8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Whether you’re a longtime resident or just moved to the Big Apple, buying car insurance in New York City can involve some sticker shock. As one of the world’s most heavily populated cities, its risk of car accidents is high. Insurers recognize this and charge higher premiums to account for the increased risk.
The average monthly cost of car insurance in New York City is $503 — significantly higher than the national average of $139. Travelers, Safeco, and Nationwide offer some of the lowest average monthly premiums in the city, although the best insurance company for you will vary depending on the type of car you drive and other factors.
Quick Facts
Drivers in New York City pay $551 per month for full coverage and $508 per month for liability-only coverage.
You must show proof of car insurance with at least the state-mandated minimum liability limits to register a vehicle in New York.
New York State law allows insurance companies to consider your credit score when setting your car insurance premium.
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Best car insurance companies in New York City
Safeco, Travelers, and Nationwide are some of the best insurance companies in New York City, and each provides unique benefits. Travelers is one of the cheapest insurers, Safeco offers perks for new-car owners, and Nationwide is great for bundling discounts. However, the best insurer for you may not be on this list. Always compare quotes from multiple companies before buying a policy.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
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++
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.
$367/mo
Travelers offers a variety of insurance products for drivers and businesses throughout most states in the U.S. and Washington, D.C.
Pros
Coverage available for frequent drivers who don’t own a car
Several discounts available for teen drivers, including for maintaining good grades and completing a driver training course
Cons
No rideshare coverage in NYC
Bundling discount is only 10%
They have the lowest rates I could find.
Elise - September 11, 2023
Verified
They are one of the few companies writing policies for a full year. All these "discount companies " miss lead you by quoting 6 month policies.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.7
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
825
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.
$293/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.
$423/mo
Safeco is part of Liberty Mutual, one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S. It offers various discounts and coverages for drivers of all types.
Pros
Mobile app makes it easy to pay bills, manage claims, download ID cards, and more
New-vehicle replacement coverage available for new low-mileage cars
Cons
Must purchase a policy through a local agent
Fewer discounts than other companies
Good company but still kind of expensive
Pennie - February 8, 2023
Verified
No issues with them, but I do wish it was less expensive.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.1
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
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+
Nationwide is a mutual insurance company, meaning it’s entirely owned by policyholders. This allows it to focus on customers without having to cater to investors.
Pros
Coverage for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, classic cars, RVs, boats, golf carts, and more
Usage-based insurance available
Cons
Car insurance not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Massachusetts
Above-average number of customer complaints, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index
Reliable when needed; will fight for you; good discounts for being a loyal customer. They’re on your side.
Alexander - December 4, 2022
Verified
Premiums are high and they dropped us after two claims.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in New York City
Liability-only car insurance is a kind of policy that only covers damages or injuries that you cause to other people in an accident. It doesn’t cover damages to your own car or personal injuries in case of an accident.[1]
The table below outlines the best options for drivers in New York City seeking the most affordable liability-only coverage.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in New York City
Full-coverage auto insurance includes liability insurance and also covers damage to your own vehicle and injuries you and your passengers sustain through collision and comprehensive coverage.
The table below shows the insurance companies offering the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance in New York City.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in New York
You must show proof of car insurance to register a vehicle in New York State and maintain that coverage to prevent your registration from being suspended.[2]
The table below shows the minimum coverage levels required by law in the Empire State:
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$25,000 for bodily injury/$50,000 for death for one person involved in an accident
$50,000 for bodily injury/$100,000 for death of two or more people involved in an accident
Property damage liability
$10,000 per accident
You may want to consider increasing your coverage beyond the minimum limits required by the state and adding one or more of the following optional coverages:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage reimburses you for damage to your own vehicle due to a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance reimburses you for theft or damage to your car due to events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or hail.
Medical payments coverage
This coverage provides reimbursement for medical expenses for injuries to you or your passengers involved in an accident.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
These coverages protect you if a driver hits you without enough insurance to cover your bodily injury or property damage.
