The best insurer for you depends on your needs and preferences. MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best overall car insurance provider. Kemper offers the least expensive minimum and full coverage policies and is the cheapest for teens on a family policy. Progressive and Kemper are the cheapest for drivers with offenses. Kemper is the cheapest insurer for current and former military members.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Syracuse, NY








Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Syracuse
The most affordable car insurance companies for a minimum coverage policy in Syracuse are:
- Kemper: $315 per year
- Erie: $376 per year
Kemper offers the cheapest auto insurance for minimum coverage in the city as of October 2022. It scored the highest in affordability, while Erie outperformed it in customer satisfaction.
Kemper is also the cheapest car insurance company in New York, with an annual average premium of $518, higher than its Syracuse rate. This rate difference illustrates how location can affect insurance costs.
New York car insurance policies must comply with the state's mandatory liability limits for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. The amounts are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 liability for death per person
- $100,000 liability for death per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident
- $50,000 personal injury protection
A policy’s liability coverage provides financial protection if one causes damage or injury to others. For example, minimum coverage in New York will cover up to $50,000 in damages for each person injured up to $100,000 per accident.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Syracuse
The cheapest car insurance companies for a full coverage policy in Syracuse, New York, are
- Kemper: $496 per year
- Progressive: $628 per year
Kemper is also the cheapest auto insurance provider for a full coverage policy in New York. Its annual premium costs $882 as of October 2022, much higher than in Syracuse. Where you live can significantly impact your car insurance rates, and even this can vary between car insurance companies, so comparing rates from multiple providers is essential.
A full car insurance policy includes comprehensive and collision insurance and liability coverage. It protects your vehicle and minimizes potential losses and damages.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision damages caused by theft, natural disasters, vandalism and fire.
- Collision Coverage: Protects against damages incurred during an accident with another car or object.
Consider your budget and vehicle's worth when deciding on the appropriate coverage for your needs. Although comprehensive policies offer protection, they may not be cost-effective for low-value older vehicles.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Syracuse After a Driving Offense
The cheapest car insurance company after driving violations in Syracuse are:
- Speeding ticket: Kemper ($592 per year)
- At-fault accident: Progressive ($628 per year)
- DUI: Progressive ($658 per year)
The most expensive insurers are Hanover for drivers with a DUI ($3,779 per year), Mercury for drivers with speeding tickets ($3,506) and at-fault accidents ($3,063).
An unfavorable driving record can substantially impact insurance rates. Even the cheapest car insurance company's rates for drivers with poor records will be higher than those for safe drivers. Insurance providers consider a driver's history of traffic violations and accidents when calculating premiums, with drivers having poor records often charged higher rates due to their increased risk.
Car insurance rates increase for drivers with speeding citations, DUIs or at-fault accidents. The more severe the violation, the higher the increase. For example, rates in Syracuse will increase an average of $185 after a speeding ticket. However, a DUI will add $714 to your rate. While insurance rates can differ based on location and driving history, it is crucial for drivers with unfavorable driving records to seek cost-effective coverage that still provides adequate protection.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Syracuse for Teens and Their Families
The most affordable car insurance providers for teens on a family policy in Syracuse are:
- Kemper: $862 per year for female teens, $891 per year for male teens
- GEICO: $1,314 per year for female teens
- Progressive: $1,623 per year for male teens
Travelers is the most expensive, costing $3,767 for female teens and $4,568 for male teens. Young male drivers are often considered riskier to insure, resulting in higher car insurance premiums. However, the rate difference tapers off in early adulthood.
Adding a teenage driver to an existing family car insurance policy is often more affordable than purchasing a separate policy. Family policies usually offer better pricing and discounts, particularly for households with multiple vehicles and drivers. For example, you can save up to $3,358 annually in Syracuse by adding your teen to a family policy. Consider all available options and factors that affect insurance premiums when looking for affordable car insurance for teens.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Syracuse for Military Drivers
The cheapest car insurers for current or former military members and their families in Syracuse are:
- Kemper: $496 per year
- Progressive: $628 per year
The most inexpensive insurance providers for minimum coverage are Kemper and Erie. The annual premiums cost $315 and $376, respectively. USAA is also a reputable insurance provider specializing in serving active or former military personnel with an average rate of $782 per year in Syracuse.
How to Compare Cheap Syracuse Car Insurance Quotes Online
Comparing car insurance quotes online in Syracuse can be time-consuming and requires entering personal information. Instead, MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator can provide a quick ballpark estimate based on just your age, vehicle type, coverage level and driving record.
Auto Insurance Calculator
See how the Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates vary with the options chosen.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates
Click the section of the wheel in your price range to see options.
low end
on average
high end
Click an insurer below to visit their review page or continue to your personalized quote.
Best Car Insurance in Syracuse: Summary
The best car insurance in Syracuse depends on your preferences for cost, service, coverage and other factors. MoneyGeek's scoring system evaluates car insurance providers based on affordability, customer satisfaction and financial stability.
Based on our research, the best car insurance providers in the city are:
- Best overall: Erie (MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100)
- Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100)
- Best cheap: Erie (MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100)
A company's overall MoneyGeek score can change based on how we weigh factors in each category. State Farm is the best car insurance in New York, as opposed to Erie in Syracuse, illustrating how location can affect ratings. Syracuse military members will find the best insurance from USAA.
Best Overall Car Insurance in Syracuse
The best car insurance companies in Syracuse are:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($706 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($751 per year)
Erie topped the list as the best overall car insurance in Syracuse. It scored well in customer satisfaction, affordability and claims experience. American Family, however, has a higher coverage rating.
Choosing a car insurance policy that provides adequate protection in the event of an accident and offers a positive customer experience is important.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

