Minimum car insurance in New York
New York's minimum is often written as 25/50/10. That means your policy pays up to $25,000 for injuries to any one person you hurt in a crash, up to $50,000 in total for everyone injured in that crash, and up to $10,000 for damage to other people's cars or property.
These limits pay for other people. They don't pay to repair your own car or treat your own injuries; that takes optional coverage.
New York liability must also cover 50/100 for death. $50,000 of no-fault personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 are mandatory.
Is New York a no-fault state?
Yes. After an accident in New York, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills first, no matter who caused the crash; the required minimum is $50,000. Lawsuits against the other driver are limited to more serious injuries.
Is the state minimum enough?
For most drivers, no. Hospital bills from a single serious crash can pass $50,000 quickly, and anything above your limits can come out of your own pocket. A common recommendation is 100/300/100 liability, plus:
- Collision: repairs your own car after an accident, whoever is at fault.
- Comprehensive: theft, hail, flooding, fire and hitting an animal.
- Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement: inexpensive extras that help when your car is in the shop.
Insurance doesn't cover mechanical breakdowns. For engine, transmission or electrical failures, see what common repairs cost and how a vehicle service contract can help.
How to lower your car insurance in New York
- Compare quotes from several companies. Prices for the same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars a year.
- Raise your collision and comprehensive deductibles if you have savings to cover them.
- Ask about discounts: bundling home and auto, safe driver, good student, paying in full and paperless billing.
- Keep continuous coverage. A gap, even a short one, usually raises your price.
- Review your coverage every year, especially after paying off a car loan.