New York Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of New York, you must obtain at least the minimum insurance coverage before you can register your vehicle and get legal plates. This requirement is not limited to this state. Most states require that you have a minimum amount of coverage before you can legally drive on the public highways, roads, and land.

The minimum requirements set by state governments are put in place to insure that each driver is covered for the amount of damage they could potentially cause if involved in an accident. These amounts are set only as a minimum requirement and not meant to serve as a recommended amount. Most insurance experts recommend a coverage of no less than $1 million to ensure the financial security in case of a serious accident.

The minimum amount of liability insurance required by the New York state government is $25,000 per personal injury, $50,000 total personal injuries, and $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for death of persons involved. In addition to this coverage you must also have uninsured motorist coverage that meets the same limits as the liability insurance. The state also requires drivers to carry $10,000 of property damage liability and a basic no-fault insurance of at least $50,000.

New York state drivers are required to carry proof of their insurance coverage in their vehicles at all times. Failure to keep at least the minimum insurance coverage could lead to the state suspending your vehicle registration. Penalties and fees could pile up the longer you are in non-compliance with the law. The state electronically monitors your insurance coverage through a database that records insurance coverage of registered vehicles.