Updated: May 20, 2024
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Depending on your needs, the best insurer for you could vary. The best full and minimum coverage insurance is provided by Chubb. Young adults, those who value service and older drivers should also consider Chubb. Progressive is best when you have a driving record, and Allstate is ideal if you have a brand-new car, are young or are a teen.
For individuals who value affordability, MoneyGeek also found the cheapest car insurance providers in Buffalo.
BestCar InsuranceBuffaloTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed the most current data from the New York State Department of Financial Services and Quadrant Information Services to determine the best auto insurance companies in Buffalo for different driver profiles. This information was then used to develop our unique scoring system.
These companies ranked as the best auto insurance in Buffalo for full coverage:
With its high scores in claims and satisfaction, Chubb is our top pick. Despite having some of the highest prices, policyholders can still obtain high-quality service. The best auto insurance in New York is Erie, with Cubb placing second.
USAA is one of the top insurers for military families in Buffalo, with a MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
High customer satisfaction score
Excellent claims management rating
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
Limited coverage options
No roadside assistance or accident forgiveness
Our top pick as the best auto insurance provider in Buffalo goes to Chubb due to its outstanding ratings in both claims and client satisfaction. It is important to note that Chubb has one of the most expensive insurance rates in the city.
This insurer only provides a limited number of coverage alternatives even though it provides excellent customer service. When dealing with stressful events like making a claim after an incident or a car malfunction, customer support may be of great assistance.
OEM coverage is one of the add-on coverages that Chubb provides its policyholders. With OEM coverage, the insurer will cover the cost of replacing any broken pieces with OEM-made replacements. This ensures your vehicle performs as intended after an accident.
Chubb is our top pick in Buffalo out of the 11 insurance companies we analyzed, having scored the highest in both claims and customer satisfaction. However, at $1,491 a year, it is expensive. The highest scores for coverage go to American Family, but it performed poorly in other areas where Chubb excelled.
The prices listed above are for full coverage insurance. We only ranked companies if enough data was available for all scoring components.
| Erie | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)80 | Annual Premium$1,150 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)5 | Claims Score (out of 5)4 | Coverages Score (out of 5)3 | Stability Score (out of 5)4 |
| Chubb | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)79 | Annual Premium$1,491 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)5 | Claims Score (out of 5)4 | Coverages Score (out of 5)3 | Stability Score (out of 5)5 |
| Progressive | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)73 | Annual Premium$715 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)4 | Stability Score (out of 5)4 |
| American Family | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)71 | Annual Premium$1,391 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4 | Claims Score (out of 5)3 | Coverages Score (out of 5)5 | Stability Score (out of 5)3 |
| GEICO | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)69 | Annual Premium$1,179 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)3 | Stability Score (out of 5)5 |
| State Farm | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)65 | Annual Premium$1,570 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)3 | Stability Score (out of 5)5 |
| Allstate | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)64 | Annual Premium$1,359 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)4 | Stability Score (out of 5)4 |
| Travelers | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)62 | Annual Premium$2,028 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4 | Claims Score (out of 5)3 | Coverages Score (out of 5)4 | Stability Score (out of 5)5 |
| Kemper | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)51 | Annual Premium$603 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)1 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)1 | Stability Score (out of 5)2 |
| Hanover | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)50 | Annual Premium$2,974 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)4 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)4 | Stability Score (out of 5)3 |
| Mercury | MoneyGeek Score (out of 100)41 | Annual Premium$3,325 | Satisfaction Score (out of 5)3 | Claims Score (out of 5)2 | Coverages Score (out of 5)3 | Stability Score (out of 5)3 |
Taking out the affordability component, the following auto insurance providers in Buffalo offer the best customer service for full coverage policies:
Among the 11 companies evaluated, Chubb had the best ratings for claims handling and client satisfaction. However, its plans are typically more expensive when compared to those offered by other companies. This means you’ll pay more for excellent service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Provides outstanding customer service
Highest in terms of processing claims
Has diminished value coverage and antique/classic car insurance
No better car replacement coverage
Some common add-on coverages available with other insurers are not offered
Drivers in Buffalo who prioritize service quality over affordability should consider Chubb because of its superior claims management and customer service. This company secures the top spot for its outstanding service to policyholders, although some of the common add-on coverages that other competitors offer are lacking from Chubb’s list of coverage options.
Chubb offers antique/classic car insurance and diminished value coverage. These are two features that are rarely provided by other companies. Your antique or vintage car will be covered by the company's antique or classic car insurance, while diminished value coverage will make up for any loss if your car's value declines after an accident.
Keep in mind that Chubb has one of the higher premiums in Buffalo, so you’ll pay a higher rate to ensure excellent service.
When faced with a stressful scenario like a serious accident, customer support is essential. Insurance companies with excellent customer service can handle claims quickly and address consumers' issues.
Chubb is our top choice, given its excellent claims management as well as client service scores. Kemper is the cheapest option in the city, but it performs poorly in all other categories.
