Car insurance is required in nearly every U.S. state—but the minimum coverage limits vary significantly.
November 9, 2025
In this 2026 guide, we break down state minimum car insurance requirements in detail, explain what each coverage type means, and help you decide whether the minimum is truly enough for your needs.
State minimum car insurance requirements are the legally mandated coverage levels you must carry to drive in each state. Almost every state requires liability insurance, though specific amounts and additional coverages vary by location.
In most cases, you'll need liability insurance that helps cover injuries and property damage after an at-fault accident. Some states will also mandate additional coverages, such as uninsured and underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM), personal injury protection (PIP), and medical payments insurance (MedPay).
Regardless of where you live, it's essential to understand the minimum auto policy limits you need to drive legally. Otherwise, you may face penalties, like fines, jail time, or even a license suspension for driving without sufficient coverage.
Below is a list of the minimum car insurance requirements for each state in 2026. For more details on the laws that apply to you, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website in your state.
"Look for websites that end in .gov, as having DMV in the name does not indicate legitimacy."
The table uses common insurance abbreviations: BI (Bodily Injury), PD (Property Damage), UM (Uninsured Motorist), PIP (Personal Injury Protection), and MedPay (Medical Payments).
*To make this information easier to understand, we’ve broken it down into three separate tables: - **Liability Coverage (BI/PD)** – Minimum coverage for bodily injury and property damage - **Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)** – Protection when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance - **Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay)** – Required in certain no-fault or hybrid states Use these tables to quickly find what coverage your state requires in 2025 and whether additional protections apply.
| State | BI per Person | BI per Accident | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Alaska | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 |
| Arizona | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 |
| Arkansas | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| California | $30,000 | $60,000 | $15,000 |
| Colorado | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 |
| Connecticut | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Florida | Not required | Not required | $10,000 |
| Georgia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 |
| Texas | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 |
| State | UM per Person | UM per Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Kansas | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Maine | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Maryland | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Massachusetts | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Minnesota | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Missouri | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Nebraska | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| New Hampshire | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| New York | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| North Carolina | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| North Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Oregon | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| South Carolina | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| South Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Vermont | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Virginia | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Washington D.C. | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| West Virginia | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Wisconsin | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| State | PIP Requirement | MedPay Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $15,000 per person / $30,000 total | Not required | — |
| Florida | $10,000 | Not required | PIP only; no BI required |
| Hawaii | $10,000 | Not required | — |
| Kansas | Complex PIP required | Not required | Includes medical, income, services, funeral |
| Kentucky | $10,000 | Not required | Or $60,000 single limit |
| Massachusetts | $8,000 | Not required | PIP mandatory |
| Michigan | $250,000 | Not required | Includes $1M property protection |
| Minnesota | $40,000 | Not required | — |
| New Jersey | $15,000 | Not required | No BI required |
| New York | $50,000 | Not required | Plus death benefit $50,000/$100,000 |
| North Dakota | $30,000 | Not required | — |
| Oregon | $15,000 | Not required | — |
| Pennsylvania | Not required | Not required | Only $5,000 PD required |
| Utah | $3,000 | Not required | PIP only |
| Washington D.C. | Not required | Not required | UM PD $5,000 required |
| New Hampshire | Not required | $1,000 | If insured |
| Vermont | Not required | Not required | UM PD $10,000 required |
No, minimum coverage rarely provides adequate protection—it only meets legal requirements and leaves major gaps. It often excludes essential coverages required for leased or financed vehicles.
"State liability limits are typically very low, which means you could be personally responsible for medical bills or property damage beyond those limits. At our agency, we recommend a minimum of $100,000 in coverage, with $250,000 being ideal for better protection on property damage, and 100,000/300,000 or 250,000/500,000 for all liability,"
Erika Tortorici owner and principal of Optimum Insurance Solutions
"Additional coverage generally makes sense if you're driving a vehicle less than 10 years old and your assets exceed the limits of the liability policy," says Musson. It's also worthwhile if you can't afford thousands in out-of-pocket expenses after an accident or want greater peace of mind.
While minimum car insurance costs less than a policy with optional coverages, your premiums will depend on a number of factors, such as:
Driving record: Accidents, claims, and traffic violations can increase your rate. A clean record, on the other hand, typically lowers it.
Insurance history: Gaps in coverage or frequent policy changes may lead to higher premiums. However, long-term continuous coverage can result in discounts.
Driving experience: Newer drivers or those with less experience are generally seen as higher risk. As a result, they usually pay more than middle-aged drivers with years of driving under their belt.
Location: Where you live and register your vehicle matters. Urban areas or high-claim zip codes, for example, often have higher rates.
Vehicle type: The make, model, age, and safety features of your car can affect your rate. Some vehicles, such as luxury SUVs that cost more to repair or frequently stolen usually come with higher rates.
If you’re wondering how to find the ideal car insurance coverage, here are several tips to help you out.
Shop around: Compare different providers as they’re not created equal. Get free quotes and compare factors like rates, coverage options, customer service, and financial strength ratings.
Leverage your network: “It’s nice to know when someone you trust has had a good or bad experience with an insurance provider,” says Musson. You can also read reviews on reputable third-party review sites.
Determine what you need: Figure out exactly what you’re looking for from an auto policy. “Consider the pros and cons of full coverage, higher liability limits, GAP coverage, and other options,” remarks Musson.
Work with an independent agency: Agencies can shop multiple carriers on your behalf. “They can save you time and help you find the best coverage for your needs,” says Tortorici.
Maximize available discounts: Always ask what car insurance discounts you may qualify for as they’re not always advertised. “Bundling policies, safe driver programs, good student discounts, and more can add up to significant savings,” explains Tortorici.
Choosing the right auto insurance starts with understanding your state's legal requirements, but minimum coverage may not be enough.
While it helps you stay on the road legally, it often leaves gaps in financial protection. Always compare your state’s requirements to your actual needs, vehicle value, and risk tolerance.
When in doubt, talk to an agent or use a comparison tool to find the best policy for your situation at a price that makes sense.
Yes, every U.S. state except New Hampshire requires some form of auto insurance. Even in NH, if you buy coverage, certain minimum limits still apply.
Minimum car insurance typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Some states also require PIP, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage.
In most cases, no. State minimums often provide limited protection and may not cover the full costs of serious accidents. Consider higher liability limits or full coverage for better protection.
States like Florida, Michigan, and New York require PIP coverage. Others may require MedPay or offer it as an optional add-on. Requirements vary widely by state.
Driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or even jail time, depending on your state’s laws.
Anna Baluch is an insurance and finance expert at BestMoney.com. She has written for Forbes, Newsweek, Credit Karma, CNN, and many other top publications.
