bestauto insuranceNew York2022The Best Car Insurance in New York for 2022
Having the right balance between affordability, financial stability and customer satisfaction is what makes a company the best in the state. In New York, State Farm is the top insurer. The company ranked the best for claims and tied first in satisfaction.
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Last Updated: 5/13/2022
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Though State Farm accumulated the most points, the best car insurance in New York is the one that meets your needs. We broke down costs for different driver profiles, such as those focused on customer service, drivers on a budget, young drivers and more.
You could, for example, forgo good customer service for lower rates. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurance companies in New York, regardless of service quality.
bestauto insuranceNew York2022The Best Car Insurance in New York
Best Car Insurance Companies in New York: Overall
In finding the best car insurance companies in New York, MoneyGeek looked at average rates, claims ratings and user satisfaction.
We found that, apart from ranking on a national level, these two companies are also among the top car insurance companies in New York. They have reasonable rates and balanced scores on claims and satisfaction:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
While USAA has a higher score of 5 out 5, we excluded it in the rankings since only military families are eligible to purchase car insurance from this company.
The Top 5 Car Insurance Companies in New York
1
State Farm
Score:4.5
Averaging at $2,481 per year, State Farm is the best car insurance provider in New York, with a 5 out of 5 score on claims. It also tied first with a 4.5 out of 5 score on satisfaction. The company offers rideshare insurance.
More About State Farm
When you buy a policy from State Farm, you will be able to add rideshare Insurance coverage, which pays for medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement even after you register your vehicle on a ridesharing company. It basically extends your insurance, including your deductible, when you match with a rider and you’re available for hire.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:4.3
GEICO offers the most affordable policy in New York at $1,867 per year. It tied for first on stability and got the highest score on affordability. The company offers Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI).
More About GEICO
A Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is offered by GEICO without additional cost. This is an extended dealer warranty that pays for all parts and systems for cars that are not more than 15 months old and have traveled for no more than 15,000 miles. Having this rare coverage at a low price definitely gets you the most bang for your buck.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review3
Allstate
Score:4.2
At $2,206 per year, you can get a policy from Allstate, which ranks second on stability and affordability. It has multiple coverage options for drivers who like to accessorize their vehicles.
More About Allstate
If you’re a driver in New York who likes to add sound systems, portable electronics and other custom parts on your vehicle, one of the best options you have is Allstate which offers coverage on all these after-market additions. This includes loss to custom murals, decals, graphics, tapes, compact discs, auto sound system and many more.
Read MoneyGeek's Allstate auto Insurance Review4
Travelers
Score:4
Travelers has a company stability with 5 out of 5 score. It also got a 4.5 out of 5 score on satisfaction. It offers a list of rare coverages, including new car replacement and costs an average of $3,482 per year.
More About Travelers
Gap insurance waives the difference of your unpaid balance on a financed/leased car if it was deemed total loss. On the other hand, you can get new car replacement coverage if you total your car within the first five years. This coverage makes you eligible to get a new car with the same make and model.
Read MoneyGeek's Travelers auto Insurance Review5
Nationwide
Score:3.9
Nationwide which cost $3,093 per year scored 4.5 out of 5 and tied second on stability. It has a list of rare coverages like identity theft and a total loss deductible waiver.
More About Nationwide
Identity theft coverage covers the policyholder and anyone in their household that falls victim to theft and fraud. Reimbursement can go up to $25,000 worth of expenses. For the total loss deductible waiver that applies to comprehensive or collision insurance, it basically waives the deductible when your car is deemed a total loss after an accident.
Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide auto Insurance ReviewHOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN NEW YORK
The riskier you are to insure, the higher will be the cost of your policy. We gathered hundreds of quotes for one sample driver to determine the best full coverage car insurance in New York. Claims ratings and user satisfaction scores were from J.D. Power and NAIC. More details can be found on MoneyGeek’s methodology.
MoneyGeek's New York Car Insurance Resources:
Compare the Best Insurance Options in New York
Cost, service and financial stability are only some of the factors that determine the cost of car insurance. The only way to know whether a car insurance is best for you is if it has the coverage you need. Our in-depth review of the top car insurance companies in New York will be able to help you find the policy fits your needs and preference.
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Best Car Insurance in New York for Customer Service
Without looking at cost, MoneyGeek found the top car insurance companies in New York with the best-rated service quality.
