New York Car Insurance Requirements: PIP, Minimums & Penalties
Minimum coverage requirements
New York mandates four separate types of coverage — one of the most comprehensive sets of requirements in the country.
| Coverage | Minimum limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Uninsured motorist (per person) | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Basic no-fault PIP | $50,000 per person |
Supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage must also be offered and is automatically included unless waived.
The no-fault system in New York
New York's no-fault system is one of the most robust in the U.S. Basic no-fault (also called Basic Economic Loss or BEL) covers:
- 80% of necessary medical expenses
- Lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years
- Up to $25 per day for household expenses
- Up to $2,000 death benefit
The $50,000 per-person limit applies per accident. Additional policies — Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL) and Additional Personal Injury Protection — can increase these limits.
Serious injury threshold for lawsuits
New York's threshold is one of the most litigated in the country. Injury categories that permit a lawsuit include: death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, bone fracture, permanent organ loss, significant limitation of bodily function, and injuries preventing daily activities for 90 out of 180 days post-accident.
SR-22 filing
New York does not use SR-22 certificates. Instead, it uses a financial responsibility form called the FS-21 for drivers reinstating after certain suspensions. You must obtain this through your insurance company.
Penalties for driving without insurance
| Duration uninsured | Fine | Additional penalty |
|---|---|---|
| First occurrence | $150–$1,500 | $8/day civil penalty |
| License suspension | Automatic | $50 reinstatement fee |
| Second occurrence within 3 years | $1,500 | Possible revocation |
New York also imposes a civil penalty — $8 per day — for the period of lapsed insurance, which can add up quickly for extended lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What car insurance is required in New York?
- New York requires: (1) liability coverage of 25/50/10, (2) uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50, (3) basic no-fault PIP of $50,000 per person, and (4) supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage. All four are mandatory.
- Is New York a no-fault state?
- Yes. New York is one of the strictest no-fault states. After an accident, each driver's PIP pays for their own medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of fault. You can only sue for pain and suffering if injuries meet New York's serious injury threshold.
- What is the serious injury threshold in New York?
- New York's threshold includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of fetus, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, and significant limitation of use of a body function or system.
- What are the penalties for driving without insurance in New York?
- Your license and registration are suspended. Fines range from $150–$1,500 depending on how long you drove uninsured. There's also a civil penalty of $8 per day. Reinstatement requires a $50 fee and proof of current insurance.