Minimum Car Insurance Required in New York
The minimum car insurance required in New York, penalties for driving uninsured, and whether the state minimum is enough coverage.
- Cited from NAIC & the New York DOI
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Updated August 2026
The New York state minimum is 25/50/10 ($25k bodily injury per person, $50k per accident, $10k property damage).
These limits exist to cover damage you cause to other people — they do not repair your own car or cover your own injuries. New York is a no-fault state, so your own PIP pays your medical bills regardless of fault.
Driving without at least the required coverage in New York can mean fines, license/registration suspension, reinstatement fees and SR-22 filing — and if you cause a crash while uninsured you are personally liable for the damage.
Because the minimum is only a floor, many New York drivers step up to 100/300/100 and add collision/comprehensive if their car has value. The average New York driver pays about $1,753/yr (NAIC, 2023). Verify the current limits directly with the New York Department of Insurance before relying on them — laws change. New York Dept. of Insurance →
New York minimum car insurance FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in New York?
New York requires at least 25/50/10: $25k bodily injury per person, $50k per accident and $10k property damage. Minimums are the legal floor, not necessarily enough coverage.
What happens if I drive without insurance in New York?
Penalties can include fines, suspension of your license and registration, reinstatement fees and an SR-22 requirement — plus personal liability for any crash you cause.
Is the state minimum enough coverage in New York?
It is the legal minimum, not a recommendation. A single serious accident can exceed these limits, leaving you to pay the difference, so many drivers carry higher liability and add collision/comprehensive.