I think it’s even simpler than you make it...
Auto insurance is required in order to license a vehicle for use on public roads. If you have no car, you do not need to buy the insurance. It’s optional. I would hazard a guess that there are millions of people living in NYC who do not have auto insurance. And they don’t have it legally.
The health insurance mandate is one where the government orders you to buy a commercial product (which will eventually be provided only by the government - that’s the end game) because you have to have it. Once that’s done, what else can the government force you to buy? Hats and sun-block, because the suns UV rays are harmful?
The simple fact is that once the government can force you to buy something simply because you’re alive, there is no limit to what the government can force you to do.
Mark
Car is a necessity for people not living near public transportation. Such as rural areas, farmers, and many outlying suburbs. Car is a necessity for those folks. Which then means auto insurance is a mandate.