Combining user satisfaction and claims scores, the best insurers with good customer service are the following:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
The Top 2 Car Insurance Companies in New York for Service Quality
1
State Farm
Score:4.7
State Farm got the highest claims rating score of 5 out of 5. It also ranks as one of the highest for user satisfaction, with a 4.5 out of 5 score.
More About State Farm
For a small added fee, State Farm policyholders are able to get Roadside Assistance, which covers mechanical and locksmith labor, towing, delivery of gas, oil, battery and tires. Additionally, travel expenses and car rentals can be reimbursed while their car is being repaired for such damages.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review2
Travelers
Score:4.3
Travelers tied with State Farm with a 4.5 out of 5 score for customer satisfaction. It also has a claims rating of 4 out of 5.
More About Travelers
Aside from Rideshare Insurance, which extends coverage to drivers registered on a ridesharing company, Travelers also has coverages on Accident Forgiveness, a feature in Travelers Responsible Driver PlanSM. This helps protect the policyholder’s premium from increasing after an accident. This feature only lasts for a specified period.
Read MoneyGeek's Travelers auto Insurance ReviewBest Car Insurance in New York for Drivers on a Budget
Following New York law on insurance requirements every time you register a vehicle, you need to at least have the state minimum liability coverage if you are trying to save on premiums.
To help you secure the best rates, know that these two companies without overlooking quality service, have the highest scores on affordability:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 4.5 out of 5
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy at $1,714
New York residents can get discounts on medical payments when they install vehicle equipment such as airbags and anti-theft systems. They can also get discounts if their vehicle was made in 1994 or later.
MoneyGeek user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
MoneyGeek claims rating of 5.0 out of 5
cons
No discounts on paperless billing
No discounts on safe driving
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Buying other types of insurance from State Farm or registering two or more vehicles makes you eligible for a discount. Going for three or more years without any violation or at-fault accidents also gives you an additional discount.
Installing the anti-theft system and airbags is another way you can save on your policy when you buy from State Farm. Policyholders can get discounts on medical payments when they have these vehicle equipment installed.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Poor Driving Records
Drivers who have been in an at-fault accident can car insurance companies in New York that still offer policies with reasonable rates.
Based on our scoring system, State Farm and GEICO rank as the highest for drivers with bad driving records.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 4.6 out of 5
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
These car insurance companies are the best option as they balance affordability and quality service after an at-fault accident.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm
pros
An affordable full coverage for poor drivers at $2,990 per year
Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage
MoneyGeek user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
MoneyGeek claims rating of 5 out of 5
cons
No Accident Forgiveness, New Car Replacement, Better Car Replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For $2,990 per year, State Farm offers the best car insurance policy for drivers with a bad driving record. It has a 5 out of 5 claim rating score and a 4.5 out of 5 user satisfaction score.
The coverages included when you get into an accident are:
- Roadside assistance: Get assistance and roadside services when your vehicle breaks down. This includes up to an hour of mechanical and locksmith labor, towing to the nearest public road and delivery (except the cost) of gas, battery, oil, etc.
- Rental car reimbursement: Reimburses all transportation expenses while you wait for your vehicle to get repaired.
Best Car Insurance in New York for a Military Background
Military families are able to score the best rates from USAA. It has the most affordable rates across the state and also has the highest 5 out of 5 customer claims and satisfaction rating. A state minimum coverage in New York from USAA costs approximately $902 per year. On the other hand, a military member with a bad driving record will pay $2,024 per year
MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA
pros
An affordable full coverage policy for poor drivers at $1,622
Claims rating score of 5 out of 5
User satisfaction score of 5 out of 5
Rideshare Insurance coverage
Vehicle Storage discount
cons
Limited to former and current military members and their families
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The cheapest policies in New York can be purchased from USAA. It also has the best service, holding its long-standing reputation as one of the best across all states.
A few of the coverages to get from USAA includes:
- Rideshare Gap Coverage: Some companies don’t provide coverage while drivers are waiting for a rideshare request. USAA fills this gap by offering coverage for just an additional $6 per month.
- Accident Forgiveness: As a policyholder with USAA, if you’ve remained violation and accident-free for five years, you will be exempt from assessment for your first at-fault accident, preventing your premiums from going up.
- Vehicle Storage: This is a rare coverage that gives policyholders a discount when they store an insured vehicle.
