New York SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance Guide

High-risk drivers should consider 100/300/100 limits to reduce exposure, especially since judgment liens in New York can lead to wage garnishment and asset seizure.

New York is a no-fault state, requiring PIP coverage that pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. High-risk drivers cannot waive this coverage — it is mandatory even for liability-only policies. PIP claims do not affect your premium the same way at-fault accidents do, but multiple claims can still flag you for further review.

Required in New York at minimums matching your bodily injury liability limits — typically 25/50. This coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver. You can reject this coverage in writing, but most non-standard carriers will not allow rejection for high-risk profiles. Given that roughly 1 in 8 New York drivers are uninsured, this coverage is critical if you are already dealing with rate increases from your own violations.

Not required by New York law, but mandatory if you lease or finance your vehicle. Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes; collision covers damage from accidents regardless of fault.

Policies written by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or multiple violations. Non-standard policies in New York meet all state minimum requirements but are priced higher due to increased claim risk. Carriers like Progressive, GEICO, The General, Dairyland, and Kemper write most non-standard policies in the state. Rates drop as violations age off your record — most infractions impact premiums for 3 years, DUIs for 5–10 years.