Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 70+ insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Advertiser Disclosure
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.
Why you can trust Insurify: As an independent agent and insurance comparison website, Insurify makes money through commissions from insurance companies. However, our expert insurance writers and editors operate independently of our insurance partners. Learn more.
The best car insurance companies in Schenectady, New York, combine affordable rates with quality coverage that protects you financially if you have an accident. Drivers in Schenectady pay average rates of $184 per month for a liability-only policy and $301 for full-coverage insurance.
Your exact rate may differ from the city averages, depending on your coverage needs, driving record, vehicle type, credit history, age, and more.[1] But in general, car insurance in Schenectady costs much less than elsewhere in the state. On average, drivers in New York pay $457 per month for auto coverage.
Quick Facts
Liability-only quotes in Schenectady start at $75 per month from Safeco.
Drivers with a history of multiple accidents or a DUI face higher premiums.
Comparing quotes from multiple auto insurers can help you find the cheapest rates.
Best car insurance companies in Schenectady
The best car insurance company may look different for you and your neighbor because everyone has unique insurance needs. No matter what’s most important to you — whether that’s cheap prices, discount availability, quality customer service, or nonstandard coverage — you should get insurance from a company that aligns with your needs.
Find Car Insurance in Schenectady
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Insurance Company
Best For
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Insurify Quality Score
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.
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.
Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.
Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.
Travelers ranks best overall in Schenectady with a high Insurify Quality (IQ) score of 4.3 out of 5 and the lowest average rate for full-coverage insurance, at $139 per month. The company offers a wide range of coverage options, including standard options like comprehensive and collision insurance and add-ons like new-car replacement and accident forgiveness.
Travelers has low rates and offers customers multiple ways to save through bundling, multi-policy, and safe driver discounts. It earned financial strength ratings of A++ (Superior) from A.M. Best, A2 from Moody’s, and AA from Fitch — all indicating the company’s solid financial strength.
Pros
Lower-than-average number of customer complaints on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index
Received average customer satisfaction ratings in New York, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study[2]
At least 12 advertised discounts available
Cons
Accident forgiveness only available via a responsible-driver plan
Significant increase in premiums after a driving infraction
Below-average Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer rating
Safeco is thecheapest car insurance optionforliability-only coverage, based on Insurify data. The company offers drivers good overall value, with an IQ Score of 3.8 and low monthly rates. On average, drivers pay $75 per month for liability and $167 for full coverage.
The company provides standard coverage options. Customers have various ways to save through accident forgiveness, claims-free cash back, safe driving, and multi-policy discounts. Safeco received an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best.
Pros
Accident forgiveness available
Low rates
Policy and claims management available online and in app
Cons
No gap coverage available
Significant increase in premiums after a driving infraction
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index
Best car insurance in Schenectady for commuters: Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers various standard and specialty coverages that can help protect you during your daily commute. The company provides liability and physical damage coverages, as well as new-car replacement, roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and gap coverage.
Customers can also benefit from multiple discount opportunities that reward safe drivers, good students, homeowners, and more. Liberty Mutual earned an IQ Score of 3.8, and drivers pay $236 per month for liability and $354 for full coverage, on average.
Pros
Specialty and customizable coverages available
Multiple discounts available
Claims filing available online, over the phone, and via mobile app
Cons
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index
Lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings in New York, according to the J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Study
High average premiums
Best car insurance in Schenectady for homeowners: Midvale Home & Auto
Midvale Home & Auto gives customers a discount when they bundle their home and auto insurance policies. The company also offers other ways to save on auto insurance and a typical selection of standard insurance coverages. The company earned an IQ Score of 3.2.
On average, policyholders pay $173 per month for liability-only coverage and $339 for full-coverage insurance.
Pros
Rates below the state average
Gap coverage available
At least nine advertised discounts available
Cons
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index
No mobile app available
Earned a D- financial strength rating from Weiss
Best car insurance in Schenectady for high-risk drivers: Bristol West
As a nonstandard insurer, Bristol West may offer you car insurance even if you have poor credit, no prior coverage, or a bad driving record. The company will file an SR-22 form on your behalf, if necessary, following a DUI or another major incident leading to license suspension.
Bristol West offers basic coverage types and earned an IQ Score of 2.2. On average, policyholders face higher rates, at $224 per month for liability and $340 for full coverage.
Pros
Backed by Farmers Insurance Group
Files SR-22 forms
Rideshare insurance available
Cons
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints on the NAIC complaint index
No specialty coverages available
Higher average premium costs than other insurers
Find Car Insurance in Schenectady
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Schenectady
Liability:Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage pay for other peoples’ injuries and property damage you cause in an accident. It doesn’t pay for your injuries or car repairs.
Uninsured motorist: This covers injuries to you and your passengers if an uninsured driver hits you.
Personal injury protection (PIP): This pays your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault. It also covers your passengers and anyone who lives in your household.
Purchasing only mandatory insurance coverage may work if it would cost more to repair your car than it’s worth. However, purchasing full-coverage insurance,which includes collisionand comprehensive coverage, offers more protection if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle. If you have an auto loan or lease, your lender will likely require you to purchase full coverage.
