What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York?

Last Updated on January 20, 2026

Shopping for car insurance in New York can feel overwhelming because the “best” company depends on your ZIP code, driving record, vehicle, and the coverages you choose. This guide focuses on what matters most in the real world: claims handling, service, stability, coverage options, and overall value—not hype.

Note: Rates and availability vary by driver and location, and some insurers only serve certain groups or sell through specific channels (online, captive agents, or independent agents). Always compare quotes using the same limits and deductibles.

At a Glance

Start With New York-Specific Signals: Regional carriers can outperform national brands in New York, so include at least one NY-focused option in your quote list.
Match Coverages Before Comparing Price: Align liability limits, PIP/no-fault, UM/SUM, and deductibles so you’re comparing the same protection.
Claims Experience Matters Most When It Counts: Use satisfaction and complaint resources to sanity-check your shortlist—especially if the cheapest quote looks “too good.”
Upgrade The Coverages You’re Most Likely To Use: In a no-fault state, PIP/no-fault and UM/SUM choices can be as important as collision and comprehensive.

Table Of Contents

How We Evaluated New York Auto Insurers
Notable Auto Insurance Companies In New York
New York Minimum Coverage Requirements And Smart Upgrades
How To Compare Car Insurance Companies In New York
Ways To Lower Your Premium Without Cutting Protection
Final Word On The Best Auto Insurance Companies In New York
FAQs on Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York

How We Evaluated New York Auto Insurers

We updated this list using consumer-focused benchmarks and New York-specific requirements. To keep this guide practical and future-proof, we focus on verifiable indicators and how each company tends to fit common driver needs.

Independent satisfaction studies: J.D. Power publishes regional results for New York in its annual U.S. Auto Insurance Study (see the latest results here, and the prior year here).
Regulator resources: We reference the New York DMV and the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) for required coverages and consumer guidance (NY DMV insurance requirements; NY DFS auto resource center).
Complaint and licensing checks: You can research insurers (and their subsidiaries) using the NAIC consumer tools (NAIC Consumer Insurance Search).
Practical fit: Discounts, underwriting appetite (preferred vs. higher-risk), and whether you prefer a local agent or fully digital service.

Quick tip: When you compare quotes, match the liability limits, PIP/no-fault limits, deductibles, and optional coverages (like rental and roadside). Otherwise, you’re comparing different products—not different prices.

Notable Auto Insurance Companies In New York

If you want one place to start: J.D. Power’s most recent New York regional satisfaction result named New York Central Mutual as the highest-ranked insurer for New York (2025), and Travelers in the prior year (2024). Use those signals as a starting point—then compare real quotes and coverages for your situation.

Quick Comparison Table

Insurer	Often A Good Fit For	What To Know
New York Central Mutual (NYCM)	Drivers who want a strong NY-focused carrier	Regional footprint and local market familiarity; commonly competitive for many NY profiles.
Travelers	Drivers who value stability and broad coverage options	Often strong on bundling and policy options; worth quoting even if you don’t start with the cheapest rate.
State Farm	Drivers who want a large agent network	Strong local agent availability; good for households that prefer ongoing service beyond a website/app.
GEICO	Drivers comfortable with digital-first service	Often competitive pricing for many profiles; make sure you’re comparing identical coverages and deductibles.
Progressive	Drivers who like flexible pricing tools	Commonly competitive for a wide range of drivers; discounts and telematics can matter a lot.
Allstate	Drivers who want a bundled “all-in-one” relationship	Strong agency model and bundling opportunities; pricing varies widely by driver profile.
Liberty Mutual	Drivers who want customizable options	Good for tailoring coverages; always verify which discounts you actually qualify for at bind time.
Nationwide	Drivers comparing multiple lines (auto + home/renters)	Often worth a quote if you’re bundling or prefer a larger carrier with multiple product lines.
Erie	Drivers who prioritize service through an agent	Agent-based model; availability can be localized—check by ZIP and county.
USAA	Military members and eligible families	Eligibility-restricted; frequently a top contender for service and value if you qualify.
Amica	Drivers seeking a service-focused experience	Often strong on customer experience; may be best suited for clean driving records and higher coverage limits.
The Hartford (AARP Program)	Drivers 50+ who want member-style benefits	Typically purchased through the AARP program; compare it like any other quote (same limits/deductibles).
Farmers	Drivers who prefer agent guidance	Also relevant if you previously had MetLife Auto & Home (the business transitioned to Farmers).
National General	Drivers who need flexibility (nonstandard market)	Often considered for higher-risk profiles or coverage needs that don’t fit “preferred” carriers.
Mercury	Drivers who want straightforward quoting	Worth comparing if available in your area; review coverages and claims tools before you bind.
Chubb	High-value vehicles and higher-liability needs	Often tailored for higher net worth households and higher limits; compare features, not just price.
Preferred Mutual	Drivers who want a local mutual approach	Often sold through independent agents; may be attractive when paired with home coverage.
Country-Wide	Drivers shopping in the nonstandard/downstate market	Often sold through brokers; read your policy terms carefully and confirm claims reporting options.
Utica National	Drivers who prefer independent agents	Strong NY presence through agent channel; a good quote to include alongside larger carriers.
The General	Drivers with a tougher insurance history	Often positioned for higher-risk situations; focus on coverage quality and claim service expectations.

