Cheapest car insurance in New York – Finding affordable car insurance in New York can be a daunting task due to the high cost of living and dense population. However, with careful research, it’s possible to find companies that offer competitive rates without compromising on coverage. This article explores the ten cheapest car insurance companies in New York, providing details about their pricing, customer reviews, pros and cons, history, and contact information.
1. Geico
Website: Geico
Phone Number: 1-800-841-3000
Company History
Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company) was founded in 1936 by Leo and Lillian Goodwin to provide auto insurance directly to federal government employees and their families. Over the years, it expanded its customer base and is now one of the largest auto insurers in the United States, known for its affordability and extensive advertising campaigns.
Pricing
Geico is consistently among the most affordable insurers in New York. The average annual premium for full coverage is around $1,200, though rates vary depending on individual factors.
Pros:
- Affordable Rates: Known for low premiums.
- User-Friendly: Easy online and mobile access for managing policies and filing claims.
- Discounts: Offers a variety of discounts, including for good drivers, federal employees, and military members.
- Customer Satisfaction: High ratings for customer service and claims handling.
Cons:
- Limited Local Agents: Primarily operates online, which may not suit customers preferring in-person interactions.
- Repair Shop Restrictions: May require use of specific repair shops for claims.
Customer Reviews
Geico generally receives positive reviews for its affordability and user-friendly processes. Customers appreciate the extensive discount offerings and efficient claims handling. However, some miss the personal touch of local agents.
2. State Farm
Website: State Farm
Phone Number: 1-800-STATE-FARM (1-800-782-8332)
Company History
State Farm was founded in 1922 by George J. Mecherle, originally as a mutual automobile insurance company for farmers. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest auto insurer in the United States, offering a wide range of insurance and financial services.
Pricing
State Farm offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,400. Discounts can help reduce this cost further.
Pros:
- Wide Network: Extensive network of local agents for personalized service.
- Discounts: Various discounts available, including multi-policy, safe driver, and good student discounts.
- Financial Strength: High financial ratings ensure reliability and prompt claim payouts.
- Mobile App: Comprehensive app for managing policies and filing claims.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Rates tend to be higher compared to some competitors.
- Service Variability: Quality of service can vary depending on the local agent.
Customer Reviews
State Farm is praised for its personalized service and strong financial stability. Customers value the wide range of discounts and the reliability of the company. However, some express concerns about higher premiums and inconsistent service quality based on the agent.
3. Progressive
Website: Progressive
Phone Number: 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)
Company History
Progressive was founded in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green. It was one of the first insurers to introduce drive-in claims service and later, insurance rates comparison shopping. Today, Progressive is known for its innovative approach to insurance, including usage-based programs.
Pricing
Progressive offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,300. The Snapshot program can further reduce premiums for safe drivers.
Pros:
- Competitive Rates: Often provides lower rates, especially for high-risk drivers.
- Snapshot Program: Usage-based insurance discounts through the Snapshot program.
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Includes unique options like pet injury coverage and custom parts coverage.
- Robust Online Tools: Extensive online tools and calculators for coverage selection.
Cons:
- Variable Customer Service: Mixed reviews for customer service experiences.
- Higher Rates for Low-Risk Drivers: May not offer the best rates for drivers with a clean record.
Customer Reviews
Progressive is praised for competitive pricing and innovative programs like Snapshot. Customers value the variety of coverage options and the ease of managing policies online. However, experiences with customer service and claims handling can be inconsistent.
4. Allstate
Website: Allstate
Phone Number: 1-877-810-2920
Company History
Allstate was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck & Co. It became an independent company in 1993. Allstate is now one of the largest publicly held personal lines insurers in the United States, known for its comprehensive coverage options and strong local agent network.
Pricing
Allstate’s rates in New York are competitive, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,500. Discounts and the Safe Driving Bonus can help reduce costs.
Pros:
- Broad Coverage Options: Offers a wide range of coverage options and add-ons.
- Local Agents: Strong network of local agents providing personalized service.
- Multiple Discounts: Includes safe driver, multi-policy, and new car discounts.
- Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Offers a satisfaction guarantee for claims service.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Generally higher premiums compared to some other insurers.
- Mixed Claims Handling: Some customers report issues with claims processing.
Customer Reviews
Reviews for Allstate are mixed. Many appreciate the local agents and comprehensive coverage options, while others report dissatisfaction with claims handling and higher premiums. The Claim Satisfaction Guarantee is a positive aspect noted by customers.
