Hook: Shopping for auto insurance but confused by varying state rules? Understanding minimum car insurance by state helps you stay legal and avoid penalties. This 50-state overview breaks down each state’s state liability limits, so you can compare requirements at a glance and find the right coverage for your budget.
- Key liability minimums for bodily injury and property damage
- No-fault vs. tort states: what the differences mean
- Tips for selecting coverage above the legal minimum
Liability Minimums: The Basics
All states (except New Hampshire and Virginia) require at least liability coverage, which pays for others’ medical bills and property damage if you’re at fault. Limits are usually expressed as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/25):
- Bodily Injury per Person: Maximum payout per injured individual.
- Bodily Injury per Accident: Maximum total payout for all injuries in one accident.
- Property Damage: Maximum payout for damage to another vehicle or property.
50-State Liability Comparison
| State | BI per Person | BI per Accident | PD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort state |
| Alaska | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 | No-fault with PIP |
| Arizona | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | Tort state |
| Arkansas | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| California | $15,000 | $30,000 | $5,000 | No-fault with PIP |
| Colorado | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | Tort |
| Connecticut | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| Delaware | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Florida | $10,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | No-fault with PIP |
| Georgia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Hawaii | $20,000 | $40,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Idaho | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | Tort |
| Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | No-fault |
| Indiana | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Iowa | $20,000 | $40,000 | $15,000 | No-fault |
| Kansas | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Kentucky | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Tort |
| Louisiana | $15,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Maine | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| Maryland | $30,000 | $60,000 | $15,000 | No-fault |
| Massachusetts | $20,000 | $40,000 | $5,000 | No-fault |
| Michigan | $10,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Minnesota | $30,000 | $60,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Mississippi | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Missouri | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Montana | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Tort |
| Nebraska | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| Nevada | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Tort |
| New Hampshire | None (Optional) | None | None | Optional liability |
| New Jersey | $15,000 | $30,000 | $5,000 | No-fault |
| New Mexico | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Tort |
| New York | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| North Carolina | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| North Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| Ohio | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Oklahoma | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Oregon | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | No-fault |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000 | $30,000 | $5,000 | No-fault |
| Rhode Island | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| South Carolina | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| South Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | No-fault |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | No-fault |
| Texas | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Utah | $25,000 | $65,000 | $15,000 | No-fault |
| Vermont | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Virginia | None (Optional) | None | None | Optional liability |
| Washington | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| West Virginia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Tort |
| Wisconsin | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | No-fault |
| Wyoming | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Tort |
No-Fault vs. Tort States
No-fault states (e.g., Florida, Michigan) require Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. In tort states (e.g., Texas, California), fault is determined first, and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers injuries and damages.
Why You Might Choose Higher Limits
- Protect Your Assets: Low state minimums can leave you personally liable if damages exceed your limits.
- Avoid Lawsuits: Higher BI limits reduce the likelihood of being sued for uncovered medical expenses.
- Peace of Mind: A 100/300/100 policy is often affordable and provides robust protection.
Tips to Balance Cost and Coverage
- Bundle Policies: Combining auto with home or renters insurance often earns significant discounts.
- Shop Around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers, especially small carriers that may undercut big names.
- Increase Deductibles: Raising comprehensive and collision deductibles can lower premiums, then self‑insure minor claims out of pocket.
- Maintain a Clean Record: Safe‑driving discounts and accident forgiveness programs reward drivers with good histories.
FAQs
- Q1: Can I legally drive in another state with only my home state’s minimum coverage?
- A1: Yes—your policy’s liability limits travel with you, but if you’re in a no-fault state, you may not have required PIP coverage.
- Q2: What if I live near a state border?
- A2: Your insurer sets your policy based on your primary residence, not where you drive most often.
- Q3: Are state minimums enough for new drivers?
- A3: New drivers face higher risk; opting for higher limits and added protections like UM/UIM is strongly recommended.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Knowing the minimum car insurance by state and state liability limits is the first step to compliance—but not necessarily the wisest. Review your driving habits, asset exposure, and budget to choose coverage that truly protects you. Request multiple quotes, consider higher limits, and leverage discounts to build a policy that keeps you secure on any road—coast to coast.