The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Buffalo, New York, in 2026

Liberty Mutual has the cheapest rates in Buffalo, on average. But your personal rates depend on your unique driving profile.

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Danny Smith
Written byDanny Smith
Danny Smith
Danny SmithInsurance Writer

Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.

Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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The average cost of car insurance in Buffalo, New York, is $190 per month, according to Compare.com data. Fortunately, Buffalo is home to many insurers that offer rates well below the statewide average, with Liberty Mutual, Erie, and USAA offering the cheapest average rates.

This guide covers everything you need to know to get cheap car insurance in Buffalo, including how to save money and the best insurers for different types of drivers.

Key Takeaways
  • Buffalo drivers pay an average monthly rate of $172 for liability-only coverage and $207 for full coverage.

  • Liberty Mutual offers the cheapest average rates in Buffalo, with an average monthly rate of $101.

  • Applying for discounts, keeping a clean driving record, and comparing quotes are the best ways to save money on car insurance.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Buffalo, New York

Regardless of Buffalo’s average rates, you can still find plenty of ways to save on your policy. Several companies offer rates below the city’s average.

The table below highlights the cheapest car insurance companies in Buffalo, according to Compare.com data. This is a good place to start your car insurance search.

The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
Liberty Mutual$101
Erie$137
USAA$142
Travelers$167
State Farm$196
Allstate$206
Nationwide$209
GEICO$219
Progressive$330
Chubb$381
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Liberty Mutual is the cheapest company in Buffalo, with an average monthly rate of $101. But this is just an average, and different rating factors affect how much you’ll pay.

In the following sections, we break down the cheapest companies for various types of drivers and coverage types.

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Cheapest Car Insurance in Buffalo by Driver and Coverage Type

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The insurance companies above are a great starting point for any driver looking for new coverage in Buffalo. But remember, your personal rates can vary drastically based on various factors.

Below, we break down the cheapest company and its average monthly premium for certain coverages, ages, driving records, and credit history, according to Compare.com data.

Driver/Coverage Type
sort ascsort desc
Cheapest Insurer
sort ascsort desc
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
State-minimum coverageLiberty Mutual$101
Full coverageErie$157
TeensLiberty Mutual$0
SeniorsLiberty Mutual$0
Drivers with a speeding ticketLiberty Mutual$0
Drivers with an at-fault accidentLiberty Mutual$0
Drivers with a DUILiberty Mutual$0
Drivers with excellent creditLiberty Mutual$0
Drivers with poor creditLiberty Mutual$0
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

Below, you’ll find more detailed breakdowns of the best insurers for each type of coverage, driver type, and driving history.

  • The average cost of state-minimum car insurance coverage in Buffalo is $172, according to Compare.com data.

    While liability coverage is all New York state requires for you to legally drive, most insurance experts recommend buying additional coverage. Liability coverage leaves you vulnerable to additional expenses that can add up very quickly, so, in most cases, it’s a good idea to purchase full coverage.

    The chart below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Buffalo for state-minimum coverage, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Liability Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Liberty Mutual$101
    Erie$137
    USAA$142
    Travelers$167
    State Farm$196
    Allstate$206
    Nationwide$209
    GEICO$219
    Progressive$330
    Chubb$381
  • Most drivers should buy full-coverage car insurance, as it offers much more protection than just liability coverage. Though full coverage is generally optional, if you lease or have a car loan, your lender will likely require you to purchase a full-coverage policy.

    Full coverage includes state-minimum liability insurance, along with collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance covers accidents with other cars or objects, such as a tree, fence, or telephone pole. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, severe weather, or a falling tree branch.

    The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance in Buffalo is $207. The chart below highlights the five cheapest car insurance companies in Buffalo for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$157
    USAA$162
    Travelers$190
    State Farm$222
    Allstate$233
    Nationwide$238
    GEICO$246
    CSAA$297
    Liberty Mutual$344
    Chubb$433
    Progressive$497
  • Teens have some of the most expensive car insurance rates of any age group, both in Buffalo and across the country. This is due primarily to their lack of experience behind the wheel, which increases an insurer’s risk, so companies increase rates to account for the extra risk.

    In fact, teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to get into a car accident than drivers age 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[1]

    The average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in Buffalo is $300 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below showcases the five cheapest car insurance companies for teens in Buffalo.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Teens

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$235
    USAA$246
    Travelers$327
    State Farm$357
    GEICO$366
    Allstate$383
    Nationwide$384
    Progressive$520
    Chubb$743
  • Senior drivers tend to enjoy some of the most affordable rates of any age group, primarily due to their experience behind the wheel. With decades of driving experience, seniors present a lower risk to insurers. Their premiums are almost always lower, provided they don’t have numerous infractions on their records.