Collision covers the cost to repair your vehicle if you cause an accident, hit a pothole, or run into a fixed object such as a fence or telephone pole. Comprehensive pays for repairs due to damage from severe weather, animals, vandalism, theft, or other non-accident-related events.[4]
All the top Schenectady auto insurers have average rates that fall significantly below the state average of $460 for liability only and $453 for full coverage. Liability-only rates start at $75 per month, and full-coverage insurance starts at $139.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Travelers
N/A
$139
Safeco
$75
$167
Midvale Home & Auto
$173
$339
Bristol West
$224
$340
Liberty Mutual
$236
$354
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 rates by driving and accident history
Average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady after a DUI start at $276 per month from Travelers.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Average Monthly Quote
Average Monthly Quote
Average Monthly Quote
Travelers
$139
$198
$276
$186
Safeco
$167
$239
$333
$234
Midvale Home & Auto
$339
$484
$674
$454
Bristol West
$340
$486
$677
$456
Liberty Mutual
$354
$507
$705
$475
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 quotes by credit tier
Most states allow insurance companies to use a driver’s insurance-based credit score to help determine the cost of their premiums — and New York is no exception.[5]
Data shows that people with poor credit scoresare more likely to file an insurance claim than people with excellent or good credit scores,according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).[6] As a result, drivers with higher credit scorestypically pay lower rates.
Credit-based insurance scores differ from standard credit scores lenders use to determine interest rates for loans and lines of credit. However, both types of scores use the information found in your credit reports.
Schenectady car insurance rates by driver age
Insurance rates typically decrease as you gain more driving experience, as long as you maintain a clean driving record. Young drivers — especially teenagers — pay significantly more for coverage because they have less experience and a greater likelihood of getting into an accident.
Schenectady drivers with a clean record usually experience a significant decrease in rates in their 20s. In general, average auto insurance costs continue to decline steadily through your 60s.
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 Schenectady?
Car insurance costs an average of $243 a month in Schenectady, which falls slightly below the national average of $212 per month and significantly below the New York state average of $457 a month.
Prices can vary substantially based on where you live. For example, Brooklyn drivers pay an average of 174% more for car insurance than Schenectady drivers, while those in Rochester pay only 10% more. Many factors affect the price of car insurance, including accident rates in a specific location.
“Carriers have the ability to measure the traffic and amount of accidents in certain ZIP codes,” says James Hickey, executive vice president and head of personal lines at World Insurance Associates. “The more densely populated an area is, the greater the probability of an accident. Premiums are higher in the cities than they are in the suburbs and cheaper in rural areas,” says Hickey.
See how insurance costs in Schenectady compare with other popular cities in the state.
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.
How to shop for the best car insurance in Schenectady
While you should consider the price of a policy, the best option for you may not qualify as the cheapest. Consider the following factors when shopping for the best car insurance in Schenectady:
Company rating: “You would not want to purchase insurance from an unrated or deficiently rated carrier that could go out of business at the time of a loss,” says Hickey, who recommends working with insurance providers that have an A.M. Best rating of “A” or above.
Coverage limits: You may feel tempted to settle for the state’s minimum coverage to keep your premium low. However, the minimum limits may not provide adequate protection if you have a serious accident. Consider purchasing more robust coverage to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage options: Not all insurance companies offer the same types of coverage. Choose an insurer that has the coverage types you need. For example, Hickey recommends paying particular attention to rental reimbursement options. “Due to labor shortages as well as [a] lack of parts, your normal claim is taking well over 30 days to settle,” he says. If your policy provides 30 days of rental reimbursement coverage, that’ll expire quickly.
Convenience: How you prefer to manage your policy can make a difference in the insurance company you choose. Find out what options the insurer has for updating your policy and filing claims.
Find Car Insurance in Schenectady
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady
Insurance companies consider many factors when pricing a policy, including your driving record, location, age, credit history, vehicle type, and more. But insurers don’t weigh each factor equally.
Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest coverage and narrow down your options. Consider the following tips to help you get the best rates possible:
Opt for higher deductibles. Increasing your deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage typically results in a lower premium.[7]
Ask about discounts. Insurance companies often offer multiple ways to save. Confirm you’re getting all the discounts that you qualify for.
Report mileage properly. Insurance companies factor the number of miles you drive into pricing calculations. Make sure you submit an accurate number.
Schenectady car insurance FAQs
You have a lot to consider when shopping for car insurance. The information below should help you navigate the process of buying insurance in Schenectady.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady?
Travelers, Safeco, and Midvale Home & Auto provide the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady. Safeco offers the lowest average rate for a liability-only policy, at $75 per month. Travelers has the lowest average rate for full coverage, at $139 per month.
If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy, you should get quotes from multiple companies. Insurers consider many factors when determining premiums, so rates can vary significantly by company.
How much does car insurance cost in Schenectady?
The average cost of car insurance in Schenectady is $184 per month for a liability-only policy and $301 for full-coverage insurance. Drivers in Schenectady earn more affordable rates than many other cities in the state.
What are the best car insurance companies in Schenectady?
Thebest car insurance companies in Schenectady include Travelers, Safeco, and Liberty Mutual. Travelers has an IQ Score of 4.3 and an average rate of $139 per month for full coverage. The company had significantly fewer complaints than expected in 2022, according to the NAIC, and earned solid financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Moody’s, and Fitch.
Safeco and Liberty Mutual each earned an IQ Score of 3.8. Both insurers received solid financial strength ratings from A.M. Best.
At what age is car insurance cheapest?
Schenectady drivers in their 60s have the lowest average car insurance rates, likely because older drivers are involved in fewer accidents and file fewer claims. In general, younger drivers pose a higher risk to insurance companies, so they pay higher rates than drivers with more experience.
Is Schenectady within a no-fault state?
Yes. New York is a no-fault state. When you have an accident in a no-fault state, your insurance company covers the claim regardless of fault. No-fault states also limit the type of lawsuits you can file after an accident.
Jennifer Brozic is a content marketing writer, specializing in the financial services and insurance industries. She's committed to helping her clients create content that inspires people to take action. Her areas of expertise include insurance, financial planning & budgeting, building credit, loans, credit cards and more.