5. USAA
Website: USAA
Phone Number: 1-800-531-USAA (1-800-531-8722)
Company History
USAA was founded in 1922 by a group of 25 Army officers who decided to insure each other’s vehicles. Today, USAA is one of the leading providers of insurance and financial services to military members, veterans, and their families.
Pricing
USAA is known for its affordability, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,100 in New York. The rates are particularly favorable for military personnel and their families.
Pros:
- Excellent Customer Service: High ratings for customer satisfaction and claims handling.
- Competitive Rates: Offers some of the lowest rates, especially for military families.
- Wide Range of Services: Provides a comprehensive suite of financial services.
- Multiple Discounts: Includes discounts for safe driving, good grades, and vehicle storage.
Cons:
- Eligibility Restrictions: Only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
- Limited Local Offices: Fewer physical locations compared to other insurers.
Customer Reviews
USAA consistently receives top marks for customer service, affordability, and claims handling. Customers appreciate the tailored service for military families and the broad range of financial products offered. The main downside is its restricted eligibility.
6. Nationwide
Website: Nationwide
Phone Number: 1-877-669-6877
Company History
Nationwide was founded in 1926 as Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. It has grown into one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world, known for its strong financial stability and customer service.
Pricing
Nationwide offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,350. The Vanishing Deductible program can help reduce out-of-pocket costs over time.
Pros:
- Strong Financial Stability: High financial ratings ensure reliability.
- Vanishing Deductible: Unique program that reduces your deductible for every year of safe driving.
- On Your Side Review: Offers free annual policy reviews to ensure you have the right coverage.
- Wide Range of Discounts: Includes multi-policy, accident-free, and good student discounts.
Cons:
- Average Premiums: Rates are competitive but not the lowest.
- Service Variability: Service quality can vary by location and agent.
Customer Reviews
Nationwide receives positive reviews for its customer-friendly features like the Vanishing Deductible and On Your Side Review. Customers appreciate the financial stability and range of discounts. However, some report average premium rates and varying service quality.
7. Farmers
Website: Farmers
Phone Number: 1-888-327-6335
Company History
Farmers was founded in 1928 by John C. Tyler and Thomas E. Leavey. It started by providing auto insurance to rural farmers and has grown into one of the largest insurers in the United States, offering a wide range of insurance products.
Pricing
Farmers offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,500. Discounts and the Claims-Free discount can help reduce premiums.
Pros:
- Customizable Coverage: Offers a wide range of add-ons and coverage options.
- Strong Agent Network: Provides personalized service through local agents.
- Claims-Free Discount: Discounts for drivers who remain claims-free.
- Affiliated Discounts: Discounts for certain professions and occupations.
Cons:
- Higher Rates: Premiums can be higher than average.
- Mixed Customer Service: Some customers report dissatisfaction with claims handling.
Customer Reviews
Farmers is praised for its customizable coverage options and strong local agent network. Customers value the personal service and range of discounts. However, higher rates and mixed customer service experiences are common concerns.
8. Liberty Mutual
Website: Liberty Mutual
Phone Number: 1-800-290-7933
Company History
Liberty Mutual was founded in 1912 as the Massachusetts Employees Insurance Association (MEIA) and later rebranded as Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in 1917. It is now a global insurer offering a wide range of insurance products and services.
Pricing
Liberty Mutual’s rates in New York are competitive, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,550. Discounts and programs like Accident Forgiveness can help reduce costs.
Pros:
- Extensive Coverage Options: Offers a variety of add-ons like new car replacement and accident forgiveness.
- 24/7 Claims Assistance: Around-the-clock claims service.
- Mobile App: Comprehensive app for policy management and claims filing.
- Discounts: Multiple discounts including multi-policy, safe driver, and new car discounts.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Generally higher rates compared to some competitors.
- Variable Customer Service: Service quality can vary depending on the local agent and region.
Customer Reviews
Liberty Mutual is appreciated for its extensive coverage options and 24/7 claims assistance. Customers value the variety of discounts and the convenience of the mobile app. However, higher premiums and varying customer service experiences are common issues.
9. Travelers
Website: Travelers
Phone Number: 1-866-336-2077
Company History
Travelers was founded in 1864 as St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co. It later merged with Travelers Property Casualty Corp. in 2004 to form one of the largest insurance companies in the United States, known for its strong financial stability and comprehensive coverage options.
