Car insurance in New York City costs an average of $251 per month. Drivers in the city pay higher average premiums due to factors like high car accident rates,[1] vehicle theft rates,[2] and population density.[1]
The good news is that you can still find affordable car insurance companies in the city. Erie, USAA, and Travelers have some of the lowest rates in the city, on average.
Here’s what you should know about finding cheap auto coverage as a driver in New York, including how to compare quotes.
Erie has the cheapest liability-only coverage in New York City, with average monthly rates of $164.
Minimum coverage costs $178 per month, while full coverage gives you more protection and costs $324 per month.
Progressive, Erie, and Safeco are three of the best insurance companies in New York City.
The Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York City
The best car insurance company for you will ultimately depend on your coverage priorities and driver profile, so no one insurer is “best” for everyone.
We looked at average rates, discounts, customer reviews, and coverage options to find top insurers for different drivers in New York City. Learn more about a few of the best choices for New Yorkers below.
| User Reviews | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| 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. | $295/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. | $448/mo |
Progressive's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive is a great choice if you want to stay with the same insurer for the long term. After one year with both auto and homeowners policies, you get priority call routing and 24/7 customer service. If you stay for 20 years, you receive a lifetime renewal guarantee.
Progressive also offers Snapshot, a telematics program that tracks your driving. The insurer claims the program can help you save an average of $322 for safe driving.[3] That said, Progressive customer service can vary. In online reviews, some people outlined great experiences, while others weren’t satisfied.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.2 /5 |
| 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. | $164/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. | $234/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Erie stands out for New York City drivers because it includes coverage that many other insurers charge extra for. When you have comprehensive coverage, you get free auto glass repair, rental car coverage, and locksmith services. You can also add pet coverage and better car protection for an extra fee.[6]
It’s not the cheapest insurance available, so you can probably find a better deal with a different insurer if you don’t drive much. But it’s a solid pick if you want coverage that goes beyond the basics.
Free coverage extras
Optional pet protection
Helpful local insurance agents
Pay-per-mile coverage not available
Limited insurance discounts
Not the cheapest insurer
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4 /5 |
| 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. | $136/mo |
Safeco Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.0 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the accessible and friendly customer service but are unhappy with the significant and frequent price increases, especially for those with safe driving records.
Safeco offers an impressive amount of perks at no extra charge. You earn 2.5% cash back for every six months you go without a claim, and once you earn a discount from the telematics program, RightTrack, you keep it for life. Safeco has limited coverage choices, but it does offer the basics: property damage, medical payments, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Liberty Mutual plans to phase out the Safeco brand in 2026, but since the company already owns Safeco, the change should be minor.[7]
The Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in New York City
Though auto insurance in New York City is expensive, you can still find lower rates from some companies. Below, you can compare average liability insurance rates, according to Compare.com data.
How Much Car Insurance Do You Need in New York City?
New York drivers must have car insurance. The New York State Department of Financial Services requires the following minimum-coverage amounts.[9] [10]
Coverage Type | Coverage Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Death liability | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for deaths |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $50,000 |
Full-coverage car insurance in New York includes everything a basic policy does, plus comprehensive insurance, collision coverage, and higher liability coverage limits.[11] Experts often suggest getting this extra protection because it helps pay for repair costs if you cause an accident. Your lender will likely even require it if you finance or lease your car.
Most drivers need full coverage, with a few exceptions. For example, if you have an older car that isn’t worth fixing after a crash, full coverage might not be necessary.
