The Best Auto Insurance in Brooklyn, New York 2024

Progressive is the second largest auto insurance provider in the United States, and offers some of the most affordable rates Brooklyn. For both minimum and full coverage policies, it has the cheapest rates of all providers reviewed here. It also offers an abundance of discounts and advertises that 99 percent of drivers qualify for at least one, meaning customers in Brooklyn can likely lower their premiums even further.

Affordable Rates

Progressive’s rates stand out among our top picks for affordability. The next cheapest provider for a full coverage policy in Brooklyn is GEICO, whose rates are over $1,400 higher annually than Progressive’s.

Extensive Discount Options

As well as cheaper than average premiums, Progressive offers a robust selection of discount options, including:

• Multi policy
• Continuous insurance
• Teen driver discount
• Accident forgiveness
• Safe driver discount
• Good student discount
• Distant student discount
• Homeowner discount
• Multi-car
• Online quote
• Sign online
• Paperless
• Pay in full
• Automatic payment
• Snapshot (telematics; no sign-up discount in NY—only a discount for tracking your driving)

Good Rates for Drivers with DUIs

Progressive does not exclude those with a DUI in New York from its lower-than-average rates. On average, Progressive’s rates go up only 29 percent after a DUI, compared to the average of 73 percent. If necessary, Progressive will also file an SR-22 form after you receive a DUI.

On average, a full coverage policy with Progressive for drivers with a DUI costs about $300 less annually than a policy with State Farm, the next cheapest provider for drivers with DUIs in Brooklyn. The difference is around $6,000 between Progressive and GEICO, the most expensive provider on our list for drivers with DUIs in Brooklyn.

GEICO is known nationally and in New York in particular for its cheaper than average premiums. In Brooklyn, GEICO is the second cheapest provider on our list after Progressive. It offers a wide range of discounts, including for federal employees and people who belong to affiliate groups. People who prefer to manage their policies digitally will appreciate GEICO’s online quote process and highly rated app.

Driver Affiliation Discounts

Like Progressive, GEICO has a long list of discounts to bring down premiums. But its driver affiliation discounts—with over 500 groups including businesses, alumni associations, and fraternities and sororities—stands out.

People in Brooklyn belonging to any of the following groups are eligible for discounts on their auto insurance with GEICO:

• Federal Employee (Eagle) Discount: Federal employees or retired federal employees may be eligible for a discount of up to 12 percent.
• Emergency Deployment Discount: Anyone in the military who is part of an emergency deployment to an imminent danger zone could be eligible for up to 25 percent off their premiums.
• Membership and Employee Discounts: GEICO is partnered with over 500 organizations, including alumni associations, businesses, and fraternities and sororities. Members of these groups could receive an additional discount on their premium.
• Military Discount: GEICO offers a discount of up to 15 percent for active or retired members of the Military, National Guards, or Reserves on certain coverages.

Strong Digital Tools

GEICO has some of the highest rated digital tools of any providers reviewed on our list. It scored above average in J.D. Power’s 2024 Digital Experience Study in the shopping category, likely due to its seamless online quote process. And through the GEICO app, customers can access their digital insurance ID card, request roadside assistance, submit accident photos for an estimate in around 20 minutes, and investigate their vehicle’s prior history.

Unlike State Farm, which lists over 20 agents in Brooklyn alone, GEICO lists only 8 agents in the Greater New York area. This is standard for GEICO, which relies heavily on an online model both to sell and manage policies. There are no GEICO agents in the whole of California, for example, since the company closed all its offices in 2022 and moved to a fully online model in the state.¹ This means GEICO would likely be best for someone who prefers managing their policy through an app or online.

Highly Rated Customer Service

GEICO fares well in the J.D Power 2024 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Study with a rating of 649 out of 1,000—above the New York regional average.² This indicates that while GEICO may lack in local agents, it makes up for in other areas; for example, phone-based and online customer service, or claims handling. Among our top picks, GEICO comes in second only to State Farm, which also has a national reputation for exceptional customer service. (USAA also received high marks in the state, though technically doesn’t qualify to rank due to its limited availability.)

State Farm insures more than 80 million people in the United States and employs many local agents across the country, including in Brooklyn. First-time insurance buyers may benefit from working with an agent with specialized knowledge, who can help them determine the right coverage for their needs and budget.

Local Auto Insurance Agents in Brooklyn

State Farm has over 20 local agents in Brooklyn alone. The company relies on agents to sell its insurance products, which offers a more in-depth, localized knowledge of the insurance market.

The benefit of working with a local agent is that they understand the intricacies and risks of your neighborhood, as well as the auto insurance laws that apply to your situation. They can help you decide what coverages you need and help you create a policy that fits your budget.

If you have a question about your policy, you can reach out directly to your agent rather than calling a national customer service line and potentially waiting on hold. And if your rates increase, agents can help you find ways to save. Finally, agents can also provide support and guidance on first-time claims filing, should you ever need to file a claim.

Affordable Rates for High-Risk Drivers

Brooklyn motor vehicle collisions numbered 2,813 in October 2023 and involved 5,413 motorists.³ Unfortunately for drivers with an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or DUI on their record, a checkered driving history means paying even more for insurance.

State Farm offers consistently low affordable rates, even if you’re classified as a risky driver. We’ve found that State Farm generally charges high-risk drivers about 15 to 20 percent less than its competitors, as well as offering coverage options and discounts that you can apply regardless of your driving history.

Bundling Home and Renters Insurance

New York is one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. In Brooklyn, only 30 percent of residents own their home.³ Luckily, State Farm’s bundling discount applies to homeowners, condo owners, and renters. You can earn up to 17 percent off your auto insurance premium when you bundle your auto and home insurance.

