How to Find Affordable Car Insurance in New York in 2022

Looking for affordable car insurance in New York? We know how time-consuming shopping for the cheapest auto insurance can be. To save you time and money, we’ve researched the most affordable car insurance options available for a wide range of drivers. We’ve also broken down important insurance coverage requirements, registration fees, and costs.

In This Article:

• Cheapest Rates for Different Types of NY Drivers
• Cheapest New York State Minimum Rates
• Cheapest Full Coverage Rates
• Cheapest NY Cities for Car Insurance
• New York’s Car Insurance Discounts
• The Best Car Insurance Companies in New York
• New York Car Insurance Laws and Penalties
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New York in 2022

New York drivers pay more than all but two states for car insurance, with the average policyholder looking at almost $1,500 on their annual bill. But that doesn’t mean you just have to accept paying more for auto insurance. We’ve broken down rates from thousands of real-life car insurance quotes to find you the cheapest companies in the Empire State. Read on to find the best policy for you and your wallet.

Fast facts about driving in New York:

• There are over 12 million licensed drivers in New York State. 
• The 3 biggest cities in New York are New York City (8.8M), Brooklyn (2.3M), and Borough of Queens (2.2M).
• You cannot use any handheld devices while driving. This means drivers cannot text or call, even while at a stoplight.
• New York has over 30 toll roads.
• Interstate 90 is the longest New York State highway at 381.7 miles. I-587 is the shortest interstate at 1.2 miles. 
• The highest speed limit in New York is 65mph. 
• Drivers in New York City are never allowed to turn right on red unless there is a sign stating otherwise.

Cheapest Companies for Teen Drivers in NY

Buying affordable car insurance for your teenager can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Insuring young, inexperienced teen drivers can be quite costly because they are more likely to get into a car accident. Luckily, we’ve identified two of the most affordable auto insurance options in New York for teen drivers.

In New York, Plymouth Rock Auto Insurance Company is the cheapest auto insurance option to protect your teen driver while behind the wheel, at $610 monthly.  Choosing Liberty Mutual will add an additional $164 per month to your monthly premium.

As we’ve stated, insuring teen drivers can be expensive, so you must do some comparison shopping to find the best policy for your family and budget.

The Most Affordable Policies for Young Drivers Under 25

Young drivers between the ages of 18–24 will see a decrease in auto insurance premiums compared to teen drivers. The closer you get to 25 years old, the lower your rates will drop. You can find affordable car insurance in New York with the companies listed below.

The cheapest auto insurance company for young drivers in New York is Safeco, at $454 per month, with Plymouth Rock coming in a close second, at $455 monthly. Once again, Liberty Mutual made the list with affordable car insurance rates for young drivers at a slightly higher rate of $470/mo.

When comparing insurance rates of young drivers to teen drivers, you’ll see a general decrease in the cost. While the lowest rate for teen drivers is $610/mo with Plymouth Rock, the lowest rate for young drivers is $454/mo. This means that young drivers enjoy savings of over $150 every month!

Just because these are some of the most affordable rates for young drivers in New York doesn’t mean they are the cheapest rates available to you. We suggest you do your research and get quotes based on your specific car insurance needs. Also, look for auto insurance companies that offer additional discounts based on limited driving times and usage-based programs that track how you perform behind the wheel.

Cheapest Quotes for New York Retirees

Retired drivers who are 65+ living in New York often pay the cheapest car insurance rates compared to other age brackets. That’s because retired drivers usually have a proven record of being better drivers and have a lot of experience behind the wheel, helping insurance companies consider them low-risk.

Here are a few companies offering the cheapest auto insurance rates for retired drivers.

Once again, Safeco takes the top spot as the cheapest auto insurance for retired drivers in New York, with monthly premiums running as low as $197. Rounding out the top three are Liberty Mutual and Plymouth Rock, with rates coming in at $205 and $217, respectively.

