What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York?
Last Updated on February 2, 2023
Shopping for car insurance in New York? You’ve come to the right place.
Some New York car insurance companies have a decades-long reputation for handling claims and impressing customers. Other insurers have poor claims satisfaction and overpriced premiums.
Today, we’re listing the best auto insurance companies in New York, including the companies with a long and proven reputation for impressing clients across the state.
Top 20 Best Car Insurance Companies in New York
Some car insurance companies are repeatedly ranked at the top of our list regarding customer service, claims satisfaction, and pricing. The top 20 best car insurance companies in New York include all of the following:
1. USAA
USAA is one of the leading car insurance companies in the United States. The company frequently ranks near the top – or at the top – for claims satisfaction and customer service. USAA is also known for its competitive pricing, and they’re frequently one of the cheapest providers in New York and other states. The only ‘drawback’ with USAA is that membership is restricted. You can only buy USAA car insurance if you or an immediate family member is part of USAA. To be part of USAA, you or an immediate family needs to be an active duty or retired member of the military. If you qualify for car insurance with USAA, however, then it’s easily one of your best options in New York. In the latest J.D. Power rankings, USAA scored 884/1,000, 50 points above the statewide average and 30 points higher than the next-best insurer.
2. State Farm
J.D. Power picked State Farm as the best car insurance company in New York in its recent rankings. Although USAA scored higher, USAA restricts membership, which is why State Farm officially took home the top prize. With a score of 851/1,000, State Farm scored 25 points higher than the statewide average and 24 points higher than its next two competitors (GEICO and Travelers). State Farm is the largest insurance company in the United States, and the company has a strong presence across New York. Today, State Farm is known for its good claims satisfaction, customer service, and pricing, among other benefits.
3. GEICO
GEICO is often the cheapest mainstream car insurance provider in New York and other states. GEICO frequently undercuts its competition by providing the same insurance policies – but at a lower rate. Although GEICO sometimes receives mixed reviews for claims satisfaction and customer service, GEICO continues to be one of the top-ranked insurance providers in the United States overall. The company has decades of experience handling claims for customers across New York. As a driver anywhere in the state, you can choose GEICO and know exactly what type of car insurance experience you’ll receive.
GEICO insures more drivers in New York than any other company. In fact, nearly 1 out of every 4 cars in New York state is insured through GEICO. The insurance giant provides effective, affordable car insurance across the state. GEICO also offers all of the amenities of a large firm, including high financial strength, good stability, and easy-to-reach customer service. Many drivers in New York find GEICO is the cheapest car insurance option – especially if they don’t qualify for USAA membership.
4. New York Central Mutual
Available exclusively in New York, New York Central Mutual is one of the top car insurance companies in the state. New York Central Mutual is often the cheapest option for drivers in urban and rural areas of the state. And, by taking advantage of discounts, New York Central Mutual policyholders can lower rates even further. Overall, New York Central Mutual received third on the latest J.D. Power rankings, making them one of the best options in New York for claims satisfaction, customer service, and more.
5. Travelers
Travelers is one of America’s largest insurance companies, although they’re not as well-known as other providers on this list. In the latest J.D. Power rankings, Travelers was picked as one of the top five car insurance companies in the United States, sliding into the fourth position. Travelers offers a strong selection of auto insurance discounts, bundling opportunities, and other advantages. The company is also known for its good customer service and claims satisfaction. Generally, drivers in New York are satisfied with how Travelers processes their auto insurance claims.
6. Allstate
Allstate is a large insurance company with millions of policyholders across the country. Like other large insurance companies, Allstate has good ratings for claims satisfaction, customer service, and pricing. Pricing tends to be competitive with other top-ranked options on our list. Allstate is particularly popular with New York drivers who want fast customer service, 24/7 claims satisfaction, a strong mobile app, and plenty of bundling opportunities.
7. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual is rarely the cheapest option anywhere in New York, although the company regularly has strong ratings for claims satisfaction. That means Liberty Mutual customers are generally happy with how the company processed their claims and worked with them throughout the claims process. By taking advantage of discounts, Liberty Mutual customers can lower prices even further, paying rates similar to some of the top-ranked New York car insurance companies on our list.
8. MetLife
MetLife is one of the world’s largest insurance companies, and the company understandably has a strong presence in New York. The New York City-based conglomerate has a longstanding reputation for providing effective car insurance and other insurance products across the state. Some people get MetLife car insurance on its own. Others are current MetLife customers – say, through an employee benefits program. Whatever the case may be, MetLife is highly-rated for claims satisfaction and customer service across New York.
9. Nationwide
Nationwide is one of America’s largest car insurance companies, so it makes sense the company has a strong presence in one of America’s most populous states. Nationwide has middle-of-the-road ratings for customer service and claims satisfaction, although the company continues to be among the top-rated insurance companies in New York-based on the latest J.D. Power rankings.
10. Progressive
Progressive scored lower than its competitors above on the latest J.D. Power rankings, although the company is known for its competitive pricing across New York. Progressive offers affordable car insurance to drivers in New York City and upstate New York, including drivers in urban and rural areas of the state. Although Progressive could improve on claims satisfaction and customer service, the company continues to be a popular option for thousands of drivers across the state.
11. American Family
American Family is one of the top 10 largest car insurance companies in the United States, and they’re also one of the largest insurers in New York. Covering approximately 0.75% of all drivers in New York, American Family offers competitive prices and strong claims satisfaction ratings. The company also emphasizes a more driver-focused approach to car insurance, including personal connections with agents.
12. Preferred Mutual
Preferred Mutual offers customizable car insurance in New York to help you protect your car, yourself, and others. The company also offers home and business insurance, and many New York residents bundle multiple policies with Preferred Mutual. Preferred Mutual may not have the name recognition of larger competitors on this list, but the company has the amenities of a large firm – including an effective website and an easy-to-use mobile app. Whether you need minimum liability coverage or full coverage in New York, Preferred Mutual may be the right choice.
