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Last updated: January 28, 2026The Best Auto Insurance in New York in 2026
Progressive, NYCM, and USAA are among our picks for Empire State residents.
Cheapest for Full Coverage
Editor's Rating:
4.7/5
4.7/5Full Coverage Averages in NY
- Annual premium: $1,848
- Monthly premium: $154
Best Value
Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in NY
- Annual premium: $2,239
- Monthly premium: $187
Key Takeaways
- New York drivers looking for affordable full coverage auto insurance should consider Progressive. Other drivers may find the best insurance from NYCM, USAA, Erie, or GEICO, depending on their needs.
- In New York, auto insurance costs an average of $3,184 for full coverage and $1,249 for minimum coverage. Both rates are higher than the national average.
- Our pricing data includes average rates, which don’t necessarily reflect rates you may be quoted. However, the rates we provide do offer a useful starting point when comparing auto insurance providers.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in New York
- Cheapest for Full Coverage: Progressive
- Best Value: New York Central Mutual (NYCM)
- Best for Military/Veterans: USAA
- Best for Claims Satisfaction: Erie
- Best with Low Credit: GEICO
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in New York
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in New York | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in New York | New York customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $154 | $75 | Below average |
| NYCM | $186 | $49 | Above average |
| USAA | $187 | $71 | Above average |
| Erie | $202 | Data not available | Not rated |
| GEICO | $215 | $88 | Above average |
| New York | $265 | $104 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in New York
1. Cheapest for Full Coverage - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- Lowest rates in New York for full coverage
- Numerous discounts available
- Highly customizable policies
Why we chose it
Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York, including some of the best rates for higher risk drivers. It has a wide range of discounts, like safe driver and good student policies, plus a telematics program with advertised average savings of $322 per year for enrolled users who end up saving money.1
We like that you can customize your policy with a variety of features, including loan/lease payoff, protection of aftermarket modifications, rental car reimbursement, and pet injury coverage. While Progressive does have a lower-than-average customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power, it’s a great value for drivers prioritizing full coverage over customer service.
Who it’s best for
Drivers on a budget, higher risk drivers (DUI on record), people who want a customizable policy, drivers who prefer managing policies online or on mobile app
Progressive New York Pricing
| Progressive | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $154 | $75 |
| Annually | $1,848 | $903 |
| Difference from New York average | -42% | -28% |
2. Best Value - New York Central Mutual (NYCM)
What We Like Most:
- Top-rated customer satisfaction in New York
- Competitive rates for young drivers
- 24/7 claims reporting and user-friendly website
Why we chose it
New York Central Mutual is a regional carrier with the highest customer satisfaction rating for New York, according to J.D. Power. It has a low complaint volume, and we recommend it for drivers who want a seamless experience processing claims and getting questions answered. NYCM also offers competitive rates for teen drivers, who tend to be more expensive to insure.
NYCM’s primary coverage options include collision and comprehensive, and you also can add other coverage options to your policy like new car replacement, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, optional basic economic loss (OBEL), and more.2
Who it’s best for
People prioritizing excellent customer service, New York drivers who want affordable minimum coverage, young drivers (teens and young adults), drivers with clean driving records
NYCM New York Pricing
| NYCM | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $186 | $49 |
| Annually | $2,227 | $592 |
| Difference from New York average | -30% | -53% |
3. Best for Military/Veterans - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Competitive rates amongst the lowest on the market
- Robust, military-focused policies
- Highly rated customer satisfaction
Why we chose it
USAA ranks highly for its competitive rates, which are amongst the lowest average premiums on the market. It’s well regarded for its customer satisfaction, robust membership perks (including discounts through programs like SafePilot), excellent claims handling, and user-friendly app on which customers can easily manage policies and claims.3
Keep in mind USAA is available only to the military, veterans, and their family members, and that it doesn’t have any physical offices. That said, USAA is a great choice for policyholders who value military-focused coverage and customer service, and don’t mind managing their policies online or on the phone.
