Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State

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Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State

Understanding auto insurance requirements is a key part of being a responsible driver. Each state in the U.S. sets its own minimum coverage levels to ensure drivers can cover damages or injuries in the event of an accident. While these minimums provide a baseline, they may not fully protect you in every situation, so it’s worth exploring what your state requires and considering additional coverage for peace of mind. This guide offers a calm, clear overview of minimum auto insurance requirements across the U.S., helping you navigate the essentials.

Why Minimum Auto Insurance Matters

Auto insurance requirements exist to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians by ensuring that financial resources are available to cover medical bills, property damage, or other losses after an accident. Most states mandate liability insurance, which covers damages you cause to others. Some states also require additional coverage, like personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage. Meeting your state’s minimum requirements keeps you compliant with the law and helps avoid penalties like fines, license suspension, or vehicle impoundment.

Common Types of Required Coverage

Before diving into state-specific requirements, let’s review the main types of coverage you’ll encounter:

  • Bodily Injury Liability (BI): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs for injuries you cause to others in an accident.

  • Property Damage Liability (PD): Pays for repairs or replacement of property (e.g., vehicles, fences) damaged in an accident you cause.

  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, in states with “no-fault” laws.

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Each state sets its own minimums, often expressed as a series of numbers (e.g., 25/50/25), which represent thousands of dollars in coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.

State-by-State Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Below is a calm and concise summary of minimum auto insurance requirements for each state as of 2025. Note that these are subject to change, so always check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or insurance regulator for the latest details. Requirements are listed in the format BI per person/BI per accident/PD unless otherwise noted.

  • Alabama: 25/50/25

  • Alaska: 50/100/25

  • Arizona: 25/50/15

  • Arkansas: 25/50/25

  • California: 15/30/5

  • Colorado: 25/50/15

  • Connecticut: 25/50/20, plus UM/UIM 25/50

  • Delaware: 25/50/10, plus PIP $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident

  • Florida: $10,000 PD, $10,000 PIP (no BI required)

  • Georgia: 25/50/25

  • Hawaii: 20/40/10, plus PIP $10,000

  • Idaho: 25/50/15

  • Illinois: 25/50/20, plus UM 25/50

  • Indiana: 25/50/25

  • Iowa: 20/40/15

  • Kansas: 25/50/25, plus PIP $4,500 medical, $25,000 UM

  • Kentucky: 25/50/25, plus PIP $10,000

  • Louisiana: 15/30/25

  • Maine: 50/100/25, plus UM/UIM 50/100, medical payments $2,000

  • Maryland: 30/60/15, plus UM/UIM 30/60/15

  • Massachusetts: 20/40/5, plus PIP $8,000, UM 20/40

  • Michigan: 50/100/10, plus PIP (unlimited or up to $500,000 depending on plan)

  • Minnesota: 30/60/10, plus PIP $40,000, UM/UIM 25/50

  • Mississippi: 25/50/25

  • Missouri: 25/50/25, plus UM 25/50

  • Montana: 25/50/20

  • Nebraska: 25/50/25, plus UM/UIM 25/50

  • Nevada: 25/50/20

  • New Hampshire: No mandatory insurance (optional 25/50/25 if purchased)

  • New Jersey: 25/50/25, plus PIP $15,000

  • New Mexico: 25/50/10

  • New York: 25/50/10, plus PIP $50,000, UM 25/50

  • North Carolina: 30/60/25, plus UM/UIM 30/60/25

  • North Dakota: 25/50/25, plus PIP $30,000, UM/UIM 25/50

  • Ohio: 25/50/25

  • Oklahoma: 25/50/25

  • Oregon: 25/50/20, plus PIP $15,000, UM/UIM 25/50

  • Pennsylvania: 15/30/5, plus PIP $5,000

  • Rhode Island: 25/50/25

  • South Carolina: 25/50/25, plus UM 25/50

  • South Dakota: 25/50/25, plus UM/UIM 25/50

  • Tennessee: 25/50/15

  • Texas: 30/60/25

  • Utah: 25/65/15, plus PIP $3,000

  • Vermont: 25/50/10, plus UM/UIM 50/100/10

  • Virginia: 30/60/20 (or pay $500 uninsured motorist fee)

  • Washington: 25/50/10

  • West Virginia: 25/50/25, plus UM 25/50

  • Wisconsin: 25/50/10, plus UM 25/50

  • Wyoming: 25/50/20

Washington, D.C.: 25/50/10, plus UM $25,000/$50,000

Key Considerations

While meeting your state’s minimum requirements keeps you legal, these limits may not cover all costs in a serious accident. For example, medical bills or vehicle repairs can quickly exceed low minimums like California’s 15/30/5. Consider these steps to ensure you’re adequately protected:

  • Evaluate Your Needs: If you have significant assets, higher liability limits can protect you from lawsuits. Comprehensive and collision coverage can also safeguard your vehicle.

  • Understand No-Fault States: States like Florida, Michigan, and New York require PIP because they operate under no-fault laws, meaning each driver’s insurance covers their own injuries, regardless of who caused the accident.

  • Check for Updates: Insurance laws evolve, so periodically review your state’s requirements through your DMV or insurance provider.

  • Compare Quotes: Shop around to find affordable policies that meet or exceed minimum requirements. Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving or bundling policies.

Final Thoughts

Navigating auto insurance requirements doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By understanding your state’s minimums and considering your personal needs, you can drive with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. If you’re unsure about your coverage or want to explore additional options, reach out to a trusted insurance agent for guidance. Staying informed and protected is the best way to enjoy the road ahead.

Published by zimeza

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