Car Insurance in New York vs. Connecticut: Costs, Laws and Resources
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If you're moving from New York to Connecticut, keep in mind that the states have different requirements for vehicle insurance coverage and limits. For example, in New York, property damage liability must cover at least $10,000 per accident, but Connecticut only requires $25,000.
MoneyGeek compared car insurance laws and requirements in New York and Connecticut. We also looked into insurance rates to determine the most affordable companies for your needs.
- I want to compare car insurance laws in New York vs. Connecticut
- I want to see the cheapest insurance companies in New York vs. Connecticut
- I want an analysis of how and why car insurance costs differ in New York vs. Connecticut
- I want to see how car insurance costs differ by city
- I’m moving between New York vs. Connecticut, what should I know?
Car Insurance Laws in New York vs. Connecticut
New York law requires a minimum property damage liability of $10,000 per accident, but Connecticut law requires $25,000 in property damage liability per accident. Additionally, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is required in New York but not in Connecticut.
A minimum-coverage auto insurance policy in New York costs an average of $2,278 per year. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, the same coverage costs $884. The higher coverage limits in New York may contribute to its higher rates.
New York Requirements
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
- $50,000 personal injury protection per person
Other:
- $50,000 liability for death per person.
- $100,000 liability for death per accident.
Connecticut Requirements
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
How Are Car Insurance Laws Enforced in New York and Connecticut?
There are 12 no-fault states in the United States, including New York. New York is referred to as a no-fault state because it has legislation requiring a type of car insurance that pays regardless of who caused the accident. This type of coverage may result in higher premiums.
Meanwhile, Connecticut is an "at-fault" tort state, meaning that drivers who cause an accident are held financially accountable. The motorist uses their liability insurance to compensate the other driver for property damage, injuries and other related expenses.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New York vs. Connecticut
To get the best auto insurance rates, MoneyGeek recommends comparing quotes from different providers.
On average, the most affordable companies in New York and Connecticut are:
- Cheapest in New York: GEICO $1,092 per year
- Cheapest in Connecticut: GEICO $470 per year
MoneyGeek found that USAA is the most affordable company in New York ($902) and Connecticut ($425). However, USAA is only available to military families.
Take note of how the cost differs by state. GEICO is the cheapest provider in both New York and Connecticut. However, Connecticut drivers pay $622 less for coverage from GEICO.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New York
Company | Annual Rate | |
|---|---|---|
1. | $902 | |
2. | $1,092 | |
3. | $1,133 | |
4. | $1,270 | |
5. | $1,531 | |
6. | $1,714 | |
7. | $1,736 | |
8. | New York Central Mutual Fire | $2,063 |
9. | $2,110 | |
10. | $3,316 | |
11. | $5,352 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Connecticut
Company | Annual Rate | |
|---|---|---|
1. | $425 | |
2. | $470 | |
3. | $708 | |
4. | $747 | |
5. | $817 | |
6. | $833 | |
7. | $835 | |
8. | $983 |
GEICO is the most affordable car insurance provider in New York and Connecticut for state minimum coverage. Your premium will be based on the amount of coverage you buy, your age, driving history, location and other considerations. MoneyGeek examined the most cost-effective options in both states:
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Average Cost of Car Insurance in New York vs. Connecticut
The level of coverage also impacts the cost of car insurance in New York vs. Connecticut. Connecticut's premiums for both minimum and full coverage are less expensive than New York's.
The average annual cost of minimum coverage in New York and Connecticut is $2,278 and $884, respectively. In New York, full-coverage insurance costs an average of $3,433 per year, while in Connecticut, it costs around $1,442. However, your final quote may differ since premiums are determined by multiple factors.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in New York vs. Connecticut
Driver | New York Annual Premium | Connecticut Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
Minimum Coverage | $2,278 | $884 |
Full Coverage | $3,433 | $1,442 |
Adding a Young Driver | $9,285 | $3,471 |
Drivers With a Violation | $4,287 | $1,809 |
Drivers With Poor Credit | $10,640 | $2,511 |
Why Are Car Insurance Rates More Expensive in NY vs. CT?
Several factors affect the cost of car insurance, which is why premiums are higher in New York than in Connecticut. Although New York's theft rate is higher than Connecticut's, the higher minimum coverage limits in New York may also be a contributing factor in the state's high car insurance costs.
Car Insurance Costs by City in New York vs. Connecticut
Auto insurance costs vary by state, and even your city can affect your premiums. MoneyGeek compared car insurance rates in cities across New York and Connecticut.
New York
- Cheapest city: Rochester, at $715 per year
- Most expensive city: New York, at $2,732 per year
Connecticut
- Cheapest city: Stamford, at $690 per year
- Most expensive city: Hartford, at $909 per year
Although the requirements for auto insurance are the same throughout any one state, this is not a cost factor. Rate differences within a state are more likely to be due to areas with a higher population density.
Car Insurance Costs by City in New York
Car Insurance Costs by City in Connecticut
City | Average Annual Rate |
|---|---|
$884 | |
$909 | |
$901 | |
$690 | |
$820 |
Moving Between New York and Connecticut? What to Know
You must transfer your driver's license, car registration and auto insurance coverage if you are relocating from New York to Connecticut or vice versa.
If your existing insurance provider is available in your new state, you may be able to keep it. However, your premiums may increase to reflect the new risks and coverage requirements.
MoneyGeek offers various tools to help you choose the coverage that best meets your needs.
Use MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculators for New York and Connecticut
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculators for New York and Connecticut will show you how much you'll pay for vehicle insurance in each state based on the information you enter.
Learn about car insurance for high-risk drivers in New York and Connecticut
Drivers in Connecticut must file an SR-22 if they commit a severe traffic infraction such as driving without insurance, driving on a suspended or expired license or DUI/DWI. Meanwhile, high-risk drivers in New York tend to pay more for vehicle insurance since car insurance companies consider them to be high-risk. Additionally, they may refuse to cover them.
Figure out your options for temporary car insurance in New York and Connecticut
Note that most insurance plans are valid for at least six months. However, if you are just visiting the state for a short time, there are ways to get temporary auto insurance in New York or temporary car insurance in Connecticut.
If you’re a low-income driver, see if New York or Connecticut offer car insurance programs
MoneyGeek's resources can help to find methods to save money on car insurance if you are a low-income driver in New York or Connecticut.
FAQs About New York and Connecticut Car Insurance
The laws, rates and terms for auto insurance in New York and Connecticut vary. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions regarding car insurance in New York and Connecticut to help you get the best coverage.
Methodology
To calculate average car insurance rates by company and across New York and Connecticut, MoneyGeek collaborated with Quadrant Information Services to collect auto insurance quotes from both locations. We used a sample profile for a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and minimum coverage unless modified by criteria like coverage level, age, driving offenses and credit score. Learn more about how costs are calculated in our MoneyGeek car insurance methodology.
Minimum car insurance requirements by state were sourced from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the respective state.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
