Best Cheap Car Insurance in New York for 2021

If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance in New York, it pays to shop around. Rates for the same coverage can vary widely from company to company, meaning you may lose out on a great deal by settling for the first quote you get.

To make your shopping easier, NerdWallet researched rates from 28 auto insurers in New York to find the most affordable options for a variety of driver types.

Cheapest car insurance in New York for 20-year-old drivers

Young drivers may have to get a lot of quotes to find cheap car insurance. Prices can be sky-high for younger 20-somethings, but tend to come down as drivers get more experience on the road. To cut down on costs, young drivers might want to consider buying only state-mandated coverage, rather than full coverage insurance. Still, some companies routinely have lower insurance rates for drivers in their 20s, so it's best to shop around to find them.

Many insurance companies offer ways for young drivers to save, such as good student discounts for those in college or premium reductions for those who take a defensive driving course. If you live in an apartment, consider getting your renters and auto insurance from the same company to take advantage of bundling discounts.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York for 20-year-olds

Drivers in New York with clean driving records may want to consider the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Progressive: $2,351 per year.
2. Erie: $2,825 per year.
3. Geico: $3,062 per year.
4. New York Central Mutual: $3,598 per year.
5. Allstate: $3,954 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New York for 20-year-olds

Drivers in New York who want just the state minimum coverage may want to check with these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Progressive: $1,238 per year.
2. Geico: $1,289 per year.
3. New York Central Mutual: $1,434 per year.
4. Erie: $1,452 per year.
5. Utica National: $1,608 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 20-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in New York should look at the following insurers with the lowest average rates for minimum coverage:

1. Geico: $1,489 per year.
2. Utica National: $1,608 per year.
3. Chubb: $2,287 per year.
4. Preferred Mutual: $2,627 per year.
5. New York Central Mutual: $3,046 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 20-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident in New York, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for minimum coverage:

1. Progressive: $1,418 per year.
2. Geico: $1,625 per year.
3. New York Central Mutual: $1,669 per year.
4. Utica National: $1,813 per year.
5. Preferred Mutual: $1,858 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 20-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest auto insurance we found after a DUI is shown here, alongside the insurers’ average rates for minimum coverage.

1. Progressive: $1,260 per year.
2. New York Central Mutual: $1,434 per year.
3. Allstate: $2,264 per year.
4. Utica National: $2,377 per year.
5. Erie: $2,406 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in New York for 30-year-old drivers

By the time they reach their 30s, most drivers enjoy cheaper car insurance rates than in their teens and 20s. Still, factors like a person’s driving record and car make and model can increase prices.

Drivers in their 30s can get lower rates by shopping around and taking advantage of car insurance discounts. You may be able to save by insuring multiple vehicles with the same carrier, or by bundling your auto policy with your home insurance. Also, keep an eye out for discounts based on your profession or affiliations; some insurers offer more affordable insurance rates for teachers, members of the military or alumni of certain colleges.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York for 30-year-olds

Drivers in New York with clean driving records may get the lowest rates from these companies:

1. Progressive: $1,354 per year.
2. Erie: $1,651 per year.
3. Geico: $1,876 per year.
4. Allstate: $2,240 per year.
5. MetLife: $2,348 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New York for 30-year-olds

Drivers in New York who want their state’s minimum coverage can check with the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Utica National: $626 per year.
2. Preferred Mutual: $646 per year.
3. Progressive: $768 per year.
4. Geico: $782 per year.
5. Erie: $825 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 30-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in New York should consider the following companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Geico: $2,325 per year.
2. Chubb: $2,864 per year.
3. Erie: $3,376 per year.
4. Preferred Mutual: $3,739 per year.
5. Utica National: $3,764 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 30-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers in New York with a recent accident, here are the lowest average rate options for full coverage:

1. Progressive: $1,787 per year.
2. Erie: $2,424 per year.
3. Geico: $2,626 per year.
4. New York Central Mutual: $2,758 per year.
5. Allstate: $3,037 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 30-year-old drivers after a DUI

For the cheapest auto insurance after a DUI, we found the following options for full coverage.

