3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
New York drivers shell out $359 monthly for car insurance, on average. That’s the price of 86 cups of coffee at Villa Italia Bakery and more than double the national average of $154 per month.
Between the state’s no-fault insurance system, strict regulatory environment, and high rates of insurance fraud from inflated medical claims and legal costs, rates keep climbing. Add in recent inflation, and drivers are left with expensive car insurance rates in Schenectady.
But it’s still possible to find affordable coverage in Schenectady by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies.
CSAA, Safeco, and Liberty Mutual are the cheapest car insurance companies in New York.
New York requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance limits of 25/50/10.
Nearly 11% of New York drivers lack insurance coverage.[1]
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Schenectady
New York car insurance quotes tend to run high, but several companies offer Schenectady drivers better rates without compromising coverage. How much you pay depends on your driving history, vehicle type, coverage needs, and even credit history.[2]
But cheap isn’t everything — the insurance company with the lowest premium might have a terrible reputation for claims and customer service. It’s worth your time to review information from several insurance companies to find the best policy for your situation.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
CSAA | 7.6 | $179 | $119 | Commuters |
Safeco | 8.3 | $182 | $162 | Basic coverage |
Liberty Mutual | 7.7 | $290 | $198 | Discounts |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for commuters: CSAA
User Reviews | 4.5 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.6 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $68/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of communication and the recent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the competitive rates and helpful customer service but dislike the lack of communication and the recent price increases.
Brooklynn
November 19, 2024
I know everyone should do this
Renee
November 6, 2024
If It Ain't Broke...
Mary
November 6, 2024
AAA Fun
CSAA is best for Schenectady’s daily commuters, particularly given the significant flow of workers traveling between Schenectady and Albany — the second-largest intercounty commuting pattern in the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) analysis.
The company’s AAA affiliation opens the door to roadside assistance, which can be very helpful when dealing with notorious winter driving conditions in upstate New York.
24/7 AAA roadside help
AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
One-stop shop for all insurance needs
Must maintain AAA membership for full benefits
Clunky digital experience
Not all AAA insurance partners offer the same coverages and discounts
Best insurer for basic coverage: Safeco
User Reviews | 4.5 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $92/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
Sarah
November 10, 2024
Too Expensive
Bonnie
November 2, 2024
The Price of Car Insurance
Harris
October 31, 2024
Just Fine
Safeco is best if you’re looking to meet state requirements without extra frills. Schenectady drivers will find straightforward policies with no-fault personal injury protection (PIP), liability, and uninsured motorist coverage, which is essential considering nearly 11% of New York drivers don’t have insurance.
Overall, Safeco offers streamlined insurance policies that make it easy to get coverage that meets state requirements without paying for unnecessary extras.
Accident forgiveness available
Bundling discount of up to 15%
Flexible policy terms
Policies only available through an insurance agent
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction score
Few available discounts
Best insurer for discounts: Liberty Mutual
User Reviews | 3.7 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.7 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $112/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $166/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices, quick claims handling, and easy account access but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices, quick claims handling, and easy account access but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Michael
November 19, 2024
Go Elsewhere
Deborah
November 12, 2024
Examine Every Inch of Your Policy
Lee
November 12, 2024
Ugh!
Liberty Mutual is best for people who want to maximize savings through discounts. As one of New York’s five largest insurance companies, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Liberty Mutual helps offset the state’s high premiums with an impressive 13 discounts.
For New York’s 12+ million drivers who pay some of the nation’s highest car insurance rates, Liberty Mutual’s savings opportunities — ranging from multi-policy to safety feature discounts — can put a big dent in monthly insurance costs.
Many available discounts
Face-to-face help from local independent agents
Full-featured mobile app
Low J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Higher-than-expected number of complaints with the NAIC
”Safe driver” tracking program could raise rates
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady
Your car insurance rates in Schenectady boil down to your unique risk profile — namely, your age, driving record, and where you park at night. Living in downtown Schenectady near Erie Boulevard might mean steeper premiums, thanks to increased traffic and accident risks compared to quieter neighborhoods like Old Niskayuna.
