Find Car Insurance in Buffalo, New York

What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo residents enjoy a heritage steeped in history and innovation. Located on the banks of Lake Erie on the Canadian border, Buffalo was the first city on the Great Lakes to build a steamboat. In the early 1900s, Buffalo was the first city in the United States to enjoy full-scale electricity availability. Its proximity to the American Falls is a key contributor to the 16 million yearly visitors who come to the region.

The streets of Buffalo are teeming with sports fans rooting for the Bills, Sabres, and several other pro and college teams that attract visitors from throughout New York and beyond. The roads are loaded with employees from throughout the region as they travel to their workplaces right here in Buffalo.

You will typically have an easy time navigating this relaxed yet bustling city, but at times you may run into some tough driving conditions. So before you head over, reach out to your expert InsureOne agent for the best auto insurance at the best price in New York.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Buffalo, New York?

Drivers typically pay a lot more for car insurance in New York than in other states. Yearly premiums for a full coverage policy cost $3,139 on average, while minimum liability is about $1,371. Nationally, the averages are much lower at $2,014 for full coverage and $622 for minimum liability.

What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?

Each state imposes minimum insurance requirements on drivers, so if they are negligent and cause injuries or property damage, their insurer will help pay for the loss. Such a policy, called minimum liability coverage, is the most affordable because it provides the lowest level of protection mandated by the state and does not cover damages to your property resulting from your negligence.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can get a full coverage policy. You will pay significantly more for such a plan, but you will also get an upgraded level of protection. Even when you cause an accident, your insurer will cover damages to your vehicle. You will also be protected from natural disasters, uninsured motorists, and other such instances where you are not at fault but there is no other insurer to pay for your damages.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in New York

Fortunately, Buffalo is in the northern portion of NY where coverage rates are well below the state average. However, even within the region, your monthly premiums will still vary based on which city you live in, as illustrated in the following table:

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Buffalo	$200	$95
Batavia	$127	$53
Fredonia	$124	$51
Lockport	$138	$64
Rochester	$126	$57

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Buffalo

Although coverage costs in the area are relatively affordable, if you need more than one type of policy, like auto and homeowners insurance, you should consider getting them both from the same insurer. “Bundling” policies with one carrier simplifies things when you pay your monthly bills since you can pay for both at once. Another advantage of bundling your home and auto coverage is that the company you choose may offer you a price break of up to 25% on each policy.

When you bundle, your expert InsureOne agent will deliver a customized package of policies that includes the best coverage at the best prices. They do all the work necessary to get the best deal available based on your unique situation.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Buffalo?

Lower your insurance premiums even more by asking your expert InsureOne agent what type of discounts they have available for you. These price reductions come in various forms and not every insurer offers all of them, but here are a few popular ones:

• Senior discount
• Low-mileage discount
• Good driver discount
• Student discount
• Retention discount

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Buffalo

New York state statutes dictate policy for insurers and drivers throughout the state. Below are some of New York’s car insurance laws that affect drivers and carriers operating in Buffalo.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Buffalo?

New York has fairly average mandatory coverage requirements compared to other states. Being a no-fault state, personal injury protection is required since, regardless of who causes an accident, each driver must turn to their insurer for damages related to personal injury. These are the minimum levels of protection you must obtain in New York:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person/$50,000 for fatal crashes
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident/$100,000 for fatal crashes
• $10,000 property damage per accident
• $50,000 personal injury protection (no-fault)

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Buffalo?

Even if there would be no penalties for driving while uninsured, it would be inconsiderate to do so unless you have the funds to cover an expensive accident out of pocket. Like in other states, many New Yorkers fail to obtain a policy before hitting the road, which, even if you do not cause an accident, could lead to these fines and penalties:

• Up to $1,500 in court fines
• Possible vehicle impoundment
• Possible imprisonment
• Possible license revocation
• If revoked, a $750 civil penalty fee to restore your license

Do Buffalo-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

Your insurer will ask you many questions and use your answers to determine their risk in insuring you. However, each state has its own set of details it allows carriers to factor into your quote. For example, New York prohibits insurers from using employment status, occupation, or education levels when determining how much to charge you. However, they may use these and many other factors:

• Driving record: Moving violations or accidents on your record will prompt your carrier to increase your premiums.
• Location: If your area has low theft or accident rates, insurers may charge you less than people who live in regions where these are more of an issue.
• Gender: Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men and are, therefore, rewarded at lower rates than men in similar circumstances.
• Selected coverage: You can increase your coverage level and choose from a variety of optional add-ons, but you will also end up paying more for your policy.
• Loss probability: Each vehicle model has its own accident ratings and theft rates, which could significantly affect your premiums.

Typical Driving Conditions in Buffalo

Due to its high volume of visitors, Buffalo always has potential for traffic. About 8 million people stop by the U.S. Niagara Falls State Park every year, many of whom pass through the city; nearly 5 million vehicles cross the Peace Bridge yearly, heading to and from neighboring Canada; and endless droves of local and out-of-town fans come to watch the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Buffalo is an economic travel destination for surrounding cities. Weather can also affect driving conditions, as Buffalo winters can get quite cold, with an average of 85 inches of snow yearly.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Buffalo Per Year?

New York state had a total of 381,306 crashes in 2023 leading to over 1,000 fatalities. The table below shows how many accidents occurred in Buffalo and some of the municipalities in its vicinity.

City	Total Crashes
Buffalo	7,771
Batavia	365
Fredonia	120
Lockport	554
Rochester	6,648

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Buffalo?

Uninsured drivers who cause accidents could leave their victims without a means of compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing their damaged property. The Insurance Information Institute reports that 10.8% of New York drivers were uninsured in 2022.

Given this number, you may want to consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy. If you already have it, check your level of coverage to ensure it is adequate enough to reimburse you if an uninsured driver causes an accident in which you suffer property damages.