Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements by State: All 50 States (2026)

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: All 50 States at a Glance

Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry minimum auto liability insurance. Limits vary widely — from Florida's unusual structure (no mandatory bodily injury liability) to Alaska and Maine's high 50/100 requirements. This guide compiles current minimums across all 50 states and D.C. for quick reference.

How to read these limits:

• First number = Bodily injury per person (thousands)
• Second number = Bodily injury per accident (thousands)
• Third number = Property damage per accident (thousands)
• Example: 25/50/25 = $25K per person / $50K per accident / $25K property damage

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All 50 States + D.C.: Minimum Liability Requirements

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State-by-State Notes

¹ California (Updated 2025): AB 1107 raised CA minimums from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 effective January 1, 2025 — the first increase since 1967.

² Florida (Unique Structure): Florida does NOT require bodily injury liability for most drivers. Instead, it requires $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. BI liability is technically optional but is required for commercial drivers and highly advisable for all. FR-44 (post-DUI) requires 100/300/50 BI coverage.

³ Kentucky (Choice State): Kentucky allows drivers to choose between the no-fault PIP system and the traditional tort system. PIP ($10,000) is the default.

⁴ Michigan (Unique PIP): Michigan's 2020 no-fault reform created multiple PIP tiers. Drivers can choose from $50,000, $250,000, $500,000, or unlimited PIP coverage. Liability minimums are 50/100/10. Medicare/Medicaid recipients may opt out of PIP.

⁵ New Hampshire (No Mandate): New Hampshire is the only state with no mandatory auto insurance. However, drivers who cause accidents must demonstrate financial responsibility and face license/registration suspension if they cannot pay damages.

⁶ New Jersey (Complex System): New Jersey has a two-tiered system — Basic Policy (no BI minimum, $5K PD, $15K PIP) and Standard Policy (15/30/5 + $15K PIP). The Basic Policy is designed for low-income drivers but provides minimal protection.

⁷ Pennsylvania (Choice State): Pennsylvania allows drivers to choose between full tort (right to sue for pain and suffering) and limited tort (lower cost but restricted right to sue). Minimum includes $5,000 first-party medical benefits.

⁸ Virginia (Updated 2025): Virginia increased minimums from 25/50/20 to 30/60/20 effective January 1, 2025.

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States with the Highest Minimum Requirements

These states require significantly more than the typical 25/50 bodily injury floor:

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States with the Lowest Minimum Requirements

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No-Fault States: Where PIP Is Required

These 12 states (plus D.C.) require personal injury protection, which pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident:

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States That Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage

These states require UM coverage — protecting you when an uninsured driver causes an accident:

Full UM Required: Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, D.C.

UIM Also Required: Many of the above require UIM coverage as well.

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How to Use This Comparison

Step 1: Find your state's minimum requirements in the table above.

Step 2: Compare against what a serious accident could realistically cost:

• One serious injury: $50,000 – $500,000+
• Multiple injuries: $200,000 – $2,000,000+
• New vehicle total loss: $25,000 – $80,000+

Step 3: Consider carrying higher limits — 100/300/100 is often recommended as a more realistic safety net.

Step 4: Evaluate optional coverages that provide significant protection in your state:

• Uninsured motorist (if not required)
• Collision and comprehensive
• Medical payments / PIP (if not required)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the lowest auto insurance minimums?

Florida has the most unusual structure — it does not require bodily injury liability for most drivers. Louisiana (15/30/25) and Iowa (20/40/15) have the lowest mandatory BI liability limits among states with traditional liability requirements.

Which states have the highest auto insurance minimums?

Alaska and Maine both require 50/100 bodily injury — double what most states require. Michigan requires 50/100 plus a tiered PIP system with a minimum of $50,000.

Which states don't require auto insurance?

New Hampshire is the only state with no mandatory insurance law for private vehicles. Virginia allows drivers to pay an annual Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee as an alternative (though this provides no actual coverage).

Are these minimums enough to be fully protected?

For many accidents, no. State minimums set the legal floor, not the adequate protection level. A single serious accident can generate medical bills and property damage well exceeding typical minimum limits — leaving you personally liable for the difference.

How often do state minimum requirements change?

Minimums change through state legislation and typically increase every several years to reflect rising costs. California and Virginia both increased minimums in January 2025. Always verify your state's current requirements directly with the state insurance department.

Do I need to meet my home state's minimums or the state I'm driving in?

Generally, your home state's policy is valid in all states. Most policies automatically provide at least the minimum required in whatever state you're driving — check your policy's out-of-state coverage provision.

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Key Takeaways

• 49 states require minimum liability insurance; New Hampshire is the exception
• Florida is unique — it requires PIP and PD liability but not bodily injury liability for most drivers
• No-fault states require PIP coverage in addition to liability; 14 states use some version of no-fault
• 22+ states require uninsured motorist coverage
• Alaska and Maine have the highest traditional minimums at 50/100/25
• Recent increases: California (2025) and Virginia (2025) raised their minimums significantly
• State minimums are a legal floor, not a recommended coverage level — 100/300/100 is often more appropriate

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about auto insurance minimums based on publicly available sources compiled as of February 2026. Minimum requirements change through state legislation and can take effect at different times. This is not legal or insurance advice.

Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Insurance before making coverage decisions. Consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: February 2026

Sources: State Departments of Insurance, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Insurance Information Institute, Insurance Research Council