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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.
Featured in
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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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At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
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 populated cities, its risk of car accidents is high. Insurers recognize this and charge higher premiums to account for the increased risk.
Car insurance in New York City averages $547 per month for full coverage and $504 for minimum coverage. That’s higher than both the New York state and national averages. The national average cost for full coverage is $196 per month and $105 per month for liability-only policies. At the state level, New York’s averages are $460 and $348, respectively.
New York state has the highest car insurance costs in the country, and New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the state for auto coverage, according to Insurify data. New Yorkers looking to save on car insurance should start by comparing multiple quotes to find the most affordable coverage available to them.
CSAA and Safeco are the cheapest insurers for New York City drivers.
New York City had nearly 15,000 traffic accidents in 2022, according to New York state data.[1]
The average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance in New York city is 67% higher than the national average cost of car insurance, Insurify data shows.
Best car insurance companies in New York City
Safeco, CSAA, and Nationwide are some of the best insurance companies in New York City, and each provides unique benefits. CSAA is one of the cheapest companies, Safeco offers perks for new-car owners, and Nationwide is great for bundling discounts.
But the best insurer for you may not be on this list. Always compare quotes from multiple companies before buying a policy.
Insurance Company | 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. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
CSAA | 7.6 | $164 | $98 | Cheap rates |
Safeco | 8.3 | $168 | $162 | Discounts |
Nationwide | 8.7 | N/A | N/A | Low-mileage drivers |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for cheap rates: CSAA
User Reviews | 4.6 |
---|---|
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. | 7.6 /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. | $98/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. | $164/mo |
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.
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.
Katy
April 25, 2025
Reliable, but expensive
Jack
April 25, 2025
Dropping a vehicle can increase your rate!
Ubayawardana
April 25, 2025
Not very good, but no other option
CSAA is a regional insurer serving New York and 15 other states. The company offers auto, homeowners, and other types of insurance to AAA members. With rates significantly lower than some competitors, CSAA may be a good option for AAA members or anyone who wants to join AAA.
Lowest rates for New York City drivers
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM best
Limited to AAA members
No ratings on Trustpilot
Best insurer for discounts: Safeco
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. | 8.3 /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. | $168/mo |
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
Jesse
April 26, 2025
Do not use Safeco
Deborah
April 26, 2025
Excellent
Richard
April 25, 2025
Good but shop around regularly
A Liberty Mutual company, Safeco is a quality insurer that sells coverage in most U.S. states, including New York. The company has some of the most affordable auto insurance in the city on average and a few unique savings opportunities, including accident forgiveness, claims-free cash back, and a diminishing deductible.
Dozens of local insurance agents in the New York City area
Mobile app makes it easy to pay bills, manage claims, download ID cards, and more
Above-average number of customer complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index
Must purchase a policy through a local agent
Best insurer for low-mileage drivers: Nationwide
User Reviews | 4.4 |
---|---|
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. | $86/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. | $180/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
Walter
April 20, 2025
Good Insurance but Extremely Costly
Patricia
April 20, 2025
They don't inform you about anything. They never notified me that I was without insurance for two months. I received no communication from them, no phone call, text, or email. So, when people ask about Nationwide, I will tell them it's not the best. They won't notify you about anything. If I hadn't called to remove my truck from the policy because it broke down, I would have never known that I had no insurance.
John
April 19, 2025
Too Expensive!
Nationwide is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., and it has a lower-than-average number of complaints filed with the NAIC, which indicates many customers are happy with its coverage and service. The company has more than a dozen available discounts and ample auto insurance products for New York City drivers to choose from.
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
Only a few customer complaints were filed in New York, per the NAIC
Below-average customer satisfaction ranking in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study
More expensive premiums than some competitors in New York
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 history, and your ZIP code.
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.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in New York City: CSAA
Liability-only car insurance is a kind of policy that only covers damages or injuries that you cause to other people in a motor vehicle accident. It doesn’t cover damages to your own car or personal injuries in case of an accident.[2]
The table below outlines the best options for motorists in New York City seeking the most affordable liability-only coverage.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $152 |
Safeco | $194 |
Liberty Mutual | $226 |
Progressive | $283 |
Erie | $380 |
USAA | $396 |
Travelers | $463 |
Bristol West | $469 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in New York City: Safeco
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.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Safeco | $221 |
CSAA | $229 |
Liberty Mutual | $335 |
Progressive | $390 |
Erie | $526 |
Bristol West | $535 |
USAA | $547 |
Travelers | $640 |
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 suspension of your vehicle registration.[3]
The table below shows the minimum-coverage levels required by law in the Empire State:
Coverage | Minimum Requirements |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability |
|
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 you total it in an accident or someone steals it.[4]
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 have 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 face vandalization or theft.