pros
High customer satisfaction rating
Average claims experience rating
Better car replacement coverage
Rideshare insurance
cons
Low coverage rating
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie is Syracuse’s best overall car insurance provider, scoring high in customer satisfaction and affordability. With its solid coverage options and competitive rates, Erie is popular for drivers seeking comprehensive car insurance that delivers exceptional value.
The company’s better car replacement coverage provides a new car to policyholders who total a vehicle under two years old. The company replaces vehicles over two years old with one two years newer than the damaged model. Gap insurance covers the difference between your car’s value and what you still owe on the loan or lease if your vehicle is totaled.
Erie also provides glass deductible modification, which waives the deductible for glass repairs. Pet coverage pays up to $500 if your pet is injured while riding in your car. Erie also offers personal property insurance and locked vehicle coverage.
Best Car Insurance in Syracuse for Customer Service
The best companies for customer service in Syracuse, regardless of cost, are:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($1,646 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100 ($706 per year)
Chubb scored well in customer satisfaction and claims management, meaning this insurer provides good customer service when policyholders file claims or request support in other matters. While Erie falls second, it outperforms Chubb in affordability.
Insurance companies that invest in staff training and additional resources for better customer service may charge higher premiums. While prioritizing customer service is beneficial, it can result in higher costs for policyholders.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

pros
Good customer service and claims management ratings
Rental car/travel reimbursement
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
cons
Limited coverage tiers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Chubb is a top car insurance provider in Syracuse, known for its exceptional customer service. The company has a reputation for providing personalized attention and quick claims resolution.
This insurer offers rental car/travel reimbursement, which is helpful, especially if your car isn't usable. This add-on lets you rent a car similar to your vehicle for up to $5,000 with no per-day limit. Chubb's original equipment manufacturer coverage pays for using original parts if your vehicle needs repairs after an accident. Using OEM parts ensures your vehicle's safety systems continue to perform as intended.
Chubb also offers antique/classic car coverage and diminished value coverage. Its classic car insurance covers vehicles that are at least 30 years old, part of a larger collection or limited production models used for hobby purposes. The optional diminished value coverage allows policyholders to agree on the vehicle's value when the policy is written, potentially saving thousands of dollars in case of loss or theft.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Syracuse
Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis of affordability and service quality, the following companies offer the best minimum coverage insurance in Syracuse:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($706 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($751 per year)
Minimum coverage policies in Syracuse may be the cheapest option, but they offer limited liability protection and don't cover your vehicle in case of an accident.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $706 per year
Good customer service rating
Average claims management rating
Full payment discount
Daytime running lights discount
cons
Low coverage rating
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie offers Syracuse's best affordable car insurance, along with top-notch customer service and efficient claims management. The company provides various savings opportunities, including discounts for safe driving, multi-car policies and home and auto insurance bundling.
Erie offers discounts to policyholders who pay in full and have factory-installed daytime running lights. Older drivers in the city may opt for this insurer as it provides a discount for senior and retired individuals. Unmarried drivers under 21 who live with their parents and have safe driving records can also enjoy a discount.
Erie also offers rarer discounts like one for honing devices. It has a discount for etching your car’s VIN on a window. Having anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights or completing a defensive driving course will also get you discounts.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Syracuse
The average cost of auto insurance in Syracuse for full coverage is $1,268 per year as of October 2022. It includes $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident.
The city's average car insurance cost is $760 less than the average full coverage cost in New York. The national average car insurance premium costs $1,265 annually, which is in line with the price in Syracuse. Car insurance companies consider several factors, including the driver's location, when calculating insurance premiums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