We assessed insurance companies on the basis of the quality of service and affordability of their minimum coverage plans. The best auto insurance companies in Buffalo for the minimum protection required are:
While minimum coverage insurance is frequently the most affordable option, it might not provide sufficient liability protection. Liability-only insurance typically excludes coverage for damages to your car. The minimum level of auto insurance in New York applies to all cities.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $751 per year
Offers unique discounts, such as daytime running lights and honing device
Outstanding service and claims ratings
No multiple cars, good student and safe driving discounts
Has low ratings in terms of add-on coverages
Chubb ranks fifth in terms of affordability among 11 auto insurance companies in Buffalo, with an affordable minimum coverage policy costing $751 annually. This insurer strikes a perfect combination of low prices, strong service and excellent claims management. It’s important to note that its coverage options are minimal.
Policyholders have a wide selection of both standard and unique discounts from Chubb. Discounts for bundling, defensive driving and anti-theft systems are the only ones considered to be common. The company’s unique discounts include anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, honing devices and VIN etching. This means you can get discounts for having anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic tracking devices and window glass etching.
Chubb does not offer multiple cars, good student and safe driving discounts, which are standard across other insurers.
The best cheap car insurance in Buffalo is one that offers affordable costs without sacrificing service quality for its minimum coverage policies.
Our top pick, Chubb, allows you to have both. Chubb surpassed Progressive to take the top spot despite the latter having slightly cheaper rates.
The following companies offer the best auto insurance for young drivers in Buffalo who need full coverage:
Although Chubb's car insurance is among the most costly in the city, it redeemed itself by receiving top marks for claims management and customer satisfaction. These are important factors for young drivers who might be more likely to file claims.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Exceptional service quality
High claims management score
No discounts for students or completing driver’s education
Ranks poorly for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,924
Chubb emerged as the best auto insurance in Buffalo for young adults, featuring exceptional customer service and claims handling. However, out of 11 insurance companies analyzed in the city, this insurer ranks poorly for affordability, with an average yearly rate of $1,924.
Discounts related to young drivers, such as good student, distant student and driver’s education, are not provided to Chubb policyholders. Young drivers can pick from an extensive selection of both unique and common discounts from this insurer. These include bundling, anti-theft system, defensive driving, daytime running lights, VIN etching, honing device and anti-lock brakes.
While Chubb has limited coverage options and discounts, providing efficient claims management and excellent service can serve young drivers well since their inexperience on the road may lead to them needing assistance from their insurance company.
Young drivers should evaluate providers according to consumer service, cost and age-specific benefits when trying to find the best auto insurance company. All of these criteria are met by Chubb, with the exception of affordability. It has some of the highest insurance premiums in the area. It compensates for this aspect with the numerous discounts available to drivers.
Although Erie has less expensive rates than Chubb, it had weaker coverage options and claims scores.
For a 16-year-old on a full coverage family plan, the best teen auto insurance in Buffalo are:
Allstate is highly rated for its coverage options and affordability. This is a fantastic choice if you do not want to compromise quality.
Teenagers in Buffalo could save an average of $2,767 annually by joining their family policy rather than buying their own. It’s important to note that teens under 18 cannot purchase coverage without a parent or guardian’s approval.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Reasonable premiums of $2,843 annually
Ranks highest for add-on coverage options
Provides discounts for good students, distant students and driver’s education
Poor claims management score
Low satisfaction score
Families and 16-year-old drivers can obtain the best auto insurance in Buffalo from Allstate at an average annual premium of $2,843. It ranks well for coverage options but earned lower scores for satisfaction and claims management.
Allstate provides a wide range of both common and unique discounts for policyholders. For instance, teen drivers can take advantage of specific discounts for good students, distant students and driver’s education. This means that teens can get discounts for maintaining a B average or better, going to school away from home and taking a driver’s education course.
This insurer also offers several popular discounts, such as those for multiple cars, bundling, pay-in-full and automatic payments. A responsible payment discount is also available to policyholders who consistently pay their premiums for at least a full year.
The best companies for teen drivers have reasonably low premiums, exceptional customer service and teen-specific discount offerings. The reason Allstate is the best insurance for teen drivers is that it has some of the cheapest rates, delivers excellent coverage and gives teen drivers special discounts.
State Farm, our runner-up, may have a better client satisfaction score, but its coverage options are limited.
The best auto insurance providers in Buffalo for senior drivers with full coverage policies are:
Having received the highest ratings for both claims handling and client satisfaction, Chubb offers the best auto insurance for elders. While rates for drivers in their 70s are more expensive, drivers in their 60s often pay rates that are comparable to those of drivers in their 30s through 50s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
Provides unique add-ons like diminished value coverage and OEM coverage
High customer service rating
Excellent handling of claims from policyholders
Limited coverage options
Lower affordability score with policies costing $1,283 annually
Chubb is MoneyGeek’s pick for the best auto insurance in Buffalo for senior drivers. This company has the most outstanding customer service out of the 11 insurance providers we analyzed. Policyholders could also benefit from Chubb’s excellent handling of claims, despite the company having a slightly more expensive premium than other providers in the city.
