Short answer: NYC spans five counties; start with FEMA's National Risk Index report for your borough county. When voluntary markets will not write fire coverage, NYPIUA is New York's FAIR Plan. Keep the building code-compliant, and register only with New York-issued liability insurance at DMV minimums.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the New York City area (New York County (also Kings, Queens, Bronx, Richmond)). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for New York County (also Kings, Queens, Bronx, Richmond)) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index by borough county
City hazard-mitigation planning emphasizes coastal and riverine flooding, hurricanes/nor'easters, extreme heat and winter storms—confirm Index ratings for your tract and your flood zone on the MSC.
Ida and basement apartments
New York City Emergency Management's analysis of Ida says the city got more than nine inches of rain in about 11 hours on September 1–2, 2021, including a record 3.15 inches in one hour in Central Park. Thirteen New Yorkers died, and 11 of them drowned in flooded basement apartments. More than half of the damaged buildings were outside every mapped flood risk scenario, and Queens took the most damage, with over 13,000 buildings affected. A flood policy can cover a basement, but limits there are tight, so read what it actually pays.
Storm surge and the city's advice
NYCEM's flooding guidance warns that a major hurricane could push more than 30 feet of storm surge into some parts of New York City, and that surge can travel several miles inland. It tells basement-apartment residents to be ready to move upstairs during heavy rain. It recommends contractor protection for driveways that slope below street level and signing up for Notify NYC alerts. Renters need their own policy for belongings, because the landlord's insurance doesn't cover them.
Residual market: NYPIUA
The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA) is the state's FAIR Plan for eligible homes and businesses that cannot obtain coverage in the voluntary market. DFS also describes problems obtaining insurance and coastal C-MAP options. Apply through a licensed New York producer; properties must meet occupancy and maintenance standards NYPIUA publishes.
Auto: New York DMV liability minimums
Per NY DMV insurance requirements, you need New York-issued liability coverage to register (out-of-state policies are not accepted). Minimums for most vehicles include $10,000 property damage per crash; $25,000 bodily injury / $50,000 death per person; and $50,000 bodily injury / $100,000 death for two or more people. Keep coverage continuous while the registration is valid and match the exact name on the registration.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New York.
Frequently asked questions
What is NYPIUA?
New York's FAIR Plan—residual fire and related property coverage when the voluntary market will not write eligible risks.
Can I register a NYC car with out-of-state insurance?
No. NY DMV requires New York-issued liability from a DFS-licensed, DMV-certified insurer.
Does a New York City homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.