What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Coverage You Need in New York?

Car insurance in New York is a necessary expense that many car owners pay without thinking too much about the details. It is something drivers carry to avoid punishment and as a source of protection just in case an accident happens.

When it comes down to it, most drivers just want cheap insurance. Sometimes, we don’t look into the details of our car insurance policies until after an accident has occurred. At that point, it is too late to change your coverage. Many drivers will also wonder: what is the minimum car insurance coverage you need in New York? 

Drivers must carry a minimum level of New York auto insurance to make sure they are financially responsible in the event of an accident. Here, we’ll talk about what New York state car insurance coverage requirements are and how to make sure you are covered in case of a car accident. 

Under New York law, auto drivers must be insured for the following three items, at minimum: 

1. No-fault (Personal Injury Protection) Coverage

No-fault coverage, also known as PIP, helps pay for medical expenses, lost pay, and other reasonable expenses for anyone injured in an accident. A driver, passengers, and pedestrians injured by your car can be covered through PIP insurance in New York. The state requires that your no-fault insurance cover up to $50,000 per person in the event of an accident. No-fault coverage ensures prompt and reasonable payment for necessary expenses due to an accident. 

No-fault insurance is personal injury coverage only and does not pay for damage to your vehicle itself or other vehicles. No-fault, or PIP, is also primary to health insurance coverage. This means your no-fault coverage pays first if bodily injury is caused by an auto accident. 

An example of no-fault coverage would be if you are driving with a passenger and another driver skids through an intersection and t-bones your car. You and your passenger are both injured and face medical bills along with missed work. Your no-fault coverage will kick in and automatically cover these losses up to $50,000 per individual. 

2. Liability coverage

Liability coverage is designed to protect against harm you cause to other people or property while driving. Liability coverage can even extend to cover other people’s vehicles if you are driving the car with permission. 

If you were responsible for a car accident causing injuries, liability insurance will cover your attorney fees and can cover settlement costs. Generally, liability will cover two types of harm: bodily injury and property damages. When choosing a policy, you’ll have the option to choose the maximum amount your insurer will cover for each person in each accident. New York requires the following: 

• $25,000 for bodily injury not causing death, or $50,000 for any injury causing death – per person, per accident; 
• $50,000 for bodily injury not causing death suffered by two or more people in one accident, or $100,000 for injuries causing death suffered by two or more people in a single accident. 

If you are responsible for injuring someone in a car accident, your liability insurance covers your defense attorney fees and provides coverage should you be deemed responsible and have to pay a settlement. Liability coverage includes two types of coverage: bodily injury and property damage. When you choose your insurance policy, you select the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for each person and per accident.

3. Uninsured Motorist coverage

This coverage protects you and your passengers against harm caused by other drivers who are underinsured or lack insurance completely. In some cases, the other driver’s insurance will lack the coverage needed to address your damages. In other cases, the other driver flees the scene, and you are left with no option but to turn to your UM coverage. For New York auto accidents, the amount of uninsured motorist coverage you’ll need to carry is the same as the minimum bodily injury limits involved with liability coverage ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident). 

As long as your insurance meets the basic requirements listed above, you’ll have the minimum level of auto insurance you need in New York. 

Important information about Does Liability Insurance Cover Hitting a Deer in New York?

Contact The Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today

Whether you are seeking out new insurance coverage or trying to understand your coverage after a car accident, our lawyers can help. Accidents happen, and serious injuries can result. This is where car insurance becomes critical. To learn more about your options, contact a Buffalo car accident lawyer today for your free consultation.

For more information, please contact the Buffalo car accident lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.

We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.

O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
701 Seneca St, Suite 208
Buffalo, New York, 14210
716-222-2222