Drivers living in New York must purchase a minimum amount of auto liability insurance, including uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage is not required. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses the Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES) to identify uninsured vehicles. Your insurance company must report new policies, renewals, and lapsed and canceled auto insurance policies to the DMV.
Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you against the financial impact of injuries sustained by you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
In addition to the basic uninsured motorist coverage required by New York, your agent may recommend that you add an endorsement to your uninsured motorist policy that provides coverage if you travel outside of New York. They may also recommend extending your coverage to include an optional underinsured motorist insurance policy.