New York Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

Covers injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. New York's minimum limits can be exceeded quickly in serious crashes—a single hospitalization can reach $100,000 or more. 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. The $10,000 minimum is among the lowest in the nation and insufficient for multi-car accidents or damage to high-value vehicles. New York law allows victims to sue for property damage exceeding your coverage limits, putting personal assets at risk.

Pays for your medical expenses, lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years, and other reasonable and necessary expenses regardless of fault. 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. Supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage is available and recommended, as approximately 8–12% of New York drivers are estimated to be uninsured despite the state's strict enforcement.

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.

Meets only the 25/50/10 liability requirement plus mandatory PIP and uninsured motorist coverage. Leaves significant financial exposure in serious accidents and provides no coverage for your own vehicle damage.

Raises liability to 100/300/100, adds collision and comprehensive with $500 deductibles, and includes underinsured motorist coverage. Provides balanced protection for most drivers with paid-off vehicles.

Includes 250/500/100 liability, collision and comprehensive with $250–$500 deductibles, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance. Appropriate for newer vehicles, high-value cars, or drivers seeking maximum financial protection in New York's high-cost accident environment.

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. New York's 25/50/10 minimum is frequently insufficient—a single serious injury can generate medical bills exceeding $100,000, and multi-vehicle accidents in urban areas often produce property damage claims above $10,000.

Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect both your financial liability and your vehicle's value. Industry term for a complete protection package rather than a specific policy type.

Pays for vehicle damage from theft, vandalism, weather events, falling objects, fire, and animal collisions. Typically carries a deductible of $250–$1,000 that you pay before insurance covers the rest.

Covers damage to your vehicle from crashes with other vehicles or objects like guardrails, poles, or trees, regardless of fault. Pays up to your vehicle's actual cash value minus your chosen deductible.

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and damages. Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage is available beyond the required minimums.

A certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer to prove you carry at least minimum liability coverage, required after serious violations like DWI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. The filing itself costs $15–$50, but underlying premiums increase 50–150%.