowest average rates among the New York insurers we evaluated. If cost is a priority for you, it’s worth getting a quote from this insurer. If you’re a member of AAA, you’re also eligible for several discounts and perks, such as discounts on car care, pet insurance, travel packages, and more.
Pros
Affordable rates
Lower-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Discounts and perks for AAA members
Cons
Not ranked by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction
Mixed customer reviews
Higher rates for drivers with a DUI
USAA: Best for customer satisfaction
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $73/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $125/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 3,643 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing 9 reviews from New York driversSee all 1,577 USAA reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on April 20, 2026
USAA is the best overall insurance company!
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on April 11, 2026
Easy to use.
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on April 1, 2026
Too expensive for being a customer for over 5 years.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
USAA is our top pick for customer satisfaction, receiving a very high rating in the category on the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. You’ll need to be a USAA member to get an auto policy, and membership is available only to military members, veterans, employees of certain federal agencies, and their qualifying family members.
Pros
Excellent customer satisfaction rating
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Tailored coverage for military, veterans, and qualifying family members
Cons
Higher rates than some competitors
More NAIC complaints than national average
Not available to people without a military affiliation
Progressive: Best for financial stability
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $200/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $371/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing 42 reviews from New York driversSee all 8,516 Progressive reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on May 17, 2026
Not great at all. My quote gets higher with every policy renewal. No accidents, no tickets, great driving record, yet it still gets higher!
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on May 11, 2026
They're okay, I guess, but it's too much money for me. I need a cheaper policy, and if I find one, I might change.
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on May 1, 2026
No comment. I am not upset with your company. New coverage is less; it's all about the rate.
…
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
AM Best is an independent company that evaluates insurers’ credit and financials, and Progressive consistently receives high marks. This high rating signals that the insurer is financially sound and able to pay out claims, providing some peace of mind for drivers. In 2024, Progressive received a financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) from AM Best.
Pros
AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Many discounts available
Fewer NAIC complaints than national average
Cons
Higher rates than some competitors
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in New York
Higher rates for drivers with a DUI
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability.
The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
Cheapest car insurance in New York with an at-fault accident
Car accidents happen, but if you’re found responsible, you’ll pay higher car insurance premiums than someone with a clean driving record. This is true whether you live in New York or elsewhere in the country. Insurers may view you as more likely to have future accidents and a higher risk to insure.[2]
The table below shows some of the cheapest car insurance companies for New York drivers with an at-fault accident.
The below rates in New York are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $98 | $169 |
| USAA | $102 | $175 |
| Travelers | $119 | $207 |
| State Farm | $137 | $238 |
| Allstate | $147 | $252 |
| Nationwide | $149 | $257 |
| GEICO | $149 | $260 |
| Chubb | $269 | $464 |
| Progressive | $286 | $531 |
| Bristol West | $381 | $617 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time New York car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in New York may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance in New York with a DUI
A DUI conviction will also increase your auto insurance rates in New York. This type of driving incident typically results in the highest increase, as it’s often the highest risk in the eyes of your insurer.
Still, it’s worth comparing coverage from different car insurance companies, as some may offer more affordable policies for drivers with a DUI than others.
The below rates in New York are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $111 | $191 |
| USAA | $115 | $197 |
| Travelers | $134 | $232 |
| State Farm | $156 | $272 |
| Allstate | $166 | $284 |
| Nationwide | $167 | $289 |
| GEICO | $171 | $298 |
| Chubb | $306 | $527 |
| Progressive | $344 | $637 |
| Bristol West | $437 | $709 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time New York car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in New York may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest auto insurance in New York with a speeding ticket
Your car insurance costs will increase after a speeding ticket, but generally not by as much as they would with a DUI charge.
In the table below, you can see average monthly costs for drivers in New York with a speeding ticket on their record.
The below rates in New York are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $91 | $158 |
| USAA | $93 | $159 |
| Travelers | $109 | $188 |
| State Farm | $124 | $215 |
| Allstate | $135 | $231 |
| Nationwide | $136 | $234 |
| GEICO | $141 | $245 |
| Progressive | $243 | $451 |
| Chubb | $244 | $420 |
| Bristol West | $345 | $559 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time New York car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in New York may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in New York
While car insurance is relatively expensive for high-risk drivers in New York, some insurers offer cheaper auto insurance rates than others. Here are some strategies that could reduce your car insurance costs:[3]
Seek out discounts. Most car insurance companies offer discounts to help drivers save, such as bundling, good student, and loyalty discounts. Ask your insurance agent which discounts you qualify for.
Work with an independent agent. Independent agents have the knowledge and expertise you need to find cheap coverage if you’re a high-risk driver. They can compare car insurance policies across several companies to find you the lowest rates.
Compare quotes. The best way to find cheap car insurance coverage is to compare quotes from different insurers to make sure you’re getting the best policy for your needs.
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How to improve your driving record in New York
If your insurance company has deemed you a high-risk driver, you can take a few steps to reduce the cost of your car insurance:
Take a defensive driving course
New York offers state-approved Point & Insurance Reduction Programs. These defensive driving programs could help reduce the number of points on your record, which could lower your car insurance costs.[4] Plus, it’s good to learn healthy driving habits to help lower your rates over time.
Seek legal assistance for infractions
You can also seek legal assistance if you have past infractions, such as speeding tickets.
Maintain a safe driving record
If you have a past infraction, work toward maintaining a safe driving record in the future by driving safely and following the rules of the road.
New York high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
If you’re still wondering about high-risk drivers insurance in New York, check out the additional information below.
Which driver is considered high-risk in New York?
Insurance companies may consider drivers to be high risk if they have past speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents. The amount by which your insurance will increase depends on several factors, including the type of offense, your insurance company, where you live, and more.
How do auto insurance companies calculate risk in New York?
Auto insurance companies calculate someone’s insurance risk by looking at their driving record, age, gender, ZIP code, and other demographic factors.
What is the cheapest insurance company for New York high-risk drivers?
CSAA offers the cheapest auto insurance rates, on average, for New York high-risk drivers. But your insurance rates will vary based on your individual situation.
How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in New York?
A high-risk auto insurance policy is generally more expensive than a policy for a driver with a clean record. For example, New York drivers with an incident on their record pay an average of $191 per month for liability insurance, while drivers with a clean record pay a monthly average of $153 for liability coverage.
What is the best insurance company for high-risk drivers?
There’s no single best insurance company for high-risk drivers. But CSAA, USAA, and Progressive are a few of the best companies for high-risk drivers in New York.
Sources
- New York Department of Motor Vehicles. "The New York State Driver Point System."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- New York Department of Motor Vehicles. "Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP)."
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Jess UllrichFreelance Insurance Writer
10+ years in personal finance writing and editing
Investopedia, Wall Street Journal, and The HuffPost
Featured in
MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
David MarlettAdvisor