What is the Average Cost for Car Insurance in New York?
- State minimum liability on average in New York costs $106 a month or $1,270 a year. Full coverage auto policies costs around $264 a month or $3,172 a year in NY.
InsuranceQuotes cost rates are pulled from our real-time auto insurance database from recent quotes in New York – Rates are based on a used car driver who is single, middle aged & has a clean driving record. Read on to learn about the cheapest local rates filtered by insurance providers, new cars, vehicle types and age.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in New York
- In New York the cheapest car insurance companies on average are GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. State minimum liability car insurance starts at $90 a month or $1,085 a year with GEICO. The cheapest full coverage car insurance starts at $290 a month or $3,485 a year with State Farm.
Here are the average policy rates from the cheapest local and national insurance providers in New York from our cost database of used-car drivers who are single, middle aged and have a clean driving record:
| Insurance Company: | State Minimum Liability: | Monthly: | Full Coverage: | Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,085 | $90 | $3,601 | $300 |
| Allstate | $1,291 | $108 | $3,555 | $296 |
| State Farm | $1,516 | $126 | $3,485 | $290 |
| Standard Fire Ins. Co | $2,192 | $183 | $4,251 | $354 |
| Progressive | $2,499 | $208 | $5,583 | $465 |
Average Auto Insurance Costs by NY Cities
| New York City: | State Minimum: | SM Monthly: | Full Coverage: | FC Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $1,270 | $106 | $3,172 | $264 |
| Babylon | $2,866 | $239 | $5,928 | $494 |
| Brookhaven | $2,543 | $212 | $5,272 | $439 |
| Buffalo | $1,892 | $158 | $4,077 | $340 |
| Hempstead | $4,525 | $377 | $8,323 | $694 |
| Huntington | $2,759 | $230 | $5,863 | $489 |
| Islip | $3,007 | $251 | $6,084 | $507 |
| New York | $3,654 | $305 | $7,216 | $601 |
| Oyster Bay | $2,761 | $230 | $5,977 | $498 |
| Rochester | $1,257 | $105 | $3,051 | $254 |
SEE OUR LIST OF POPULAR NY CITY COST GUIDES:
New York Car Insurance Coverage Minimums
Vehicle malfunction and driver neglect are possible causes of everyday car accidents. While no one can predict a tire blowing out, there are ways to avoid getting into an accident. One great way is to abide by New York driving laws and don’t use a cellphone while you’re driving—unless it’s hands-free.
As a driver in the State of New York, your auto insurance must meet the following minimums:
- $25,000/$50,000 for injury to a person.
- $50,000/$100,000 for death.
- $10,000 for property damage.
New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) takes a zero-tolerance approach to lapses in insurance. If your policy lapses because you cancel it, you must surrender your license plates. Going for more than 90 days without insurance means you must also surrender your license. Reinstatement fees are very costly.
Average Auto Policy Rates by NY County
The average cost of car insurance in New York varies between drivers. Here is the breakdown of the amount you can expect to pay on car insurance costs by county for vehicle type below for a minimum state policy of the average driver in NY:
| Auto Insurance Costs by County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $952 | $789 | $951 | $901 | $971 |
| Allegany | $888 | $661 | $912 | $840 | $863 |
| Bronx | $1,895 | $1,442 | $1,971 | $1,680 | $1,796 |
| Broome | $808 | $664 | $814 | $756 | $832 |
| Cattaraugus | $826 | $683 | $842 | $798 | $853 |
| Cayuga | $878 | $691 | $889 | $840 | $892 |
| Chautauqua | $843 | $697 | $855 | $805 | $868 |
| Chemung | $740 | $612 | $745 | $699 | $760 |
| Chenango | $927 | $766 | $942 | $897 | $956 |
| Clinton | $801 | $662 | $807 | $757 | $823 |
Tips for Obtaining New York Auto Insurance
If your auto insurance lapses, you can prevent a suspension by immediately giving your vehicle plates to the DMV. Doing this prevents you from facing a registration and license suspension.
Under New York State law, your insurer must warn you 45 to 60 days in advance if they will not renew your coverage and 15 to 20 days prior to a policy cancellation. By acting promptly, you can arrange for alternative coverage rather than surrendering your vehicle plates.
If you are denied auto insurance coverage because you are a high-risk driver, you are guaranteed coverage with the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP).
