Insurance Required to Register a Vehicle in New York
Before you can register a vehicle in New York, you need active insurance. Here's exactly what's required, the minimum limits, and what happens if your coverage lapses.
Quick Reference
Minimum Liability Limits
25/50/10 + $50K PIP + $25K/$50K UM
NY requires: 25/50 BI, $10K PDL, $50K PIP (no-fault), AND $25K/$50K UM. Total minimum coverage is one of the most comprehensive in the US.
How Insurance Is Verified
IIES (Insurance Information & Enforcement System) + ID card
NY uses IIES electronic verification. Drivers must also carry NY-issued insurance ID card (FS-21) in the vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Yes — UM REQUIRED on every NY policy ($25K/$50K minimum)
New York is one of few states that REQUIRES UM coverage. Cannot be waived. Minimum $25K per person / $50K per accident.
PIP / No-Fault / MedPay
PIP mandatory ($50K minimum)
NY PIP (No-Fault) is $50K minimum — highest in the country. Covers medical, lost wages, and other essentials regardless of fault.
What Happens If Insurance Lapses
$8 per day up to $200 fine + suspended registration
New York charges $8/day for first 30 days of lapse + $10/day for next 60 days + suspended registration. Can total $1,500+ for extended lapses.
Can You Register Without Insurance?
No — IIES system prevents it
NY DMV will not register a vehicle without IIES-verified active coverage matching the vehicle.
New York Standout Warning
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance is required to register a vehicle in New York?
Yes — Strict requirements with PIP, BI, PDL all mandatory. NY Insurance Law §3420 requires comprehensive coverage: BI liability, PDL, PIP (no-fault), AND uninsured motorist. Strictest in the nation.
What are New York's minimum liability limits?
25/50/10 + $50K PIP + $25K/$50K UM. NY requires: 25/50 BI, $10K PDL, $50K PIP (no-fault), AND $25K/$50K UM. Total minimum coverage is one of the most comprehensive in the US.
How does New York verify my insurance?
IIES (Insurance Information & Enforcement System) + ID card. NY uses IIES electronic verification. Drivers must also carry NY-issued insurance ID card (FS-21) in the vehicle.
Can I register a car without insurance in New York?
No — IIES system prevents it. NY DMV will not register a vehicle without IIES-verified active coverage matching the vehicle.
What happens if my insurance lapses in New York?
$8 per day up to $200 fine + suspended registration. New York charges $8/day for first 30 days of lapse + $10/day for next 60 days + suspended registration. Can total $1,500+ for extended lapses.
Just Bought a Vehicle?
Before you register, lock in insurance. A New York bill of sale also helps the insurance carrier verify ownership for new coverage.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: New York State Department of Financial Services. Insurance rules change periodically — verify current requirements with your state DMV before registering.