Updated: December 20, 2024
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The ideal insurance provider for you could vary based on your unique driving profile and needs. Chubb is best overall, for seniors and customer service. Young adults, individuals with violations and those seeking minimum coverage should consider American Family. Teens may fare better with State Farm. Those with newly bought cars should evaluate Allstate.
If you’re more concerned about costs, MoneyGeek researched the cheapest car insurance in New York.
In New York, Chubb offers the best full coverage car insurance with a high MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100, reflecting exceptional customer satisfaction and effective claims management, albeit at a higher annual premium of $3,064, indicating that customers prioritize service quality over cost savings.
USAA emerges as the top car insurance provider for the military community in New York, boasting an impressive MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100, making it an ideal choice for those seeking full coverage tailored to military personnel's unique needs.
For drivers in New York seeking minimum coverage, American Family emerges as the most cost-effective choice with a MoneyGeek score of 80 and an annual premium of $899, while Chubb, offering exceptional customer service and senior-friendly options, scores 79 with a higher premium of $1,617, reflecting its emphasis on personalized attention and efficient claims handling.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created a grading system for New York City's insurance companies after gathering data from six distinct sources, including the New York State Department of Financial Services and Quadrant Information Services. Customer feedback, the speed with which claims were settled, the availability of core coverages, competitive price and financial stability were all taken into account while creating this ranking system.
The best car insurers overall in New York for full coverage are:
Chubb is highly regarded for its customer satisfaction and effective claims management, both of which play a crucial role in selecting the best car insurance provider. Erie holds the distinction of being the leading insurer in the state of New York.
Scoring an impressive 82 out of 100, USAA is a highly recommended car insurance provider for members of the military.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
High customer service score
Excellent claims score
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and rental car reimbursement
Limited coverage options
Doesn’t offer roadside assistance and accident forgiveness
Chubb is a top contender for those seeking exceptional service and claims handling. It offers OEM coverage and rental car reimbursement, which are essential features to consider when choosing an insurance provider.
OEM coverage ensures that any repairs made to your vehicle will be done with original parts from the manufacturer, maintaining the integrity of your car. This is particularly important for luxury vehicles or those with specialized parts.
Rental car reimbursement is also a valuable feature, providing coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. This helps ensure that you can continue to go about your day-to-day life without disruption. With Chubb's impressive support to its customers, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to take advantage of these coverage options.
We conducted a study that ranked 11 insurance providers in New York, and Chubb was named the overall winner. Insurers must have sufficient data on all scoring components for an overall MoneyGeek score, and the rates used here are for a full coverage policy.
While Chubb may not have the cheapest premiums, the company’s commitment to offering personalized attention and efficient claims handling sets them apart from other insurance providers. Kemper, for example, offers the cheapest rates but falls short in customer satisfaction. Erie is another strong competitor, but its coverage limitations brought its ranking down to second.
| Erie | 82 | $2,093 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Chubb | 80 | $3,064 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| American Family | 79 | $1,439 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Progressive | 73 | $1,405 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| State Farm | 72 | $2,122 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| GEICO | 72 | $1,970 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Travelers | 66 | $3,668 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Allstate | 66 | $2,558 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Hanover | 53 | $6,365 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Kemper | 51 | $1,162 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Mercury | 41 | $7,815 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Without considering cost, the following car insurance companies stand out as the best in terms of customer service in New York for full coverage policies:
Chubb ranked highly for claims management and customer service. This insurer’s policies are not the most cost-effective option available, indicating that prospective customers need to be willing to pay a higher price for exceptional service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
High-quality service
Efficient claims processing
Offers classic car insurance and diminished value coverage
Not the most affordable option
Lacks some essential coverages, such as gap insurance and deductible modification
Chubb offers classic car insurance and diminished value coverage. These coverages are important for car owners who want to protect prized possession that holds both sentimental and financial value.
Classic car insurance is tailored specifically to antique, classic and vintage cars. Unlike modern cars, classic cars tend to appreciate in value over time, making them a significant investment. Standard car insurance policies may not provide adequate coverage for these types of vehicles, leaving owners vulnerable to high repair costs and loss of value.
Chubb also provides an optional Agreed Value coverage, more commonly known as diminished value coverage, that allows policyholders to determine the value of their car at the time of policy creation. In the event of theft or total damage, Chubb will issue a cheque for the agreed-upon amount without the policyholder having to worry about the current market value of the car.
Good customer service from an insurance company means providing policyholders with exceptional support and assistance. This may include responsive communication, knowledgeable representatives, efficient claims processing and flexibility.
Chubb's excellent ratings from J.D. Power and the NAIC suggest that the firm cares deeply about its clients and strives to provide them a positive experience with regard to their insurance needs.
After researching the affordability and quality of service for policies that solely satisfy New York's minimum coverage requisites, we identified the top companies in New York:
In New York, minimum coverage policies with the most affordable rates provide the least amount of protection against liability costs and do not offer any coverage for damage to your own vehicle in case of an accident. Minimum car insurance requirements are uniform across all cities in New York.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $899 per year.