1. Progressive: $1,392 per year.
2. New York Central Mutual: $2,499 per year.
3. Allstate: $2,868 per year.
4. Erie: $2,948 per year.
5. Geico: $3,998 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in New York for 40-year-old drivers

Drivers in their 40s tend to have better insurance rates than their younger counterparts but still pay more than older age groups. Shopping around for cheap car insurance quotes with multiple insurers is the best way to find lower rates. Good drivers who don’t get behind the wheel often might want to consider pay-per-mile insurance, which charges drivers by how many miles they drive.

Ask about discounts for signing up for autopay, paying your premium in full rather than quarterly or monthly, and opting for electronic statements. If you own your home, consider insuring it with the company that provides your auto insurance; most carriers offer bundling discounts.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York for 40-year-olds

Drivers in New York with clean driving records may want to think about the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Progressive: $1,298 per year.
2. Erie: $1,560 per year.
3. Geico: $1,863 per year.
4. Allstate: $2,238 per year.
5. Chubb: $2,265 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New York for 40-year-olds

Drivers in New York who want just the minimum coverage may want to check prices from these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Utica National: $626 per year.
2. Preferred Mutual: $646 per year.
3. Progressive: $763 per year.
4. Geico: $779 per year.
5. Erie: $789 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 40-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in New York can check out the following insurers with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Geico: $2,310 per year.
2. Chubb: $2,718 per year.
3. Erie: $3,175 per year.
4. Preferred Mutual: $3,739 per year.
5. Utica National: $3,764 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 40-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident living in New York, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Progressive: $1,729 per year.
2. Erie: $2,291 per year.
3. Geico: $2,611 per year.
4. New York Central Mutual: $2,782 per year.
5. Allstate: $3,035 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 40-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest full coverage auto insurance we found for drivers with a DUI came from the following companies.

1. Progressive: $1,335 per year.
2. New York Central Mutual: $2,517 per year.
3. Erie: $2,788 per year.
4. Allstate: $2,867 per year.
5. Geico: $3,974 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in New York for 50-year-old drivers

Drivers in their 50s have, on average, cheaper auto insurance rates than most other age groups. Prices will continue to drop as they inch toward their 60s and gain more driving experience. Rates can still vary depending on other factors such as a driver’s gender and location, so it’s smart to shop around to find the cheapest price you can. Our list of the best cheap car insurance companies is a good place to start.

Some insurers offer senior discounts to policyholders in their 50s, though some may require you to take a defensive driving course to snag the savings. If you’ve been with your insurer for many years, you may qualify for a loyalty discount. Still, it’s a good idea to check with other companies periodically to make sure you’re not paying too much.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York for 50-year-olds

Drivers in New York with clean driving records may want to get quotes from these insurers, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Progressive: $1,193 per year.
2. Erie: $1,507 per year.
3. Geico: $1,875 per year.
4. Preferred Mutual: $2,011 per year.
5. Encompass: $2,071 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New York for 50-year-olds

Drivers in New York who opt for the state minimum coverage may want to consider the following companies, with the lowest average rates:

1. Utica National: $535 per year.
2. Preferred Mutual: $543 per year.
3. Progressive: $716 per year.
4. Erie: $770 per year.
5. Geico: $788 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 50-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in New York can check with the following companies, which showed the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Geico: $2,326 per year.
2. Chubb: $2,659 per year.
3. Erie: $3,059 per year.
4. Preferred Mutual: $3,063 per year.
5. Utica National: $3,138 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 50-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers living in New York with a recent accident, here are the insurers with the lowest average full coverage rates:

1. Progressive: $1,677 per year.
2. Erie: $2,215 per year.
3. Geico: $2,625 per year.
4. New York Central Mutual: $2,682 per year.
5. Encompass: $2,896 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 50-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest auto insurance we found for drivers with a recent DUI comes from the following companies, listed with rates for full coverage.

1. Progressive: $1,242 per year.
2. New York Central Mutual: $2,416 per year.
3. Erie: $2,697 per year.
4. Allstate: $2,955 per year.
5. Encompass: $3,908 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in New York for 65-year-old drivers

Although 65-year-olds have cheaper car insurance rates than many other age groups on average, prices will start increasing as they get older. To find cheap auto insurance for seniors, drivers in their mid-60s should shop around to find the lowest rate.

