What car insurance costs in New York

New York's bill beside the national average

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) gathers what insurers charged in each state. In 2023 the average New York expenditure was $1,753 per insured car, up 13% from $1,548 in 2022. That figure averages cars with liability only and cars with full coverage; a car carrying liability, collision and comprehensive averaged $1,896.

The liability line explains most of the gap. At $1,116 it is about 51% higher than the U.S. figure, and only Florida's was larger in 2023. Collision runs about 17% above the national number, while comprehensive is almost exactly average. A statewide average blends every county, from dense cities to rural towns, so it says little about one address; see how location moves a quote.

What New York requires on every policy

The New York DMV sets out the liability floor: $25,000 for injury to one person and $50,000 for injury to all persons in one accident, $50,000 and $100,000 when the injuries are fatal, and $10,000 for property damage. The DMV does not accept out-of-state insurance, and coverage has to stay in force as long as the registration is valid, even if the car sits unused. A lapse can cost you the registration and your license.

• No-fault (personal injury protection): $50,000 per person, paid regardless of who caused the crash. It covers medical costs, 80% of lost earnings up to $2,000 a month and a $2,000 death benefit for the driver, passengers and pedestrians your car hits. It pays before health insurance and never pays for car repairs.
• Uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury is part of every policy at the same minimums.
• Supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage is optional, up to your own bodily injury limits. If your limits are 250/500 or higher, insurers must offer SUM at 250/500.

Collision and comprehensive are optional under state law. Before you decide how much liability to carry above the minimum, read our guide to limits and deductibles.

Discounts New York law requires

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) lists discounts that every insurer must offer because a statute requires them. The one most drivers can act on is the accident prevention, or defensive driving, course: after you finish an approved course, insurers must apply a discount to the liability, collision and no-fault coverages for three years. The DMV publishes the list of approved course sponsors.

• Accident prevention (defensive driving) course
• Electronic tracking device
• Factory-installed anti-lock brakes
• Passive restraints such as airbags or automatic seat belts
• Factory-installed daytime running lamps
• Window glass etching

Beyond these, companies add their own discounts, such as multi-car, good student, accident-free and telematics programs, and each sets its own terms. Our page on the defensive driving course discount shows how to check that it has been applied.

Credit, and the Auto Plan for drivers turned down

Insurers that use credit information must follow consumer safeguards set by New York law. They must tell you they use it, send a notice naming the credit factors if your premium is higher because of it, and review your credit information on request at least every three years. A company may not cancel your policy or raise your renewal premium because of credit information.

If no company will sell you the required coverage, the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP), known as the Auto Plan or Assigned Risk Plan, will. Most licensed agents and brokers can place you there, or call the plan at 212-943-5100. It sells the legal minimums, liability up to 250/500, and collision and comprehensive up to $50,000. DFS warns that Auto Plan premiums are generally higher. After three years you can stay or move to a regular insurer, sooner if one accepts you; see our guide to assigned risk plans.

Ways to bring a New York premium down

1. 1 Collect several quotes. DFS itself advises getting quotes from several insurers and publishes a list of auto insurers' phone numbers and websites. Keep the limits and deductibles identical.
2. 2 Take an approved accident prevention course and confirm the discount appears on your liability, collision and no-fault premiums for the next three years.
3. 3 Ask about every mandated equipment discount your car qualifies for, from anti-lock brakes to window etching.
4. 4 Check complaint rankings and complain if needed. DFS ranks auto insurers by upheld complaints and takes complaints online.

Questions drivers ask