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Last updated: September 26, 2024

Driving Without Insurance in New York

You must have insurance to drive in New York State — here's what to expect if you don't.

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In every state except New Hampshire, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance. New York’s minimum liability limits are relatively extensive compared to most other states, and it’s also one of the most expensive states for car insurance in the country,1 making it more difficult for some people to afford coverage. However, forgoing coverage can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension and fines.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in New York

If you drive without insurance in New York State, you risk being ticketed or arrested, and your car could be impounded. Your vehicle registration will be suspended, and you’ll be required to turn in your license plates to the NYS DMV.

The registration suspension will last the same number of days as you didn’t have insurance without turning in your plates. For example, if you didn’t have insurance (without turning in your plates) for 100 days, your registration suspension will last 100 days. If you have a registered, uninsured car for more than 90 days, you will also face license suspension, and you’ll have to pay a $50 fee to reinstate it once the registration suspension ends.2

If you’ve been driving without insurance for under 90 days, you may be able to pay a civil penalty instead of sending in your license plates and having your registration suspended. The civil penalty rates are as follows based on the length of your insurance lapse:

Length of Insurance Lapse Civil Penalty
1-30 days $8 per day
31-60 days $10 per day
61-90 days $12 per day

If you are in an accident without valid insurance, you’ll be fined up to $1,500, and your license and registration will be revoked for at least one year. You’ll then need to pay the DMV $750 to reinstate your license.

What Happens if I Don’t Have Proof of Insurance?

If you’re pulled over and don’t have proof of insurance to show to the law enforcement officer, you may face a fine for driving without insurance — even if you actually do have insurance. You must carry proof of insurance with you at all times while driving to be able to provide it if needed, such as if you get into an accident.

TIP

It’s recommended that you keep a paper copy of your insurance ID in your car — ideally in your glove compartment — and never take it out. Even if you have a digital copy, it’s important to have a backup in case your phone dies or you’re otherwise unable to access it.

What Proof Is Required?

When you purchase an auto insurance policy in New York State, the insurance company will send an electronic notice of insurance coverage to the state DMV and give you your insurance ID cards, either physically or digitally. You’ll need to bring or mail in a physical copy of your insurance ID card to the DMV when you register a new vehicle.3

The insurance ID card is also proof of insurance you’ll need to have on hand when driving to be able to show to law enforcement if you’re pulled over or get into an accident.

Paper or Electronic?

In New York State, you can show an insurance ID card either on paper or, in most cases, electronically on your phone. It’s best to have both just to be safe. If your insurance company doesn’t send you a physical copy, you can print out the electronic card.

Proof of insurance cannot be electronic for the following:4

  • Temporary insurance ID cards
  • Entities that are self-insured
  • Fleet, dealer or transporter transactions

SR-22s/FR-44s

New York State does not require SR-22s or FR-44s following driving violations. If you’re convicted of driving without insurance, you’ll need to serve your registration — and potentially license — suspension period or pay the civil penalty if you’re eligible.

How to Get Insurance After a Lapse in Coverage

Your insurance rates may increase following a lapse in insurance coverage, and it may be more difficult to find coverage in general because you may be considered high-risk to insure. However, it’s still possible to find affordable car insurance in New York as a high-risk driver.

Shop Around

Always get quotes from multiple companies when shopping for insurance, particularly if you’re a high-risk driver. If you had a short lapse in insurance, you can start by asking your previous insurer to reinstate your policy. If you have a history of lapses or violations and your insurer declines to cover you, look for the cheapest rate you can get from another New York company.

Consider the New York Automobile Insurance Plan (NYAIP)

This program, also called the ​​Auto Plan or Assigned Risk Plan, is provided under New York State law and is designed to ensure that all state residents can find auto insurance coverage. Most licensed insurance agents and brokers in the state are able to provide nonstandard policies under this plan.

If you need help finding insurance, you can contact the NYAIP directly at 212-943-5100 or via their website.5 These agents will be able to assist you in getting a policy from an insurer that specializes in nonstandard insurance for high-risk drivers.

GOOD TO KNOW

The Auto Plan allows for a careful driver discount if you have been accident- and conviction-free for at least one year in the Auto Plan and have been a licensed driver for at least four years.

Appealing Your Fine

If you were fined for driving without insurance because you weren’t able to provide proof, but you actually have insurance coverage, you can plead not guilty and appear in court to show the judge proof of insurance. Keep in mind that the effective date must be on or before the date you were fined. While doing so will prevent penalties from escalating, you may still be required to pay a fine or other court fees.

Other Car Insurance Laws in New York

Here are the basic laws you should be aware of when driving in New York.

Minimum Coverage

New York requires at least the following coverages for every driver in the state:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability and $50,000 liability for death per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability and $100,000 liability for death per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $50,000 personal injury protection

Registration

You are required by law to have NYS-issued car insurance to register a car in the state, and you must register it within 180 days of the effective date of your insurance. Once you have insurance, you’ll need to submit an application and payment to the DMV.

The exact documents you need to send with your application depend on the type of vehicle you’re registering and your county of residence. You can use the DMV Registration Guide to find out what you’ll need.6 Once your registration is approved, you’ll need to get a state inspection within 10 days, and every year after that.

Recap

In order to legally drive in New York State, you must have at least the state-mandated minimum liability coverage, which includes uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could have your registration and license suspended and need to pay hefty fines.

Following a lapse in coverage, you may see your rates increase because you may be considered a high-risk driver, making it more difficult to find insurance. Luckily, New York has a state-mandated program, the NYAIP, that helps drivers in these situations find adequate coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you go without insurance before your license is suspended in NY?

Your license will be suspended by the NYS DMV if you go more than 90 days without insurance. If your lapse is under 90 days, only your registration will be suspended, or you may pay a civil penalty to avoid suspension.

What happens if you get into a car accident without insurance in NY?

If you get into a car accident without insurance in NY, you’ll face a fine of up to $1,500 and revocation of your license and registration for at least a year. You’ll also need to pay $750 to reinstate your license.

What is the penalty for driving without a license in New York?

The penalty for driving without a license in New York is a fine that may range from $75 to $300 and possible jail time.

Do you need insurance to get a license in NY?

Yes, you need to be listed on the policy of the vehicle you intend to drive. You must also be insured if you have a learner’s permit.

Citations

  1. 2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2024, Jan).
    https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-aut-pb-auto-insurance-database.pdf

  2. Liability Insurance. New York State DMV. (2024).
    https://dmv.ny.gov/insurance/auto-liability-insurance

  3. New York State Insurance Requirements. New York State DMV. (2024).
    https://dmv.ny.gov/insurance/insurance-requirements

  4. N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 15 § 32.16 – Electronic insurance ID cards. Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute. (2024).
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/15-NYCRR-32.16

  5. New York Automobile Insurance Plan. AIPSO. (2024).
    https://www.aipso.com/Plan-Sites/New-York

  6. Get a Registration. New York State DMV. (2024).
    https://process.dmv.ny.gov/documentguide/dmv_reg/DisplayPages/pwizRegVehicleType.cfm