Cheapest car insurance for New York City drivers with an incident
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.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: CSAA
Even one speeding ticket can increase your car insurance rates. Speeding through congested streets is especially dangerous, and the Big Apple’s average car insurance rates for people with speeding tickets reflect this. On average, a speeding ticket pushes car insurance rates in New York to $608 per month for full coverage and $560 for minimum coverage, Insurify data shows.
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 liability-only quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $171 |
Safeco | $219 |
Liberty Mutual | $254 |
Progressive | $319 |
Erie | $428 |
USAA | $446 |
Travelers | $521 |
Bristol West | $528 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: CSAA
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.
New York City drivers with at-fault accidents on their driving records see average car insurance rates of $635 per month for full coverage and $585 for liability only.
The table below shows the cheapest liability insurance for New York drivers who have a past at-fault accident on their record.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $171 |
Safeco | $218 |
Liberty Mutual | $253 |
Progressive | $318 |
Erie | $427 |
USAA | $445 |
Travelers | $520 |
Bristol West | $527 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: CSAA
Finding affordable car insurance after a DUI is especially challenging because many insurance companies refuse to insure drivers who have a DUI conviction. 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.[5]
A DUI pushes the average monthly cost of car insurance in New York City to $666 for full coverage and $614 for liability. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance for New York City drivers with DUIs on their driving records.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $202 |
Safeco | $257 |
Liberty Mutual | $298 |
Progressive | $375 |
Erie | $503 |
USAA | $524 |
Travelers | $613 |
Bristol West | $621 |
)
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record?
Cheapest car insurance for seniors in New York City: CSAA
Experienced drivers tend to be safer on the road, so insurance companies often decrease rates for drivers once they reach age 35. But they tend to increase rates again around age 70.
Drivers 70 and older have 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.[6]
The average monthly cost of car insurance for senior drivers in New York City is $589 for full coverage and $543 for minimum coverage. The following table lists the companies with the lowest average monthly car insurance premiums for senior drivers in New York City.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $123 |
Safeco | $157 |
Liberty Mutual | $183 |
Progressive | $229 |
Erie | $308 |
USAA | $321 |
Travelers | $375 |
Bristol West | $380 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens in New York City: CSAA
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 having 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.[7]
Teen drivers in New York face average car insurance rates of $985 per month for full coverage and $907 for liability-only policies. The table below shows companies offering the lowest monthly prices on auto insurance for teen drivers in New York City.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
CSAA | $274 |
Safeco | $350 |
Liberty Mutual | $406 |
Progressive | $510 |
Erie | $685 |
USAA | $713 |
Travelers | $834 |
Bristol West | $845 |
New York City car insurance quotes by credit tier
New York State allows insurers to consider your credit-based insurance score when underwriting auto insurance policies. Credit can significantly affect car insurance rates, as insurance companies use consumer credit information to help them evaluate risk. Drivers with excellent or good credit generally pay lower rates than drivers with poor credit.[8]
The chart below shows the average New York City car insurance premiums by credit tier to help you better understand how your credit history could affect your rate.
Rates by Credit Tier
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?
New York City’s average car insurance costs are $547 per month for full coverage and $504 for minimum coverage. By comparison, the state averages are $460 and $348, respectively.
Both the city and state averages are higher than the national averages of $196 for full coverage and $105 for minimum coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in New York City?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 7.6 out of 10 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior), CSAA 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, teen drivers pay an average of $985 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $907 for liability-only coverage.
Is car insurance cheaper in New Jersey or New York?
Car insurance is much cheaper in New Jersey than in New York City. New Jersey drivers pay an average of $175 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $148 for liability-only policies.
New York City drivers pay an average of $504 per month for liability coverage and $547 for full coverage.
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
- 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.
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Sources
- New York State. "DATA.NY.GOV."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. "New York State Insurance Requirements."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is auto insurance?."
- Kelley Blue Book. "SR-22 Insurance: What is it and How Does it Work?."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
- New York State Department of Financial Services. "Applying for Auto Insurance."
)
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.
Janet has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
)
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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.