Drivers in this age group should also take advantage of any available discounts for senior citizens. For example, some companies will discount your rate if you take a defensive driving course. You may also be able to save money after retirement if you’re driving fewer miles each year.

Finally, consider whether you need all the coverage you currently have. If you’re not commuting to work each day, for instance, you may not need rental reimbursement coverage when your own car is in the shop for repairs.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in New York for 65-year-olds

Drivers in New York with clean driving records may want to think about getting quotes from these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Progressive: $1,241 per year.
2. Erie: $1,503 per year.
3. Geico: $1,907 per year.
4. Chubb: $1,909 per year.
5. Preferred Mutual: $2,149 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in New York for 65-year-olds

Drivers in New York who want just the state minimum coverage may want to check with these insurers, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Utica National: $575 per year.
2. Preferred Mutual: $580 per year.
3. Progressive: $740 per year.
4. Erie: $775 per year.
5. Geico: $810 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 65-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in New York can look at the following companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Chubb: $2,273 per year.
2. Geico: $2,364 per year.
3. Erie: $3,057 per year.
4. Utica National: $3,195 per year.
5. Preferred Mutual: $3,347 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 65-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident living in New York, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Progressive: $1,834 per year.
2. Erie: $2,220 per year.
3. New York Central Mutual: $2,485 per year.
4. Geico: $2,665 per year.
5. Chubb: $2,889 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in New York for 65-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest auto insurance we found after a DUI came from the following companies, shown with their average rates for full coverage.

1. Progressive: $1,357 per year.
2. New York Central Mutual: $2,226 per year.
3. Erie: $2,713 per year.
4. Allstate: $3,077 per year.
5. State Farm: $3,724 per year.

Cheapest car insurance for military families

If you’re an active member of the military or a veteran — or have an immediate family member who is — chances are you’ll get a relatively cheap rate with USAA, a company that isn’t available to the general public.

Because of that restriction, USAA isn’t ranked with the others, but it was among the cheapest five auto insurance options for 26 of the 40 driver profiles we examined.

» MORE: Best car insurance for veterans and military

Minimum auto insurance limits required in New York

New York auto insurance laws require car owners to carry liability insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI).

The minimum coverage limits in New York are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person.
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
• $50,000 liability for death per person.
• $100,000 liability for death per accident.
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident.
• $50,000 PIP.
• $25,000 UMBI per person.
• $50,000 UMBI per accident.

Liability car insurance covers the cost of any damage, injuries or deaths you cause in a car accident, up to your policy’s predefined limits.

Personal injury protection will cover your medical bills and expenses if you’re injured in a car crash, up to your policy limits, no matter whose fault it was. Depending on your state, PIP may also pay for:

• Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to injuries from an accident.
• Services you can no longer perform, like house cleaning or child care, because of your injuries.
• Funeral costs if an accident-related injury leads to death.
• A small death benefit as a cash payout.

Uninsured motorist coverage will cover expenses from injuries or damage after an accident with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage will cover the same expenses if you’re hit by a driver with some car insurance, but not enough to cover all costs from the crash.

For the best financial protection, consider buying more than the bare minimum coverage. Any costs that surpass your coverage limits would have to come out of your own pocket, so with these minimums, a serious accident could easily leave you owing more than, say, $10,000 to repair another driver’s car.

Alternative car insurance in New York

If car insurance companies are declining to offer you coverage due to DUIs, crashes or other factors, you could qualify for car insurance through the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP).

Methodology

For our “good driver” profile, NerdWallet averaged insurance estimates from an average of 14 insurers in each state and Washington, D.C., for single male and female drivers with good credit and no tickets or violations. The analysis included 5-10 of the largest insurance companies in each state; smaller insurers were also included when rates were available. Liberty Mutual and its subsidiaries were excluded from our analysis as rates were not available.

For full coverage policies, we used the following coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person.
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident.
• $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person.
• $300,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident.
• Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. Some policies include additional coverages at the insurer’s discretion.

• We used a 2018 Toyota Camry L for all drivers and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven.
• We analyzed rates for drivers 20 to 80 years old in five-year increments.

We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:

• For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect minimum required coverage by law in the state.
• We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit.
• For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash that happened six months ago, resulting in $10,000 in property damage and no bodily injury claim.
• For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken driving violation that happened six months ago.

These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.