BestAuto InsuranceNew YorkThe Best Car Insurance in New York for 2023
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BestAuto InsuranceNew YorkThe Best Car Insurance in New York
Best Overall - State Farm
Best for Customer Service - State Farm
Best for Minimum Coverage - State Farm
Best for Young Drivers - GEICO
Best for Seniors - Erie
Best for Bad Driving Record - State Farm
Best for Military - USAA
Best for New Cars - Allstate
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
You could, for example, forgo high-quality customer service for lower rates. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurance companies in New York, regardless of service quality.
Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in New York: Overall
The two best car insurance companies in New York are State Farm and GEICO. These two providers received the highest MoneyGeek scores based on average insurance rates, claim ratings and user satisfaction.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($2,481 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($1,867 per year)
Since USAA is only available to military personnel and their family members, it was excluded from this ranking despite its excellent ratings.
MoneyGeek also identified the most affordable full coverage auto insurance in New York for those focused on finding a cheap option.
THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW YORK
1
State FarmBest Overall
Score:90
State Farm is the best car insurance provider in New York, with a 5 out of 5 score for claims and 4.5 for customer satisfaction. The company offers rideshare insurance. It scored 90 out of 100 according to MoneyGeek’s rankings for financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims and affordability.
Average Annual Cost: $2,481
More About State Farm
You can add rideshare insurance when you buy a policy from State Farm. It pays for medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement even after registering your vehicle with a ridesharing company. It extends your insurance, including your deductible, when you match with a rider and are available for hire.
The company’s roadside assistance is very comprehensive. It offers many perks like mechanical work for up to one hour at the location of its breakdown, towing the automobile if it is stalled on or adjacent to a public road and transport by tow truck to the closest service center. It also includes up to an hour of locksmith service to open a locked or stolen covered vehicle.
2
GEICO
Score:87
GEICO offers the most affordable policy in New York, ranking first in financial stability and affordability. The company offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MoneyGeek rated it 87 out of 100.
Average Annual Cost: $1,867
More About GEICO
GEICO offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), which covers all parts and systems for cars that are no more than 15 months old and have traveled no more than 15,000 miles. This rare coverage, at a lower price than the typical dealer extended warranty, gets you the most bang for your buck. GEICO also covers the cost of flat tires and jump-starts if needed.
In addition, you may qualify for GEICO’s accident forgiveness in New York. If you have accident forgiveness on your GEICO vehicle insurance policy, your premium won't go up after your first accident, even if you were at fault. However, to qualify, you must be at least 21 and accident-free for a minimum of five years.
3
Allstate
Score:84
You can get a policy at $2,206 per year from Allstate, which ranks second for financial 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 to your vehicle, one of the best options is Allstate which offers coverage on all after-market additions. This includes custom murals, decals, graphics, tapes, compact discs, auto sound systems and more.
4
Travelers
Score:81
Travelers is financially stable, with a score of 5 out of 5. It also received a 4.5 out of 5 rating for customer satisfaction. It offers a list of rare coverages, including new car replacement, and costs an average of $3,482 per year.
More About Travelers
Travelers’ gap insurance waives the difference of your unpaid balance on a financed or leased car if deemed a 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 for a new vehicle of the same make and model.
5
Nationwide
Score:79
Nationwide has an average to low affordability rating and costs $3,093 annually. It tied second for financial 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. The total loss deductible waiver that applies to comprehensive or collision insurance waives the deductible when your car is deemed a total loss after an accident.
HOW 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:
Best Car Insurance in New York for Customer Service
The two car insurance companies in New York with the highest-rated service quality are State Farm and Travelers.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100
MoneyGeek scores were calculated using customer satisfaction and claims scores without factoring in costs.
THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW YORK FOR SERVICE QUALITY
1
State FarmBest for Customer Service
Score:94
State Farm received a rating of 5 out of 5 for customer satisfaction and claims. This company might be an excellent fit for those needing to process claims quickly during a crisis.
