Minimum Auto Insurance Required by State in 2023
The minimum auto insurance required by states varies, but the majority of states will require drivers to carry some amount of liability auto insurance. A minimum liability auto insurance policy costs an average of $44 per month, but rates will vary depending on your state and its requirements.
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Sara Routhier
Sr. Director of Content
Sara Routhier, Managing Editor and Outreach Director, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over five years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world o...
Sr. Director of Content
UPDATED: Aug 15, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 15, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Requirements for auto insurance coverage vary from one state to another
- Virginia and New Hampshire do not have liability car insurance requirements
- The average monthly cost of a liability-only auto insurance policy in the U.S. is $44
The minimum auto insurance required by state varies, but most states in the U.S. require that all drivers meet a minimum level of liability coverage. While minimum car insurance, each state has its types and levels of coverage that it requires.
If you were to drive without car insurance or auto insurance levels that do not meet your state’s requirements, you might have to pay fines, attend driver safety training, and even face jail time.
Most people do not find the topic of auto insurance coverage all that exciting, but it’s important to know what your state requires, so you’re not in danger of carrying too little auto insurance coverage, especially if you are not able to carry full coverage auto insurance. Read on to find out what your state requires and how you can find savings on the required auto insurance in your state.
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State Minimum Coverage Requirements
All states except New Hampshire and Virginia require bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability insurance. But many states also require additional coverage beyond liability car insurance, such as medical payments (MedPay), personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance.
The table below shows each state’s requirements for auto insurance in the U.S. The numbers represent coverage requirements per $1,000. For example, a 25/50/25 insurance requirement would equate to $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability.
| States | Insurance Coverage Required | Minimum Liability Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Alaska | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 50/100/25 |
| Arizona | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 15/30/10 |
| Arkansas | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 25/50/25 |
| California | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 15/30/5 |
| Colorado | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/15 |
| Connecticut | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Delaware | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 25/50/10 |
| Washington, D.C. | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/10 |
| Florida | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 10/20/10 |
| Georgia | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Hawaii | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 20/40/10 |
| Idaho | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/15 |
| Illinois | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Indiana | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Iowa | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 20/40/15 |
| Kansas | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 25/50/25 |
| Kentucky | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Louisiana | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 15/30/25 |
| Maine | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, medical payments (MedPay) | 50/100/25 |
| Maryland | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 30/60/15 |
| Massachusetts | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 20/40/5 |
| Michigan | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 20/40/10 |
| Minnesota | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 30/60/10 |
| Mississippi | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Missouri | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Montana | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/20 |
| Nebraska | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Nevada | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/20 |
| New Hampshire | Financial responsibility only | 25/50/25 |
| New Jersey | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 15/30/5 |
| New Mexico | Bodily injury and property damage liability, | 25/50/10 |
| New York | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/10 |
| North Carolina | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 30/60/25 |
| North Dakota | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Ohio | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Oklahoma | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/25 |
| Oregon | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Pennsylvania | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 15/30/5 |
| Rhode Island | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 25/50/25 |
| South Carolina | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| South Dakota | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Tennessee | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/15 |
| Texas | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 30/60/25 |
| Utah | Bodily injury and property damage liability, Personal injury protection (PIP) | 25/65/15 |
| Vermont | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/10 |
| Virginia | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Washington | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/10 |
| West Virginia | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Wisconsin | Bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured motorist, medical payments (MedPay) | 25/50/10 |
| Wyoming | Bodily injury and property damage liability | 25/50/20 |
As you can see, the minimum insurance requirement in California of 15/30/5 is relatively low compared to other states. Additionally, minimum insurance requirements in California do not call for coverage like PIP or MedPay.
While auto insurance providers in your state are likely to recommend coverage that meets or exceeds your state’s requirements, your responsibility is to ensure you carry proper auto insurance coverage.
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States That Don’t Require Auto Insurance
Virginia and New Hampshire are the only states that don’t require car insurance coverage. Most drivers in these states choose to carry auto insurance, but the states allow for insurance alternatives.