Who it’s best for
Active military/veterans/family members, drivers who prefer managing policies online or on the phone, people who value customer service
USAA New York Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $187 | $71 |
| Annually | $2,239 | $855 |
| Difference from New York average | -30% | -32% |
4. Best for Claims Satisfaction - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Excellent claims service
- Competitive rates in service regions
- Low complaint volume
Why we chose it
Erie is a regional carrier serving the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, and it’s known for its high customer service marks from J.D. Power and lower-than-average complaint scores from NAIC. The company prioritizes interactions between customers and independent agents, ensuring attentive and personalized service with claims processing and more.4
Erie does offer fewer discounts than other insurers, and with a limited digital experience. Still, we recommend Erie to drivers who prioritize its competitive rates, strong financial stability, and human-powered customer service over these factors.
Who it’s best for
People seeking fast and thorough claims processing, customers who prefer interacting with agents to manage their needs, drivers who want competitively priced coverage
Erie New York Pricing
| Erie | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $202 | Data unavailable |
| Annually | $2,419 | Data unavailable |
| Difference from New York average | -24% | – |
5. Best with Low Credit - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Competitive rates for drivers with low credit
- Numerous discounts available
- Strong financial rating
Why we chose it
GEICO has some of the lowest rates on the market for low credit drivers, as well as a large selection of discounts to further reduce prices: DriveEasy, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, new vehicle, good driver, and more.5 It’s got solid financial ratings from AM Best (A++), indicating a strong ability to pay out claims.
Additionally, GEICO has a user-friendly app and website designed for easy online management of policies. While its claims process can be slower than with other carriers, GEICO is a great option for tech-savvy customers who prefer online self-service over interacting with agents when filing claims and more.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with low credit scores, high-risk drivers, tech-savvy drivers who prefer self-servicing on a website or app
GEICO New York Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $215 | $88 |
| Annually | $2,579 | $1,059 |
| Difference from New York average | -19% | -15% |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – New York6 | CRASH Network Report Card7 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction8 | NAIC Complaint Index9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | 620 | C | 673 | 2.79 |
| NYCM | 652 | n/a | n/a | 0.54 |
| USAA | n/a | D+ | n/a | 3.10 |
| Erie | n/a | A- | 743 | 1.29 |
| GEICO | 637 | C- | 697 | 1.55 |
| Average | 636 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in New York
Full Coverage Rates in New York
New York residents can expect to pay around 26 percent more than the national average for car insurance. On average, full coverage in New York costs $3,184 a year or $265 a month.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $3,184 | $265 |
| National Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage Rates in New York
In New York, the average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $1,249 a year or $104 a month. This is around 73 percent higher than the national average.
Auto insurance costs can vary significantly based on your driving history, vehicle, and provider. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three providers to help you find the best coverage at the most affordable cost.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $1,249 | $104 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Auto Insurance Costs by City in New York
Auto insurance rates can also vary significantly based on region and city. Among cities in New York, Albany residents enjoy some of the cheapest average rates at $2,139 per year or $178 per month. Rates in Rochester are also on the cheaper side at $2,063 annually or $172 per month.
Conversely, New York City’s auto insurance rates are some of the most expensive in the state. Rates here average $4,615 per year or $385 per month. Of NYC’s boroughs, the Bronx and Long Island are particularly high at $5,391 per year and $5,682 per year respectively.
FYI:
If you live in NYC, try searching for quotes from bigger, national carriers like Progressive and GEICO. These companies are more likely to offer you favorable rates despite the risk factors of city driving. Regional companies like NYCM – though also worth a look – tend to offer very competitive rates to drivers in upstate New York or rural areas instead.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester | $2,063 | $172 |
| Syracuse | $2,164 | $180 |
| Albany | $2,139 | $178 |
| Buffalo | $2,901 | $242 |
| New Rochelle | $4,170 | $348 |
| Yonkers | $3,720 | $310 |
| New York City | $4,615 | $385 |
| Bronx | $5,391 | $449 |
| Staten Island | $3,769 | $314 |
| Stuyvesant | $2,334 | $195 |
| Long Island | $5,682 | $473 |
| Queens | $5,232 | $436 |
| Manhattan | $4,164 | $347 |
| Schenectady | $2,106 | $176 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in New York?
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, 681 traffic fatalities occurred between Jan-Oct 2025.10 This figure fell from the same ten-month period of the previous year (766 traffic fatalities between Jan-Oct 2024). There is only fatal crash data available for New York State in 2025, as no comprehensive number for total car crashes has been reported yet.
