Cheapest Auto Insurance in Schenectady, New York (2025)

New York drivers shell out $404 monthly for car insurance, on average. That’s the price of 86 cups of coffee at Villa Italia Bakery and more than double the national average of $150 per month.

Between the state’s no-fault insurance system, strict regulatory environment, and high rates of insurance fraud from inflated medical claims and legal costs, rates keep climbing. Add in recent inflation, and drivers are left with expensive car insurance rates in Schenectady.

But it’s still possible to find affordable coverage in Schenectady by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies.

5 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Schenectady

New York car insurance quotes tend to run high, but several companies offer Schenectady drivers better rates without compromising coverage. How much you pay depends on your driving history, vehicle type, coverage needs, and even credit history.^[2]

But cheap isn’t everything — the insurance company with the lowest premium might have a terrible reputation for claims and customer service. It’s worth your time to review information from several insurance companies to find the best policy for your situation.

Compare quotesCompare	Compare quotesCompare	Compare quotesCompare	Compare quotesCompare	Compare quotesCompare
Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $136/mo*	Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $209/mo*	Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $308/mo*	Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $415/mo*	Average price Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $431/mo*
Overall rating 4.6 668 reviews	Overall rating 3.7 1,726 reviews	Overall rating 3.4 6,856 reviews	Overall rating 4.0 181 reviews	Overall rating 4.9 1,183 reviews
Value for money 4.6/5	Value for money 3.4/5	Value for money 3.4/5	Value for money 3.7/5	Value for money 4.9/5
Customer service 4.4/5	Customer service 3.5/5	Customer service 3.5/5	Customer service 4.0/5	Customer service 4.7/5
Claims handling 4.5/5	Claims handling 3.6/5	Claims handling 3.5/5	Claims handling 4.0/5	Claims handling 4.9/5
Special highlight AI-generated from 668 user reviews AAA members	Special highlight AI-generated from 1726 user reviews Numerous discounts	Special highlight AI-generated from 6856 user reviews Competitive rates	Special highlight AI-generated from 181 user reviews High customer satisfaction	Special highlight AI-generated from 1183 user reviews Members of the military community

Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers

Best insurer for commuters: CSAA

commuters

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User Reviews	4.6 668 reviews
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.	$88/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.	$141/mo

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Driver Reviews

4.6

Best choiceBased on 2,101 verified guest 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 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 For

AAA members

Customer service

Membership perks

Reviews (668)

Andrew

May 18, 2025

Verified Review

Excellent

Use the app for road service.

Elaine

May 16, 2025

Verified Review

Top Notch

My agent is so helpful and informative.

Deana

May 14, 2025

Verified Review

They will quote you lower than your current insurance, but then at renewal, it can increase by up to $100. The agent didn't respond to two emails.

They will quote you lower than your current insurance, but then at renewal, it can increase by up to $100. The agent didn't respond to two emails.

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Our Advice

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

NR

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

0.75

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

CSAA is best for Schenectady’s daily commuters, particularly given the significant flow of workers traveling between Schenectady and Albany — the second-largest intercounty commuting pattern in the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) analysis.

The company’s AAA affiliation opens the door to roadside assistance, which can be very helpful when dealing with notorious winter driving conditions in upstate New York.

Pros

• 24/7 AAA roadside help

• AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)

• One-stop shop for all insurance needs

Cons

• Must maintain AAA membership for full benefits

• Clunky digital experience

• Not all AAA insurance partners offer the same coverages and discounts

Best insurer for basic coverage: Safeco

basic coverage

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User Reviews	4.4 486 reviews
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.	$155/mo

Show Details

Driver Reviews

4.4

Best choiceBased on 861 verified guest reviews and ratings

How drivers feel about Safeco

Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For

Cash back for being claims free

Optional coverages

Diminishing deductible

How drivers feel about Safeco

Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For

Cash back for being claims free

Optional coverages

Diminishing deductible

Reviews (486)

Thomas

May 22, 2025

Verified Review

Safeco handled my flood damage from Hurricane Ian satisfactorily.

Fine -- just noticed the costs have risen.

Jeffry

May 10, 2025

Verified Review

Pays to shop and compare!

Professional and friendly. No longer a great value. My auto insurance went from $947 annually to $1,668. Got auto AND homeowners bundled for less than $1,900 through Progressive. Maintained a safe driving record for more than 40 years!

Marcus

May 7, 2025

Verified Purchase

No papers

Good so far. The only thing is they will not send the papers to show law enforcement if you're stopped. The ones we print are not good enough.

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Our Advice

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

NR

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

1.08

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

Safeco is best if you’re looking to meet state requirements without extra frills. Schenectady drivers will find straightforward policies with no-fault personal injury protection (PIP), liability, and uninsured motorist coverage, which is essential considering nearly 11% of New York drivers don’t have insurance.

Overall, Safeco offers streamlined insurance policies that make it easy to get coverage that meets state requirements without paying for unnecessary extras.