New York’s no-fault insurance system also influences your premium. But if your goal is to save money, a few smart moves can help you control costs:
Make use of NY’s defensive driving course discount. Complete a state-approved defensive driving course to lower your premiums by 10%.
Bundle your insurance. Buying auto and home insurance (or renters insurance) from the same agency or company can qualify you for discounts.
Compare multiple companies. Use rate-comparison sites to get auto insurance quotes since prices for the same coverage can vary — sometimes by hundreds of dollars.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Schenectady: CSAA
Think of liability-only car insurance as the bare minimum. It pays for damage or injuries you cause to others in an accident but doesn’t cover losses to your vehicle. Since New York plays by no-fault rules, liability coverage also includes personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage.
New York drivers pay an average of $311 monthly for liability insurance, but prices vary based on your ZIP code and driving record.
Here’s a look at different rates in the state of New York from liability-only car insurance companies:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
CSAA | $119 |
Safeco | $162 |
Liberty Mutual | $198 |
Progressive | $250 |
Erie | $337 |
USAA | $351 |
Bristol West | $483 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Schenectady: CSAA
While liability-only coverage falls short when it comes to your vehicle’s damage, full coverage steps up to protect your ride from theft, vandalism, and Schenectady’s harsh weather. This extra protection is worth considering if you’re still making payments on your vehicle or driving a newer model.
On average, New York motorists pay $407 per month for full coverage. It costs more than basic protection but is valuable for preserving your vehicle’s worth. See how full-coverage rates stack up across auto insurers in New York:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
CSAA | $179 |
Safeco | $182 |
Liberty Mutual | $290 |
Progressive | $371 |
Erie | $500 |
USAA | $520 |
Bristol West | $558 |
Car insurance requirements in New York
New York is a no-fault state for car insurance. That means your auto policy covers your injuries regardless of who caused the accident. All vehicles registered in New York must have PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, plus liability protection that meets the following minimum legal requirements:[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $10,000 |
You might also want extra protection for you and your vehicle. In that case, New York suggests these optional coverages:
Collision coverage
Collision insurance pays for damage to your car from accidents, no matter who’s at fault.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle against non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
Additional no-fault benefits
This extends medical coverage beyond the basic $50,000 limit the law requires.
Supplementary uninsured motorist coverage
This provides extra protection following accidents with an uninsured/underinsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.
New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP)
If you’re struggling to get standard auto insurance coverage due to a poor driving record or other high-risk factors, the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP) can help. It’s a state-mandated process that matches high-risk drivers to insurance companies.
While you might pay more for an NYAIP policy, the program helps keep you legally covered when other options run dry.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
An incident on your record — like a car accident, speeding ticket, or DUI — tells auto insurance companies that you might be a risky bet. Drivers with marks on their records tend to file more claims. Each mark against your record can send your rates climbing, but some Schenectady car insurance companies are more forgiving than others.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: CSAA
A heavy foot on Erie Boulevard doesn’t just earn you a ticket. It also signals to insurers that you might be prone to risky driving habits. Since speeding can lead to more crashes, insurance companies typically charge more after a driver gets a ticket.
New York drivers with a speeding offense pay around $344 monthly for liability coverage. See which New York companies offer the most competitive liability-only rates for drivers with and without speeding tickets:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
CSAA | $119 | $140 |
Safeco | $162 | $189 |
Liberty Mutual | $198 | $247 |
Progressive | $250 | $285 |
Erie | $337 | $399 |
USAA | $351 | $403 |
Bristol West | $483 | $560 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: CSAA
Causing an accident — whether it’s a minor bump in a mall parking lot or a bigger crash on I-890 — makes you a higher risk behind the wheel. At-fault accidents often lead to expensive claims for motor vehicle damage and potential injuries, causing auto insurance companies to increase prices following the incident.