In New York City, 19,116 motor vehicle collisions occurred in the first three months of 2025, and 205 people died in traffic crashes throughout 2025.11 This is the fewest number of traffic deaths on record, and is 19 percent lower than the 253 traffic deaths that occurred in 2024.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in New York
If you’re a licensed driver in New York, having auto insurance is a legal requirement.12 New York state law requires these minimum liability limits:
- Bodily injury/death to one person: $25,000 for bodily injury; $50,000 for death
- Bodily injury/death to two people: $50,000 for bodily injury; $100,000 for death
- Property damage: $10,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $50,000 per person
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
TIP:
While New York’s requirements are relatively robust compared to other states’, if you get into a serious accident, minimum coverage may not cover all the damages. If you can afford it, opt for higher liability limits and full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage to cover damage to your own car.
Frequently Asked Questions
One key difference is insurance pricing. Drivers in upstate areas like Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse are often priced lower rates compared to NYC drivers. Risk factors tend to be lower in upstate regions, resulting in lower congestion, fewer claims, and lower rates of theft and translating to more competitive rates for upstate dwellers.
The cheapest full coverage options for young New York drivers are usually regional carriers like NYCM. National brands like Progressive, USAA, and GEICO are also great options for teens and under-25 drivers, as they offer some of the lowest full-coverage rates for that age group.
Yes, New York is a no-fault state. This means your car insurance covers payments for medical bills and lost wages incurred after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Keep in mind New York’s no-fault rules exclude car damage. You’ll have to file claims against the at-fault party’s insurance to be compensated for car repairs.
Telematics programs often lower premiums for New York drivers who drive safely or are low-mileage drivers, as tracked on an app. Most insurers who offer these programs give an immediate discount upon signup, then recalculate your permanent discount after a 3-6 month monitoring period. Be aware enrolling can lead to higher rates if your driving is logged as risky.
Yes, New York insurers with accident forgiveness include Progressive, NYCM, and GEICO. Depending on the carrier, these benefits are available as part of loyalty programs or are purchasable as an optional feature on your plan. They usually apply to the first at-fault accident only and are limited to once per policy period or a set number of years.
Methodology - How We Review Providers
We evaluated auto insurance providers in New York and based our reviews on the following criteria:
- Pricing (40%): We analyzed the costs of both full and minimum coverage premiums in New York for drivers with clean records and those with prior incidents like DUIs. We also considered available discounts. Minimum coverage averages meet New York’s state-mandated limits, while full coverage averages use the following limits:
-
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: Same as bodily injury liability
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): Efficient claims handling is critical for any auto insurance provider. We reviewed third-party data from independent sources like the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study, AM Best, and other reports to evaluate claims handling.
- Customer experience (25%): We assessed customer experience from various perspectives, including the ease of getting a quote, digital tools, policy management options, and availability of local agents. Our evaluation incorporated third-party data from sources like J.D. Power, alongside app ratings and data on the provider’s customer service for Colorado drivers.
- Coverage options (10%): We reviewed each company’s coverage offerings, preferring providers with options beyond New York’s minimum requirements. Additional coverage options considered include mechanical breakdown insurance, rideshare coverage and other benefits.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.
Sources
Get Snapshot from Progressive. Progressive. (2026).
https://www.progressive.com/auto/discounts/snapshot/Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage Needs. NYCM. (2026).
https://www.nycm.com/auto/coverage-guideThose who switched saw an average of $840 in yearly savings. USAA. (2026).
https://www.usaa.com/campaign/insurance/switch-auto/?akredirect=trueFind an Erie Agent. Erie Insurance. (2026).
https://www.erieinsurance.com/find-an-agentLearn More About Available Insurance Discounts. GEICO. (2026).
https://www.geico.com/save/discounts/It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmNew York State Sees Sharp Drop in Fatal Crashes. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. (2025, Dec 23).
https://dmv.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-sees-sharp-drop-in-fatal-crashesTraffic Deaths Reach All-time Low: New York Ends Year With Fewest Fatalities Ever Recorded. NYC DOT. (2026, Jan 02).
https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pr2026/traffic-deaths-reach-all-time-low.shtmlNew York State Insurance Requirements. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. (2026).
https://dmv.ny.gov/insurance/insurance-requirements
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