- New Vehicle: Get a discount if you insure a car that is no more than three years old.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Young Drivers and Students
Students and young drivers can save on premiums when they get car insurance from MoneyGeek’s recommended top companies for their profile.
The best car insurance in New York for student drivers and young drivers are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 4.4 out of 5
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 4.3 out of 5
These two companies offer the best policies for young and teen drivers at an affordable rate while maintaining service quality.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO
pros
Affordable cost of policy for young drivers at $5,260 per year
Offers discounts to students with good academic records
Offers discounts when you complete a driver’s education course
Claims rating score of 4.0 out of 5
User satisfaction score of 4.0 out of 5
cons
No discount to distant students or those who drive a bit far from their school to where their car is parked.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
As a student or young driver in New York, you may see rates to be a bit higher than the average driver. But there are ways you can save on car insurance premiums. One is by getting a policy from either GEICO or Allstate, which have the highest score on affordability for your profile.
The other is to take advantage of discounts offered to students. Young drivers with good academic records can get discounts. The same is true for those who are able to complete either a driver’s education or a defensive driving course.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Those With New Cars
You may be looking for car insurance companies in New York that offer the best coverage for newly purchased cars. If it’s your first time getting car insurance for your first car, know that you have two options, including new car replacement and better car replacement coverage.
Put simply, new car replacement coverage replaces your car with the same car make and model if you totaled it within the first years. Better car replacement coverage replaces your car with a better, newer model within the first five years. For just an additional cost, you will be able to take advantage of a replacement instead of paying for damages.
The car insurance company in New York which offers this coverage is Allstate. It also has a MoneyGeek score of 4.2 out of 5.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate
pros
Affordable cost of policy at $2,206 per year
Claims rating score of 4 out of 5
User satisfaction of 4 out of 5
New Vehicle Replacement
cons
No better car replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Your vehicle immediately loses value the moment you drive your car. If you are likely to encounter accidents on the road, getting coverage that replaces your newly purchased car with a new one puts you at an advantage.
Allstate’s new vehicle coverage makes you eligible for a replacement of the same car make and model if your vehicle is the current model or one year prior and you are the first owner.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Low-Mileage Drivers
Driver’s who don’t drive very often but still want to buy a policy to ensure protection can get pay-per-mile insurance coverage. These are less expensive options than full coverage. Nationwide SmartRide offers a pay-per-mile program that drivers can take advantage of in New York.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide
pros
Nationwide SmartRide is the best affordable coverage for low-mileage drivers
Claims rating of 4 out of 5
User satisfaction score of 4 out of 5
cons
Rates are going to be more expensive if you drive regularly or go over the monthly limit
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The way pay-per-mile coverages work is that you pay based on the miles your car traveled within a month or year. Apart from miles, SmartRide also measures your driving behavior such as hard braking, acceleration, idle time and nighttime driving. These are measured through telematics technology. Though your behavior cannot raise the rates, you can get discounts when you meet their good driving behavior standards.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in New York in For You
In finding car insurance in New York, take a look at cost, service reputation and financial stability. A company must be able to have a balance of these aspects to be considered one of the best. MoneyGeek collected the above information to make your journey in finding the best car insurance in New York an easy one.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in New York
J.D Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios informed our study in finding the best car insurance in New York. You can also use these sources as you do your own research. You can also refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles website for state-specific car insurance requirements in New York.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
As you go look for a policy for your vehicle, compare quotes from at least three car insurance companies for drivers with your profile. This will give you an idea of the average rate in your state.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverages You Want in New York
Some insurers are able to offer particular coverages only within a few states. Make sure that the policy you choose has the specific coverage you need.
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
A company’s financial strength has a direct correlation with its ability to pay its claims. Take a moment to investigate the company’s financial strength when buying a policy from a large company.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in New York
Whether a company has the type of coverage you need is still the best determiner of the best car insurance. Here are some common questions about the best car insurance in New York:
Methodology
MoneyGeek worked in partnership with Quadrant Information Services to gather quotes from several companies for calculating the average rates. We used each company’s quote tools to determine the discounts and coverage included in the policy. As we gathered these rates, we based our driver on a 40-year old with a clean record getting full coverage with $1,000 deductible.
To collect data on service quality, particularly financial strength, customer and claims satisfaction, we referred to J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
See the full disclosure of our methodology to know more.
About the Author
sources
- Department of Motor Vehicles. "New York State Insurance Requirements." Accessed September 30, 2021.