New York Car Insurance
Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in New York
Many native tribes, including the Mohawk, Oneida, Seneca, and Algonquian peoples, were the first inhabitants of the land now known as New York State before Europeans — mainly Dutch, French, and English — arrived starting in the 1500s, with subsequent settlers arriving soon after. New York became the 11th state in 1788 and today has almost 20 million residents.
When many people think of the state, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, Central Park, and the Empire State Building are among the first things that come to mind. But the rest of the state offers other amazing opportunities for adventure: hike the Adirondack High Peaks or the Catskills, feel the magic of Niagara Falls, ride a hot air balloon in the Hudson Valley, and attend a state fair in Syracuse.
You will see a lot of other cars on the state’s 170,000 miles of public roads. Certain cities have a reputation for causing driver confusion, such as Rochester and Syracuse with their intersecting highways. Other areas have winding roads like Route 44 to Lake Minnewaska State Park. Whether you are cruising through the Big Apple or touring Saratoga Springs, do so with peace of mind, knowing you are protected with the best auto insurance in New York. The expert agents at InsureOne are ready to find you competitive pricing for top-rated policy choices.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New York?
You can expect to pay an average yearly rate of $3,139 for full coverage car insurance in New York and $1,371 for minimum liability coverage. The national average for a full coverage policy is $2,014, and $622 for minimum coverage. This means you can expect to pay a yearly premium of about $1,125 more for full coverage and $749 more for liability than the national average.
Factors such as high healthcare costs, extreme weather conditions, and high vehicle theft and accident rates all contribute to the high cost of insurance in this state.
What Does It Mean If New York Is an At-Fault or No-Fault State?
New York’s at-fault vs. no-fault rules are the same as in other states. In an at-fault state, if you caused the crash, you are responsible for the damage you have caused. That is why maintaining high-quality insurance is crucial — it will kick in to cover the costs (up to your policy limits) when you need it.
In a no-fault state, each person is responsible for their own medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. New York is a no-fault state, which means you cover your own medical expenses in an accident. Property damage, however, is covered according to fault.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in New York
Your specific premium is based on your unique information, including your zip code and driving history. You might pay around the amount listed below if you live in or near one of the listed cities:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Albany | $137 | $59 |
| Buffalo | $200 | $95 |
| Rochester | $144 | $63 |
| Syracuse | $261 | $108 |
| New York City | $303 | $127 |
We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using a male driver, aged 30 with a clean driving record. Liability insurance coverage is the state‑required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different and based on your individual factors.
How Bundling Can Save Money in New York
One easy way to get discounts for car insurance in New York is through insurance bundling. All you need to do is buy more than one type of coverage from one insurer.
If you are in the market for homeowners’ insurance for your home in Albany, Woodstock, or anywhere else in the state, along with your auto coverage, ask your agent about bundling. This simple act may save you up to 25% on your policy (savings may vary by zip code and other factors).
Other benefits include:
- Just one bill to pay
- One set of paperwork to manage
- Time saved on shopping around
If you are a renter in Brooklyn, Southampton, or any city here, you may also receive this benefit with savings of up to 15% off your policies.
So, keep in mind that getting the most affordable auto insurance options in New York is as simple as bundling. Your InsureOne agent can help you bundle any type of insurance you need to get you the best insurance, along with cost savings.
Auto Insurance Discounts in New York
There is no state-sponsored auto coverage discount for low-income drivers in New York. But you might be pleased to know that most insurers, in addition to the bundling discount, offer other discounts to help you get affordable car insurance in New York.
If you fit into some of these categories, you may be able to get a lower car insurance premium:
- Accident prevention course (defensive driving)
- Senior citizen
- Low mileage
- Electronic tracking device
- Passive restraints (automatic seat belts and air bags)
New York Car Insurance Laws
What are the car insurance laws in New York? It is illegal to drive in the state without insurance. Auto insurance laws here require you to have auto coverage, which is a contract between you and the insurer that helps protect you against financial loss. However, it pays only up to your policy limit — any expenses beyond that will come out of your pocket. You may choose to bump up your limits for extra protection.
In November 2025, the state senate passed a bill to establish an electronic insurance verification system, with the DMV expected to go into effect in December 2028, after a testing and pilot period.
Many states require you to file an SR-22 after a DUI, lapse in coverage, or repeated accidents, but there is no SR-22 insurance requirement in New York.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in New York?
You must have the following liability insurance in New York as required by the state to cover each accident:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 (one person)
- Death: $50,000 (one person)
- Bodily injury: $50,000 (for two people or more people)
- Death: $100,000 (for two or more people)
- Property damage: $10,000
The state also requires:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $50,000
- Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in New York?
If a police officer catches you driving without insurance or if you let someone else drive your uninsured vehicle, you face fines of up to $1,500. You also face:
- A ticket
- Driver’s license suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Arrest
If your uninsured vehicle is involved in a crash, your driver’s license and vehicle registration may be revoked for one year by the DMV. An additional $750 fine may be imposed to restore your revoked driver’s license.
What Factors Does New York Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
New York insurers review your personal information to figure out your premium. Here is an example of factors insurers consider:
- Driving history
- Credit history
- Car make and model
- Car age
- Your age
What Happens If I Damage Property?
If your car slips on a patch of ice on Niagara Square in Buffalo and you slide into another driver, exchange personal information with the other driver. If the damage is to unattended property, you must attempt to find the owner. In either case, notify the police.
Your liability auto insurance will step in to take care of the damage (up to your policy limits). Anything over that amount will come out of your pocket. Some people safeguard their finances by bumping their coverage above the state-required minimums.
New York DMV requirements mandate that you must report any accident involving at least $1,000 in damage and those involving injury or death to the DMV within 10 days. Failure to report is a misdemeanor that can result in driver’s license and registration suspension.
Driving Conditions in New York
The state experiences the four seasons, and all that comes with it — sun, rain, fog, snow, and ice. Rainstorms create slick conditions and flooded roadways. Wet leaves in the fall can cause extra hazardous highways. You may encounter white-tailed deer or other wildlife near roadways in much of the state, especially in October through December. Deer often travel in groups; you may see deer-crossing signs in areas where they frequent. Other areas, such as Manhattan, experience heavy traffic congestion, which increases the risk of accidents.
State law requires drivers to turn on headlights — not just daytime running lights — when using windshield wipers. The state requires you to use fog lights that are only approved by the DMV commissioner.
How Many Crashes Occur in New York?
There were 1,033 fatal crashes in New York in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The chart below shows the number of fatal accidents in some of the state’s cities in 2023:
| City | Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes |
|---|---|
| Albany | 7 |
| Buffalo | 20 |
| Rochester | 18 |
| Syracuse | 14 |
| Yonkers | 6 |
| New York City | 220 |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists in New York
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 8.6% of the state’s drivers were uninsured or underinsured in 2023, ranking the state 44th among the 50 states for uninsured drivers. While that number may seem low, it amounts to about nine of 100 drivers carrying no insurance.
Get the Best Car Insurance in New York Today
If you are looking for auto insurance options in New York, there is no need to search for “auto insurance near me.” InsureOne takes pride in giving you a white-glove experience. Whether you are in the market for a vehicle, home, RV, boat, or any other kind of coverage, we shop around to find you top-tier insurance plans that protect the things that matter to you.
If you are ready to compare car insurance quotes in New York, get started with the concierge service at InsureOne. Our expert agents are ready to help you with customized plans and competitive rates. We make it easy, whether you need help in English or Spanish. To get started, visit us online, at a nearby office, or call us at (800) 836-2240 for a free quote.
