Suspended License And Auto Insurance In Ny

Can I Get Auto Insurance with a Suspended License in New York?

It is possible to get auto insurance with a suspended license in New York, but it is challenging. While a valid driver's license is not required to buy a car or register it with the New York DMV, getting car insurance with a suspended license can be difficult. Many insurance companies are reluctant to insure someone with a suspended license as drivers with license suspensions are statistically more likely to file insurance claims. Some insurance providers may even revoke existing coverage upon learning of a license suspension.

Registering a car with a suspended license in New York

In New York, you don't need a license to buy or register a car, but you do need a valid government ID. This applies to registering vehicles like a boat, a snowmobile, or an ATV.

To register a car in New York, you must visit your local DMV office with the necessary paperwork and documentation. The specific documents required depend on the type of vehicle you are registering.

For cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are model year 1973 or newer, you will need:

• A completed Vehicle Registration/Title Application (MV-82)
• Proof of ownership (original, not a photocopy)
• Proof of NY State automobile liability insurance
• Proof of identity and age (a valid government ID)
• Payment for fees and taxes, or proof of payment or exemption

If you are registering a vehicle for a business or organization, you will also need to bring proof of incorporation.

The fees for registering a vehicle depend on the weight of the vehicle and where you live. The total fees normally include:

• A vehicle plate fee or registration transfer fee
• A title certificate fee
• A vehicle use tax (in most counties)
• Either a 1- or 2-year registration fee, depending on the type of registration

It's important to note that while you can register a car with a suspended license in New York, you won't be able to drive or insure it. Getting caught driving on a suspended license can result in severe penalties, including sky-high insurance premiums, possible jail time, and an extended license suspension.

Getting car insurance with a suspended license in New York

If you have had your license suspended in New York, you may be wondering if you can still get car insurance. While it is possible, it is very difficult to get insured with a suspended license. Many insurance companies are unwilling to take on drivers with a history of violations, as they are statistically more likely to file insurance claims. Some insurance companies will even revoke existing coverage if they learn that your license has been suspended.

Buying and Registering a Car with a Suspended License

You do not need a driver's license to buy a car in New York or in other states. However, you will not be able to drive the car after you purchase it – only someone with a valid driver's license will be able to. This means you can buy a car for someone else, even if you do not have a license, and it also means that you can buy a car even if your license has been suspended.

You can also register a car with the New York DMV even if you have a suspended license. To register a car in New York state, you will need a valid New York ID as well as proof of insurance – you don’t actually need to provide a valid driver’s license.

Getting Car Insurance with a Suspended License

Getting insurance with a suspended license in New York is challenging. Many insurance companies are unwilling to insure someone with a suspended license. Drivers with a history of violations are statistically more likely to file insurance claims, so most insurers do not want to take this risk. Some insurance companies will even revoke your coverage if they learn that your license has been suspended. Even after your license suspension ends, it can still be very difficult to get insurance coverage.

Common Causes of License Suspension

License suspensions usually happen for serious offenses that could potentially harm others. Two of the most common reasons for license suspensions are getting multiple traffic tickets in a short period of time and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Another common cause of license suspensions is driving without the legally required liability insurance. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be very dangerous to drive without insurance. If you are in an accident, you could end up liable for thousands of dollars in damage. Since New York is a no-fault state, you would also be responsible for your own medical bills.

Getting Insurance after a License Suspension

There are some things you can do to get car insurance after your license has been suspended. If you have a friend or family member who also uses the car, you can have them insure it under their name. After your license suspension ends, you may be able to get a joint insurance policy with the other driver as long as they have a clean record.

If your license has been suspended but you still need to drive for work or school, you can apply for a conditional license or a restricted-use license through New York state. Conditional licenses are for drivers with license suspensions related to drug or alcohol issues, and drivers with these licenses must attend an impaired driver program. Restricted-use licenses are for drivers whose license suspensions are not related to drugs or alcohol. With these licenses, you can still drive under specific circumstances outlined by the state, such as driving to work, school, or medical care. However, if you are caught driving outside of these circumstances, you could end up having your license completely revoked and even face legal consequences.

Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in New York

If you have a conditional or restricted-use license, you may still struggle to find the car insurance coverage you need. You may also have trouble finding good coverage after your suspension ends and your license has been fully reinstated. In these instances, you will need to look for a car insurance company that specializes in assigned-risk or high-risk insurance coverage.

When initially assessing you for insurance coverage, providers will look at your driving history to determine how statistically likely you are to get into an accident. If you have had your license suspended, you are statistically at a higher risk, causing most insurers to deny you coverage. However, there are high-risk insurance providers on the market that have policies specifically designed for those who can’t get them elsewhere. These providers are likely going to be the easiest way to get car insurance coverage after a license suspension.

High-risk providers typically don’t offer as many coverage add-ons or discounts as standard car insurance providers. Drivers who have had suspended licenses can also expect to pay more in general for insurance because they are considered high-risk. To find the most affordable high-risk car insurance, it helps to get quotes from multiple insurance providers.