    The average cost of car insurance for senior drivers in Buffalo is $133 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below highlights the five cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Buffalo.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Seniors

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$93
    USAA$103
    Travelers$119
    State Farm$138
    Nationwide$143
    Allstate$150
    GEICO$156
    Progressive$230
    Chubb$256
  • Drivers with clean driving records almost always pay the cheapest rates. If you get a ticket, you can expect to see your rates increase, as insurers consider you more likely to file a claim. In fact, our research shows that even a single speeding ticket causes average rates to increase by 28% nationwide.

    The average rate for drivers with a recent ticket in Buffalo is $248 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below shows Buffalo’s five cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a recent ticket.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a Ticket

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$185
    USAA$188
    Travelers$221
    State Farm$254
    Allstate$274
    Nationwide$277
    GEICO$292
    Progressive$432
    Chubb$495
  • Causing a car accident can increase your car insurance rates by quite a bit, as it shows insurers that you’re more likely to file a claim in the future. Our research shows that an at-fault accident causes average rates to increase by 33% nationwide.

    The average rate for drivers with an at-fault accident in Buffalo is $272 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below shows the cheapest companies for drivers with an at-fault accident in Buffalo.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With an Accident

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$189
    USAA$198
    Travelers$234
    State Farm$270
    Allstate$287
    Nationwide$292
    GEICO$297
    Progressive$472
    Chubb$526
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) causes the highest increase in car insurance rates of any violation, as it’s by far the most dangerous. Our data shows that rates increase by an average of 59% nationwide for drivers after a DUI offense. Insurers take DUIs seriously, and some may even refuse to insure you.

    The average cost of car insurance for drivers with a DUI conviction in Buffalo is $334 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Buffalo.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a DUI

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$221
    USAA$230
    Travelers$271
    State Farm$318
    Allstate$334
    Nationwide$339
    GEICO$351
    Progressive$580
    Chubb$618
  • Insurance companies even consider your credit history when determining your rates. Some insurers use your credit-based insurance score to determine how well you manage risk and debt.[2] Drivers with low credit pay an average of 40% more for car insurance than drivers with excellent credit, according to Compare.com data.

    The average rate for Buffalo drivers with bad credit is $216 per month, according to Compare.com data. The chart below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Buffalo for drivers with bad credit.

    The below rates in Buffalo, NY, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With Bad Credit

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Erie$221
    USAA$230
    Travelers$271
    State Farm$318
    Allstate$334
    Nationwide$339
    GEICO$351
    Progressive$580
    Chubb$618

New York Auto Insurance Requirements

A building in Buffalo, New York

Like nearly every U.S. state, New York requires all drivers to have car insurance. The Empire State’s minimum requirements are:

You must have these coverages as long as you have a valid registration — even if you don’t drive your vehicle. New York doesn’t accept out-of-state car insurance, so drivers must purchase coverage through an insurer licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the New York State DMV.[3]

Is minimum coverage enough in Buffalo?

While Buffalo’s minimum coverage meets its requirements, most insurance experts recommend buying additional coverage above the state’s minimum limits. Experts typically recommend a full-coverage policy, which includes liability insurance along with collision and comprehensive coverage for the greatest protection. Lenders generally require drivers who lease or finance their cars to purchase full coverage.

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Buffalo Auto Insurance FAQs

A highway in Buffalo, New York

Take a look at these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Buffalo auto insurance to make sure you buy the right policy for your needs.

  • What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in Buffalo?

    Liberty Mutual is the cheapest auto insurance company in Buffalo, with an average liability rate of $101 per month, according to Compare.com data.

  • How much is car insurance in Buffalo?

    Car insurance in Buffalo costs an average of $190 per month, according to Compare.com data. Buffalo drivers pay an average of 101 per month for liability coverage and $157 for full coverage.

  • What’s the best car insurance company in Buffalo, New York?

    The best car insurance company in Buffalo, New York, is CSAA, according to our research. The insurer offers affordable monthly rates, above-average claims satisfaction, and numerous discounts. But your driving profile is unique, and other insurers may offer you better rates. Always compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before buying a policy.

  • Is $200 per month a lot for car insurance in New York?

    With insurance costs nationwide averaging $136 per month, $200 per month is higher than average. Whether $200 per month is a lot for car insurance in New York depends on where you live in the state. For example, average rates in Buffalo are $190 per month. Shopping around and comparing rates is the best way to get the cheapest coverage.

Sources

  1. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). "Teenagers."
  2. Naic.org. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores Aren’t the Same as a Credit Score. Understand How Credit and Other Factors Determine Your Premiums."
  3. Ny.gov. "New York State Insurance Requirements."

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

About Compare.com

Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.

  • All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
  • None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
  • Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
  • All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.

Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.

Danny Smith
Written byDanny SmithInsurance Writer
Danny Smith
Danny SmithInsurance Writer

Danny Smith is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent who has written for Compare.com since 2024. A former insurance editor, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.

Lequita Westbrooks
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.

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