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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Written byJess Ullrich
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Jess UllrichFreelance Insurance Writer
10+ years in personal finance writing and editing
Investopedia, Wall Street Journal, and The HuffPost
Jess is a personal finance writer who's been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work is published on Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and more. Prior to freelancing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Jess has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2022, and has written hundreds of empowering, informative articles on insurance topics.
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Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Reviewed byDavid Marlett
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David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
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Table of contents
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 $189 for liability car insurance. People with a clean driving record pay a monthly average of $151 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 $156 per month for drivers with an incident
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4.7 out of 5 based on 12,323 reviews
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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. | $245/mo |
4.5
Best choice in New YorkBased on 2,325 verified driver reviews and ratings
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
Showing recent national reviews - See all 485 CSAA reviews
Joseph
Verified Review
AAA is the best
Reviewed in Mississippi on January 24, 2026
I believe you would get a lower rate and excellent coverage.
Cheryl
Verified Review
Only moderately satisfied
Reviewed in Mississippi on January 5, 2026
The price quoted and the first payment were made, but the subsequent payments increased. I was forced to use auto-pay, which I don't find necessary at 72 years old. I was supposed to be auto-billed on 2/2, and today, 2/5, I still haven't been billed. That's not acceptable.
James
Verified Review
Disappointed
Reviewed in Georgia on December 24, 2025
Home insurance is GREAT but car insurance is too expensive.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
664NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.28A.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).
AWhy 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. | $123/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. | $138/mo |
4.9
Best choice in New YorkBased on 3,102 verified driver reviews and ratings
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 13 reviews from New York drivers - See all 1,475 USAA reviews
Kenneth
Verified Review
Service Great but Pay a Lot More
Reviewed in New York on January 10, 2026
The rates are more than twice as high.
Christopher
Verified Review
Buyer beware if you ever have a significant claim
Reviewed in New York on January 1, 2026
Despite being insured with this company for 30 years and having minimal claims, our latest claim experience has been pure misery. We had to fight against a low vehicle valuation based on false "comparable" vehicles and an overstated repair estimate based on misinformation, which together led to a false total-loss declaration. Be prepared to vigorously defend your interests if you ever have a claim.
Freddie
Verified Review
Overall Opinions
Reviewed in New York on December 19, 2025
They do not do what you ask them, like notifying you about claim status, even if you choose to go to court. Even when you have an accident with no charges against you, they increase their price, which is frustrating.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.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. | $300/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. | $452/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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
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.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in New York for
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Showing 46 reviews from New York drivers - See all 8,107 Progressive reviews
Dawn
Verified Review
Rates are ridiculous
Reviewed in New York on March 2, 2026
NYS has the highest premiums anywhere, despite a great driving record! I've had zero tickets since 1989, yet my premiums go up all the time. Progressive told me 3 years ago it was because of the payout costs. Either get a new accountant or make offenders pay what they owe, not on the low income! Please.
Daniel
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in New York on February 28, 2026
For my area, they have the best price so far that I could find.
Aroosa
Verified Review
Not great!
Reviewed in New York on February 22, 2026
Progressive should be good, but the price was far too high!
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97A.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, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company  | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $163 | $183 |
| USAA | $171 | $192 |
| Travelers | $200 | $225 |
| State Farm | $231 | $260 |
| Allstate | $245 | $276 |
| Nationwide | $250 | $281 |
| GEICO | $254 | $284 |
| Progressive | $429 | $646 |
| Chubb | $451 | $507 |
| Bristol West | $565 | $727 |
| 21st Century | $726 | $816 |
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, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $191 | $215 |
| USAA | $199 | $223 |
| Travelers | $231 | $260 |
| State Farm | $271 | $305 |
| Allstate | $284 | $320 |
| Nationwide | $289 | $324 |
| GEICO | $302 | $338 |
| Chubb | $528 | $594 |
| Progressive | $528 | $796 |
| Bristol West | $667 | $857 |
| 21st Century | $791 | $889 |
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, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $161 | $181 |
| USAA | $164 | $184 |
| Travelers | $191 | $216 |
| State Farm | $220 | $247 |
| Allstate | $236 | $266 |
| Nationwide | $240 | $269 |
| GEICO | $253 | $283 |
| Progressive | $400 | $603 |
| Chubb | $429 | $483 |
| Bristol West | $536 | $689 |
| 21st Century | $699 | $785 |
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 $189 per month for liability insurance, while drivers with a clean record pay a monthly average of $151 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.
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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)."
)
Jess UllrichFreelance Insurance Writer
10+ years in personal finance writing and editing
Investopedia, Wall Street Journal, and The HuffPost
Jess is a personal finance writer who's been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work is published on Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and more. Prior to freelancing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Jess has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2022, and has written hundreds of empowering, informative articles on insurance topics.
Featured in
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in
David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.