NY Car Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage Guide for 2026
New York Minimum Insurance Requirements
Every registered vehicle in New York must carry the following minimum insurance coverage:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $50,000 per person (no-fault) |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Supplementary Uninsured Motorist | Optional but recommended |
These minimums are set by New York Insurance Law and Vehicle & Traffic Law. You can always purchase higher limits for better protection.
Understanding Each Coverage Type
Bodily Injury Liability (BI) covers the other driver's medical expenses if you cause an accident. The $25K/$50K minimum means your insurer will pay up to $25,000 per injured person and $50,000 total per accident. Anything beyond that comes out of your pocket.
Property Damage Liability (PD) covers damage you cause to another person's property — their car, a fence, a building, etc. The $10,000 minimum is quite low; a new car can easily cost $30,000+ to replace.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is New York's no-fault coverage. It pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. Learn more in our No-Fault Insurance Explained guide.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or flees the scene (hit-and-run).
Are the Minimums Enough?
Frankly, no. The minimum coverage levels in New York haven't kept up with modern costs:
- A single ER visit after an accident can exceed $25,000
- A new vehicle replacement easily exceeds $10,000 in property damage
- A serious injury lawsuit can reach $100,000-$500,000+
With minimums, you're personally liable for anything beyond those limits. Most insurance professionals recommend at least:
- $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability
- $50,000 property damage liability
- Full PIP ($50,000 — already required)
- Matching uninsured motorist coverage
The cost difference between minimum and recommended coverage is often only $100-$300 per year — a fraction of what you'd owe out-of-pocket after one serious accident.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in NY
New York takes uninsured driving seriously:
- First offense — Fine of $150-$1,500 and possible license/registration suspension
- Registration revocation — The DMV can revoke your registration for failure to maintain insurance
- Civil penalty — $8 per day for each day of a lapse, up to $2,400
- SR-22 requirement — You may need to file an SR-22 to get your license back
- Vehicle impoundment — Police can impound your vehicle if you're caught driving uninsured
The costs of driving without insurance far exceed the cost of a basic policy. It's never worth the risk.
Find the Right Coverage for Your Situation
The right coverage depends on your specific situation — your vehicle, your assets, your driving habits, and your budget. Our licensed NY agents help you find the balance between solid protection and affordability.
Whether you need minimum liability, full coverage, or specialized insurance like TLC/rideshare coverage, we compare rates from top carriers to get you the best deal.
Call (718) 801-2720 or get a free quote online.
Ready for Your Free Quote?
Our licensed NY agents compare rates from top carriers. Average savings: $600+/year.