New York Car Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in New York

From bustling urban cities to the serene forests and verdant fields that line the Hudson River valley, New York is all about diversity — in its landscape and people. More than 19.8 million residents, with demographics spanning a broad range of races and ethnicities, call this Mid-Atlantic state home.

Its diverse cultural history dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when Dutch and English settlers established colonies across this region on what had been Native American tribal land. One of the original 13 colonies admitted to the Union in 1788, it received thousands of immigrants in the centuries that followed. Today, the Statue of Liberty serves as its iconic symbol of hope and prosperity — that’s why it’s dubbed the “Empire State.” If you’re looking for an affordable policy, InsureOne’s expert agents can help you find the best auto insurance at a great rate in New York.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New York?

On average, New York drivers pay annual auto premiums of around $3,139 for full coverage and around $1,371 for a basic policy.

These premiums are much higher than national averages, around $2,014 and $622 for full and minimum coverage, respectively. That means drivers in the Empire State pay nearly 56% and 120% more for full and minimum auto policies, respectively, compared to other U.S. motorists.

Reasons Why Insurance Is So Expensive in New York

New Yorkers are mostly commuters, and trends show they have been driving more in recent years, leading to increased vehicle crashes and insurance claims — valid and fraudulent. Consequently, premiums have risen more than 14% since 2017.

A growing number of uninsured drivers on the road, the rising cost of vehicle repairs, and severe weather patterns across this region have also impacted rates.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in New York

For a comparison of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities across the state, check out our breakdown below.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Albany	$138	$60
New York City	$303	$127
Syracuse	$149	$64
Buffalo	$200	$95
Watertown	$125	$50

Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by New York.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in New York?

Insurers typically offer a broad range of driving discounts. If you’ve never gotten a traffic ticket or haven’t received a citation for several years, you’re likely eligible for a good driver discount.

Other rate-reducing discounts include:

• Multi-car
• Anti-theft
• Paperless billing
• Low mileage
• Good student
• Loyalty

New York Car Insurance Laws

New York has a 25/50/10 minimum mandatory liability coverage requirement, and drivers must carry proof of having it. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in New York?

Mandatory monetary limits are cash amounts insurers must pay if a crash occurs. In New York, these limits are 25/50/10. That means if you cause a crash:

• $25,000 covers bodily injuries sustained by a single person, with up to $50,000 allotted for accidents resulting in death.
• $50,000 covers bodily injuries per accident, up to $100,000 for fatal crashes.
• $10,000 covers property damage per accident.

Because this is a no-fault state, an auto policy must include $50,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). This covers your medical costs if you’re injured in a car accident, regardless of fault.

Its coverage limit for uninsured or underinsured drivers is 25/50. Suppose an underinsured driver crashes into your car and a passenger is hurt. In that case, your policy must include at least $25,000 to pay for their medical costs, providing up to $50,000 in coverage per accident.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in New York?

If you’re caught driving without proof of car insurance, you’ll likely have to pay from $150 to $1,500 in penalties. Depending on the circumstances, your vehicle might be impounded, and you may face up to 15 days behind bars. Your license and vehicle registration will probably be suspended, too, and it will cost you $750 to have the DMV reinstate them after you provide valid proof of auto coverage.

All of these penalties apply no matter who is driving your vehicle — whether you or someone who borrowed it.

What Factors Does New York Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

State law allows insurance companies to calculate your premium based on several factors. Some of the most important ones are:

• Gender
• Age
• Marital status
• Location
• Vehicle type
• Driving record and experience
• Credit history

Here’s What You Need To Know When Driving in New York

Between 10 and 11 million crashes happen annually in New York. Distracted driving, speeding, following too closely, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way have been blamed for many of these incidents.

At InsureOne, our expert agents help keep you and your family members safe on the road, providing you with customizable auto insurance coverage to best meet your needs.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in New York?

In 2021, 1,099 fatal crashes in New York resulted in 1,157 deaths. The following chart shows the number of fatal crashes in various cities across the state that year.

City	Fatal Crashes in 2021
Albany	4
New York City	243
Syracuse	14
Buffalo	22
Watertown	1
Elmira	6
Poughkeepsie	2
Rome	2
Peekskill	0
Lake Placid	0
Saratoga Springs	2
Potsdam	0
Yonkers	8

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in New York?

More than 4% of motorists in this state were uninsured or underinsured in 2019. While this is a fairly low rate, trends indicate that this number is growing.