Though New York state law doesn’t require them, you may want to add the following coverages for extra protection. The number of accidents in the city is decreasing, but it’s still high, and the additional coverage can pay for repairs.[12]
Collision: Helps pay for your repairs when you cause an accident or hit an object
Comprehensive: Provides additional protection if severe weather, hail, theft, or vandalism damages your car
Glass coverage: Covers windshield and window repair or replacement
Gap insurance: Pays for the difference between what you owe on your car and its value if you total it or someone steals it, preventing you from being “underwater” on your loan
Category | Price |
|---|---|
| $68 | 3.7% |
| $87 | 5.3% |
| $105 | 7.0% |
| $123 | 7.6% |
| $142 | 8.4% |
| $160 | 8.1% |
| $179 | 7.8% |
| $197 | 7.7% |
| $215 | 6.6% |
| $234 | 6.3% |
| $252 | 5.3% |
| $270 | 4.7% |
| $289 | 4.3% |
| $307 | 3.6% |
| $326 | 3.3% |
| $344 | 2.7% |
| $362 | 2.4% |
| $381 | 2.1% |
| $399 | 1.8% |
| $418 | 1.6% |
Cheapest Car Insurance in New York City by Driver and Coverage Type
Insurance companies in New York look at your driver profile to set your rates. Factors like your age, where you live, your driving history, and your credit history can all play a role in what you pay. Looking at average rates for people like you can help you understand what you may pay.[13]
The chart below shows the average rates for different driver types in New York City, based on Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer |
|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | Erie |
| Full coverage | Erie |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Erie |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Erie |
| Drivers with a DUI | Erie |
| Teens | Erie |
| Seniors | Erie |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Erie |
| Drivers with poor credit | Erie |
Cheapest liability-only coverage in New York City: Erie
Liability-only coverage is all you need to meet New York City’s legal insurance requirements. It pays for the other driver’s repairs and medical bills if you cause an accident or hit something, but it doesn’t cover your own costs.
Minimum coverage is the most affordable choice, with average rates of $178 per month in New York City, but paying more for extra coverage could make sense if you have an expensive car or want to avoid paying for repairs yourself.
Below, you can take a look at the most affordable liability-only coverage options in New York City.
Cheapest Liability Rates by Company
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $164 |
| USAA | $170 |
| Travelers | $199 |
| State Farm | $233 |
| Allstate | $245 |
| Nationwide | $248 |
| GEICO | $260 |
Cheapest full coverage: Erie
Full-coverage car insurance combines liability, comprehensive, and collision protection. It can help pay for repairs if you cause an accident or hit something. It also covers damage from severe weather, theft, and vandalism.
In New York City, the average monthly cost is $324. Our data shows you can often find even lower rates, especially with the insurers listed below.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $234 |
| USAA | $243 |
| Travelers | $285 |
| State Farm | $334 |
| Allstate | $350 |
| Nationwide | $355 |
| CSAA | $364 |
| GEICO | $373 |
Compare Real-Time Car Insurance Quotes in New York City
Rates in New York City start at $164 per month.
Cheapest after a speeding ticket: Erie
After a speeding ticket, your insurance costs will likely go up because insurers see you as a higher risk. You may also lose some discounts, which can raise your rates even more.
Drivers with a recent ticket in New York City pay an average of $328 for insurance. Switching to a company that focuses on drivers with violations can help you avoid big rate hikes.
Here are some of the cheapest companies for New York City drivers with a speeding ticket.
Cheapest Rates With a Ticket
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $221 |
| USAA | $225 |
| Travelers | $264 |
| State Farm | $302 |
| Allstate | $326 |
| Nationwide | $329 |
| GEICO | $347 |
Cheapest after an accident: Erie
After a car accident, insurance companies often increase your rates by a percentage that depends on the size of your claim and the severity of your accident.[13]
The average monthly cost of car insurance following an accident in New York City is $359. If you compare quotes before your policy renews, you may be able to avoid a big rate increase.
According to Compare.com data, the following insurers offer some of the lowest rates for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
Cheapest Rates With an Accident
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $227 |
| USAA | $237 |
| Travelers | $278 |
| State Farm | $320 |
| Allstate | $342 |
| Nationwide | $347 |
| GEICO | $352 |
Cheapest after a DUI: Erie
A DUI is one of the costliest violations you can have, since it raises your insurance rates more than most others. In New York, drivers pay an average of $441 per month for coverage after a DUI.
Your insurance company might decide not to renew your policy, which means you’d need to find a new insurer.[14] Even if that doesn’t happen, it’s still a smart idea to compare quotes. Our data shows that the best deals come from these insurers.
