Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in New York
New York requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage. Unlike most states, New York does not use SR-22 certificates. Instead, the New York DMV requires insurers to electronically file FS-1 forms confirming continuous coverage for drivers reinstating after suspensions, DUI convictions, or uninsured accidents. High-risk drivers must maintain proof of coverage for at least three years following reinstatement or face immediate re-suspension.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New York?
High-risk drivers in New York pay $2,400–$5,200 annually for minimum coverage, compared to $1,200–$1,800 for clean-record drivers. DUI convictions trigger the steepest increases, adding 80–120% to base premiums. Rates vary significantly by borough and county, with New York City drivers paying 30–50% more than upstate residents due to higher accident frequency, litigation rates, and uninsured driver density.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/DWAI adds 80–120%, multiple speeding tickets add 30–60%, at-fault accidents add 40–70%
- Borough/county location: Brooklyn and Bronx rates run 30–50% higher than Albany or Buffalo due to accident density
- Years since violation: Premiums decrease 10–20% annually after 3–5 years with clean driving
- Carrier type: Non-standard specialists charge 20–40% more than standard carriers willing to write borderline risks
- PIP claims history: Prior no-fault claims in New York increase base PIP premiums 15–30%
- Credit score: New York allows credit-based insurance scoring, impacting high-risk premiums by 20–40%
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Sources
- New York Department of Motor Vehicles – Insurance Requirements and FS-1 Filing
- New York State Department of Financial Services – Auto Insurance Regulations
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 319 – Mandatory Insurance Coverage