The Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Rochester, New York

State Farm is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the country. As such, it caters to a number of different groups. For example, it offers sizable discounts for college students and homeowners alike. It has a sophisticated mobile app and in-person customer service via its network of 19,000 exclusive agents.

Condo Owners

Information gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that 37 percent of people in Rochester own their home.¹ State Farm offers extensive coverage for condo owners, in particular, with protection against weather damage and discharge from plumbing systems. It advertises savings of up to $1,073, or 17 percent, when you bundle auto and condo insurance.

College Students

In addition to being one of our preferred options for homeowners looking to bundle their policies, State Farm is on our list of best auto insurance providers for college students. We like that the company offers safe driving discounts specifically for young drivers, discounts for students who live more than 100 miles from home, and savings if you keep your GPA above 3.0.

Local Customer Service

If you own a TV or streaming device, you’ve most likely heard the State Farm jingle: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” The truth behind the marketing is that State Farm’s local agents do provide a significant benefit if you want to work with a real person who is familiar with your city. State Farm’s find an agent tool offers more than 20 options in Rochester if you want to work with an agent.

USAA caters to a unique clientele: U.S. Armed Forces service members, families, and veterans. It provides specialized coverage options, lower-than-average insurance rates, and excellent customer service, according to third-party ratings companies like J.D. Power.

Insurance Eligibility

According to U.S. census information, there are 6,614 veterans living in Rochester and 17.4 million military veterans across the country, making up nearly 7 percent of the population.

USAA provides coverage only to active-duty military, veterans, precommissioned officers, and military families. To qualify, you or a family member must be a USAA member separated or retired from the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge. One of the things we like best about USAA is its cheap rates for teens on a family policy or transitioning off their parents’ policy — if your parent is a USAA member, you’ll get the benefits too.

Usage-Based Insurance

USAA offers usage-based insurance. If you don’t drive often — either because you’re retired, working from home, or living on a college campus — usage-based insurance offers savings compared to conventional insurance premiums. Drivers pay for coverage monthly, with a base rate and a variable rate per mile.

Safe Driving Discounts

You can save up to 30 percent with USAA’s telematics program, SafePilot. You get 10 percent off for enrolling, then additional discounts based on how well you’re driving. USAA tracks your driving habits — including texting while driving — via its SafePilot app. On your next renewal, it will provide you with a new rate based on how safely you drive and reset your score for the next policy period.

USAA also provides defensive driving and driver training discounts if you maintain a good driving record for more than five years and complete an approved defensive driving or driver training course.