Discounts for bundling, safe driving and early signing available
Broad range of coverage options
No discounts for installing an anti-theft system and anti-lock brakes
Subpar claims processing
American Family offers a wide range of coverage options, giving customers the flexibility to choose the coverage that suits their needs and budget. This ensures that customers do not pay for excess coverage they deem unnecessary.
This insurer provides several discounts to help customers save money on their insurance premiums. Safe driving discounts are available for those who maintain a clean driving record, rewarding customers who take steps to reduce road-related risks. Bundling policies, such as auto and home insurance, can also lead to significant savings.
One rare but attractive discount is American Family’s early signing discount. Customers who already have a policy with another provider may be eligible for a rate reduction if they get a quotation from the company at least seven days before their current policy expires.
A good minimum coverage policy from an insurance company means it offers affordable rates while providing sufficient protection against liability costs. It’s also worth noting that just because an insurer charges low rates doesn’t mean it can’t provide quality service.
American Family is one example of an insurance company that strikes the right balance between affordability, coverage and service, ensuring clients receive great coverage without breaking the bank.
For young adults seeking the best car insurance in New York, the companies to consider for full coverage are:
American Family is our top choice in this category, thanks to its exceptional coverage and affordability ratings. Ensuring you are financially protected at an affordable monthly rate is important for young drivers with less experience on the road.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Third-cheapest option, at around $1,842 per year
Perfect score in coverage
Offers good student and distant student discounts
Needs improvement in claims handling
No driver’s education discount
American Family offers competitive pricing and extensive coverage options. This can be important for young adult drivers who could be starting out with limited funds and may not have a lot of driving experience.
The insurer offers a good student discount that is available to drivers in school who maintain a B or higher average. There is also a distant student discount for drivers who are attending school away from home.
American Family also offers paperless and pay-in-full discounts. These are discounts anyone, even young drivers, can take advantage of with just a few quick clicks on a computer.
Young drivers should be aware that they might have a more difficult time filing claims or receiving excellent service with this insurer. This could be stressful for young drivers who need help navigating the ins and outs of car insurance.
A good car insurance policy should provide adequate protection while keeping rates affordable to avoid the burden of expensive monthly payments. You can explore discounts tailored to your age group to further reduce costs. A reliable car insurance company should also prioritize a strong customer experience, including easy claims processing.
American Family earned high scores in coverage and affordability, making them a promising option. The runner-up, Erie, did score higher in customer satisfaction.
In New York, the top-rated car insurance companies for teen drivers on a full coverage family policy are:
State Farm scored well for affordability and satisfaction. These factors ensure that policyholders get excellent service at a reasonable rate.
It is also worth noting that choosing a family plan can significantly reduce car insurance costs. For instance, in the Big Apple, a family plan is approximately $2,767 less per year compared to an individual policy for teens, resulting in a 44% cost-saving. Teens under 18 need a parent’s consent to get car insurance.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Scored well in affordability with policies costing around $7,902 per year
Good satisfaction score
Offers good student, distant student and driver’s education discounts
Underwhelming claims management
Lower coverage score
State Farm’s competitive rates and customer satisfaction make it a top option among families with young drivers. To help parents keep their adolescent drivers covered without breaking the bank, the company provides discounts to good students and drivers who complete a driver’s education course. These discounts can help incentivize teens to study hard and learn how to be safe on the road. The distant student discount can also help students who go to school away from home save money.
This insurer has essential coverages like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. The former can be helpful when a teen is driving in unfamiliar territory or has car trouble in a rural area. Teenage drivers can get help with flat tires, battery jump-starts and more. Meanwhile, the latter can cover the cost of a rental car while a teen’s car is in the shop being repaired after a covered incident.
Insurance providers with quality policies for adolescent drivers offer reasonably priced rates, customized discounts for students and comprehensive coverage that instills confidence in new drivers and their parents. This may include benefits like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness, which provide a sense of security and assurance on the road.
State Farm was the best option for teens based on its affordability and satisfaction score. The runner-up, Allstate, did score better in terms of coverage options.
Our top recommendation for car insurance providers for senior citizens in New York who want full coverage are:
Chubb excels in providing excellent claims management and good customer service. These attributes are important for senior drivers who want to ensure that their insurance needs are met.
Motorists in their 60s typically pay premiums comparable to those in their 30s, 40s and 50s, but may see an increase in rates in their 70s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
High quality customer service
Relatively fast claims processing
Offers classic car insurance and rental car reimbursement
Ranked low in affordability, at around $2,569
Limited coverage
Chubb received high rankings from MoneyGeek for both its customer service and claims handling, all while maintaining a fair and reasonable price point (although it’s not the most affordable option). This can be appealing to seniors who may require additional assistance navigating the claims process.
This insurer doesn’t offer any senior discounts and has limited coverage options, but for seniors who own a classic car, Chubb's classic car insurance may be a good choice. It covers the vehicle in the event of an accident, theft or damage from a natural disaster.
Chubb offers rental car reimbursement, which can be a valuable benefit for seniors who rely on their cars for transportation. This coverage can provide a rental car similar to what the insured owns while their vehicle is being repaired or replaced, allowing seniors to maintain their independence and continue with their daily activities.
