Automobile Insurance

If you drive an automobile in New York or anywhere in the United States, you are required to be covered by an automobile insurance policy. New York State requires that you obtain No-Fault coverage (personal injury protection), liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage) and uninsured motorist coverage before you are able to register your car and obtain license plates.

New York’s required minimum coverage limits are:

• Bodily Injury Liability ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident)
• Property Damage Liability ($10,000)
• No-Fault or Personal Injury Protection ($50,000)
• Uninsured Motorists ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident)

The New York State Insurance Department publishes an online guide to help you better understand automobile insurance and your obligations under New York State law. They also offer consumers an auto insurance resource center, to help drivers understand the various coverage options, contact insurance companies, and engage in comparison-shopping.

In addition, the Insurance Department handles thousands of automobile insurance complaints from New York State consumers, and compile an annual ranking of Automobile Insurance Complaints. The ranking includes only the complaints that were closed by the Insurance Department, not complaints made directly to insurers. Consumers are encouraged to try to settle their differences directly with their insurers, and if that doesn’t work, then they should complain to the Insurance Department.

 

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