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New York Car Insurance Requirements
Last updated: 2026 · Data reflects current state minimums and industry averages.
Minimum Liability
25/50/10
Avg. Annual Premium
$2,320
Avg. Monthly
$193
Uninsured Drivers
5.3%
PIP Required
Yes
Minimum Coverage Requirements
New York requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/10 — meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required, covering medical expenses regardless of fault.
Average Car Insurance Costs in New York
Drivers in New York typically pay approximately $2,320 per year ($193/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data.
Car Insurance Rates by City in New York
| City | Est. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| New York City | $3,410/yr |
| Buffalo | $1,840/yr |
| Rochester | $1,710/yr |
| Yonkers | $2,890/yr |
| Syracuse | $1,680/yr |
| Albany | $1,590/yr |
| White Plains | $2,460/yr |
State Regulations and Key Rules
New York is a no-fault state requiring PIP of $50,000 (one of the highest in the nation). Uninsured motorist coverage is also required. New York City's dense traffic and high repair costs drive urban rates significantly above the state average.
What Makes New York Unique
New York requires $50,000 in PIP coverage — among the highest mandatory PIP limits in the U.S. This provides substantial medical coverage but also contributes to New York's above-average premiums, particularly in New York City.
Uninsured Drivers in New York
Approximately 5.3% of drivers in New York are estimated to be uninsured. This is among the lower uninsured rates in the country, though carrying uninsured motorist coverage remains a sound financial decision.
Risk Factors Specific to New York
New York City has extremely high insurance fraud rates, particularly staged accidents and PIP fraud, which drives costs up for all policyholders. Upstate New York winters produce heavy lake-effect snow near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The state has high hurricane and flooding risk along the coast.
What New York’s Minimum Actually Covers
New York’s minimum is 25/50/10: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $10,000 property damage limit would leave about $40,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt.
No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in New York
New York is a no-fault state: after most accidents, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills and some lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Required PIP: $50,000. You can generally sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only when injuries pass the state’s threshold. New York also requires uninsured motorist coverage, which pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.
How New York Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price
An estimated 5.3% of New York drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 19 — one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country.
Our average premium estimate of $2,320 a year puts New York among the ten most expensive states in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).
How to Save on Car Insurance in New York
New York City rates are among the highest in the nation — upstate New York drivers pay a fraction of the NYC rate. NYC residents who rarely drive should explore pay-per-mile insurance options. Garaging a vehicle rather than street parking significantly reduces theft and vandalism premiums in urban areas.
- New York's minimum liability requirement of 25/50/10 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since New York already requires PIP coverage, review whether that limit alone would cover a serious injury claim.
- With an estimated 5.3% of New York drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance in New York?
25/50/10: $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 of property damage liability.
Is New York a no-fault state?
Yes. Your own personal injury protection pays your medical bills after most accidents regardless of fault. Required PIP: $50,000.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in New York?
Yes. New York requires uninsured motorist coverage.
How many drivers are uninsured in New York?
An estimated 5.3% of New York drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 19.
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The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.