Does Credit Score Affect Your New York Car Insurance Rate?
Yes — New York is one of the states that allows insurers to factor a credit-based insurance score into your premium, and 2026 rate data shows it’s one of the largest cost factors for New York drivers, with poor-credit drivers paying well over $100 a month more for full coverage than drivers with good credit. That’s on top of New York’s already-elevated rates, which are driven up statewide by mandatory no-fault PIP coverage and, in New York City specifically, high traffic density and vehicle theft. If your credit score has improved since you last shopped for insurance, re-quoting is one of the fastest ways to see real savings.
Moving to New York: Important Information
If you move to New York as a permanent resident, you must register your vehicle there within 30 days of your arrival. People from out of state must follow the same rules as people already living in New York. This means providing the following:
- Proof of ownership.
- Proof of sales tax payment.
- Proof of identity and date of birth.
- Proof of insurance (from a provider licensed to practice in New York).
Your vehicle must also meet New York emission standards. If the manufacturer’s certificate of origin does not highlight these standards, your car may require an inspection. You can register in the state using the form MV-82.
Understanding Driving Laws in New York
In New York, you can’t use a cellphone while driving. You can face a fine of up to $400 and points on your driving record. Repeat offenders can face a license suspension.
If you drive under the influence (DUI) in New York, you can face a fine between $500 and $1,000. You may also face an 18-month license suspension. Other penalties can include 10 days in jail or 60 days of community service. People who have met the following limits are in breach of New York’s drunk driving laws:
- A blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.02 percent or above if you are under 21.
- A BAC of 0.08 percent or above if you are over 21.
- A BAC of 0.04 percent or above if you’re a commercial driver.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Auto Insurance
What is the difference between canceling and not renewing a policy?
If you contact the insurance company and tell an agent you no longer want insurance, you are canceling your agreement. If you reach the end of your policy and do not renew it, this is considered non-renewal. In both instances, unless you took measures to transfer coverage to another insurer beforehand, you may experience a lapse in auto coverage that will require you to forfeit your vehicle plates to the DMV.
How can you get a discount on your auto insurance?
You can use the following methods to qualify for an auto insurance discount in New York:
- Take an accident prevention course.
- Install an anti-theft device.
- Take part in a Combat Auto Theft (CAT) program.
- Install daytime running lamps.
- Be accident-free for a set period of time (typically 3 to 5 years).
Does the State of New York impose fines if your auto insurance liability lapses?
New York imposes fines in increments if there is a lapse in coverage and you do not surrender your license plates. From days 1 to 30, this is $8 per day; from days 31 to 60, it is $10 per day; and from days 61 to 90, it is $12 per day. After 90 days, you face a license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Car Insurance
How much is car insurance in New York per month?
New York drivers pay around $106 a month for state-minimum liability coverage and roughly $264 a month for full coverage, based on InsuranceQuotes.com’s analysis of market rate data. Rates run higher in New York City due to dense traffic, high theft rates, and no-fault claims costs.
Does credit score affect car insurance rates in New York?
Yes. New York permits insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting premiums, and the impact can be significant — 2026 rate data shows drivers with poor credit paying well over $100 more per month for full coverage than drivers with good credit. Improving your credit score before your next renewal is one of the most effective ways to lower your New York car insurance rate.
Is New York a no-fault car insurance state?
Yes. New York requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of its no-fault system, meaning your own insurer pays for your medical expenses after an accident regardless of who was at fault. This is a major reason New York City rates run higher than the state average.
How much does a DUI increase car insurance in New York?
A DUI conviction in New York can raise full coverage premiums by 40-50% or more, adding hundreds of dollars a year to your policy. The increase typically stays in effect for several years, though comparing quotes across carriers can help offset the surcharge.
What is the cheapest car insurance in New York?
Rates vary by carrier, driving record, and where in the state you live. Drivers in upstate cities like Schenectady and Buffalo generally pay less than drivers in New York City. Comparing quotes from multiple carriers is the most reliable way to find your lowest available rate.
- About the Author
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Michael Giusti is a senior insurance analyst, business journalist, and university professor with over 20 years of experience. He serves as department chair at Loyola University New Orleans and contributes to Insurance Thought Leadership, U.S. News, and other leading financial outlets.