More About State Farm
For a small added fee, State Farm policyholders can get roadside assistance, which covers mechanical and locksmith labor, towing, gas delivery, oil, battery and tires. Additionally, travel expenses and car rentals can be reimbursed while an individual’s car is being repaired. State Farm reimburses your deductible up to $500 for a covered accident involving a rental vehicle and covers trip expenditures such as meals, hotel and transportation up to $500.
In the event of an accident while working for a ridesharing company, State Farm will ensure that medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage will continue to apply per your personal auto policy. When the app is on and you are working, your policy will cover you.
2
Travelers
Score:87
Travelers is second to State Farm regarding customer service. It ranked 4.5 out of 5 for customer satisfaction and 4 out of 5 for claims.
More About Travelers
Travelers offers accident forgiveness, a feature of their Responsible Driver Plan, and rideshare insurance. The former helps protect the policyholder’s premium from increasing after an accident. This feature only lasts for a specified period. The latter is beneficial to anyone employed by a ridesharing company.
In addition, if you have financed or leased your car, Travelers offers gap insurance. This insurance policy may reimburse you for the difference between the amount still owed on your car loan or lease and the vehicle's real cash worth in the event of a complete loss. Furthermore, the premier new car replacement coverage option can provide you with the additional security you need. This pays for a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model if your new automobile is totaled during the first five years.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Minimum Coverage
When you register a vehicle, you must meet New York’s minimum liability auto insurance coverage limits.
For drivers on a budget, State Farm and GEICO offer the most affordable minimum coverage policies in New York.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($1,714 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($1,092 per year)
MoneyGeek generated these scores by focusing on which companies offer the most savings.
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 individuals eligible for discounts. Going for three or more years without a violation or at-fault accident also gives you an additional discount. Bundling your auto insurance policy with a State Farm home, renters, condo or life insurance policy can also mean additional savings.
Installing an anti-theft system and airbags is another way you can save on your policy when you buy from State Farm. Discounts on medical payments are available for vehicles manufactured in 1993 or earlier that have airbags or other passive restraint systems. Policyholders can get discounts on medical payments when they have this vehicle equipment installed. You can save up to 40% with medical payments coverage for vehicles manufactured after 1994.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Young Drivers and Students
If you’re looking for car insurance companies in New York that offer affordable policies to young drivers and students, GEICO and Allstate rank as the best insurers based on MoneyGeek’s criteria.
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($5,260 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($5,280 per year)
For this category, MoneyGeek evaluated rates for late teens and those in their early 20s. Customer service quality was factored into the rating.
For those on a budget, MoneyGeek also identified the cheapest car insurance in New York for young drivers.
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 notice that rates are higher than the average driver. However, there are ways you can save on car insurance premiums, starting with choosing the right insurer. GEICO and Allstate have the highest scores in affordability.
Take advantage of discounts available to students. Young drivers with good academic records can get discounts. The same is true for those who complete driver’s education or a defensive driving course. This can help families with young drivers save money on insurance and have more peace of mind.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Seniors
MoneyGeek scored the best providers in New York for seniors based on cost and customer service quality. The top two companies were identified. They are:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($2,081 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($2,347 per year)
For those looking for the cheapest option and not concerned with service quality, MoneyGeek scored the cheapest car insurance for seniors in New York.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie
pros
One of the cheapest auto insurance options for seniors at $2,081 per year
Offers rental car expense coverage and auto security
MoneyGeek claims and user satisfaction ratings of 5 out of 5
cons
Doesn’t offer senior-related discounts or senior-specific coverage benefits
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Although insurance rates may rise for seniors, Erie offers a combination of affordable premiums and efficient service that can benefit most older drivers. If an accident lands your car in the shop, rental car coverage can provide you with a vehicle to drive in the meantime.
New car replacement ensures that if your brand-new car is totaled during the first two years of ownership, it can be replaced with the newest comparable model year (minus your deductible). Also, with accident forgiveness, you won't be penalized for your first at-fault accident if you’ve been accident-free for five years. However, this can’t be combined with the rate lock feature. Those who bundle multiple insured cars or a life insurance plan or home policy with Erie can get discounted rates.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Bad Driving Records
If you’re looking for car insurance companies in New York that offer affordable policies to drivers involved in at-fault accidents, State Farm and GEICO rank as the best insurers for New York drivers with poor driving records.
