Best Car Insurance for New Drivers in New York (2025)

Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm offer the best insurance for new drivers in New York.

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If you’re a new driver looking for the best car insurance in New York, Progressive and GEICO offer both affordable rates and a range of coverage options. The average cost of car insurance for new drivers in New York is $305 per month, but your insurance rates will vary based on individual factors like your ZIP code, gender, and more.

Here’s how to find affordable rates for new drivers in New York.

Best car insurance for new drivers in New York

The cost of car insurance isn’t the same for every new driver. For example, a 25-year-old may qualify for lower rates than a teenager, even if they’re both first-time drivers.1 No matter how old you are, you can still get cheap car insurance without sacrificing coverage. A good way to do this is by comparing insurance companies. Here are some of the best companies for new drivers in New York to help you get started.

Progressive: Best for value

GEICO: Best for affordability

State Farm: Best for customer service

Who’s considered a new driver in New York?

You’re considered a new driver in New York if you have little to no driving history. This mostly includes teens and newcomers who just got their U.S. driver’s license. If this is your situation, you may notice a steep price in your insurance quotes.

The high price tag doesn’t mean you can skip out on insurance. In New York, you must carry the minimum required coverage every time you operate a vehicle, even if you just have a learner’s permit.

Cheapest car insurance for new drivers in New York

Insurance companies view new drivers, specifically teens, as high-risk drivers.2 People in this category pose an increased risk of getting into a car accident and filing a claim. If you’re fresh to being on the road, consider buying full-coverage car insurance.

A full-coverage insurance policy provides more protection than a liability-only policy. Specifically, it can help cover the costs of vehicle repairs and replacement if you experience a car crash, regardless of fault. It can also help pay for vehicle damages due to theft and vandalism.

It’s common for new drivers to pay higher premiums. If you’re a parent, you can add your child to your policy for a multi-policy discount on your overall insurance costs. This is usually cheaper than having your child buy a policy on their own.

The table below shows the average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in New York.

How much car insurance should new drivers in New York buy?

All drivers in New York must carry the minimum car insurance coverage the state requires, which includes:3

  • Personal injury protection (PIP): New York is a no-fault state, meaning you must have medical protection for yourself and your passengers while on the road. PIP insurance can help pay for medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. It also covers pedestrians hit by your car.

  • Bodily injury liability: If you cause an accident, your bodily injury liability insurance must cover at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident toward the injured parties’ medical bills. This excludes injuries that result in death.

  • Property damage liability: You must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability per accident in damages you cause to other people’s property, such as a vehicle, fence, or light pole.

  • Uninsured motorist coverage: UM insurance covers up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for you and your passengers’ medical expenses if an uninsured person causes an accident. It also applies in hit-and-run incidents.

Insurance experts recommend buying more than the minimum coverage to protect yourself from the cost of high repair bills, medical expenses, and lawsuits. Additional coverages to consider include comprehensive, collision, emergency roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement.

Car insurance discounts for new drivers in New York

Discounts are an effective way to lower your car insurance costs. The more you qualify for, the better your rates will be. Here are some discounts you may find as a new driver:

How to get cheap car insurance as a new driver in New York

New drivers tend to pay much more for insurance than seasoned drivers. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for an expensive premium. You can earn better insurance rates with the following tips:

  • Shop around. Compare quotes from at least three insurance companies that offer the coverage you need to find the best price.

  • Lower your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lead to lower monthly rates. Just be sure you can afford it if you need to file a claim.

  • Practice good driving. Speeding tickets, DUIs, and accidents can result in costlier premiums, even if you don’t file a claim. Maintaining a clean record can help keep your premiums low.

Car insurance for new drivers in New York FAQs

Finding car insurance as a first-time driver can feel overwhelming, especially with the hefty price tag. The following FAQs provide additional information on buying car insurance as a new driver in New York.

  • How much is car insurance for a new driver in New York?

    Car insurance for a new driver in New York costs an average of $305 per month. But your actual costs will differ based on your location, age, and other factors.

  • Do you need car insurance before registering a car in New York?

    Yes. You must have the minimum insurance to register a vehicle in New York. Driving without insurance can result in the suspension of your registration and license.4

  • Do you need car insurance for a teen with a learner’s permit in New York?

    Yes. Teens with a learner’s permit need to carry the minimum car insurance in New York as long as they operate a vehicle.

  • Which type of car insurance is best for new drivers in New York?

    The best type of car insurance for new drivers in New York depends on your needs. In general, Progressive provides the best of both affordability and comprehensive coverage. State Farm is best known for its quality of customer service, while GEICO offers the most opportunities to save.

Alani Asis
Alani Asis

Alani Asis is a personal finance freelance writer with nearly three years of experience in content creation. She has landed bylines with leading publications and brands like Insider, Fortune, LendingTree, and more. Alani aims to make personal finance approachable through fun, relatable, and digestible content.

Alani has been a contributor at Insurify since January 2023.

Best Car Insurance for New Drivers in New York (2025) | Insurify