If you are in the majority of residents in Brooklyn who rent, renters insurance protects possessions like your television, bike, and furniture. We recommend it for everyone, especially if you can reduce the cost by bundling.

USAA offers auto insurance, banking, and investment products only to U.S. Armed Forces service members, families, and veterans. With strict membership criteria, it isn’t available to everyone; however, USAA customers rate it very highly in terms of customer service and affordability. We rated USAA the best auto insurance for military and veterans, but we also rate it highly for customers with a good credit score in Brooklyn.

Drivers With Good Credit in Brooklyn

Like driving history, most insurance companies check credit score as part of their price determination. Having a good credit score can decrease the cost of your premium, making auto insurance with USAA even more affordable. You can improve your credit score by paying bills on time, disputing any inaccurate information on your credit report, limiting new credit lines, making outstanding payments from oldest to newest, and paying your debt.

Vehicle Storage Discounts

USAA offers a military storage discount if you’re stationed somewhere else in the U.S. or deployed in another country. As many New Yorkers garage their vehicles, this discount offers a huge benefit for active-duty military who live in Brooklyn. You can keep your car in storage and earn up to 60 percent off your car insurance policy. You can also get a 15 percent discount on your comprehensive coverage if you garage your vehicle on a military installation, like Fort Hamilton.

Roadside Assistance

New York has 110,000 miles of state and local highways and is home to the longest toll road system in the U.S. If you’re driving a lot, roadside assistance is a huge benefit. USAA offers 24/7 roadside assistance that includes the following:

• Towing to the nearest repair shop: $0
• Flat tire: $0 with spare
• Fuel delivery: contracted rate
• Battery jump-start: $0
• Unlocking vehicle: $0
• Getting a vehicle out of mud or snow: $0

Erie is over 100 years old and the 13th largest provider in the US. Its auto insurance coverage is only available in 13 states, including New York. Along with State Farm, Erie’s pricing in Brooklyn is on the higher end. However, it has an impressive reputation for smooth and easy claims handling in the state of New York, and an excellent financial strength rating from AM Best. For many, Erie’s higher premiums may be worth the peace of mind that claims will likely be paid out quickly and easily. Along with USAA, it’s the only other provider on our list to offer a car storage discount.

Above Average Claims Handling

Every year, CRASH Network surveys collision repair shops on one question: “How well does this company’s claims handling policies, attitude and payment practices ensure quality repairs and customer service for motorists?” On CRASH Network’s most recent Insurer Report Card, Erie received a B+ rating in the Northeast region and also made the honorable mentions list.

Nationally, Erie comes in at an impressive 4th place out of 88 insurers reviewed for their claims handling, with an overall grade of A-. This data is gathered from mechanics and dealerships—the people who deal closely and regularly with insurance companies for claims, and who know which insurers are the most likely to offer a smooth and easy claims handling experience. Among the providers on our list, USAA comes in with the lowest grade (D+), indicating that some customers may have had more push back or a less efficient experience when making a claim with this insurer.

Superior Financial Strength

A company’s financial strength is important because it indicates whether or not it has the financial backing to fulfill claims. Without good financial strength, auto insurance customers are more likely to run into issues getting their claims paid out further down the line. Erie is awarded an A+ (superior) rating by AM best. USAA and GEICO also have exceptional financial strength ratings of A++, though ratings from the Insurer Report card are not as high.

Overall, we consider Erie to be the best in Brooklyn for overall customer claims handling. Customers who prefer using online tools to file their claim may find that Erie falls short; its app is the lowest reviewed by both android and iOS users of any providers reviewed here. That said, working directly with a representative can be helpful when navigating the claims process.

Robust Coverage Options

Erie offers a wide range of coverage options, and advertises its insurance coverage goes beyond the standard offered by other providers. A policy from Erie comes with the following built in protections:

• First accident forgiveness: Customers with three-claims free years do not have to pay a surcharge the first time they are involved in an at-fault accident.
• Windshield repair: Erie waives the comprehensive deductible if your windshield can be repaired (rather than replaced).
• Pet Injury coverage: Erie covers up to $500 per pet ($1,000) total towards vet treatment if a pet is injured in an accident while you are driving.
• Travel expenses: If your car is disabled because of a covered loss away from home, Erie covers costs such as accommodation and meals.
• Road service: Customers receive coverage for reasonable towing and repairs at the site of accident.
• Locksmith charges: If you lock yourself out of your vehicle, Erie will cover the cost of a locksmith.

In addition to these built-in coverages, Erie offers the following customizable coverages:

• Erie Auto Plus: Erie Auto Plus provides coverage benefits that will pay off should you ever need to file a claim. These include increased coverage benefit, a death benefit of $10,000 should a relative die due to bodily injury in an auto accident, and diminishing deductibles. In New York, you can reduce your comprehensive deductible to $50 and your collision as low as $100.
• Erie Rate Lock: Customers can lock in their auto insurance rate using Erie Rate lock feature. Though there are some exceptions, generally this means your rates won’t rise even if you file a claim.
• Erie Rate Protect: Designed specifically with New York customers in mind, Erie Rate Protect means your auto insurance rates won’t increase for a small claim such as a fender bender. It also provides lower rates over time if your record remains clean.
• New car replacement: If your car is totaled, your policy will cover the true replacement cost of your vehicle. Erie’s coverage does not depreciate the value of your vehicle.
• Rental car coverage: Erie advertises their coverage typically costs less than renting a car for one day. Customers can choose from five classes of rental car coverage.