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($2,990 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($2,795 per year)
If an at-fault accident occurs, these two companies offer the best value since they are affordable and provide quality customer service.
MoneyGeek also compared the most affordable auto insurance policies for those with a DUI in New York for cost-conscious individuals.
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 bad driving records. It has a 5 out of 5 claims rating and a 4.5 out of 5 for user satisfaction.
The coverages included 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 (excluding the cost) of gas, battery, oil, etc.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Get reimbursed for all transportation expenses while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired.
- Rideshare Insurance: When you work for a ridesharing company, State Farm's rideshare insurance ensures that your personal auto policy covers medical expenses, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
Best Car Insurance in New York for a Military Background
Military families can obtain the best rates from USAA. In addition, USAA has the highest claims and satisfaction ratings, scoring 100 out of 100. State minimum coverage in New York from this provider costs approximately $902 annually. On the other hand, a military member with a bad driving record will pay roughly $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 insurance providers in the country.
A few of USAA’s coverages include:
- Rideshare Gap Coverage: Some companies don’t provide coverage while drivers await a rideshare request. USAA fills this gap by offering coverage for just an additional $6 per month.
- Accident Forgiveness: As a USAA policyholder, 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 rare coverage gives policyholders discounts when they store an insured vehicle. New Vehicle: Get a discount if you insure a car no more than three years old.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Those With New Cars
Allstate is the best-rated insurance company in New York that offers new car replacement coverage, earning a MoneyGeek rating of 84 out of 100. It charges an annual premium of $2,206.
New car replacement reimburses you if your car is totaled with a similar vehicle. Better car replacement means upgrading your damaged vehicle to a newer model. These coverages, however, do not come with your standard policy, so you must purchase them separately.
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's worth decreases when you drive it off the lot. Getting coverage that would replace your new automobile with a brand-new one if it was totaled can set your mind at ease. For these reasons, Allstate is a great option for new drivers looking to reduce their insurance costs.
If you are the original owner of your vehicle and it is either the current model or the model from the previous year, and if you have Allstate's new vehicle coverage, you are entitled to a replacement of the same car’s make and model. Unlike most companies that only cover the car's depreciated value, Allstate will cover the total value.
Best Car Insurance in New York for Low-Mileage Drivers
Low-mileage New York drivers can take advantage of Nationwide’s SmartRide pay-per-mile program. Pay-per-mile insurance coverage is available for drivers who don't drive much but still need insurance. Compared to other standard insurance, it’s a cheaper option.
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
Pay-per-mile coverage works by paying based on your car’s mileage. Apart from mileage, SmartRide also measures your driving behavior, such as hard braking, acceleration, idle time and nighttime driving. These are measured through telematics technology. You can get discounts when you meet their good driving behavior standards.
Nationwide SmartRide takes a mix of driving behavior and pay-per-mile into account when calculating ways to lower monthly premiums. It provides you with individualized feedback to assist you in making even safer choices about your driving. You will immediately get a 10% discount on your purchase when you sign up. With a good driving record, you may be eligible for up to 40% reductions at renewal.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in New York For You
When looking for car insurance in New York, consider cost, service reputation and financial stability. A company must balance these aspects to be considered one of the best. Here are four steps you can take to make finding the best car insurance in New York simpler.
1
Research customer service reputations in New York
J.D Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios informed our study when finding the best car insurance in New York. You can also use these sources as you do your research. You can also refer to the Department of Motor Vehicles website for state-specific car insurance requirements in New York.
2
Make sure the company has coverages you want in New York
Some insurers can offer particular coverages only within a few states. Make sure that the policy you choose has the specific coverage you need.
3
Double-check financial stability ratings
A company’s financial strength is directly related to its ability to pay claims. Take a moment to investigate the company’s financial stability when buying a policy.
4
Compare quotes for yourself
As you search for an auto policy, compare quotes from at least three providers for drivers with your profile. This will give you an idea of the average rate in your state.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in New York
To help you select the best option for your needs, MoneyGeek provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance in New York.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- Department of Motor Vehicles. "New York State Insurance Requirements." Accessed September 30, 2021.