Common causes of a license suspension

Driving is a privilege, not a right, and there are many reasons why a person's license may be suspended. Here are some common causes of a license suspension:

Alcohol or Drug Violations

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and can result in an automatic license suspension. The length of the suspension will depend on the severity of the offense, such as the driver's blood alcohol content or whether they were involved in an accident. For example, a DWAI/Alcohol charge will result in a 90-day license suspension, while a DWAI/Drugs charge will result in a minimum six-month license suspension.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or texting while driving. In New York, speeding tickets can range from 3 points (driving 1-10 mph over the limit) to 11 points (driving 40 mph over the limit). Accumulating 11 points for traffic convictions within an 18-month period will result in a suspended license.

Driving Without Insurance

If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle without insurance, their license may be suspended. This also applies if the driver permits someone else to operate their uninsured vehicle.

Failure to Respond to a Traffic Ticket or Summons

Failing to respond to a traffic ticket or court summons can result in an indefinite license suspension. Ignoring a summons can also result in the court issuing an arrest warrant.

Failure to Report an Accident

In New York, if a driver is involved in an accident that results in property damage exceeding $1,001, they must report it within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a license suspension.

Unpaid Fines or Debts

Failing to pay a fine, child support, or state tax debts can result in a license suspension. In New York, if a non-custodial parent fails to pay child support for four months, their license can be suspended.

Getting insurance after a license suspension

If your license has been suspended in New York, you will need to pay a fine and buy an auto insurance policy to restore it. This is the case even if you are not allowed to drive. This proves that you will be financially responsible for your vehicle once the state restores your driving privileges.

An insurance lapse means that there is no liability insurance coverage for a vehicle registered in New York State for a period of time. If there is a lapse of insurance for a vehicle registered to you, the DMV can suspend your registration and driver's license.

Any amount of time that your vehicle is registered but not insured can cause a lapse in your insurance coverage. An insurance lapse can occur between the date your insurance is cancelled and the date:

• Your new insurance begins
• You surrender your vehicle plates
• Your registration expires
• Your insurance company reinstates your insurance coverage

A lapse in insurance coverage can also occur between the date you register your vehicle and the date your new insurance coverage begins.

Do not drive any vehicle that is not insured. You could be arrested or ticketed, your vehicle can be impounded by a law enforcement officer, and the DMV will revoke your registration and your driver's license.

Your insurance company must notify the DMV electronically if:

• Your insurance coverage is cancelled
• Your insurance coverage is reinstated
• You get new insurance coverage

In response to the DMV letter, you must either:

• Prove that you have insurance coverage
• Prove that you sold the vehicle
• Prove that insurance coverage was not required

If you have insurance coverage, ask your insurance company (not your agent or broker) to file an electronic notice of insurance coverage with the DMV.

If you do not have auto liability insurance, you must surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV immediately.

Remember this simple rule: no insurance, no plates!

• Keep the address for your vehicle registration and driver's license current with the DMV
• Have liability coverage from a company licensed by the NYS Department of Financial Services and authorized by the NYS DMV (out-of-state coverage is never acceptable on any vehicle registered in New York)
• Have your insurance company report any changes to the DMV immediately
• Keep insurance coverage on your vehicle for as long as it is registered in New York
• Respond to DMV Insurance Letters and Orders immediately
• Surrender your vehicle registration and license plates to DMV before your New York State coverage ends for any reason

The DMV will not issue a new registration if the DMV determines that the purpose of the new registration is to avoid the suspension. The DMV will not issue a registration if the applicant for the new registration:

• Has the same last name as the registrant whose registration is suspended
• Resides at the same address as the registrant whose registration is suspended

The DMV will not issue a registration to any person unless that person makes a sworn statement on form FS-2. The statement certifies that the purpose of the application is not to avoid the results of the current suspension. The local DMV Office determines if the application will be accepted or rejected.

High-risk insurance for drivers with a suspended license

If you have a suspended license in New York, you may be wondering about your options for car insurance. While it is possible to register a car with a suspended license in New York, you will not be able to drive or insure it. Getting caught driving on a suspended license can result in severe consequences, including high insurance premiums, possible jail time, and an extended license suspension.

To restore your driving privileges, you must address the underlying reasons for the suspension. Common reasons for license suspensions in New York include:

• Lack of automobile liability insurance
• Alcohol or drug-related driving charges
• Accumulating too many traffic tickets within a certain period
• Failing to comply with rules for junior drivers
• Failing to answer a traffic ticket
• Not paying a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
• Not filing a motor vehicle accident report
• Unpaid child support or state tax debts

If your license has been suspended due to a lack of insurance, you will need to purchase an auto insurance policy and pay any associated fines to restore your driving privileges. You may also need to pay a suspension termination fee. Keep in mind that finding an insurance policy with a suspended license can be challenging, and you may need to explore high-risk insurance options.

High-risk insurance, also known as non-standard insurance, is designed for drivers who are considered higher-risk by insurers. This includes drivers with a history of claims, driving convictions, or license suspensions. High-risk insurance policies tend to be more expensive and may have more limited coverage options. When shopping for high-risk insurance, it's important to compare quotes from multiple providers and carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure you're getting the coverage you need.

In New York, if you're struggling to find an insurance policy due to a complex driving record or a conviction for driving uninsured, you can reach out to the New York Automobile Insurance Plan for coverage options. Additionally, the Insurance Services Bureau can provide information and assistance if you were uninsured during an accident or have a complex driving record. Their contact number is (518) 474-0700.

Remember, driving with a suspended license is a severe offense and can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. It's important to take the necessary steps to restore your driving privileges and ensure you have the proper insurance coverage before getting back on the road.

Frequently asked questions