Insurance
Car Insurance in New York
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
New York drivers paid about $1,436 a year on average in 2023, the 2nd highest in the country. Measured against income, only four states were less affordable.
In New York City, theft adds to the bill: the New York metro area had 27,138 vehicle thefts in 2025, the 2nd most in the country. But New York also has a few rules that can save you money, or cost you, depending on whether you know about them.
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What New York requires
| Required coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| No-fault (personal injury protection) | $50,000 per person |
| Uninsured motorist | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash |
$10,000 for property damage won't go far in New York. A crash with a newer SUV or a taxi can cost more than that, and you'd owe the rest. Ask what higher limits cost.
How no-fault works in New York
New York is a no-fault state. Your $50,000 of no-fault coverage pays your medical bills, lost wages, and some other costs after a crash, no matter who caused it.
The trade-off: you can sue the other driver for pain and suffering only if you have a "serious injury" as defined in New York's Insurance Law. You can also sue for economic losses above your $50,000 of no-fault benefits.
The photo inspection most new policies need
This rule is specific to New York. When you buy a new policy with comprehensive or collision, your insurer must inspect and photograph your car before that coverage takes effect. The photos are used to compare against any future damage.
- Brand-new cars usually don't need it.
- If you skip it, your comprehensive and collision coverage is suspended until the car is inspected. A crash or theft in the meantime may not be covered.
When you switch insurers, ask right away how to complete the inspection, and don't let it slide.
Cut your rate 10% with a defensive driving course
New York's Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) lets you take a DMV-approved defensive driving course, online or in a classroom. Finishing it:
- lowers the base rate of your car insurance by 10% each year for three years, and
- takes 4 points off your record when the DMV calculates a possible suspension.
Only the principal driver on a policy gets the discount. To keep it, retake the course every 36 months. It won't erase tickets from your record, but for many drivers, it's the easiest discount in New York.
Insurance lapses: no insurance, no plates
New York requires insurance on a registered car even if it's in storage. If your coverage lapses:
| Length of lapse | Civil penalty (instead of turning in plates) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 30 days | $8 a day |
| 31 to 60 days | $10 a day |
| 61 to 90 days | $12 a day |
- Over 90 days, you must turn in your plates, and your driver license is suspended for the same number of days. Getting it back costs a $50 fee.
- Driving uninsured can bring a court fine of up to $1,500, and the DMV will revoke your license and registration. If an uninsured car is in a crash, the revocation lasts at least a year, and restoring your license costs a $750 civil penalty.
Out-of-state insurance doesn't count on a New York-registered car, and your insurance and registration must be in exactly the same name.
Why car insurance costs more in New York City
Dense traffic, repair costs, and theft can all push NYC prices up, and your ZIP code can matter a lot. A few ways to cut the bill:
- Take a PIRP course for the 10% discount.
- Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles if you can cover them.
- Compare several insurers with the same limits. Prices for the same driver can vary widely.
- Look at mileage. If you rarely drive, ask about low-mileage discounts.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
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Sources
- NAIC auto insurance data (2023) and IRC affordability index, via Insurance Information Institute
- New York DFS, What auto coverages do I need?
- New York DFS, Auto insurance information for consumers (no-fault and photo inspection)
- New York DMV, Auto liability insurance
- New York DMV, Insurance lapses
- New York DMV, Point and Insurance Reduction Program
- National Insurance Crime Bureau, U.S. vehicle thefts experience historic decline (Mar. 18, 2026)