Understanding New York State's Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Minimum Liability Coverage Required in New York

New York law mandates that every driver carry at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. These three figures—often quoted as 25/50/10—represent the absolute floor of coverage; any claim exceeding them must be paid out‑of‑pocket by the at‑fault driver.

Additional Required Policies

Beyond the basic liability limits, New York requires two supplemental coverages: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage. PIP provides up to $50,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of fault. UM coverage must match the liability limits (25/50) to protect you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Optional but Common Add‑Ons

While not required, many New Yorkers purchase collision and comprehensive policies to cover damage to their own vehicle. Collision pays for repairs after an accident with another vehicle or object, and comprehensive handles non‑collision events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. These optional coverages are especially useful in high‑traffic areas like New York City where repair costs are high.

How New York's Limits Compare Nationwide

New York's 25/50/10 liability floor is higher than the minimums in most states, which often sit at 10/20/10 or lower. The mandatory PIP requirement also sets New York apart; many states rely solely on health insurance to cover medical costs after a crash.

Choosing Adequate Coverage

Drivers should assess personal risk factors—vehicle value, commuting distance, and financial ability to cover a claim beyond the minimums. Raising liability limits to 100/300/100, for example, can protect assets without a large premium increase. Adding higher‑limit UM coverage mirrors that protection for uninsured drivers.

Summary of Required Coverage