Find the Best Car Insurance Companies in Buffalo, NY

How to choose car insurance in Buffalo

New York State requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of the insurance coverages below. Policies with higher limits and supplementary coverage are also available and recommended.

• Bodily injury: Drivers are required to carry minimum insurance with limits up to $25,000 per person injured in an accident, and up to $50,000 for all people injured in an accident.
• Death benefits: A minimum insurance policy must have limits of up to $50,000 per person killed in an accident and up to $100,000 for all people killed in an accident.
• Property damage: Buffalo-based drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 coverage limits for injury or property destruction caused by a single accident.
• Uninsured motorist (UM or UIM): This covers bodily injury to the driver and occupants in a vehicle when hit by a driver without insurance. The same coverage minimums as above apply.

What is comprehensive insurance that my car loan company says I need?

Comprehensive insurance is optional in Buffalo, but covers damage to your car, including cosmetic repairs. It is usually required by auto loan finance companies for newer cars to protect their investment in case you default on your loan. In other words, it’s insurance to keep the car in good condition if it ends up in their hands.

What determines car insurance rates?

Insurance companies determine rates for car insurance in Buffalo based on probability factors, which include:

• Age and gender
• ZIP code of your home
• Points on the car owner's license as well as any additional drivers
• Type and value of the car
• How far you drive to or for work
• How many miles driven overall
• Accident history

Get ready for sticker shock if you're adding a brand new driver under age 25 onto your policy!

How can I get lower rates or discounts on auto insurance in New York?

Car insurance rates tend to decrease with age. Statistics show that maturity and experience improve one’s driving skills and ability to avoid accidents. While you can’t change your age, you can take these measures to lower your premium:

• Buy a cheaper car. Automobiles with lower values cost less to insure. If it's paid in full, you won't have an auto lender with requirements to keep expensive comprehensive insurance. Also, consider removing comprehensive coverage you are already carrying on older cars.
• Take a state-approved safety course, also known as a defensive driver class. These can remove points from your license or are incentives for insurers to provide "safe driver" discounts.
• Select a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety features. Expensive cars tend to have more safety features, but modestly priced cars today often feature rear-view cameras, lane departure alerts, blind spot detection and other warnings.
• Drive fewer miles.
• Drive more carefully. Fewer points on your license mean lower insurance rates.
• Bundle your car insurance policy with home, boat, RV, motorcycle or other insurance with the same company for a multi-policy discount.

Even with discounts, auto insurance in Buffalo is a costly monthly expense. Getting quotes from the following companies will help you shop wisely for coverage.