New York Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

Covers injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. New York is one of 12 no-fault states, but liability coverage still applies when injuries exceed the no-fault threshold of serious injury as defined by Insurance Law Section 5102(d), including significant disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, significant limitation of use of a body function or system, or a medically determined injury preventing substantially all daily activities for 90 of the first 180 days.

Covers damage you cause to other vehicles, structures, or property. New York law allows victims to sue for property damage exceeding your coverage limits, putting personal assets at risk.

New York's no-fault system requires PIP to be primary coverage, meaning it pays before health insurance. You can reduce your premium by excluding certain benefits or work loss coverage, but only with signed waivers and health insurance proof.

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver. New York requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability unless you reject it in writing.

Comprehensive covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes; collision covers damage from crashes with objects or other vehicles. While not legally required, lenders mandate both for financed or leased vehicles. New York's high vehicle theft rates in New York City and Buffalo, plus weather risks from lake-effect snow and coastal storms, make comprehensive coverage particularly valuable.