What Happens if I Do Not Have Insurance

Auto insurance is expensive, but if you live in New York and own a vehicle, you must have it. New York law requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance coverage from a company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

The minimum amount of liability coverage in New York is:

• $10,000 for property damage per accident.
• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for the death of one person involved in an accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for the death of two or more people in a single accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also mandatory in New York. The minimum coverage requirements are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Driving without insurance coverage can lead to severe penalties. The penalties for driving without insurance in New York may include:

• Driver’s license and registration suspension.
• Fines of up to $1,500.
• A daily civil penalty of $8 to $12 for each day the insurance coverage is lapsed.
• A $750 fee to restore your driver’s license if it is revoked.

You could also get a traffic ticket or summons for driving without insurance. In addition, you could be arrested, and your vehicle may be impounded by law enforcement.

What if I’m in an Accident?

New York is a no-fault state, meaning each driver’s insurance is generally responsible for their own medical expenses and lost wages up to their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage limits, regardless of who was at fault. However, the situation becomes more complicated if you lack insurance.

If you are at fault for a car accident, you will be personally liable for all damages and injuries caused to the other driver and their vehicle. This includes medical bills, property damage, and potentially even pain and suffering if the other driver’s injuries are considered serious enough. This means you may have to use your own assets, including your bank accounts or even your home, to cover these costs.

Even if the other driver has uninsured motorist insurance, you could still be on the hook for financial damages. If an insurance company pays a claim through someone’s uninsured motorist insurance, it will take the at-fault driver to court to recoup those expenses. This means you could also be sued.

However, given that many uninsured motorists have little assets or income, collecting compensation can be difficult. The court may give the other driver legal tools to pursue payment, such as wage garnishment or liens, so your paycheck and assets could be affected in some way.

Contact Us Today

Insurance is a necessity in New York. If you are in an accident without it, you could face various financial and legal consequences.

If you are involved in an accident and don’t have insurance, there is a lot at stake. Contact a Buffalo car accident lawyer from Steve Foley Law Firm for help with the next steps. Schedule a consultation today. Contact us via (716) 575-3236 or online here.