New York Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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New York demands drivers to carry minimum car insurance requirements, which include bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $10,000 for property damage liability. Additionally, New York's no-fault system requires personal injury protection of $50,000, ensuring your costs are covered regardless of who caused the accident.

Regarding costs, average premiums for state minimum coverage fall around $97 monthly. For those seeking the cheapest car insurance in New York, it's important to compare quotes to secure a rate that aligns with your needs without compromising on the necessary legal requirements.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from New York Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of New York drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in New York as of June 2024.

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New York Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In New York, drivers must carry minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. These requirements safeguard against potential financial losses from accidents. The minimum amounts of car insurance coverage required are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $50,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person
  • $50,000 death liability per person
  • $100,000 death liability per accident

New York's status as a no-fault state means that your insurance premium may be affected differently than it would be in a fault state. In a no-fault state, the insurance company covers the losses in an accident regardless of who is to blame.

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DOES NEW YORK REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

In New York, collision and comprehensive coverage are not mandated by state law. However, if you're financing or leasing a vehicle, lenders often require both types of coverage to protect their investment. If the unexpected occurs, such as an accident or environmental damage, collision or comprehensive coverage kick in to cover the costs.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects New York's minimum coverage auto insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage liability. Remember, your policy's specific coverage details depend on its terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in New York

When considering various factors for the cost of minimum coverage car insurance, age frequently plays the most significant role. In New York, drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 face the highest premiums due to their inexperience on the road.

The table illustrates the average cost for minimum coverage car insurance in New York, broken down by age groups.

22-29Annual Premium$1,338Monthly Premium$111
30-59Annual Premium$1,170Monthly Premium$97
60 +Annual Premium$1,232Monthly Premium$103

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in New York

For New Yorkers seeking affordable minimum coverage insurance, Kemper and Progressive offer the most competitive rates in the market.

  • Kemper: $545 per year and $45 per month
  • Progressive: $688 per year and $57 per month

For a more comprehensive selection, consider exploring the best car insurance in New York to find the option that suits your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
KemperAnnual Premium$545Monthly Premium$45
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$688Monthly Premium$57
American FamilyAnnual Premium$742Monthly Premium$62
GEICOAnnual Premium$921Monthly Premium$77
ErieAnnual Premium$1,067Monthly Premium$89
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,143Monthly Premium$95
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,182Monthly Premium$98
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,514Monthly Premium$126

Optional Add-On Coverages in New York

In New York, available optional add-on coverages include collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and more. These protections are beneficial as they cover a range of incidents like theft, damage beyond accidents and issues with drivers lacking sufficient insurance. For guidance on how much car insurance you need, consider your personal circumstances and vehicle value.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in New York can vary, especially if it's not your first time being caught without coverage. New York state imposes different levels of fines and penalties based on whether the offense is your first or if you have prior incidents.

For a first-time offense, penalties might include a substantial fine and a license suspension. However, if you've been caught more than once, you could face even heftier fines, longer license suspension periods and possible jail time.

Here are additional penalties you could face in New York for driving without minimum coverage:

  • Vehicle impoundment with significant fees
  • Suspension of vehicle registration
  • License suspension plus charges to get it back
  • Possible requirement for filing an SR-22, a certificate proving you have insurance
  • Jail time, particularly if you cause an accident while uninsured

Always remember that driving with at least the state minimum car insurance can help you avoid the financial setbacks that come with penalties for driving uninsured.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in New York, drivers should immediately seek new coverage and refrain from driving until insured again. It's important to contact an insurance agent to explore options or negotiate reinstatement of the policy. Driving without insurance is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be notified of your insurance status through an electronic system. If the DMV discovers you're uninsured, your vehicle's registration and driver's license could be suspended.

If you're struggling to obtain insurance due to cancellation, New York offers the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP), which assists high-risk drivers in getting coverage. This is a last-resort means of securing the state minimum car insurance to comply with the law and stay protected on the road.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in New York may have been canceled due to a few key reasons:

  • Non-payment of premium: Not paying your insurance premium on time is a common cause for cancellation.

  • Fraud: If you've lied on your insurance application or during the claims process, your policy could be canceled.

  • License suspension: If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, insurers typically cancel your coverage.

  • Too many accidents or traffic violations: A pattern of accidents or serious traffic offenses can lead to insurance cancellation.

  • State minimum changes: Failing to maintain the necessary state minimum coverage can result in policy termination.

FAQ: New York Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Understanding the minimum car insurance requirements in New York is essential for every driver. Here, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you comply with state laws and protect yourself on the road.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in New York?
Why does New York require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in New York?
What happens if you drive uninsured in New York?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.