Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the car insurance I have from my previous state of residence?
No. In order for you to register a car in the state of New York, the vehicle must be covered by New York-issued car insurance coverage.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

Do I need to cancel my insurance if I am moving to another state?
Yes, you are required to do so. In the event that you are leaving the state of New York, you must cancel your current policy and get car insurance from your new state of residence. It is vital that there is no gap in your auto insurance coverage.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

How can I avoid a license suspension if I choose not to insure my vehicle?
The state of New York requires that you always have car insurance if you own a vehicle. However, if you plan on canceling your insurance policy, you can return your vehicle registration and your license plates to the NY DMV in order to avoid drivers license suspension.

Keep in mind that the only way to not have car insurance without fearing for driver license suspension is to not own a vehicle.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

If I have been in an accident, what property damage do I have to report?
When you get into an accident, file a report with the police and provide as much detail of the incident as you can. The state of New York requires that you report all damages and give your car insurance information to the officer on the scene.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

If I live outside of the state for half the year, am I still required to have car insurance?
Yes. NY car insurance is required if you are a resident of New York state, regardless of how long you are out-of-state in a given year.

As a general rule of thumb, the state in which you vote, pay taxes to and own your primary residence in is the state you need to maintain car insurance with.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

What is the minimum liability insurance coverage?
If you live in the state of New York, you will have to get car insurance that meets these minimum liability requirements:
  • Property damage for an accident: $10,000
  • Bodily injury for one person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury for multiple people: $50,000
  • Death for one person in an accident: $50,000
  • Death for multiple people in an accident: $100,000

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

What proof of insurance can I provide when registering my car?
There are a couple proofs of car insurance that you can use when you go to register a vehicle in New York. The DMV accepts the insurance identification cards mailed to you by your auto insurer, or a printed temporary insurance certificate if you are waiting for your insurance card to arrive.

Without providing proof of car insurance, the NY DMV will not process your new registration request.

If you falsify proof of car insurance documentation, your driving privileges will be suspended.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

What type of car insurance am I required to have?
The state of New York requires that you have property damage and bodily injury liability insurance that meet the state minimums:
  • Property damage: $10,000
  • Bodily injury, one person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury, multiple persons: $50,000
  • Death, one person: $50,000
  • Death, multiple persons: $100,000

In addition, your coverage must stay in effect throughout the duration of your current vehicle registration. The policy must be in the name of the vehicle registrant. And finally, the insurance must be issued by a NY car insurance provider that licensed by the Department of Financial Services in New York.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

What will happen if I fail to get or keep car insurance?
New York car insurance is a requirement, not a choice in the state. Not having the appropriate coverage could lead to hefty fines, points on your license, and drivers license suspension.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance

Which types of vehicles need to be insured?
All four-wheel passenger vehicles and trucks must have car insurance coverage at all times. This includes commercial vehicles, which must be covered by employers or for-hire vehicle owners. Motorcycles are also required to have insurance coverage in the state of New York.

A complete list of vehicles that must insured are:

  • Cars
  • Trucks
  • Commercial vehicles
  • Motorcycles
  • Moped
  • Scooters
  • Three-wheeled motorcycles

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) do not need to be insured because they are not driven on public roads and highways.

For more information: How To: Save on New York Auto Insurance