13. Erie
Erie consistently scores as one of the best insurance companies in New York and the northeastern United States based on J.D. Power’s annual rankings. J.D. Power interviews real policyholders who have recently made a claim, asking them about their experience. Erie frequently ranks above its competitors in terms of value, claims satisfaction, and overall customer service. If you want peace of mind your insurance will cover you when you need it, then Erie may be your best car insurance choice in New York.
14. Mercury
Mercury offers car insurance throughout New York. Like other insurers, Mercury lets you buy a minimum liability plan to meet New York’s requirements. Or, you can buy a full coverage plan for higher protection. Mercury has average ratings for claims satisfaction, but many drivers find they’re the cheapest option available in New York. Depending on your driver-specific risk factors, Mercury could be the right choice for you.
15. Chubb
Chubb insures approximately 0.8% of drivers in New York, making them one of the top 15 largest insurers in the state. Today, Chubb’s insurance is popular among high net worth individuals, anyone who drives a high-end vehicle, and clients with unique insurance needs. Chubb is also popular for unique full coverage car insurance like Chubb Masterpiece, which provides extra coverage compared to a traditional policy. For drivers with unique needs in New York, Chubb may be the best option.
16. National General
National General offers home and auto insurance coverage throughout New York. Although National General is now an Allstate company, you can still buy separate auto insurance through Allstate across New York. In fact, National General remains one of the top 10 largest insurers in the state, covering roughly 2% of drivers statewide.
17. The Hartford
The Hartford, like Erie, consistently punches above its weight class for customer service and claims satisfaction. Customers tend to be satisfied with their claims experience with The Hartford. Although The Hartford may not be the cheapest option in New York, many customers find the company offers superior value compared to competing providers on this list.
18. Farmers
Farmers is one of America’s largest insurers, and the company has a strong presence across New York. Today, Farmers covers drivers with everything from minimum liability policies to full coverage policies, making it easy to customize car insurance based on your unique needs. Despite the name, Farmers is not just popular with drivers in rural areas of the state; Farmers has a strong presence across all parts of New York with both urban and rural drivers.
19. Country-Wide
Country-Wide Insurance Company is not the biggest or best-rated insurance company, but the company insures thousands of drivers across New York state. Today, Country-Wide is best-known for its car insurance and truck insurance. Founded in New York in 1963, the company has operated successfully across the state for 60+ years. Today, Country-Wide may be the best choice for many New York drivers.
20. Amica
Amica Mutual Insurance Company offers two local offices across New York state, including Albany and Rochester. The company provides a range of insurance products for all ZIP codes in New York. Generally, customers are satisfied with how Amica handled their claims. They also tend to be happy with the value Amica provides. Amica is one of the top 20 largest car insurance companies in New York overall, and the company also offers home, life, umbrella, renters, and flood insurance, among other insurance products.
Other Good Insurance Options in New York
How to Compare Car Insurance Companies in New York
All New York auto insurance companies make similar claims: they all claim to handle your claims successfully, charge fair rates, and provide good customer service.
Unfortunately, not all New York insurers live up to that claim. Some have a bad reputation for denying claims. Others have an extensive track record of paying claims accurately.
Some of the ways to compare car insurance companies in New York include:
J.D. Power Rankings: J.D. Power is one of the largest car insurance rating organizations in the United States. The company surveys policyholders who have recently made a claim, then uses that information to create nationwide and regional rankings. J.D. Power ranks insurance companies by subregions – including subregions like New York. Check J.D. Power’s New York auto insurance satisfaction study every year to get an objective look at which car insurance companies are best.
A.M. Best Financial Strength and Stability: The best car insurance companies are financially strong. You don’t want your car insurance company to be wiped out by a single hurricane or other natural disasters. Unfortunately, insurance companies with too much liability and not enough assets declare bankruptcy regularly, leaving policyholders underwater. Check the A.M. Best financial strength rating (FSR) of an insurance company. A.M. Best is one of the leading financial analysis firms serving the auto insurance space.
Customer Reviews: Online reviews for car insurance companies in New York skew negative. Most people don’t review their car insurance company unless they’ve had a bad claims experience. That’s why you should check online reviews – but take online reviews with a grain of salt. Customer reviews can give you a good overview of the general ‘feel’ for an insurance company, although be wary of reviews that are overly negative or positive.
Claims Satisfaction: You buy car insurance to cover unexpected damage. Unfortunately, not all car insurance companies do a good job of covering damage. Some companies have poor claims satisfaction, while others have a fair record for covering claims. Check your New York insurer’s claims satisfaction rating. Otherwise, your insurer may not be there when you need it most.
Bundling Opportunities & Other Products: Some New York insurance companies only offer car insurance. Others offer a full suite of insurance products. Some specialize in one type of car insurance, while others partner with third-party providers for bundling. If you need more than just car insurance, then look for a New York insurance company that matches all of your needs – not just your car insurance needs.
Pricing & Competitiveness: Car insurance in New York is relatively expensive. However, some car insurance companies charge fair premiums, while others charge exorbitant premiums. We don’t expect you to know how much car insurance should cost. However, by comparing quotes from multiple providers, you can get a better idea of how much car insurance should cost in New York.
Final Word on Best Auto Insurance Companies in New York
Car insurance companies in New York cover you when needed most. Unfortunately, not all New York auto insurers provide the same coverage.
Some car insurance companies charge excessively high rates – only to deny your valid claims or reduce coverage. Other car insurance companies charge competitive rates and quickly approve all valid claims.
To discover the best car insurance companies in New York, compare quotes online today.