Gap coverage
This pays the difference between the fair market value of your vehicle and what you owe on your auto loan if it’s stolen or totaled in an accident.[3]
Cheapest car insurance for New York City drivers with an incident
In car insurance, an incident is an event that can affect the cost of your car insurance, such as a speeding ticket, driving under the influence (DUI), at-fault accident, or other moving violations. Insurance companies tend to increase your rates if you have an incident on your driving record because they indicate that you’re a more risky driver.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
Even one speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates. Still, several companies in New York offer competitive rates for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. The following table lists a few insurance companies and their average monthly quotes for drivers who have received a speeding ticket.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
Finding affordable car insurance after an at-fault accident can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. While many insurers will increase your rates, some still offer accident forgiveness and affordable rates. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for New York drivers who have been involved in an accident.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI
Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI is especially challenging because many insurance companies refuse to insure drivers who have been convicted of a DUI. And those that do offer coverage typically charge you higher rates.
You may also need to get an SR-22 certificate. This is a form from your insurance company proving you have the minimum required insurance coverage.[4]
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance for New York City drivers with DUIs on their driving records.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors in New York City
Experienced drivers tend to be safer on the road, so insurance companies often decrease rates for drivers once they reach age 35. However, they tend to increase rates again around age 75.
Drivers 70 and older are involved in more fatal crashes per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Insurance companies increase rates to account for the added risk.[5]
The following table lists the companies with the lowest average monthly car insurance premiums for senior drivers in New York City.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens in New York City
Auto insurance rates for teen drivers are typically much higher than those for adults. Young drivers have little driving experience and are prone to taking more risks, putting them at a higher risk of being involved in an accident.
Some ways to save on the cost of coverage include staying on your parents’ insurance policy and taking advantage of discounts, such as those for being a good student and taking a defensive driving course.[6]
The table below shows companies offering the lowest monthly prices on auto insurance for teen drivers in New York City.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in New York City
Car insurance companies base their rates on several factors, including your age, the year, make, and model of your vehicle, your credit score, and your location.
You might have little control over some of these factors, but the following strategies can help you keep your auto insurance costs low:
Select a higher deductible. Opting for a higher deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage means you agree to pay more out of pocket when you have a claim, but it’ll decrease your premium.
Bundle insurance policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who buy two or more policies. You may qualify for a discount if you bundle your auto policy with a homeowners or renters policy, life insurance, umbrella, or other policies.
Take advantage of other discounts. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who install anti-theft devices or maintain good credit or a clean driving record. Ask your agent about any available discounts you’re eligible for.
Compare quotes. Rates vary from company to company, so shopping your policy with several different insurance companies is a good way to find the best rate.
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New York City car insurance quotes by credit tier
New York State allows insurers to consider your credit score when underwriting auto insurance policies. Credit scores can significantly affect car insurance rates, as insurance companies use them to evaluate risk. Drivers with excellent or good credit scores generally pay lower rates than drivers with poor credit.[7]
The chart below shows the average New York City car insurance premiums by credit tier to help you better understand how your credit score could affect your rate.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in New York City?
Car insurance is more expensive in New York City than the national average and many other cities in New York State. Part of the reason for the higher rates is due to the population density in the city. Areas with higher populations tend to have more cars on the road, meaning drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident.
Urban areas also tend to be more expensive for car insurance because they have higher crime rates. Insurance companies increase rates in places where your car is more likely to be vandalized or stolen.
More cities in New York
The table below shows the average monthly rates for full-coverage car insurance in other cities in New York and how they compare to New York City.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
New York City car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be challenging. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about how to find the best car insurance in New York City.
How much is car insurance in New York City?
Car insurance in New York City costs $530 per month, on average. Drivers pay an average of $551 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $508 per month for liability coverage. Your exact rate will depend on your insurer, age, driving record, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
What are the best car insurance companies in New York City?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.2 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Excellent), Travelers is the best car insurance company in New York City. Of the insurers Insurify has rate data for, other top New York City insurers include Safeco and Nationwide.
How much does car insurance cost in NYC for a new driver?
Car insurance for new drivers is expensive anywhere, especially for teens and drivers younger than 25. In New York City, drivers younger than 25 pay an average of $619 per month for car insurance.
Is car insurance cheaper in New Jersey or New York?
Car insurance is much cheaper in New Jersey than in New York. New Jersey drivers pay an average of $272 per month for car insurance, while New York drivers pay an average of $530 per month.
Why is auto insurance so high in NYC?
The cost of auto insurance is so high in New York City for various reasons, including its population density, crime rate, and traffic. It’s a very busy city, with so many people traveling in and around it each day, so the likelihood of getting into an accident is much higher than in smaller cities and suburban areas. Insurers recognize this and charge higher rates to account for that risk.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Travelers
Safeco
Nationwide
