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Some states require only basic liability insurance, while others mandate additional protections like personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments (MedPay), or uninsured motorist coverage.
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.
Key Insights
- Nearly every U.S. state requires car insurance, but minimum limits vary widely.
- Liability-only coverage is often not enough to protect against serious accident costs.
- Some states also mandate PIP, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage.
- Comparing coverage requirements by state helps you stay compliant and avoid fines or penalties.
What Are State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements?
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.
2026 Minimum Car Insurance Requirements by State
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.
Expert Quote
"Look for websites that end in .gov, as having DMV in the name does not indicate legitimacy."
Melanie Musson Car Insurance Expert
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.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Minimums by State (2025)
| 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 |
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage by State (2025)
| 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 |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay by State (2025)
| 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 |
Is State Minimum Car Insurance Enough?
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.
Expert Quote
"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.
What Affects Your Car Insurance Rate?
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.
How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Policy
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.
Conclusion
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Minimum Coverage
1. Do All States Require Car Insurance?
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.
2. What Is the Minimum Required Car Insurance Coverage?
Minimum car insurance typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Some states also require PIP, MedPay, or uninsured motorist coverage.
3. Is Minimum Car Insurance Enough?
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.
4. Which States Require PIP or MedPay?
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.
5. What Happens If I Drive Without Insurance?
Driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or even jail time, depending on your state’s laws.
Written byAnna Baluch
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. Drawing on her in-depth industry knowledge, Anna enjoys helping individuals and small business owners make smart financial decisions.