Pros

• Accident forgiveness available

• Bundling discount of up to 15%

• Flexible policy terms

Cons

• Policies only available through an insurance agent

• Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score

• Few available discounts

Best insurer for discounts: Liberty Mutual

discounts

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User Reviews	3.7 1,726 reviews
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.	7.7 /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.	$104/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.	$248/mo

Show Details

Driver Reviews

3.7

A solid optionBased on 2,997 verified guest reviews and ratings

How drivers feel about Liberty Mutual

Drivers appreciate the ease of making payments and the company’s helpful customer service. But they dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, and some report difficulties in communication and claim handling.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For

Numerous discounts

New and financed vehicles

Accident forgiveness

How drivers feel about Liberty Mutual

Drivers appreciate the ease of making payments and the company’s helpful customer service. But they dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, and some report difficulties in communication and claim handling.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For

Numerous discounts

New and financed vehicles

Accident forgiveness

Reviews (1,726)

Sue

May 17, 2025

Verified Review

Beware!

Many years of coverage, 28-year-old car, no tickets, 1 claim for back impact, 90-year-old driver, 900-1200 miles per year, and they shopped me to another insurer who added $700 to my "new" policy. That was Liberty Mutual.

Kelly

May 15, 2025

Verified Review

Incorrect Information

Overall, I am satisfied with Liberty Mutual's customer service. I am extremely satisfied that the pricing was lower than others. However, I am not 100% satisfied with the payment information given over the phone, which was incorrect and caused an additional amount to be added to my original balance. This was not my fault, but completely the fault of the customer service representative who gave me incorrect information. This cost me time, money, embarrassment, and unfairness due to her negligence and incorrect information, after assuring me more than once, despite my doubts, that my payment was indeed processed and would not be returned for insufficient funds.

Penny

May 15, 2025

Verified Review

Excellent

Good service.

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Our Advice

JD Power

J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.

819

NAIC Index

Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.

3.95

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

Liberty Mutual is best for people who want to maximize savings through discounts. As one of New York’s five largest insurance companies, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Liberty Mutual helps offset the state’s high premiums with an impressive 13 discounts.

For New York’s 12+ million drivers who pay some of the nation’s highest car insurance rates, Liberty Mutual’s savings opportunities — ranging from multi-policy to safety feature discounts — can put a big dent in monthly insurance costs.

Pros

• Many available discounts

• Face-to-face help from local independent agents

• Full-featured mobile app

Cons

• Low J.D. Power customer satisfaction score

• Higher-than-expected number of complaints with the NAIC

• ”Safe driver” tracking program could raise rates

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady

Your car insurance rates in Schenectady boil down to your unique risk profile — namely, your age, driving record, and where you park at night. Living in downtown Schenectady near Erie Boulevard might mean steeper premiums, thanks to increased traffic and accident risks compared to quieter neighborhoods like Old Niskayuna.

New York’s no-fault insurance system also influences your premium. But if your goal is to save money, a few smart moves can help you control costs:

• Make use of NY’s defensive driving course discount. Complete a state-approved defensive driving course to lower your premiums by 10%.

• Bundle your insurance. Buying auto and home insurance (or renters insurance) from the same agency or company can qualify you for discounts.

• Compare multiple companies. Use rate-comparison sites to get auto insurance quotes since prices for the same coverage can vary — sometimes by hundreds of dollars.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in New York

Liability rates start at $97 per month

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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Schenectady: CSAA

Think of liability-only car insurance as the bare minimum. It pays for damage or injuries you cause to others in an accident but doesn’t cover losses to your vehicle. Since New York plays by no-fault rules, liability coverage also includes personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage.

New York drivers pay an average of $349 monthly for liability insurance, but prices vary based on your ZIP code and driving record.

Here’s a look at different rates in the state of New York from liability-only car insurance companies:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
CSAA	$97
Liberty Mutual	$113
Progressive	$231
Erie	$312
USAA	$324
Bristol West	$447

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 Schenectady: CSAA

While liability-only coverage falls short when it comes to your vehicle’s damage, full coverage steps up to protect your ride from theft, vandalism, and Schenectady’s harsh weather. This extra protection is worth considering if you’re still making payments on your vehicle or driving a newer model.

On average, New York motorists pay $460 per month for full coverage. It costs more than basic protection but is valuable for preserving your vehicle’s worth. See how full-coverage rates stack up across auto insurers in New York:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
CSAA	$165
Safeco	$168
Liberty Mutual	$294
Progressive	$376
Erie	$506
USAA	$527
Bristol West	$549

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

New York is a no-fault state for car insurance. That means your auto policy covers your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. All vehicles registered in New York must have PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, plus liability protection that meets the following minimum legal requirements:^[3]

Coverage	Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability	$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability	$10,000

You might also want extra protection for you and your vehicle. In that case, New York suggests these optional coverages:

• 

  Collision coverage

  Collision insurance pays for damage to your car from accidents, no matter who’s at fault.

