State of New York Auto Insurance Requirements eHow

By Michael Bloom, eHow Contributor

As in most states today, individuals who wish to own and/or operate a motor vehicle in the state of New York must obtain and maintain a minimum level of liability insurance from a registered automobile insurance company. This requirement is intended to reduce the number of uncovered accidents and ensure that drivers are properly prepared for the privilege of driving. In lieu of insurance, drivers may also display proof of financial responsibility in form of a bond or other assurance document.

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     Traffic is often heavy on the streets of Manhattan.

     The basic required coverage consists of No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection), Liability, and Uninsured Motorist insurance maintained a minimum coverage levels. Additional levels are encouraged, though not required.

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  Mimimum Liability insurance required is $25,000 for injury or death of a person.

  If the insured, or someone driving the insureds vehicle with his or her permission, is found at fault in an accident resulting in injury or death to another person or damage to property, Liability insurance covers these losses, up to certain limits. Commonly referred to as 25/50/10, the minimum levels of Liability insurance required in the state of New York include up to $25,000 for injury or death for any one person in any one accident, up to $50,000 for injury or death for any two or more people in any one accident and $10,000 for property damaged in any one accident.

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  Report an accident to the police to help file a claim.

  Although required by law, not every driver carries the required insurance coverage. Accidents resulting in injury or death to the insured or someone in the insureds vehicle, due to the negligence of an uninsured driver, are covered by Uninsured Motorist insurance at the same minimum levels required for bodily injury or death by Liability coverage, as described above.

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  Purchase additional insurance just in case.

  Additional (though not required) coverage may include a combination of Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Underinsured Motorist, Collision, Comprehensive, Medical Payments, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Gap insurance.