Country Guide
Best Car Insurance in New York (2026)
New York is one of the most expensive states for car insurance. Compare top carriers for the best NY rates.
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 21, 2026
Top Exchanges in New York
| # | Exchange | Best For | Fees | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEICO | Online savings | $2,760/yr | — |
| 2 | State Farm | Upstate NY | $2,940/yr | — |
| 3 | USAA | Military families | $2,040/yr | — |
| 4 | Progressive | High-risk drivers | $3,120/yr | — |
| 5 | Allstate | Local agents | $3,240/yr | — |
New York car insurance requirements
New York operates a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning your own insurer pays for your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. The state requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum coverage, and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) must approve all rate changes before insurers can implement them — a "prior approval" system that provides stronger consumer protection than most states.
Minimum coverage requirements
| Coverage type | Minimum required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000/$50,000 | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | $50,000–$100,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $50,000 | $100,000+ |
| Uninsured motorist (BI) | $25,000/$50,000 | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Death benefit | $1,000 per person | Included in PIP |
Key New York regulations
New York is one of only three states that bans insurers from using credit scores to set auto insurance rates (Insurance Law §2802). The state also prohibits gender-based pricing and limits how insurers can use territory rating. All rate changes require prior approval from NYDFS. New York mandates a 10% discount for completing the Internet Point and Insurance Reduction Program (IPIRP), a state-approved defensive driving course valid for three years.
How to save on New York car insurance
- Complete the IPIRP course: Mandatory 10% discount on liability and collision premiums for 3 years — costs $20–$45 online
- Install an anti-theft device: Approved devices qualify for discounts — passive immobilizers can save 10–25%
- Choose higher PIP deductibles: Raising your PIP deductible from $0 to $200 can reduce no-fault premiums by 15–20%
- Bundle home and auto: Multi-policy discounts typically save 10–15% with New York insurers
- Shop across boroughs and zones: Moving just across a ZIP code boundary in NYC can change premiums by $500–$1,500 annually
- Maintain a clean driving record: New York's point system means violations directly impact premiums — 6+ points triggers surcharges
NYC vs. upstate pricing
New York has the widest geographic pricing spread of any state. Average annual premiums in Brooklyn and the Bronx exceed $4,500, while upstate areas like Syracuse and Rochester average $1,800–$2,200. This disparity reflects higher claim frequencies, repair costs, and theft rates in the five boroughs. NYC drivers should aggressively comparison-shop, as carrier pricing varies by up to 40% for identical coverage in the same ZIP code.
Crypto Regulations in New York
New York is a no-fault auto insurance state requiring $50,000 minimum PIP coverage. NYDFS uses prior-approval rate regulation. Credit scores are banned from pricing (Insurance Law §2802). Gender-based pricing is prohibited. The IPIRP defensive driving course provides a mandatory 10% discount for 3 years. Minimum liability limits are 25/50/10. Uninsured motorist coverage is required at the same limits as liability.