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The Biggest Mistake New York Drivers Make: Thinking They’re Fully Covered

Two damaged cars, one silver and one white, involved in a front-end collision on a street.

One of the most common things I hear after a car accident is, “Don’t worry, I have full coverage.”

Unfortunately, that belief is often what puts New York drivers in the most difficult position after a serious crash.

As a personal injury attorney serving New York City and the Hudson Valley, I regularly review insurance policies for people who did everything right—or so they thought. They paid their premiums, followed the law, and trusted that their insurance would protect them if something went wrong. Too often, they discover after an accident that their coverage isn’t enough.

Why “Full Coverage” Is Misleading

The phrase “full coverage” sounds reassuring, but it’s not a legal term in New York insurance law. It doesn’t guarantee that all medical bills, lost wages, or long-term consequences of an accident will be covered.

What most drivers think it means is peace of mind. What it actually means depends entirely on the details of the policy.

What Drivers Usually Think Full Coverage Includes

Many people assume:

  • All medical treatment will be paid for
  • Lost income will be fully covered
  • Pain, suffering, and future care are included
  • Insurance will “handle everything”

In reality, every part of an auto policy has limits, and those limits matter more than most people realize.

The Reality of Auto Insurance in New York

New York is a no-fault state. That means your own insurance initially pays for medical bills and a portion of lost wages—but only up to a set amount. Once those benefits run out, injured drivers often face unexpected gaps.

If the at-fault driver carries only minimum insurance, the financial consequences can be significant.

Common Gaps I See After Accidents

When I review policies after a crash, some of the most common issues include:

  • Bodily injury limits that don’t reflect real medical costs
  • Little or no Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/SUM) coverage
  • Confusion about how no-fault benefits actually work

These gaps rarely come up until someone is already injured.

Why Underinsurance Causes So Much Stress

A serious accident doesn’t just affect your health—it can impact your income, your family, and your sense of stability. When insurance falls short, the stress compounds at the worst possible time.

Person's leg in a white cast resting on a stool beside a pair of silver crutches.

What Every New York Driver Should Check

Before renewing your policy, take a close look at:

  • Your liability limits
  • Your UM/SUM coverage
  • Whether your policy reflects your current life, income, and family responsibilities

How an Attorney Reviews Policies Differently

Insurance is written to limit payouts. An attorney looks at policies through the lens of protection—what happens if the worst actually happens.

Final Thought

Insurance should give you peace of mind, not surprises. Understanding your coverage before an accident happens can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.