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

• 

  Additional no-fault benefits

  This extends medical coverage beyond the basic $50,000 limit the law requires.

• 

  Supplementary uninsured motorist coverage

  This provides extra protection following accidents with an uninsured/underinsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.

• 

  New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP)

  If you’re struggling to get standard auto insurance coverage due to a poor driving record or other high-risk factors, the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP) can help. It’s a state-mandated process that matches high-risk drivers to insurance companies.

  While you might pay more for an NYAIP policy, the program helps keep you legally covered when other options run dry.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

An incident on your record — like a car accident, speeding ticket, or DUI — tells auto insurance companies that you might be a risky bet. Drivers with marks on their records tend to file more claims. Each mark against your record can send your rates climbing, but some Schenectady car insurance companies are more forgiving than others.

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Monthly liability rates start at $118 for drivers with an incident

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4.8/5

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: CSAA

A heavy foot on Erie Boulevard doesn’t just earn you a ticket. It also signals to insurers that you might be prone to risky driving habits. Since speeding can lead to more crashes, insurance companies typically charge more after a driver gets a ticket.

New York drivers with a speeding offense pay around $397 monthly for liability coverage. See which New York companies offer the most competitive liability-only rates for drivers with and without speeding tickets:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Clean Driving Record	With Speeding Ticket
CSAA	$97	$116
Liberty Mutual	$113	$141
Progressive	$231	$273
Erie	$312	$385
USAA	$324	$380
Bristol West	$447	$533

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: CSAA

Causing an accident — whether it’s a minor bump in a mall parking lot or a bigger crash on I-890 — makes you a higher risk behind the wheel. At-fault accidents often lead to expensive claims for motor vehicle damage and potential injuries, causing auto insurance companies to increase prices following the incident.

New York drivers with an at-fault accident pay a monthly average of $414 for liability policies. Compare how different New York auto insurers adjust their liability-only rates after an accident:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Clean Driving Record	With Accident
CSAA	$97	$125
Liberty Mutual	$113	$147
Progressive	$231	$292
Erie	$312	$400
USAA	$324	$397
Bristol West	$447	$550

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: CSAA

A DUI conviction in New York hits harder than just legal penalties. It can send your insurance rates through the roof. Insurance companies view drunk driving as one of the riskiest behaviors on the road and price policies accordingly.

Drivers in New York with a DUI pay monthly averages of $439 for liability coverage and $579 for full coverage.

See how a DUI affects liability-only rates across a few auto insurers in New York below:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Clean Driving Record	With DUI
CSAA	$97	$139
Liberty Mutual	$113	$162
Progressive	$231	$332
Erie	$312	$448
USAA	$324	$465
Bristol West	$447	$642

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: CSAA

Car insurance rates typically hit their sweet spot between ages 35 and 70, thanks to decades of driving experience. But after age 70, prices often spike, as natural aging impairs reaction time and night vision. Senior drivers in New York pay average liability costs of $386 per month, but shopping around can uncover substantial savings on the best car insurance for seniors.

Here’s how senior insurance rates vary across New York’s top insurers:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Liability Only	Full Coverage
CSAA	$88	$150
Liberty Mutual	$109	$284
Progressive	$197	$320
Erie	$286	$464
USAA	$303	$493
Bristol West	$421	$517

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: CSAA

New drivers pack the highest insurance rates because they lack experience. They’re also more likely to take risks and file claims. While teen drivers in New York pay an average of $628 per month for liability coverage, more budget-friendly prices are possible.

As a teen driver, you could save money in a few ways: Stay on your parents’ policy, leverage good student discounts, choose a sensible first car (think Civic rather than Corvette), and consider usage-based insurance programs that reward careful driving.

Here, you can compare teen driver quotes from New York’s leading car insurance companies:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Liability Only	Full Coverage
CSAA	$162	$276
Liberty Mutual	$199	$519
Progressive	$422	$687
Erie	$558	$905
USAA	$576	$937
Bristol West	$786	$966

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.

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Schenectady car insurance quotes by credit tier

New York law lets insurers peek at your credit history when setting rates. Here’s why: Insurance companies view financial responsibility as a predictor of risk. Generally, drivers with strong credit file fewer claims.

For New York drivers with poor credit histories, this can mean a higher car insurance bill every month — sometimes double what drivers with excellent credit pay for the same coverage.

Here’s how your credit tier can shape auto insurance rates in New York:

More cities in New York

Looking at car insurance quotes beyond Schenectady, you’ll see that prices can vary significantly across the Empire State. Each city’s unique factors, like traffic patterns, accident rates, and population density, sway auto insurance premiums.

Whether you’re heading upstate or downstate, check out the rates in these cities:

City	Average Quote: Liability Only	Average Quote: Full Coverage
Buffalo	$321	$324
New York	$504	$547
Rochester	$152	$282
Syracuse	$319	$355

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.

Schenectady car insurance FAQs