Minimum Car Insurance in New York
The liability limits New York requires, whether it is a no-fault state, and whether uninsured motorist or PIP coverage is required.
Short answer: New York requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage (often written 25/50/10). N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§311(4), 312(1); N.Y. Ins. Law §§3420(f)(1), 5102(a)
| Minimum coverage required | New York requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage (often written 25/50/10). Every policy must also include uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person ($50,000 for death) and $50,000 per accident ($100,000 for death), plus no-fault (personal injury protection) coverage for basic economic loss of up to $50,000 per person. Registration requires proof of insurance, a financial security bond or deposit, or self-insurance. UM: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/3420 . Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| At-fault or no-fault | New York is a no-fault state. Each policy pays "basic economic loss" (medical and related expenses, lost earnings and other costs) up to $50,000 per person regardless of fault. An injured person may sue another covered person for pain and suffering (non-economic loss) only for a "serious injury": death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member, or significant limitation of use of a body function or system. Definitions: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5102. Current 5102(d) (revision of 2026-05-29) no longer includes the former category for a non-permanent injury lasting 90 of the 180 days after the accident. Section 5104: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5104. Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Uninsured motorist coverage is required in every New York auto liability policy, at limits of $25,000 per person ($50,000 for death) and $50,000 per accident ($100,000 for death). At the insured's option, the policy must also provide supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage up to the policy's bodily injury liability limits, to a maximum of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident (or a $500,000 combined single limit). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: N.Y. Ins. Law §3420(f)(1)-(2) |
More New York car insurance & vehicle laws
- Driving Without Insurance in New York
- SR-22 Insurance in New York
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in New York
- Transferring a Car Title in New York
- All New York car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in New York?
New York requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death of two or more people in one accident, and $10,000 for property damage (often written 25/50/10). Every policy must also include uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person ($50,000 for death) and $50,000 per accident ($100,000 for death), plus no-fault (personal injury protection) coverage for basic economic loss of up to $50,000 per person. Registration requires proof of insurance, a financial security bond or deposit, or self-insurance.
Is New York a no-fault car insurance state?
New York is a no-fault state. Each policy pays "basic economic loss" (medical and related expenses, lost earnings and other costs) up to $50,000 per person regardless of fault. An injured person may sue another covered person for pain and suffering (non-economic loss) only for a "serious injury": death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member, or significant limitation of use of a body function or system.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in New York?
Uninsured motorist coverage is required in every New York auto liability policy, at limits of $25,000 per person ($50,000 for death) and $50,000 per accident ($100,000 for death). At the insured's option, the policy must also provide supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage up to the policy's bodily injury liability limits, to a maximum of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident (or a $500,000 combined single limit).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.