Also on the radar: American Family (often through specific brands/partners) can appear in New York for certain customers. If you see it in your quote results, verify the underwriting company name on the quote and compare it on the same terms as any other insurer.

New York Minimum Coverage Requirements And Smart Upgrades

New York requires New York State-issued auto liability coverage to register a vehicle, and failure to maintain required coverage can lead to registration and license suspensions. New York is also a no-fault state, so your policy’s PIP/no-fault coverage matters.

Required Coverages In New York

Coverage Type	What It Pays For	Minimum Commonly Shown
Bodily Injury Liability	Injuries/death you cause to others	Often shown as 25/50 (with separate death limits)
Property Damage Liability	Damage you cause to someone else’s car/property	$10,000 per accident
Basic No-Fault (PIP)	Medical and related expenses (your household/occupants, per NY rules)	$50,000 per person
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury	Injuries from an uninsured or hit-and-run driver (NY accidents)	Generally matches the state minimum BI limits

Smart upgrades many New York drivers consider: higher liability limits (to protect assets), Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage, higher PIP/no-fault limits, and collision/comprehensive when the vehicle’s value justifies it.

How To Compare Car Insurance Companies In New York

Set your coverage “target” first. Choose limits and deductibles that fit your risk and budget, then request quotes using the same settings.
Check claims and complaint signals. Look at insurer satisfaction trends (like J.D. Power regional results) and review complaint resources when you’re unsure.
Compare policy features, not just price. Rental reimbursement, OEM parts endorsements, accident forgiveness, and glass coverage can change the real value of a policy.
Validate discounts. Ask what documentation is needed for defensive driving, mileage, garaging address, student status, or telematics—discounts are often re-verified at renewal.
Bundle strategically. Bundling can be a major discount, but only when both policies are priced competitively (see how bundling can save money).

If you’re worried about claims delays or denials, learn what can trigger problems—and how to document your claim properly—before you ever need to file (common reasons claims get denied).

And if you want protection for weather, theft, and other non-collision losses, you’ll usually need comprehensive coverage (especially relevant for storm-related losses and other events): hurricane damage and auto insurance and how auto insurance handles natural disasters.

Ways To Lower Your Premium Without Cutting Protection

Raise deductibles thoughtfully (especially on collision/comprehensive) if you have an emergency fund.
Re-shop at renewal and after major life changes (moving, mileage changes, adding/removing drivers).
Ask about defensive driving discounts and verify which courses qualify in New York.
Consider telematics only if you’re comfortable with how driving behavior is measured and how it can affect premiums.
Right-size coverage on older vehicles (for example, dropping collision when the car’s value is low relative to the deductible).

Final Word On The Best Auto Insurance Companies In New York

The best New York auto insurer is the one that combines fair pricing with dependable claims service and the coverages you actually need. Start with a short list (including at least one regional carrier and one national carrier), compare apples-to-apples quotes, and prioritize coverage quality—especially PIP/no-fault and UM/SUM—along with price.

FAQs on Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York

What makes an auto insurance company “best” in New York?

The best insurer is the one that delivers reliable claims handling, clear communication, and solid coverage at a competitive price for your specific driver profile. In New York, it’s especially important to evaluate PIP/no-fault options, UM/SUM protection, and how easy it is to get help after a crash.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in New York?

New York generally requires liability coverage (including property damage liability), basic no-fault (PIP), and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. Minimums are commonly referenced as 25/50/10 for liability (with separate death limits), plus $50,000 in basic PIP/no-fault per person; exact requirements and how they’re displayed can vary by policy form.

Is New York a no-fault state, and what does that mean for drivers?

Yes. In a no-fault state, injuries from most auto accidents are first paid through your own PIP/no-fault coverage (up to limits and subject to policy terms), regardless of who caused the crash. That’s why PIP/no-fault limits and options matter when you shop.

Should I buy collision and comprehensive coverage in New York?

If your vehicle is financed or leased, collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender. Even if your car is paid off, these coverages can be worth it when the vehicle’s value is high enough to justify the premium and deductible—especially in areas with higher theft, vandalism, or weather-related risk.

How can I check an insurer’s complaints, licensing, or stability?

Start by confirming the insurer is licensed in New York and reviewing consumer resources (including complaint tools and state regulator guidance). Also look for strong financial ratings and a clear, accessible claims process—especially if you’re considering a lesser-known brand or a subsidiary company name on the quote.

Why do quotes vary so much between car insurance companies?

Insurers price risk differently, even with the same coverage limits. Your ZIP code, garaging location, driving record, prior coverage history, vehicle type, annual mileage, and even how discounts apply can materially change the premium from one company to another.

What if I have tickets, an accident, or a lapse in coverage?

You may still have good options, but you’ll likely see wider price differences between insurers. Ask agents or carriers about programs designed for higher-risk drivers, consider raising deductibles if appropriate, and focus on maintaining continuous coverage—because prior insurance history can affect future rates.

Lower your New York car insurance costs