Insurance companies that cater to seniors know how to provide coverage that is tailored to their unique needs. Examples of this include personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage because they are more prone to serious injury. Insurers may also offer senior-specific discounts.
A company like Chubb that provides a high level of support can be ideal in making sure senior drivers are given the care and attention they need.
Drivers in New York who need full coverage can consider these car insurance companies for drivers with violations:
American Family's greatest strengths lie in its affordability and range of coverage options. This is important for drivers with offenses who may struggle to find insurance coverage within their budgets.
Depending on the severity of the offense, car insurance rates for drivers in New York can increase significantly. Drivers with a DWI (driving while intoxicated) can expect to pay approximately $1,527 more per year for car insurance than those with a clean record, while those with speeding tickets typically pay only $429 more per year.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Comparably affordable, at around $1,820 per year
High score for coverage options
Offers the essential coverages, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness
Average satisfaction score
Subpar claims processing
Doesn’t offer new/better car replacement coverage
With American Family's competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage options, drivers with poor records can feel confident that they are getting the financial protection they need at a price they can afford. American Family's decent rating in customer satisfaction may indicate that it provides adequate support, but it’s not as high as other insurers in the city. This insurer offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. You may save money, time and stress with these endorsements.
Roadside assistance provides help in case of a breakdown or emergency, while rental car reimbursement ensures that you have a vehicle to use while your car is being repaired. Accident forgiveness means that your rates won't increase after your first accident, which can be a relief for drivers who are worried about high insurance costs after a road mishap.
When an insurance company has good policies for drivers with violations, it means that it can offer affordable rates and discounts to help offset the higher costs associated with these violations.
American Family’s low premiums and coverage options can be appealing to these drivers. The runner-up, Erie, could be a better option for drivers who anticipate filing claims.
According to our research, the ideal insurance companies in New York for individuals owning a new car are:
We evaluated affordability and quality of service provided by insurers to drivers owning a 2022 model car in New York. The evaluation was restricted to only those insurance companies that offer new car replacement or better car replacement coverage. With this coverage, the insured policyholder can receive a payout that enables them to replace their car with a brand-new or better one.
Allstate has a reputation for excellent customer service and claims handling.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Above-average score in customer satisfaction
Broad range of coverage options, including new car replacement
Good coverage score
Highly priced, at around $2,852 per year
No better car replacement coverage
For drivers with new cars, choosing an insurance provider that offers comprehensive coverage options and reliable customer service is crucial. According to our research, Allstate is a top-performing insurance company that ranks highly in customer satisfaction and coverage options, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to protect their brand-new car.
Its new car replacement is an offering to be reckoned with. Instead of giving customers a check for the depreciated value of their car in the event that something happens to it, Allstate replaces the vehicle entirely with a brand-new model. This policy ensures that policyholders receive the full value of their car and can continue to drive with the security of knowing that they have a reliable and up-to-date vehicle.
An insurance company that offers excellent policies for drivers with new cars provides coverage that is uniquely designed to meet the requirements of new car owners. Offering new or better car replacement coverage ensures that policyholders receive financial reimbursement for the replacement of their new car in the event of theft or an accident.
Allstate offers new car replacement coverage and is the best option for drivers with new cars in New York.
It's crucial to find a good balance between price, service reputation and financial soundness while shopping for auto insurance in New York. We collected data to guide you in making a wise choice, but you may find it more convenient to do your own research. The following steps can help you find the best insurer for your needs.
We've saved you time by compiling customer service rating data. If you'd rather do your own research, the New York State Department of Financial Services provides access to J.D. Power satisfaction rankings and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint ratios. Keep in mind that statistics on customer service are compiled by state, not by city.
While our quotes provide an average cost for sample drivers in New York, actual rates may vary depending on your personal circumstances. We recommend collecting at least three quotes from different companies to get a better idea of how much insurance will cost.
Not all discounts or coverage listed on insurance company’s websites are offered in every state. Make sure you have the necessary coverages before committing to an insurance provider. You may inquire about this on their website or ask a representative.
It's important to assess companies’ financial strength ratings. Larger insurance companies are more financially stable, but it's worth noting that regional insurance companies in New York may have lower ratings. To avoid potential financial risks, it's crucial to research the financial stability of any company you're considering to ensure they can fulfill their financial obligations.
It's essential to remember that the ideal insurance provider in New York for you will depend on your unique needs and preferences. To help you navigate the process, we've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions.
With a MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100, Chubb was named the best New York car insurer overall because of its exceptional customer support. However, the average yearly fee is $3,064, which can get steep, especially if you have a blemished record.
Chubb is also best for service and senior drivers.
American Family provides the most affordable car insurance in New York, offering a basic policy for approximately $899 per year. MoneyGeek gave this provider an 80 out of 100, citing its competitive rates and extensive range of coverage options. American Family also offers various cost-saving opportunities, including bundling options, safe driving discounts and incentives for customers who proactively choose to insure with them.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