As you can see, these companies offer drivers over 65 some of the lowest auto insurance rates compared to other groups. Although all three of these options average under $250, you should research even more auto insurance companies to find the best rates to fit your individual circumstances, including age, driving history, the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as your credit score.

The Cheapest Companies for Married Drivers

There are many advantages to being married, including reduced rates on your auto insurance. Married drivers in New York have several options when it comes to affordable car insurance rates. Take a look at three of the cheapest car insurance companies for married drivers.

Plymouth Rock and Safeco will offer you the cheapest auto insurance rates for married drivers in New York with a monthly premium of $240. Another budget-friendly option is Liberty Mutual ($269/mo).

By tying the knot, most married drivers pay less for car insurance. Married couples can have several additional advances to reducing their auto insurance rates, including homeowners and having multiple vehicles. Although these are pretty affordable rates, do a little research and get quotes from a few other auto insurers to find the perfect fit for you.

The Cheapest Companies for Single New Yorkers

While married drivers can often save on insurance with multi-vehicle discounts, being single in NY doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. We’ve found six of the cheapest auto insurance rates for single drivers.

NYCM is by far the most affordable option for single driver auto insurance rates in New York. Their average premium starts at $94/mo for liability insurance coverage. You see rates almost double to the next most affordable option with TSC ($174/mo) and increase slightly more with Travelers ($196/mo).

Rates then jump again with Safeco Auto Insurance starting at ($241/mo), Plymouth Rock ($246/mo), and Liberty Mutual ($306/mo).

When looking at rates for married drivers compared to single drivers, you’ll see that single drivers actually pay less than married drivers in New York. While the cheapest rate for married drivers is $240/mo, single drivers can enjoy liability insurance at a cool $94/mo. That’s an extra $146 staying in your wallet every month!

As a single driver in New York, other factors such as your gender, age, accident history, and vehicle type determine your rate. That’s why you should take the opportunity to shop around for a policy that suits your needs and individual preferences.

Cheapest Companies for Men vs. Women in NY

Your gender plays a role in your auto insurance premium as a driver in New York. On average, women pay a slightly cheaper premium at $260/mo than men who pay $278/mo This difference in rates gets smaller as you age.

Top 4 Cheapest Companies for Men in New York

Top 4 Cheapest Companies for Women in New York

However, as you can see, for male drivers, TSC offers an auto insurance rate for men at $169/mo, which is cheaper than the lowest rate offered for women with Travelers at $192/mo. On the other hand, Plymouth Rock offers the most expensive rate for men at $266/mo, while Liberty Mutual provides coverage for women at $296/mo. No matter which end of the spectrum you choose, women will typically pay more for car insurance in New York.

That’s why you always want to do your homework to determine which company can get you the best rate regardless of gender and other demographic information. While we can provide averages, you never know what the numbers will be until you plug in your information to get your auto insurance rate.

Cheapest Companies for Drivers with Spotty Records

Is your driving record a little spotty? Finding cheap car insurance with tickets on your record can be exhausting and expensive. New York drivers who have tickets for car accidents, speeding, or running a red light might have more difficulty finding budget-friendly auto insurance rates.

But rest assured, there is hope. Liberty Mutual offers premiums starting at $285/mo if you have a less than perfect driving record in New York.  Again, do your research to find the cheapest car insurance rates available for you.

Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers with an Accident on Their Record

Accidents happen, especially while driving, but when they’re on your record, it can make finding the cheapest car insurance premiums in New York a challenge. Auto insurance companies base their rates on your driving record and nothing shoots up insurance premiums like a fender bender.

Luckily, we found five auto insurance companies in New York offering the cheapest rates for drivers who’ve had a car accident – the cheapest being Travelers at $157/mo. Next is Plymouth Rock ($189/mo), Safeco ($203/mo) and TSC ($208/mo).  Liberty Mutual rounds out the list with insurance rates almost double Travelers which is the most affordable option. ($285/mo).

