Liability-only car insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage coverage, meets the minimum-coverage requirements in New York. If you cause an accident, this coverage pays for the other driver’s car repairs and medical expenses for them and their passengers. The state also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).
Liability coverage has limits, though. It doesn’t cover your car’s repair costs if you’re at fault in an accident, hit an object, or suffer damage from weather-related events.
Cheapest liability car insurance in New York
The average cost of car insurance in New York is $178 per month for liability-only coverage and $187 for full coverage. Liability coverage is usually cheaper than full coverage, but your cost depends on factors like your driving history, age and gender, credit history, and ZIP code.1
The companies in the following table have some of the cheapest rates for liability car insurance in New York.
What does liability car insurance cover in New York?
Liability-only car insurance in New York includes three separate coverages: liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist.2
Liability insurance covers medical and repair costs for the other driver and their passengers if you cause a car accident. Property damage pays for their car repairs, while bodily injury coverage covers their medical bills.
PIP coverage pays your accident-related medical expenses — regardless of who’s at fault. And if a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage causes an accident, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps pay for your accident-related expenses.
Liability car insurance in New York is more robust than in other states since it includes PIP and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. But it doesn’t cover your vehicle repairs if you cause an accident or hit an object. It also doesn’t cover weather-related damage, theft, or vandalism.
For example, if you accidentally hit a mailbox and damage both it and your car’s bumper, your liability insurance covers the mailbox repairs but won’t pay for your bumper.
Pros and cons of having liability-only car insurance
Liability coverage meets the minimum insurance requirement in New York, but it’s not as extensive as other options. Here’s what to consider.
How much liability coverage does New York require?
New York drivers must have liability coverage that meets the minimum requirements for the state. Here’s how much coverage you need:
How to find cheap liability car insurance in New York
Liability coverage is usually cheaper than full-coverage auto insurance, which is good news for budget-conscious drivers. You can take the following steps to find the best car insurance in New York:3
Shop for discounts. Ask about discounts when you sign up for a car insurance policy. You might be able to get a reduced rate if you’re a good student, military member, or safe driver. Some companies also offer discounts for paperless billing and signing up for coverage online.
Improve your credit. Your credit influences your credit-based insurance score, which insurers can use when setting your rates. When you have a higher score, you pay less for coverage. Improve your credit and lower your rates by making payments on time, reducing your debt, and fixing errors on your credit report.
Bundle policies. Most insurers offer discounts when you have more than one type of coverage with the same company. For example, you can bundle auto insurance and home insurance.
Compare rates. Auto insurance companies charge different rates for the same coverage, so getting new quotes every six months can help you save money. Pick three insurers that seem like a good fit, and review quotes from each to find the best deal. This only takes a few minutes and is one of the easiest ways to lower your costs.
Additional car insurance coverages to consider in New York
Liability car insurance meets the minimum requirements for New York, but most insurance experts recommend you add extra protection.
Coverage beyond the minimum helps pay for expensive vehicle repairs and medical expenses, preventing debt. Plus, banks and dealerships require full-coverage insurance — including liability, comprehensive, and collision — when you lease or finance a car.
Consider the following coverage options in addition to liability insurance:
Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers vehicle repairs for damage from theft, vandalism, hail, storms, and other non-collision events.
Collision coverage: Collision insurance pays for your car repairs if you cause an accident or hit an object.
Gap coverage: Gap insurance pays the difference between what you owe on your car loan and your vehicle’s value.4 You can use it if you total your car.
Glass coverage: Glass coverage provides no-deductible windshield and window repairs.
Liability car insurance in New York FAQs
New York law requires drivers to have liability car insurance. The following frequently asked questions and answers provide more information about coverage in the Empire State.
How much does liability insurance cost in New York?
Liability insurance costs an average of $178 per month in New York. Liberty Mutual has some of the cheapest coverage. Your cost depends on factors like your ZIP code, age, driving record, and gender.
Do you need liability insurance in New York?
Yes. You must have liability insurance to drive in New York legally. The state requires the following coverage types and amounts:
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries resulting in death
$10,000 per accident in property damage liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
$50,000 per person in personal injury protection (PIP)
Is New York a no-fault state?
Yes. New York is a no-fault state. After an accident, drivers must file a claim with their insurance company, regardless of fault. Because it’s a no-fault state, you must have PIP coverage to pay for your medical expenses, and it’s harder to sue drivers for damages.