It is surprising to us that you were able to pick up your vehicle from the impound lot without showing proof of insurance back in 2003. Normally one must show proof of current insurance to get their vehicle back.

A motor vehicle registered in NYS must have liability insurance. Insurance coverage must be a minimum of $25,000/50,000 for injury, $50,000/100,000 for death, and $10,000 for property damage caused by any one accident. New York State is a no-fault state. The liability coverage must remain in effect while the registration is valid, even if the vehicle is not used.

The New York State DMV states that if you do not have insurance coverage and you do not surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV, your registration and driver license are suspended indefinitely.

If you had a lapse in your insurance coverage and did not surrender your vehicle plates immediately, your registration is suspended for the same number of days that you did not have insurance coverage, but did hold the vehicle plates. If the time is more than 90 days, your driver license is also suspended for the same number of days as the registration. To reinstate your driver license, you must pay a termination fee of $25 when the suspension ends.

There may also be other penalties to face so you may want to call the court you are to go before to see what they information they can give you. I would recommend taking your paperwork showing that you donated your car in 2004 to court so that you can show you have not been driving around without insurance after that period of time.

If you purchase a new vehicle and need NY auto insurance, get a quote here with us.