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No matter which U.S. state you call home, you probably need auto insurance to be roadworthy.
Coverage requirements vary, but every state (save one) requires some form of liability insurance, and some require additional coverage such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage.
Here’s a look at which coverage is required by law in each state.
How each type of coverage works
Here’s when each type of coverage kicks in and what it covers. Note that these coverages work differently depending on whether you’re involved in an accident in an at-fault or no-fault state.
No-fault auto insurance requires you to file a claim with your own insurance regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
Learn more: What is no-fault car insurance and how does it work?
Bodily injury liability
Bodily injury liability insurance protects you financially if you’re found responsible for an accident, and the other driver or one of their passengers is injured. This insurance can cover the injured party’s healthcare costs, lost wages, or legal counsel if you’re sued after an accident. It can also cover funeral costs.
Learn more: What is liability car insurance and how much do you need?
Property damage liability
Property damage liability insurance, the second component of liability coverage, protects you financially if you’re at fault in an accident and the other driver’s vehicle needs repairs. It can also cover you if you hit an object, like a fence or mailbox.
One of the most common minimum liability limits required by states are $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person; $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident; and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident. This is written as 25/50/25 in policies.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If you’re involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your vehicle repairs or health care costs, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps close the gap. Note that in many states, insurance companies are required to offer UIM coverage, but you can usually sign a waiver to drop or reduce the coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorists are generally broken down into two parts, similar to liability insurance:
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage
It can pay for your medical bills and those of your passengers, as well as repairs to your car after an accident. A few states, such as South Carolina and Texas, may require policyholders to pay a small deductible before UIM coverage kicks in.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
If you live in a no-fault auto insurance state, you may need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, also called no-fault insurance. This coverage can pay for your medical bills or those of your passengers, lost wages if you or your passengers are unable to work after the accident, and essential services like childcare or housekeeping. PIP kicks in no matter who’s found at fault in an accident.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage, also called medical expense or Medpay coverage, is typically available in tort states (aka states that aren’t no-fault). It works similarly to PIP, but it’s more limited. For instance, Medpay will cover your or your passenger’s medical expenses but won’t cover lost wages or essential services.
Learn more: Most common types of car insurance explained
States that don’t require car insurance
Some form of car insurance is required in all U.S. states except New Hampshire. Florida and New Jersey, which are no-fault states, don't require bodily injury liability insurance but do mandate property damage liability coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Even though car insurance isn’t required in New Hampshire, drivers still need to provide proof of financial responsibility in the event of an at-fault accident. While lax coverage requirements may seem like a boon, you could end up paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to cover repairs to someone else’s car or pay for their medical care from injuries. If you can’t afford to pay these expenses, your license may be suspended. For this reason, having liability coverage is smart, even if it’s not required in your state.
Minimum car insurance FAQs
How much does minimum coverage cost?
Minimum auto insurance coverage varies in price based on several factors, including the insurance company you choose, your location, the type of car you drive, your driving record, and more. The average cost of a liability-only policy from Progressive ranges from $80 to $157 per month. But that cost could be lower or higher depending on the factors mentioned.
Should I get minimum or full-coverage car insurance?
Whether you opt for minimum or full coverage car insurance depends on your needs and preferences. It makes sense to get full coverage if you drive a newer car. But if your car is older and has high mileage, dropping to a minimum coverage policy could make sense.
Just remember that if you opt for basic insurance that only covers your liability in an at-fault state, be prepared to be financially responsible for repairing or replacing your own car or any medical bills you or your passengers incur.
What happens if I don’t have insurance?
Driving without adequate car insurance is illegal in most U.S. states and could result in hefty fines. Car insurance also provides valuable financial protection if you’re in an accident, and if you don’t have a policy, you could end up paying significant expenses out of pocket.
Lapses in coverage can also be costly since you could be required to file an SR-22. This is a statement of financial responsibility that usually means you’ll have to pay more for auto insurance or risk having your coverage canceled.
Why do states require auto insurance?
Most states have steep fines or penalties for driving without insurance as a deterrent. Auto insurance financially protects both you and other drivers in the event of an accident. Without it, you can be held personally liable in court for damage and injuries caused in an at-fault accident.
It’s important to note that in addition to state laws, lenders also usually require auto insurance to protect the value of the car until you’ve paid off the loan.
This article was edited by Tim Manni
Kaz Weida contributed to this article