These options are great, but hop online and comparison shop for even cheaper rates on your auto insurance in New York. Especially if you otherwise have a pretty good history of being a safe driver.

Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Accidents on Their Record

Have you had a few accidents and find it hard to find affordable car insurance in New York? You are not alone. Unfortunately, even the best drivers can find themselves in a car accident that stays on your driving record for several years, and that can skyrocket your premium.

Most insurers frown upon drivers with multiple accents and will deny you coverage. Others will offer you an auto insurance policy at a steep cost. But once again, Liberty Mutual seems to be more understanding of drivers with a few hiccups on the driving record. They offer the most affordable auto insurance premium in New York, with rates starting at $379/mo.

It’s no surprise that drivers with multiple accidents on their record will pay more in car insurance. When you look at the price of car insurance for drivers with a single ticket on their record, you’ll find that 4 out of the 5 companies listed offer coverage for under $250 a month. Drivers with multiple accidents will see rates that start with $379/mo. Even the most expensive option for drivers with a single ticket still falls $90 short of the cheapest option for multiple accident drivers.

This is why it’s important for drivers with accidents on their record to shop around for car insurance. Until the car accidents fall off your record, regularly comparing rates is one way to avoid overpaying for auto insurance.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in New York State?

According to the New York State Department of Health, car crashes are a big problem in New York State. New York City has the largest number of car accidents, due to the busy nature of the city and heavy pedestrian traffic. Most accidents in New York State involve passenger vehicles and result in injuries or fatalities. 

The NY State Department of Health reports:

• On average, 3 New Yorkers die every day from traffic-related car crashes 
• Car crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death in New York State
• An average of 1,098 people die every year from traffic collisions in New York 

In March 2022 alone, the police department in New York City reported 8,660 motor vehicle collisions. Of these collisions, over 2,000 of them were caused by distracted driving. Over 3,000 of the accidents resulted in passenger injury or fatality.

The Best Rates for New York State Minimum Insurance

Are you looking for state minimum coverage for your vehicle? While choosing this level of coverage is a great way to keep insurance costs low, you should keep in mind that you won’t have much protection when filing a claim.

With rates starting at $210/mo, Safeco once again takes the top spot for offering the cheapest rate for drivers looking for the state minimum coverage in New York. Rounding out the top 3 are Plymouth Rock ($221/mo) and Liberty Mutual ($268/mo) for the most affordable rates.

Although all three of these options may seem great, there is still a $58 difference between the least and most expensive options. Drivers should take time to compare rates and see which insurance provider meets their needs and fits into their budget. However, you’ll be happy to know that all three insurance companies on this list can provide affordable insurance, so you want to see which one is the best fit for you.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes for Full Coverage

Drivers must have full coverage car insurance to protect their vehicle if it’s currently financed or under a lease. If you’re looking for full coverage car insurance for your vehicle, we’ve got you covered. Our research has found 4 of the most affordable full coverage car insurance rates in New York. The great thing about having a full-coverage auto policy is that it covers just about any unfortunate vehicle-related event like no-fault and at-fault accidents, vandalism, theft, hitting an animal, or if your vehicle is stolen.

This go-round, Travelers took the top spot as the cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York with a monthly rate of $217. Next, rates jump over $100 with Plymouth Rock at $326/mo and Safeco at $336/mo.  Liberty Mutual follows with another $100/mo premium increase at $437/mo.

When comparing insurance rates between state minimum and full coverage, you’ll find a pretty big difference in price. However, initially this difference may not seem like much. For example, the cheapest option for state minimum ($210/mo), only differs from the cheapest option for full coverage by $7 ($217/mo). When looking at the second cheapest option for full coverage you see a jump of $109 ($326/mo), while the second cheapest option for state minimum only increases by $11($221/mo).

