Every state has different auto insurance requirements. The minimum requirement is the amount of auto insurance coverage that each driver must carry to comply with the law in their state.
In this guide, we will discuss the auto insurance requirements by state and the average rates from top insurance companies.
- Auto insurance requirements vary by state, but most states require you to have a minimum level of liability coverage.
- Liability coverage protects you from being sued if an accident that was your fault causes harm to another person or their property.
- Liability insurance doesn’t cover injuries or damage to your property.
- Some states require you to have other coverages in addition to liability. These may include coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists and personal injury protection.
What is state minimum car insurance?
State minimum car insurance is the minimum liability coverage your state requires you to have. The specific coverage amount varies by state.
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident, but it won’t pay for the damages to your car or your injuries. CarInsurance.com recommends a full coverage policy comprising collision and comprehensive coverage if you need complete protection or are financing a vehicle.
Minimum liability car insurance requirements by state
Most states require some form of car insurance – the exception is New Hampshire.
See the table below, which has the minimum liability car insurance requirements by state and other types of required insurance. You’ll see a few acronyms in the table, so here’s an explainer: MedPay (medical payments), PIP (personal injury protection), PPI (property protection insurance), UM/UIM (uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage) and UMPD (uninsured motorist property damage).
| State | Minimum liability coverage limits | Other insurance required (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 25/50/25 | |
| Alaska | 50/100/25 | |
| Arizona | 25/50/15 | |
| Arkansas | 25/50/25 | |
| California | 30/60/15 | |
| Colorado | 25/50/15 | |
| Connecticut | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM |
| Delaware | 25/50/10 | PIP |
| Washington, D.C. | 25/50/10 | UM, UMPD |
| Florida* | 0/0/10 | PIP |
| Georgia | 25/50/25 | |
| Hawaii | 20/40/10 | PIP |
| Idaho | 20/50/15 | |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 | UM |
| Indiana | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM |
| Iowa | 20/40/15 | |
| Kansas | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM, PIP |
| Kentucky | 25/50/25 | PIP |
| Louisiana | 15/30/25 | |
| Maine | 50/100/25 | UM/UIM, MedPay |
| Maryland***** | 30/60/15 | UM/UIM, UMPD, PIP |
| Massachusetts | 20/40/5 | UM, PIP |
| Michigan | 20/40/10 | PIP, PPI |
| Minnesota | 30/60/10 | UM/UIM, PIP |
| Mississippi | 25/50/25 | |
| Missouri | 25/50/25 | UM |
| Montana | 25/50/20 | |
| Nebraska | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM |
| Nevada | 25/50/20 | |
| New Hampshire** | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM, MedPay |
| New Jersey****** | 15/30/5 | UM/UIM, PIP |
| New Mexico | 25/50/10 | |
| New York | 25/50/10 | UM, PIP |
| North Carolina | 30/60/25 | UM, UIM |
| North Dakota | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM, PIP |
| Ohio | 25/50/25 | |
| Oklahoma | 25/50/25 | |
| Oregon | 25/50/20 | UM, PIP |
| Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 | PIP (First Party Benefits) |
| Rhode Island*** | 25/50/25 | |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 | UM, UMPD |
| South Dakota | 25/50/25 | UM/UIM |
| Tennessee | 25/50/25 | |
| Texas | 30/60/25 | |
| Utah | 30/65/25 | UM, PIP |
| Vermont | 25/50/10 | UM/UIM, UMPD |
| Virginia | 50/100/25 | UM/UIM, UMPD |
| Washington | 25/50/10 | |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 | UM, UMPD |
| Wisconsin | 25/50/10 | UM, UIM, MedPay |
| Wyoming | 25/50/20 |
* Florida doesn’t require bodily injury liability coverage, but many insurers only offer policies with minimum amounts of 10/20 of bodily injury coverage.
** Auto insurance isn’t mandatory in New Hampshire, but if you choose to buy insurance, these are the minimum amounts.
*** Rhode Island doesn’t require drivers to buy UM/UIM coverage if buying minimum liability coverage. If you buy higher liability limits, UM is required.