In New Hampshire, drivers can purchase car insurance, get financial responsibility approval through the Department of Motor Vehicles, or provide a self-insurance certificate. Similarly, Virginia drivers can pay a $500 fee or provide specific proof of financial responsibility.
Deciding How Much Auto Insurance You Need
The amount of auto insurance you need depends on where you live. Because each state sets its own rules for car insurance, you’ll have to become familiar with what your state requires to ensure you carry proper coverage.
Do I need more than my state’s minimum requirements? While states require liability coverage, this coverage does not protect your vehicle if you’re in an accident. Additionally, things can occur outside of an accident that causes damage to a car or makes it impossible to drive.
Collision insurance will help if you’re in an accident and your vehicle is damaged. Collision insurance will also cover repairs to your car if you’re at fault in an accident. In addition, comprehensive coverage is an option to help cover non-accident-related damage, such as damage from inclement weather, animals, theft, or vandalism.
You can combine collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage into what’s known as a full coverage policy. This policy will also include your mandatory liability coverage and anything else your state requires.
While full coverage policies can sometimes cost thousands more per year than a liability-only policy, this coverage provides drivers with protection and peace of mind.
How to Find Cheap Auto Insurance in Your State
Finding cheap state minimum car insurance requires research. The best way to find affordable coverage in your state is to shop online and compare multiple auto insurance quotes from insurance providers in your area.
Comparing insurance quotes online allows you to see how much you would pay for your state’s minimum requirements with several companies. Doing so could help you save hundreds of dollars annually on coverage.
While it is tempting to purchase your state’s minimum required coverage for the cheapest auto insurance rates, you should consider purchasing additional coverage to ensure you’re adequately protected.
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State Requirements for Minimum Coverage: The Bottom Line
If you drive, you need car insurance that meets the minimum auto insurance required by state. First, familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements. Next, shop online to find the best deals on auto insurance in your area.
Consider purchasing a full coverage policy, which offers both collision and comprehensive coverage, to ensure you are adequately protected. The rates may seem steep initially, but if you’re ever in an accident, you’ll be happy you had additional coverage to help. You can use our free quote comparison tool to find cheap rates in your state today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my personal auto insurance for business purposes?
Personal auto insurance typically doesn’t cover vehicles used for business purposes. If you use your vehicle for business activities, you may need a separate commercial auto insurance policy. Review your policy or consult with your provider to ensure appropriate coverage.
Are there any state-specific exceptions or additional requirements for auto insurance coverage?
Yes, some states may have specific exceptions or additional requirements, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Check your state’s laws and consult your insurance provider for accurate information.
Can I change my car insurance coverage limits after purchasing a policy?
In most cases, you can adjust your coverage limits after purchasing a car insurance policy. Review your policy terms and contact your insurance provider to make any necessary changes.
Are there any discounts or ways to lower my car insurance premiums?
Yes, insurance providers offer discounts based on factors like a good driving record, completing defensive driving courses, and having safety features in your vehicle. Comparing quotes from different insurers can also help you find lower premiums.
What are the consequences of driving without car insurance or with insufficient coverage?
Driving without car insurance or inadequate coverage can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties. It’s important to carry the required coverage to avoid these consequences.
How can I find cheap car insurance that meets my state’s requirements?
To find affordable car insurance that meets your state’s requirements, compare quotes from multiple insurance providers online. This allows you to see different rates and potentially save money.
Why do most states require drivers to carry auto insurance?
The reason drivers have to carry auto insurance is to protect themselves and other drivers on the road. Auto insurance helps pay for any medical and property damage bills after an accident.
What are the 3 limits of auto insurance policies?
The three limits of auto insurance liablity policies refer to the amount of insurance drivers must carry. So if you have a 15/30/5 liability insurance policy, this means insurance will cover $15,000 of medical bills per person, $30,000 of medical bills per accident, and $5,000 of property damage bills.
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Sara Routhier
Sr. Director of Content
Sara Routhier, Managing Editor and Outreach Director, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over five years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world o...
Sr. Director of Content
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.