Pricing
Travelers offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,500. The IntelliDrive program can help reduce premiums for safe drivers.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Wide range of coverage options and add-ons.
- Discounts: Includes safe driver, multi-policy, and new car discounts.
- Financial Strength: High financial ratings ensure claims reliability.
- Innovative Programs: Offers IntelliDrive, a usage-based insurance program.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Rates can be higher than average.
- Mixed Customer Service: Some customers report dissatisfaction with service quality.
Customer Reviews
Travelers is praised for its comprehensive coverage options and financial stability. Customers value the IntelliDrive program and range of discounts. However, higher premiums and mixed customer service experiences are noted by some customers.
10. American Family
Website: American Family
Phone Number: 1-800-692-6326
Company History
American Family was founded in 1927 as Farmers Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. It rebranded as American Family Insurance in 1963 and has grown into one of the largest mutual insurance companies in the United States.
Pricing
American Family offers competitive rates in New York, with an average annual premium for full coverage around $1,400. Discounts and programs like the Diminishing Deductible can help reduce premiums.
Pros:
- Strong Local Agent Network: Provides personalized service through local agents.
- Wide Range of Discounts: Includes multi-policy, good driver, and low mileage discounts.
- Customer Service: Generally high ratings for customer service and satisfaction.
- Innovative Coverage Options: Offers unique options like diminishing deductible and accident forgiveness.
Cons:
- Availability: Coverage options and discounts can vary by state.
- Average Premiums: Rates are competitive but not the lowest.
Customer Reviews
American Family is well-regarded for its customer service and personalized local agent experience. Customers value the range of discounts and innovative coverage options. However, availability and coverage options can vary significantly by state.
Detailed Comparison of Rates – Cheapest car insurance in New York
The following table provides a comparison of the average annual premiums for full coverage from these ten insurers in New York:
| Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium (Full Coverage) |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,200 |
| State Farm | $1,400 |
| Progressive | $1,300 |
| Allstate | $1,500 |
| USAA | $1,100 |
| Nationwide | $1,350 |
| Farmers | $1,500 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,550 |
| Travelers | $1,500 |
| American Family | $1,400 |
Conclusion – Cheapest car insurance in New York
Finding the cheapest car insurance in New York involves considering various factors including pricing, coverage options, customer service, and company reliability. Here is a summary of the ten cheapest car insurance companies in New York:
- Geico: Best for affordable rates and user-friendly online services.
- State Farm: Great for personalized service with a wide agent network.
- Progressive: Known for competitive rates and innovative programs like Snapshot.
- Allstate: Offers comprehensive coverage options with strong local agent presence.
- USAA: Best for military families with excellent customer service and low rates.
- Nationwide: Known for customer-friendly features and strong financial stability.
- Farmers: Provides customizable coverage options with strong local agent network.
- Liberty Mutual: Offers extensive coverage options and 24/7 claims assistance.
- Travelers: Known for comprehensive coverage options and financial stability.
- American Family: Well-regarded for customer service and innovative coverage options.
FAQs
1. Which car insurance company is the cheapest in New York?
USAA and Geico are generally known for offering the most affordable rates in New York. USAA offers competitive rates specifically for military families and veterans, while Geico is widely recognized for its low premiums across a broad customer base.
2. What discounts are commonly available with these top car insurance companies in New York?
Most top car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Common discounts include multi-policy, good student, safe driver, and multi-vehicle discounts. Each company also has unique discounts, such as Geico’s military and federal employee discounts, and Progressive’s usage-based discounts through the Snapshot program.
3. How do customer service experiences vary among these car insurance companies in New York?
Customer service experiences can vary significantly. USAA consistently receives the highest marks for customer satisfaction and claims handling. State Farm and Allstate also have strong reputations for personalized service through their extensive network of local agents. Geico and Progressive receive praise for their user-friendly online tools but have more mixed reviews regarding direct customer service.
4. Can I get a personalized insurance policy from these companies in New York?
Yes, most of these top insurance companies offer personalized policies. State Farm and Allstate, in particular, are known for their local agents who can provide tailored insurance solutions. Progressive also allows significant customization through its broad range of coverage options and add-ons.
5. Are there any restrictions on who can get car insurance from these companies in New York?
USAA is the only company among the top ten with significant eligibility restrictions, offering its services exclusively to military members, veterans, and their families. The other companies—State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and American Family—offer coverage to the general public without such restrictions.