New York drivers with an at-fault accident pay a monthly average of $367 for liability policies. Compare how different New York auto insurers adjust their liability-only rates after an accident:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
CSAA | $119 | $152 |
Safeco | $162 | $197 |
Liberty Mutual | $198 | $260 |
Progressive | $250 | $309 |
Erie | $337 | $424 |
USAA | $351 | $431 |
Bristol West | $483 | $591 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: CSAA
A DUI conviction in New York hits harder than just legal penalties. It can send your insurance rates through the roof. Insurance companies view drunk driving as one of the riskiest behaviors on the road and price policies accordingly.
Drivers in New York with a DUI pay monthly averages of $429 for liability coverage and $562 for full coverage.
See how a DUI affects liability-only rates across a few auto insurers in New York below:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
CSAA | $119 | $160 |
Safeco | $162 | $226 |
Liberty Mutual | $198 | $300 |
Progressive | $250 | $379 |
Erie | $337 | $510 |
USAA | $351 | $532 |
Bristol West | $483 | $731 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: CSAA
Car insurance rates typically hit their sweet spot between ages 35 and 70, thanks to decades of driving experience. But after age 70, prices often spike, as natural aging impairs reaction time and night vision. Senior drivers in New York pay average liability costs of $307 per month, but shopping around can uncover substantial savings on the best car insurance for seniors.
Here’s how senior insurance rates vary across New York’s top insurers:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
CSAA | $100 | $151 |
Safeco | $151 | $170 |
Liberty Mutual | $182 | $267 |
Progressive | $201 | $298 |
Erie | $285 | $423 |
USAA | $309 | $457 |
Bristol West | $426 | $492 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: CSAA
New drivers pack the highest insurance rates because they lack experience. They’re also more likely to take risks and file claims. While teen drivers in New York pay an average of $560 per month for liability coverage, more budget-friendly prices are possible.
As a teen driver, you could save money in a few ways: Stay on your parents’ policy, leverage good student discounts, choose a sensible first car (think Civic rather than Corvette), and consider usage-based insurance programs that reward careful driving.
Here, you can compare teen driver quotes from New York’s leading car insurance companies:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
CSAA | $197 | $296 |
Safeco | $320 | $360 |
Liberty Mutual | $350 | $512 |
Progressive | $451 | $670 |
Erie | $582 | $863 |
USAA | $606 | $898 |
Bristol West | $838 | $968 |
Schenectady car insurance quotes by credit tier
New York law lets insurers peek at your credit history when setting rates. Here’s why: Insurance companies view financial responsibility as a predictor of risk. Generally, drivers with strong credit file fewer claims.
For New York drivers with poor credit histories, this can mean a higher car insurance bill every month — sometimes double what drivers with excellent credit pay for the same coverage.
Here’s how your credit tier can shape auto insurance rates in New York:
Rates by Credit Tier
More cities in New York
Looking at car insurance quotes beyond Schenectady, you’ll see that prices can vary significantly across the Empire State. Each city’s unique factors, like traffic patterns, accident rates, and population density, sway auto insurance premiums.
Whether you’re heading upstate or downstate, check out the rates in these cities:
City ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Buffalo | $186 | $243 |
New York | $459 | $547 |
Rochester | $98 | $204 |
Syracuse | $142 | $344 |
Schenectady car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Schenectady, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Schenectady?
CSAA, Safeco, and Liberty Mutual are the cheapest car insurance companies in New York. Your rates will vary depending on many factors, including your age, ZIP code, the type of car you drive, and the coverage levels you choose.
How much is car insurance per month in New York?
Car insurance in New York costs $311 per month for liability coverage and $407 for full coverage, Insurify data shows. This is much higher than the national averages of $104 for liability coverage and $204 for full coverage.
Are there any discounts for car insurance in Schenectady?
Most likely. Car insurance companies nationwide offer discounts that can help drivers save, including discounts for bundling policies, being a safe driver, getting good grades in school, and more. Ask your insurance agent which discounts you might be eligible for in Schenectady.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in New York
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- New York Department of Financial Services. "Applying for Auto Insurance."
- New York Department of Financial Services. "Purchasing Automobile Insurance."
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in