The great thing about full coverage auto insurance is that it provides peace of mind and an added layer of protection against common occurrences while driving. New York State requires all drivers have PIP coverage on their auto insurance policy, which covers medical payments and loss of work. While rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance or towing are optional add-ons.

The Best Car Insurance Companies in New York

According to J. D. Power, a global leader in customer satisfaction ratings and reviews, here are the top 10 rated car insurance companies in New York-based on a 1,000 point scale.

• State Farm – 851 points
• GEICO – 837 points
• New York Central Mutual – 837 points
• Region Average – 836 points
• Travelers – 835 points
• Allstate – 833 points
• Liberty Mutual – 832 points
• MetLife – 832 points
• Nationwide – 825 points
• Progressive – 825 points

The scoring system was based on a combination of price, interaction, customer service, policy information, claims, the billing process and policy offerings.

The Best New York Auto Insurance Discounts

You can use the information above to find the cheapest auto insurance rates in NYC, but if you want to save more, take it a step further by securing a discount – or 2 or 3! Be sure to ask potential carriers about the car insurance discounts you qualify for. Here are some common insurance discounts, but many more options are available depending on the carrier.

• Usage-Based Discount. Drivers allow the insurance company to monitor their driving habits and performance via a special app or gadget that’s connected to their vehicle. Over a specified period of time, the insurance company collects and records your driving behavior to calculate your risk. Metrics collected include how fast you drive, how many miles you drive per day, and your braking habits.
• Vehicle-Based Discount. You can qualify for this discount if your vehicle has certain features like anti-theft, daytime running lights, and anti-lock brakes.
• Driver Safety Discount. Drivers are rewarded for having a good driving record and claims history. If you’ve taken a defensive driving course or are accident-free, this discount may be perfect for you.
• Driver Status Discount. If your driving history is free of accidents, traffic violations, tickets, or insurance claims, you might qualify for this discount. Keep in mind, insurance companies love safe drivers, and the savings offered can be up to 50% off your auto insurance premium.
• Policy Bundle Insurance Discount. This discount offers reduced rates to drivers who have bundled their auto insurance with additional insurance policies such as health, life, and home, or have multiple vehicles on the same policy.
• Affiliation Car Insurance Discount. This discount is offered when you belong to a certain group or association such as credit unions, employers, schools and universities, fraternities, sororities, or professional organizations.

• Occupational Car Insurance Discount. You might qualify for this discount if you work in the public sector as a police officer, firefighter, educator, or nurse. There are also special auto discounts available for military workers, retired and active-duty.
• Good Student Insurance Discount. If you’re a high school or college student, enrolled in full-time studies, this discount can help you save. Students may also be rewarded with additional savings on their car insurance if they maintain a certain grade level.

Recent New York Car Insurance Rate Trends

Looking at rates over the last 4 years, we see an overall upward trend. While rates started lower in 2017, they jumped in 2019 before decreasing in 2020 and increasing again in 2021.

New York is one of the most expensive states to own a vehicle. Unfortunately, the insurance rate trends support that car insurance rates will continue to follow an upward trend. Over the past 5 years, the cost to insure a car in New York has increased by over 60%. This makes it even more difficult for drivers to find cheap car insurance in New York.

Which City has the Cheapest Car Insurance in New York?

We analyzed data from tens of thousands of car insurance quotes generated on Compare.com to give you an idea of what you might pay for car insurance in your city. Data from nearly 250 cities across the state of New York can be found below:

As you can see, car insurance rates can vary wildly from city to city. For example, car insurance in Ithaca is about $80 a month, on average. In Brooklyn or the Bronx, it’s more than three times that number. New York has some of the highest car insurance rates in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean you’ll pay the same all across the state.

Click on each city in the table above to find detailed breakdowns of the factors that go into calculating your monthly premium. There, you’ll find all the information you need on things like driving record, age, gender, vehicle make and model, and more will affect how much you pay for car insurance in each locality.

