Best cheap car insurance in Rochester

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Traffic in Rochester is lighter than many other parts of New York, making the city a low-risk zone for car insurance companies. On average, motorists in Rochester pay $729 for minimum and $1,568 for full coverage auto insurance annually, but this rate may be higher depending upon your individual demographics. If you are looking for the cheapest car insurance in Rochester without compromising quality, there are several options in this city to take your pick from.
Best car insurance companies in Rochester
There is no dearth of insurance companies in Rochester, but not all of them feature at the top. We compared 2021 average rate data, J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores, coverage options, online tools, policy accessibility and discounts.
Insurance company |
J.D. Power customer satisfaction score (New York) |
Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
---|---|---|---|
Geico | 837 / 1000 | $489 | $1,291 |
USAA | 884 / 1000 | $659 | $1,472 |
MetLife | 832 / 1000 | $810 | $1,714 |
State Farm | 851 / 1000 | $990 | $1,890 |
Geico
If you want only the basic coverage at a pocket-friendly price in Rochester, Geico is one of the top companies. With a suite of online tools, stellar customer service and low prices, Geico is not only one of the most affordable insurers but also one of the best-rated in the country. Aside from minimum, collision and comprehensive coverages, you also get add-ons such as rideshare insurance and mechanical breakdown insurance. Discounts may be available for owning a new vehicle, being a good student, insuring multiple vehicles with Geico and being on emergency military deployment.
Learn more: Geico Insurance review
USAA
When you are part of the military, USAA is often the most preferred provider for car insurance. Combining low prices with superior customer service, USAA offers all the basic and extended coverage options, including roadside assistance, rental coverage, glass coverage, GAP insurance, and car replacement coverage. Being a member of the USAA also comes with the choice of several discounts on car insurance. Some of these are for taking a defensive driving course, bundling policies, owning a vehicle less than three years old, and having a low annual mileage. USAA has consistently ranked at the top for excellent service and affordable pricing and for perks that make life easy for military families.
Learn more: USAA Insurance review
MetLife
For both minimum and comprehensive coverage within your budget from long-standing insurance coverage, MetLife is a good choice. Rochester motorists have the option of customizing a policy according to their requirements with endorsements such as total loss replacement coverage, new car replacement coverage, rental reimbursement, identity theft protection, and special parts replacement coverage. There are also several discounts to help you save more, including safe driver discounts, policy bundling discounts, and price cuts for some employers and affiliate groups. You also get round-the-clock claims support, mobile apps and local representatives for assistance.
Learn more: MetLife Insurance review
State Farm
For a winning combination of smart digital tools, a network of 19,000 local agents and a large number of savings options, State Farm is ideal. The company offers both basic and full coverages, including endorsements such as rental reimbursement, emergency breakdown service, travel expenses, and rideshare insurance. There are app-based savings programs for safe drivers and teen drivers, and discounts are also available for combining multiple policies and insuring more than one vehicle. The highly-rated State Farm mobile app makes it easy to file a claim, contact local agents, request roadside assistance and make payments.
Learn more: State Farm Insurance review
Cheapest car insurance in Rochester
Not all insurance companies offer the cheapest price, and it can sometimes be hard to find the right balance between quality coverage and affordability. Car insurance in Rochester on average costs $729 for basic and $1,568 for full coverage. In comparison, the national average cost of car insurance is $565 and $1,674 for minimum and full coverage respectively. Although there is an abundance of insurance companies in Rochester, the following providers are some of the cheapest.
Insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
---|---|---|
Main Street America Group | $252 | $636 |
Utica National | $395 | $3,023 |
Preferred Mutual | $443 | $1,354 |
Progressive | $491 | $815 |
Erie | $571 | $1,173 |
One of the lesser-known companies, Main Street America Group has the cheapest rates in Rochester, with full coverage priced at only $636 on average annually. The company has excellent financial strength and offers three different coverage packages with endorsements such as standard accidental airbag deployment, roadside assistance, and personal clothing coverage. Another stable and well-rated company offering some of the lowest rates in Rochester is Utica National. Aside from minimum and full coverage options, you also get several discounts for maximum savings, including safety features discount, multi-vehicle discount and company car discount.
Regional insurer Preferred Mutual is present in only four states, including New York, but do not let its small scale deter you. Some of the cheapest prices are offered by this provider, and although there are not many add-ons, you do get to save with various discounts. The team of local agents is available for assistance and personalized service.
The more popular names on this list are Progressive and Erie, both offering excellent customer service, customized coverages, and some of the cheapest premiums in Rochester.
Rochester insurance requirements
Car insurance is mandated by law in all of New York, including Rochester. Because New York is a no-fault state, motorists are required to carry certain additional coverages aside from the basic insurance. Rochester’s required minimum coverage includes:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident
- $10,000 in property damage coverage in any one accident
- $50,000 in personal injury protection
If your vehicle has been financed, your lender may require you to have collision and comprehensive coverages as well, for protection against crashes, theft, vandalism, and weather damage. When your vehicle is new and expensive and you plan to sell it in the near future, a full coverage policy is often the wise choice.
Car insurance discounts in Rochester
Insurance can be often expensive, depending on your demographics and the coverage you choose. The good news is that most insurers offer discounts to eligible customers, and by availing of them you can save a few hundred dollars a year. Although certain discounts vary from one provider to another, the most common ones are the same across all companies. These may include:
- Policy bundling: A discount offered by many companies, policy bundling involves purchasing more than one policy from the same insurer for a discounted premium.
- Multi vehicle: When you insure more than one vehicle with the same company, you may often get a price reduction on your annual cost.
- Safety features: When your vehicle is equipped with advanced safety mechanisms to prevent collisions and theft, you could earn a certain percent off your premium.
- New car: Some insurers offer a discount to those with a car that is brand new or under three years old.
- Paid in full: Paying your annual premium in full at the start of the policy is often rewarded by some insurers with a small discount.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company?
There is a multitude of car insurance providers across the country but the best car insurance company often depends on personal needs and preferences. Because insurance is personal and highly specific to individual needs, it is recommended that you compare cost, coverage, and customer service to pick the one that fits your requirements.
How much does car insurance in Rochester cost?
On average, Rochester’s annual car insurance cost is $729 for minimum and $1,568 for a full coverage policy. The rate may be higher or lower depending upon personal demographics.
How much car insurance do I need in Rochester?
The minimum required coverage mandated by law in the state of New York is 25/50/10, and additional no-fault coverage of $50,000. However, you may need a full coverage policy if the basic coverage does not offer you enough protection financially or if your vehicle has been financed.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2018 Honda Accord, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
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