***** Full PIP can be waived in Maryland for a limited PIP option.
******In New Jersey, a basic policy with lower limits also is available. Still, it should only be considered by those with few family responsibilities and few real assets and is not recommended.
How much does minimum liability car insurance cost?
Below are the average rates by state for minimum liability coverage limits.
| State | State minimum liability only |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $398 |
| Alabama | $433 |
| Arkansas | $397 |
| Arizona | $516 |
| California | $551 |
| Colorado | $437 |
| Connecticut | $704 |
| Washington, D.C. | $558 |
| Delaware | $788 |
| Florida | $993 |
| Georgia | $577 |
| Hawaii | $396 |
| Iowa | $260 |
| Idaho | $357 |
| Illinois | $421 |
| Indiana | $417 |
| Kansas | $434 |
| Kentucky | $606 |
| Louisiana | $722 |
| Massachusetts | $511 |
| Maryland | $727 |
| Maine | $335 |
| Michigan | $654 |
| Minnesota | $475 |
| Missouri | $488 |
| Mississippi | $463 |
| Montana | $350 |
| North Carolina | $476 |
| North Dakota | $349 |
| Nebraska | $331 |
| New Hampshire | $397 |
| New Jersey | $853 |
| New Mexico | $421 |
| Nevada | $720 |
| New York | $731 |
| Ohio | $362 |
| Oklahoma | $408 |
| Oregon | $641 |
| Pennsylvania | $375 |
| Rhode Island | $646 |
| South Carolina | $720 |
| South Dakota | $307 |
| Tennessee | $442 |
| Texas | $572 |
| Utah | $582 |
| Virginia | $428 |
| Vermont | $306 |
| Washington | $438 |
| Wisconsin | $365 |
| West Virginia | $510 |
| Wyoming | $288 |
Average rates for minimum liability car insurance, by company
Even with bare-bones coverage, you can still save on car insurance by comparing rates. The difference between the highest and lowest rates fielded from significant insurers can vary widely.
Below, you can compare car insurance rates by company and see how large insurers rank on price for state minimum liability coverage.
| Company | State minimum liability only |
|---|---|
| Geico | $405 |
| State Farm | $502 |
| Progressive | $549 |
| Allstate | $700 |
| Farmers | $701 |
| Nationwide | $532 |
| Travelers | $518 |
| USAA* | $335 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families
Which states don’t require car insurance?
New Hampshire is the only state that doesn’t require car insurance.
Driving without car insurance is legal in New Hampshire. However, drivers will still be held liable for damages they cause to others and can expect their licenses and registrations to be suspended if they cannot compensate for damages.
State-specific car insurance lawsState laws regarding car insurance vary. Below are a few rules that apply to different states:
- In Hawaii and Massachusetts, insurance companies cannot use age as a rating factor to determine premiums.
- California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania prohibit insurers from calculating car insurance premiums based on a driver’s gender.
- California, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts do not allow credit scores as car insurance rating factors.
What are the different types of coverages required?
Car insurance coverage requirements vary by state, but several common types of coverage are typically required:
- Liability coverage is the most basic form of insurance and is usually mandatory in most states. It covers damage or injuries you cause to other people or their property in an accident. It is typically divided into two parts:
- Bodily injury liability (BI) covers the cost of injuries per person and accident to others in an at-fault accident.
- Property damage liability (PD) covers the repair or replacement of property you damage in an at-fault accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) is required in a few states. It covers medical expenses, lost wages and other costs related to injuries you or your passengers sustain in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage is available in most states. Like PIP, MedPay helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of fault. However, while MedPay specifically covers medical bills, PIP may also cover additional costs such as lost wages and other related expenses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance or any insurance. It covers your medical expenses and vehicle damage up to the policy limits.
Optional car insurance coverage
Optional car insurance coverage provides additional protection beyond the basic, mandatory coverage required by law. Most states do not require these coverages, but they can be added for more comprehensive protection.
- Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car from non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters or hitting an animal.
- Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision, regardless of fault. Lenders typically require it if you have a car loan or lease.
- Roadside assistance helps if your car breaks down or you need a tow. It typically covers flat tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery and lockout assistance.
