New York at a glance
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Required |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Required |
| USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles | Generally required (thresholds vary) |
| Interstate for-hire trucking | Federal minimums apply: $750,000+ for general freight in trucks 10,001+ lbs |
New York requires $50,000/$100,000 for death claims, plus no-fault PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.
State minimums vs. what businesses actually carry
New York's minimum limits (25/50/10)are a legal floor for every registered vehicle. A single serious accident involving a work truck can exceed them many times over, and the business — not just the driver — can be sued for the difference. That's why contractors, delivery companies and trucking operations in New York typically carry a $1,000,000 combined single limit, and why most commercial contracts require it.
Trucking in New York
- Crossing state lines for hire? You need USDOT registration, MC operating authority, and a federal insurance filing (BMC-91X) — see the FMCSA requirement finder.
- Staying inside New York? New York generally requires intrastate commercial vehicles above certain weight or use thresholds to have a USDOT number, and may have its own authority and insurance filing rules. Check with the state's motor carrier office before you haul.
- Already have authority? Verify your filing with the DOT/MC insurance lookup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in New York?
New York requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $10,000 in property damage liability, along with personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage.
Do commercial vehicles in New York need more than the state minimum?
Often, yes. Heavier trucks, for-hire carriers and passenger vehicles commonly face higher state or federal requirements, and most clients, brokers and lenders require $1,000,000 in liability regardless.
How much is commercial auto insurance in New York?
It depends heavily on vehicle type and use — from roughly $1,500 a year for a business pickup to well over $10,000 for a for-hire truck. Try our cost estimator for a planning range, or request quotes for real numbers.
State requirements summarized October 2026 for general information. Laws and thresholds change; confirm with the New York DMV or insurance department and a licensed agent.
Nearby in the list: New Mexico · North Carolina · All states