New York’s Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements

Compared to some other states, drivers in New York are required to carry a lot of insurance. To register your vehicle, your insurance must meet the following liability minimums:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability is the part of your insurance that pays for other people’s medical bills and other losses if they get hurt in an accident you’re responsible for. It’ll also cover death related expenses.
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $100,000 per accident: This coverage also pays out for injuries resulting in death and medical expenses.
• $10,000 in property damage liability: This pays for damage to other people’s cars (or other property) in an accident you’re responsible for
• $25,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident: Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for injuries you and your passengers suffer if an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes an accident
• $50,000 in personal injury protection (PIP): PIP benefits can pay medical bills for you and other people covered on your policy, no matter who’s at fault in an accident. PIP also has a loss of work benefit attach to it in New York.

Even though New York doesn’t require you to obtain collision insurance (which covers certain repairs or replaces your vehicle in the event of a total loss) or comprehensive insurance (which covers damage not caused by a collision like cracked windshields, theft, and vandalism), it will still be required by your lender.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in NY

If you don’t have insurance, you shouldn’t drive. The penalties can be serious! If you have a lapse in coverage, meaning your car is registered but not insured, your registration may be suspended. If the suspension exceeds 90 days, you have to surrender your registration and license plates. Your license will be suspended too, and you’ll need to pay a $50 fee to get it back.

The penalties are tougher if you’re actually caught driving without insurance — or worse if you get into an accident. Police can ticket you, arrest you, and/or impound your vehicle. The DMV will also revoke your registration and your license. The fine can go up to $1,500, and you’ll have to pay an additional $750 penalty to restore your driver’s license.

Long story short, don’t let the cost of NY car insurance make you drive illegally. Compare.com can help you find the cheapest New York insurance quotes in just minutes.

New York Vehicle Registration Fees and Other Costs

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, you’ll need to budget for more than just the vehicle’s sticker price. You’ll be on the hook for basic DMV fees like title, license plate, and registration fees no matter where and how you purchase your new car, truck, or SUV, as well as buying a new car insurance policy for your car. But some buyers will find themselves with additional fees such as sales tax, documentation fees, personal property tax, emissions and inspection fees, hybrid and electric vehicle fees, lien recording fees, and a slew of other costs.

Check out Compare.com’s comprehensive vehicle costs breakdown to make sure you account for all the added fees you might be on the hook for when buying a car in New York.

Helpful Resources for Drivers in New York

The following links may be helpful to drivers in learn more about the rules and regulations of driving in New York: 

• New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NYDMV)
• New York Public Transit Association 
• New York Department of Transportation (NYDoT)
• New York Department of Insurance 
• New York Office of Public Safety 
• New York Traffic & Transit Conditions 
• New York Metropolitan Transit Authority 
• New York State Parking & Transportation Association 

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in NY

What car insurance is required in New York?

New York State’s minimum liability insurance coverage requirements are:

• $10,000 for property damage for a single accident.
• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident.

How much is car insurance in New York? 

Car insurance rates in New York average around $272/mo. However, rates are subject to change and vary based on your individual requirements.

What happens if you drive without insurance in New York?

Driving a car without the minimum insurance liability required in New York is never a good idea and should be avoided at all costs. If you or someone is caught driving your uninsured vehicle, you could be fined as much as $1500 by the traffic court, and your license could be revoked. If your license is revoked, you would have to pay an additional $750 to DMV to get your license back.

In addition, If your uninsured vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, your driver’s license and vehicle registration will be revoked for at least one year.

Does New York require full coverage car insurance?

Full coverage car insurance is not required in New York. However, you may choose to upgrade your insurance by adding any combination insurance coverage options to include comprehensive, medical payments, medical/personal injury protection, collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist.

Can you get car insurance without a license in New York?

Yes, it is possible to get car insurance without a license in New York, however, it may not be as easy as you think. Most auto insurance companies require a driver’s license to apply for coverage.