Three unique add-on coverages are available from Chubb, including diminished value coverage, OEM coverage and antique/classic car insurance. This company lacks many of the most common coverages, with rental car and/or travel reimbursement as the only standard option for its policyholders. This is something to keep in mind if a variety of coverage options is important to you since a different insurer might offer add-ons that can help ensure you have the financial protection you need.
Drivers in their 60s often pay cheaper rates than people of other ages. Cheap full coverage insurance with personal injury protection (PIP) is the best insurance for elderly drivers since it adequately covers their health costs if they sustain major injuries in an incident.
Despite not offering senior-specific discounts, Chubb stands out from the industry thanks to its outstanding claims management and first-rate customer support. The runner-up, Erie, does offer better affordability.
The best auto insurance in Buffalo for those with driving offenses who want full coverage are:
Progressive is the best option for drivers with violations because it has the cheapest rates and provides many coverage options.
Insurance prices usually rise in direct proportion to the seriousness of the violation. A driver in Buffalo who receives a speeding ticket or a DWI (driving while intoxicated) will pay an additional $210 and $762, respectively.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Cheapest insurance rates, with an average annual rate of $747
Offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance and accident forgiveness
Good coverage score
Below-average claims management rating
Lower satisfaction score
No new car replacement/better car replacement coverage
Progressive offers the best auto insurance in Buffalo for drivers with offenses. It also has the cheapest premium, with an annual rate of $747 on average. This insurer has good customer service but a below-average claims management score.
Coverages designed for those with drivers with records are available from Progressive. These include rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance and accident forgiveness.
This insurer has no new car replacement/better car replacement coverage that could be beneficial for those who have committed driving violations. Custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage is another helpful option that many car insurance providers do not provide, but Progressive does. With this coverage, you can have specific added car accessories covered even if the original manufacturer did not install them.
A top-notch car insurance company for drivers with a history of violations provides affordable rates and essential coverages such as rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance and accident forgiveness.
Progressive scored high marks for affordability and coverage options. Our second-place finisher, Erie, has some of the most expensive rates in the city but offers better customer service.
The top companies offering the best full coverage car insurance to new car owners in Buffalo:
For motorists with a 2022 car model, ratings were based on price and service. Only companies with better or new car replacement coverage were considered. Besides offering many coverages and excellent service, Allstate provides new car replacement coverage. If your car is damaged in a covered incident, this coverage will pay for the cost of a new vehicle of the same make and model.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Excellent satisfaction rating
High coverage score
Provides new car replacement coverage
Has one of the higher insurance rates, at $1,564 annually on average
No better car replacement
Given that it offers great service and a good selection of coverage options, such as new car replacement, Allstate is our top recommendation for drivers who own brand-new cars in Buffalo. However, out of the three insurers considered in this category, this company has one of the higher insurance premiums at an average annual rate of $1,564.
As soon as a car is driven off the lot, its value begins to decline. Allstate’s new car replacement coverage provides a significant level of financial security. If a driver's car is totaled in an accident and is under two years old, this insurer will let them trade it in for a new model.
Beyond this, Allstate offers a new car discount for those who own cars that are less than a year old.
New car owners should pick a car insurance provider that offers new or better car replacement coverage. If your new vehicle is damaged in an insured accident, these add-on choices could save you a lot of money.
Since it delivers outstanding service quality and provides new car replacement coverage, Allstate stands out as the top provider. Our second-place competitor, Kemper, is substantially more affordable, but it has the lowest customer satisfaction rating.
To identify the ideal option for you, compare auto insurance companies in Buffalo based on factors like cost, claims management, client satisfaction and financial stability. Although our ratings can offer helpful information, we suggest you do your own research by following these steps.
Using data from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), our scoring methodology evaluated companies according to service quality. You can review these resources to confirm our findings. If you want to discover more about a particular insurance company or need extra insurance details, the New York State Department of Financial Services is another reliable source.
For a general idea of the amount your car insurance will cost, we advise requesting quotes from at least three different providers. The average rates listed on MoneyGeek are for a sample driver, so your premiums may differ based on your age, area and driving record.
Make sure the company provides coverage options and savings in your location before buying a car insurance plan. Companies may advertise savings and coverages on their sites without making them available everywhere. By visiting the insurer's local website or getting in touch with them personally, you may confirm the coverages and savings that are offered to you.
We advise looking into companies’ financial stability. How likely a company is to meet a claim irrespective of market circumstances depends on its financial health. Local, smaller companies may find it difficult to pay claims, whereas bigger companies are often more financially secure.
Depending on your needs and driving history, a specific auto insurance in Buffalo will be the perfect fit. Our answers to frequently asked questions below could aid in your choice.
Chubb is the best auto insurance company in Buffalo. This insurer earned a MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 and charges $1,491 for a full coverage policy. It is also the best for service, affordability, young drivers and seniors. If Chubb does not provide the coverage you need, you can also check out our guide to the best car insurance companies in Buffalo.
The best cheap provider of auto insurance in Buffalo is Chubb, with minimum coverage insurance costing about $751 annually. It received a 79 out of 100 rating. There are also other cheap auto insurance companies in Buffalo that offer drivers with different profiles low prices.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
