New York Car Insurance Quotes & Requirements | Estrella
Auto insurance 101 · New York
New York car insurance, made simple.
Here's how it works, what New York requires, and how we find you the right policy at the right price.
What is auto insurance?
A contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, and the insurer helps pay for covered losses, up to your policy's limits.
It also keeps you legal: New York requires drivers to carry at least minimum coverage.
How does car insurance work?
- 1
You pay a premium
Monthly or all at once, for a term that usually lasts 6 or 12 months.
- 2
Something happens
A crash, a storm, a stolen car or an injury on the road.
- 3
You file a claim
You tell your insurer what happened. Your agent can help you through it.
- 4
Your insurer pays
For covered losses, up to your limits, after you pay your deductible.
Car insurance terms, in plain English
- Premium
- What you pay for your policy, monthly or all at once.
- Deductible
- What you pay on a claim before your coverage kicks in.
- Limit
- The most your policy will pay for a covered loss.
- Claim
- Your request for the insurer to pay for a covered loss.
- Policy term
- How long your policy lasts before renewal, usually 6 or 12 months.
What is a deductible? See how it works
Say a covered accident causes $3,000 in damage to your car. Pick a deductible:
You pay $1,000
Your insurance pays $2,000
Example only. A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, but you pay more when you file a claim.
New York car insurance requirements
New York requires $25,000 / $50,000 in bodily injury liability ($50,000 / $100,000 for a death), $10,000 in property damage liability, $50,000 in no-fault PIP and $25,000 / $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage.
Reviewed by [Licensed agent name], licensed New York insurance agent. Updated October 19, 2026.
$25K / $50K
Bodily injury liability, per person / per accident
$10K
Property damage liability
$50K
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
$25K / $50K
Uninsured motorist, per person / per accident
- New York is a no-fault state. Your $50,000 of PIP pays first for injuries, no matter who caused the crash.
- Uninsured motorist coverage is required at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Higher limits for fatal accidents. Liability minimums rise to $50,000 / $100,000 when a crash causes a death.
- Keep it active. A lapse in coverage can lead to a suspended registration.
Minimums as of 2026. Your agent will confirm the rules that apply to you. Source: New York Department of Financial Services.
Types of car insurance coverage
Four are required in New York. The rest depend on your car, your budget and how much risk you want to carry.
Bodily Injury Liability
Pays for injuries you cause to other people, and helps with your legal defense if you're sued. Minimum: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability
Pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property, like a fence or a mailbox. Minimum: $10,000.
Personal Injury Protection
Pays up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the crash.
Uninsured Motorist
Protects you and your passengers when the driver at fault has little or no insurance. Required at $25,000 / $50,000.
Collision
Repairs your car after it hits another car or an object, no matter who's at fault.
Comprehensive
Theft, vandalism, storms, flooding, falling trees and hitting an animal.
Additional PIP (OBEL)
Optional Basic Economic Loss adds $25,000 more no-fault coverage.
Roadside & Rental
Towing, jump-starts, flat tires, and a rental while your car is in the shop.
If your car is financed or leased, your lender will usually require collision and comprehensive. Availability and limits vary by carrier.
Liability vs. full coverage
“Full coverage” isn't an official term. It usually means the New York minimum plus collision and comprehensive, often with higher liability limits.
| Coverage | New York minimum | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | ||
| Property Damage Liability | ||
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | ||
| Uninsured Motorist | ||
| Collision | ||
| Comprehensive |
Not sure what you need? An agent can walk you through it for free. Find an agent
What affects the cost of car insurance in New York
Every carrier weighs these differently. That's why comparing carriers can change your price.
Driving record
Accidents and tickets usually raise your rate. A clean record helps.
Where you live
Busy urban ZIP codes often cost more than quieter areas.
Your car
Its value, repair costs, safety features and theft risk all count.
Age & experience
Newer drivers tend to pay more. Years behind the wheel help.
Coverage you choose
Higher limits cost more. Higher deductibles usually cost less.
Credit history
Many carriers use a credit-based insurance score to help set rates.
How Estrella helps
We do the shopping. You make the call.
Our agents compare many carriers, explain your options in English or Spanish, and let you choose the best company or the best rate.
- 1Tell us about you, your car and your drivers
- 2Compare coverage and prices side by side
- 3Pick your policy, online or with your agent
1 local agency in New York.
Rather call? 1-800-CAR-INSURANCE
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Read the reviewsNew York car insurance FAQs
Is car insurance required in New York?
Yes. New York requires $25,000 / $50,000 in bodily injury liability ($50,000 / $100,000 for a death), $10,000 in property damage liability, $50,000 in PIP, and $25,000 / $50,000 in uninsured motorist coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in New York?
There's no single price. Your rate depends on your driving record, ZIP code, car, age and the coverage you choose, and each carrier prices those differently. The quickest way to see your real price is to compare quotes. We check multiple carriers for you in a few minutes.
How can I get cheaper car insurance in New York?
Compare quotes from several carriers, ask about discounts like bundling your home and auto policies, consider a higher deductible, and keep a clean driving record. Just make sure you still meet New York's minimums and have enough protection for your situation.
What does no-fault mean?
Your own PIP pays for your and your passengers' injuries first, no matter who caused the crash. In some cases, like serious injuries, you can still make a claim against the at-fault driver.
What does “full coverage” mean?
It's not an official term. It usually means the New York minimum plus collision and comprehensive, often with higher liability limits, so both other people and your own car are protected.
How do I choose a deductible?
Pick an amount you could comfortably pay on short notice. A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, while a lower one means less out of pocket when you file a claim.
Do I need an SR-22?
New York doesn't generally use SR-22 forms. If the state asks you to prove coverage after a violation, your agent can help with the paperwork.
Does my insurance cover a rental car?
Often your coverage carries over to a car you rent for personal use, but it depends on your policy. Ask your agent before your trip.
How do I get a quote?
Start online with your ZIP code, or call 1-800-CAR-INSURANCE. Have your driver's license and your car's info (or VIN) handy. It only takes a few minutes.
Can I change my coverage by text or email?
No. You can't bind, alter or change coverage by voicemail, email or text. Call or visit your agent.
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