New York Insurance Lapse Attorney
Handling Insurance Lapse Suspensions for 40+ Years
The NY DMV takes insurance lapses seriously because driving without liability insurance can be costly for both you and other drivers should you get into a car accident. It also gives your insurance company and the DMV an impression that you’re risky on the road and pose a threat to public safety.
What is Considered a Lapse in Auto Insurance?
Driving a registered vehicle without liability insurance, also called an insurance lapse, is illegal in New York. An insurance lapse can occur between the date your insurance is canceled and the date:
- your new insurance begins
- you surrender your vehicle plates
- your registration expires
- other proof of insurance is valid
- your insurance company reinstates your insurance coverage
An insurance lapse can also occur during the time between your vehicle registration and the beginning of your insurance coverage. If you can’t prove that you can take financial responsibility for the damages that you may cause from negligent or reckless driving, then you can’t get behind the wheel. If you do drive on an insurance lapse in New York, you could face serious penalties.
If you’re facing accusations of driving with an insurance lapse, or without liability coverage, you need to protect your driving privileges at all costs and contact (212) 235-1525 to retain legal representation.
What Happens If You Don’t Return Your License Plates in NY?
New York drivers must surrender their license plates before ending their vehicle’s liability insurance coverage or to register their vehicle in another state. This is because the DMV must destroy the plates to avoid duplications.
Thus, if you fail to surrender your plate before your liability insurance coverage ends, the NYS DMV will suspend your registration and may even suspend your driver’s license. If you need to surrender plates from another state, be sure to do so with that particular state’s DMV, not the NYS DMV. Failing to surrender license plates before registering a vehicle in a different state may carry administrative penalties as well.
How does this apply to motorcyclists? If you have a motorcycle, you do not need to surrender your motorcycle plates, although you must be insured to ride it. You don’t have to surrender your motorcycle plates if there’s a lapse in your liability insurance coverage, either.
If you have a trailer, you must only return the plates if the trailer doesn’t have a valid registration. Trailers typically do not need liability insurance and the DMV won’t suspend your driver’s license or registration if you don’t return your plate.
How to Surrender Your New York State License Plate
So, how do you surrender your New York State license plate? If you handle it through the mail, follow the steps below:
Remove plates and stickers, including plate frames and fasteners.
Fill out the Plate Surrender Application (PD-7) for each set of plates you’re returning.
Mail the application with your plates in an envelope to the address below:
NYS DMV
6 Empire State Plaza
Room B240
Albany, NY 12228
If you want to return your plates at the DMV, complete the first two steps described above but instead of mailing the plates and PD-7, bring those items to a DMV office near you. You will pay a $1 processing fee and receive an FS-6T receipt afterward, so be sure to keep the receipt for your records.
Recent Reviews
Read What Our Clients Have to Say
-
"He went above and beyond."He went above and beyond. Martin's combination of experience, honesty, and positive demeanor helped me.Nick
-
"No fine and no points on my license!"Martin is an excellent lawyer. I had a hearing for a cell phone ticket that I forgot about. I called him 1 day before and Martin attended the hearing the following day in my absence and got me a No Guilty Fee! Resulting in no fine and more importantly - no points on my license!John
-
"I was out of the court in 20 minutes."Marty is a professional, and a very caring person. Recently on my way to daughters graduation, I entered HOV lane at GW Bridge. On his advise I pleaded guilty but the points were waived. He met me at the court and we went before the judge right away and I was out of the court in 20 minutes.Satisfied Client
-
"He was always calm and patient with me."Martin is absolutely the best at what he does! He helped me from beginning to end with an improper cell phone use ticket. He made himself available for me consistently and returned my calls if he wasn't able to speak. He explained things in detail and answered all my questions. I literally bugged this man with questions because of my anxiety and he was always calm and patient with me. On the date of my court hearing, I walk right in and right out as he tells me I got your case dismissed. I had the biggest smile on my face and I was certainly relieved. Hands down he is an excellent communicator and is surely effective! Thank you, Martin!Tasha
-
"Very professional and quick."I'm happy to say today my wife was able to finally get her new license plates for NJ after the NY suspension was completely wiped from her record. Amazing turnaround. I like their no-nonsense approach.Eric D.
-
"BEST DEAL IN NYC!!!"Had tons of old traffic tickets in NYC. Mr. Kron got them reopened and thrown out. I got emails all the time telling what was going on but I never had to appear.Jack
-
"I felt I could rely on Mr. Martin."I would like to thank Mr. Martin for his quick and professional help! My traffic problem was resolved in the best possible way. I felt I could rely on Mr. Martin with my problems and was very secure regarding the outcome. It was a pleasure to work with and communicate. Thanks a lot for your help!Natalia
-
"Martin and Vanessa are superlative professionals, and I can't recommend them highly enough!"Martin took on my case for a flat rate and guaranteed a full refund if he couldn't reverse the suspension. Three weeks later, my license was fully restored!John L.
What Sets Us Apart?
We Put the Needs of Our Clients First
-
Over 40 Years of Experience Handling Traffic Cases
-
Former New York State
Traffic Court Judge -
Trained by New York State Department
of Motor Vehicles -
Provides Personalized One-On-One Attention to Every Client
-
In-Depth Understanding of New York & New Jersey Traffic Laws and How Points Transfer Across State Lines
-
Fast, Reliable Communication Every Step of the Way