Cheapest Rates With a DUI
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $265 |
| USAA | $276 |
| Travelers | $323 |
| State Farm | $378 |
| Allstate | $397 |
| Nationwide | $402 |
| GEICO | $417 |
Cheapest for teens: Erie
Teen drivers pay higher insurance rates than any other age group. This is also true in New York City, where the average monthly cost is $396 for teenage drivers.
Teens typically pay more because they pose a higher risk than other age groups. Teens are three times more likely to have a crash, and drivers ages 16 to 19 are the riskiest, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[15]
You can still find affordable insurance for teen drivers. Based on our data, these insurers are a good place to start.
Cheapest Rates for Teens
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $281 |
| USAA | $295 |
| Travelers | $390 |
| State Farm | $425 |
| GEICO | $434 |
| Nationwide | $456 |
| Allstate | $456 |
Cheapest for seniors: Erie
Senior drivers often get the most affordable car insurance. Years of driving experience and safe habits help keep their rates low.
The average monthly cost of coverage for seniors in New York City is $175, according to Compare.com data. Here are some of the insurers offering the best rates.
Cheapest Rates for Seniors
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $112 |
| USAA | $124 |
| Travelers | $142 |
| State Farm | $164 |
| Nationwide | $169 |
| Allstate | $179 |
| GEICO | $185 |
Cheapest for bad credit: Erie
Insurers look at your credit history to decide how likely you are to file a claim. Studies show that people with better credit file fewer claims, so they usually get lower rates.[16]
The opposite is true as well. In New York City, drivers with less-than-perfect credit pay more, with average rates of $285 per month.
But you can still find affordable rates. Our data shows that the following insurance companies offer some of the best deals for people with low credit.
Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $198 |
| Erie | $231 |
| Travelers | $234 |
| Allstate | $288 |
| Nationwide | $291 |
| GEICO | $305 |
| State Farm | $322 |
Find the Best Company for You
Local rates start as low as $164 per month.
New York City Auto Insurance FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about finding the cheapest car insurance in New York City.
How much is car insurance in New York City?
Car insurance in New York City costs $251 per month, on average. Liability-only policies are more affordable, at $178 per month, while full coverage costs $324.
What’s the cheapest auto insurance company in New York City?
Erie is the cheapest car insurance company in New York City, with average monthly rates of $164 for liability coverage.
What’s the best car insurance company in New York City?
Progressive, Safeco, and Erie are a few of the best car insurance companies in New York City. Carefully considering your coverage priorities and driver profile can help you find the right fit.
Is car insurance in New York City expensive?
Yes. Car insurance is expensive in New York City.[17] The average cost is $251 per month. For comparison, the state average is $162 per month, and the national average is $136. Your exact rate will depend on your ZIP code, driving record, age, and vehicle.
Is minimum coverage enough in New York City?
Probably not. Minimum coverage usually isn’t enough in New York City because it won’t cover your vehicle in the event of a serious accident. Plus, the minimum liability coverage amount may not completely cover the damages you cause to another driver.
For example, let’s say you cause an accident, and the other driver needs $20,000 of repairs. A minimum policy only covers $10,000, so you could be on the hook for the rest.[10]
Sources
- City of New York Police Department. "Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics Citywide."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto theft."
- Progressive. "Auto Insurance Discounts."
- J.D. Power. "Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Progressive Amer Ins Co National Complaint Index Report."
- Erie Insurance. "Auto Insurance."
- Liberty Mutual. "Liberty Mutual Insurance to Adopt Single-Brand Sales and Marketing Strategy for All Personal Lines Products in 2026."
- Safeco Insurance. "Get to know your auto coverage options."
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. "New York State Insurance Requirements."
- New York State Department of Financial Services. "Automobile Insurance Coverage Checklist."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- New York City Department of Transportation. "Traffic Deaths Reach All-time Low: New York Ends Year With Fewest Fatalities Ever Recorded."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "https://www.cdc.gov/teen-drivers/risk-factors/index.html."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Background on: Insurance scoring."
- New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. "Money in Your Pockets: Governor Hochul Proposes Measures to Bring Down Crushingly Expensive Auto Insurance Rates."
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.
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.
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