The average cost for full coverage car insurance in Buffalo, New York is $2,061. That's only a few dollars less than the state's average, which comes in at $2,048.
The best way to find the most affordable coverage is to compare policy options from a number of insurance companies. The experts at policycentral can help you find quotes from the top providers and choose the coverage that's right for you.
Methodology & why you can trust our rates
policycentral has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: 50/100
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.
Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Buffalo, NY
Car insurance rates are calculated based on a number of different factors, like age, make and model of vehicle, and ZIP code. With so much variation, it's important to get quotes from a number of different companies before selecting a provider.
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
Kemper | $900 | 798 |
New York Central Mutual | $1,038 | -- |
Progressive | $1,085 | 861 |
GEICO | $1,301 | 874 |
Main Street America | $1,494 | -- |
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Buffalo, NY
Different areas of a city pose different potential risks. Some neighborhoods are more densely populated, which means more people are on the road, which translates into higher insurance rates.
The same is true for areas that have higher crime rates and higher numbers of car accidents or traffic tickets. Insurance companies see these higher averages and determine individuals in those areas are more likely to file insurance claims. The table below shows average rates based on different ZIP codes in the Buffalo, NY area.
ZIP code | Average cost |
|---|---|
14219 | $1,743 |
14228 | $1,803 |
14221 | $1,809 |
14260 | $1,948 |
14220 | $2,018 |
14210 | $2,039 |
14207 | $2,041 |
14206 | $2,044 |
14216 | $2,063 |
14222 | $2,104 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Buffalo, NY
The trick to shopping for car insurance is finding the right coverage at a price that’s still in your budget. But there are factors to consider besides price when shopping for car insurance. Consider coverage options, as well as customer service ratings and whether the company offers online or paperless payment options.
If you're ready to start shopping, then the experts at policycentral can help you see quotes from top providers and choose the coverage that's right for you.
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Buffalo, NY
If you have driving violations of any kind on your record they could negatively affect your coverage and pricing options when you shop for car insurance.
Accidents and other driving incidents accumulate on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). Insurance companies analyze your MVR while calculating insurance rates. In most cases, insurance companies look at the past three-to-five years of your driving history.
Violation | Kemper | New York Central Mutual | Progressive | GEICO | Main Street America |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $1,355 | $1,394 | $1,792 | $2,086 | $2,047 |
DUI | $1,328 | $1,726 | $1,189 | $3,919 | $1,978 |
Suspended license | $1,328 | $1,726 | $1,626 | $2,760 | $1,978 |
Open container | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,411 | $1,978 |
Expired registration | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,279 | $1,650 |
Driving without lights | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,411 | $1,650 |
Running a red light | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,411 | $1,650 |
Following too closely | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,411 | $1,650 |
Hit and run | $1,328 | $1,726 | $1,626 | $3,919 | $1,978 |
Not-at-fault accident | $949 | $1,079 | $1,138 | $1,344 | $1,579 |
Passing a school bus | $1,213 | $1,079 | $1,171 | $1,411 | $1,978 |
Reckless driving | $1,328 | $1,571 | $1,626 | $2,760 | $1,978 |
Speeding | $1,328 | $1,394 | $1,350 | $2,086 | $1,978 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Buffalo, NY
Company | Rates for drivers with DUIs |
|---|---|
Progressive | $1,189 |
Kemper | $1,328 |
New York Central Mutual | $1,726 |
Main Street America | $1,978 |
GEICO | $3,919 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Buffalo, NY
Company | Rates for drivers with speeding tickets |
|---|---|
Kemper | $1,328 |
Progressive | $1,350 |
New York Central Mutual | $1,394 |
Main Street America | $1,978 |
GEICO | $2,086 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Buffalo, NY
New York, like most states, can and does use credit score as a determining factor for car insurance rates. Drivers can expect to see lower scores negatively impact their insurance rates, but some companies offer cheaper rates for drivers with bad credit than others.
Company | Rates for drivers with bad credit |
|---|---|
GEICO | $1,638 |
Kemper | $2,412 |
New York Central Mutual | $2,509 |
Chubb | $2,853 |
Utica National | $2,926 |
Buying car insurance in Buffalo, NY
Minimum insurance requirements are determined at the state level. This means the city of Buffalo requires the same minimum coverages as the state as a whole. To drive in Buffalo, NY a driver is required to have:
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 property damage liability per accident
These requirements are similar to most state requirements, but New York requires two additional types of coverage:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident)
Personal Injury Protection ($50,000 per person)
Uninsured motorist coverage covers the costs if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance, or who doesn’t have enough car insurance to cover the cost of the accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical costs for you, as the driver, or passengers when you’re in an accident, regardless of fault. This coverage is required by the state because New York is a no-fault state.
In a no-fault state, the individuals involved in an accident seek compensation for their injuries from their own car insurance companies, regardless of fault. That’s why drivers are required to have PIP.
How to get cheap car insurance in Buffalo, NY
Insurance in Buffalo can be expensive, even though rates are lower than in other parts of New York. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can lower your personal car insurance rates.
Practice safe driving habits: Driving safely lowers your risk for tickets, accidents, or violations. Keeping a clean driving record will help lower your rates.
Check for discounts: Insurance companies offer many discounts that can help lower your overall rates, including for safe driving or getting good grades
Improve your credit score: Try improving your credit score with on-time payments and low credit usage
Increase your deductible: A higher deductible can dramatically decrease your car insurance rates, but you may actually have to pay if you file a claim
Frequently asked questions
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Buffalo, NY?
Kemper offers the cheapest rate in Buffalo, NY. Specific rates are determined based on personal information, however, so the carrier that’s cheapest for you might be different from the carrier that’s cheapest for your neighbor.
How much is car insurance per month in Buffalo, New York?
In Buffalo, car insurance costs an average of $172 per month for full coverage. Compared to the rest of New York, the average cost of coverage in Buffalo is cheaper.
Is car insurance cheaper in upstate New York?
Compared to the cost of car insurance in New York City, drivers pay far less for coverage upstate than in the five boroughs. This is because the number of drivers is far less in northern parts of New York.
How can you lower your car insurance premiums in Buffalo, New York?
In order to get cheaper car insurance in Buffalo, you should compare the cost of coverage from multiple companies near you. You should also look for insurers in Buffalo that offer discounts to drivers with your background, car, and age.
