State Auto Insurance Requirements
Find the minimum coverage required in your state
Understanding State Requirements
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Requirements vary significantly, so it's important to understand what's legally required where you live and drive.
Why States Require Insurance
- Ensures victims can be compensated after accidents
- Protects taxpayers from uncompensated claims
- Promotes financial responsibility among drivers
- Reduces burden on healthcare and legal systems
Types of State Systems
- Tort States: At-fault driver pays (most states)
- No-Fault States: Your own insurance pays regardless (12 states)
- Choice States: You can choose tort or no-fault
Common Minimum Requirements by Region
These are typical minimums - always verify current requirements for your specific state
Low Minimum States
15/30/10 or 20/40/15
States with lower minimum requirements include:
- Alabama, Mississippi
- Louisiana, Arizona
- Iowa, New Mexico
Warning: These minimums may not provide adequate protection
Moderate Minimum States
25/50/25 or 25/50/20
Most common requirement level:
- California, Texas, Florida
- New York, Pennsylvania
- Illinois, Ohio, Georgia
Still consider higher limits for better protection
Higher Minimum States
50/100/25 or higher
States requiring more coverage:
- Alaska: 50/100/25
- Maine: 50/100/25
- Kansas: 25/50/25 + PIP
Better baseline protection
Additional State Requirements
No-Fault / PIP States
These 12 states require Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
- Florida, Michigan, New Jersey
- Pennsylvania, New York
- Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky
- Massachusetts, Minnesota
- North Dakota, Utah
PIP covers: Medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of fault
Uninsured Motorist Requirements
Many states require UM/UIM coverage:
- Must be offered in most states
- Required in ~20 states
- Limits often match liability minimums
- Can reject in writing in some states
Highly recommended even where not required (13% of drivers are uninsured)
Proof of Insurance Requirements
What You Need to Carry
- Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
- Current policy number
- Insurance company contact info
- Effective dates of coverage
When You'll Need It
- Traffic stops
- Vehicle registration
- After accidents
- License renewal (some states)
Penalties for No Proof
- Fines ($100-$1,000+)
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- SR-22 requirement
Why You Should Exceed State Minimums
State minimum requirements are often inadequate for real-world accidents. Consider these points:
Problems with Minimum Coverage:
- Medical costs often exceed minimums
- Average accident costs $15,000-$30,000+
- Severe injuries can cost hundreds of thousands
- Property damage to luxury vehicles exceeds minimums
- Personal assets at risk if minimums exceeded
Recommended Coverage Levels:
- Minimum: 50/100/50
- Better: 100/300/100
- Best: 250/500/250
- Plus: Umbrella policy for $1M+
Cost difference: Often only $10-30/month for significantly better protection
Get Quotes That Meet Your State's Requirements
We'll show you options from minimum to recommended coverage levels