- Rental reimbursement covers the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident.
- Gap insurance pays the difference between your car’s actual cash value (ACV) and the amount you owe on your car loan or lease if it is totaled.
Do I need more than the minimum liability coverage?
Whether you need more than the minimum liability coverage depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance. Minimum liability coverage, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability, is required by law in most states. However, these minimum amounts may not fully protect you in a serious accident.
If you cause significant damage to another person’s vehicle or injure someone, you could be liable for excess costs beyond the minimum coverage.
It could lead to out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills, legal fees or repairs. Opting for higher liability limits can provide greater financial protection and peace of mind, particularly if you own an expensive vehicle or drive in high-traffic areas where accidents are more likely.
Experts often recommend getting full car insurance, including liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, for added protection. Full coverage can offer more comprehensive financial protection, ensuring you’re better prepared for unexpected incidents and avoiding potential financial strain.
The table below shows full coverage car insurance rates by state.
| State | Annual full coverage rates |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,676 |
| Alabama | $1,860 |
| Arkansas | $1,957 |
| Arizona | $1,812 |
| California | $2,416 |
| Colorado | $2,337 |
| Connecticut | $1,725 |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,157 |
| Delaware | $2,063 |
| Florida | $2,694 |
| Georgia | $1,970 |
| Hawaii | $1,517 |
| Iowa | $1,630 |
| Idaho | $1,428 |
| Illinois | $1,532 |
| Indiana | $1,515 |
| Kansas | $1,900 |
| Kentucky | $2,228 |
| Louisiana | $2,883 |
| Massachusetts | $1,726 |
| Maryland | $1,746 |
| Maine | $1,175 |
| Michigan | $2,352 |
| Minnesota | $1,911 |
| Missouri | $1,982 |
| Mississippi | $2,008 |
| Montana | $2,193 |
| North Carolina | $1,741 |
| North Dakota | $1,665 |
| Nebraska | $1,902 |
| New Hampshire | $1,265 |
| New Jersey | $1,902 |
| New Mexico | $2,049 |
| Nevada | $2,060 |
| New York | $1,870 |
| Ohio | $1,417 |
| Oklahoma | $2,138 |
| Oregon | $1,678 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,872 |
| Rhode Island | $2,061 |
| South Carolina | $2,009 |
| South Dakota | $2,280 |
| Tennessee | $1,677 |
| Texas | $2,043 |
| Utah | $1,825 |
| Virginia | $1,469 |
| Vermont | $1,319 |
| Washington | $1,608 |
| Wisconsin | $1,664 |
| West Virginia | $2,005 |
| Wyoming | $1,758 |
At-fault vs. no-fault states
In at-fault states, the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover medical expenses, property damage and other losses.
In no-fault states, each driver’s own insurance covers their medical expenses and related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. This approach aims to reduce the need for litigation and expedite compensation. However, it often limits the ability to sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages unless specific thresholds are met.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t meet my state’s minimum liability insurance requirements?
You could face serious consequences if you don’t meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. These may include fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment or jail time. In many states, driving without the required coverage is considered illegal, and you may also be liable for any damages in the event of an accident.
Does minimum liability insurance cover damage to my own car?
No, minimum liability insurance does not cover damage to your own car. Liability insurance only covers the damages you cause to others in an accident, including bodily injury and property damage. Consider purchasing collision and comprehensive coverage to cover damage to your own car.
Is it worth getting more than the minimum liability coverage?
It’s generally worth getting more than the minimum liability coverage to protect your assets better. While state-mandated minimums might seem sufficient, significant accidents can easily exceed those limits, leaving you responsible for the remaining costs. By choosing higher coverage limits, you reduce the risk of paying out of pocket for medical bills, legal fees or vehicle repairs. Investing in more than the minimum liability coverage can provide greater financial security and peace of mind.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get minimum liability and full coverage car insurance rates (100/300/100 with a $500 deductible). The rates are based on a sample profile of 40-year-old male and female drivers with a clean driving record and good insurance scores. To evaluate the premiums, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies across 34,588 ZIP codes.
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