New York car insurance requirements
Every driver in New York must carry at least this coverage. It’s a no-fault state: your own personal injury protection pays first for your injuries, whoever caused the crash.
| Coverage | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident ($50,000/$100,000 for death) |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection (no-fault) | $50,000 per person |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
State minimums protect other people, not you or your car. Most drivers choose higher limits, plus collision and comprehensive if their car is financed or worth repairing.
What New York drivers should know
- New York is a no-fault state: your own policy pays medical bills and lost wages after a crash, up to your PIP limit.
- Keep your coverage continuous — New York suspends your registration if your insurance lapses, and there are daily penalties for gaps.
- Completing an approved defensive driving course (the Point and Insurance Reduction Program) earns a discount on liability and collision premiums for three years.
Home insurance in New York
- Coastal homes, particularly on Long Island and in New York City, often have separate hurricane or windstorm deductibles.
- Winter weather — frozen pipes, ice dams and roof damage from snow — is a common source of claims across the state.
- If private insurers decline your home, the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (the state FAIR Plan) can provide basic coverage.
Ways to save in New York
- Compare several companies. Prices for the same driver and home can vary widely between insurers — comparing is the fastest way to find a better rate.
- Bundle auto and home. Many insurers discount both policies when you buy them together.
- Raise your deductibles if you could comfortably pay more out of pocket after a claim.
- Ask about discounts for safe driving, paying in full, home security devices and newer roofs.