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Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
How Does Your State Measure Up?
Auto insurance requirements vary from state to state. If you’re not sure what’s required in your home state, or you’re moving, educate yourself on your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements and plan to exceed them. (If you’re involved in a serious accident, carrying the minimum requirements won’t cover your losses.)
Auto Insurance Numbers You Should Know
Auto insurance companies generally refer to bodily injury and property damage coverage in a series of 3 numbers. For example, in Arizona the minimum coverage requirements (in thousands of dollars) are 15/30/10. The first number, $15,000, represents the maximum amount of bodily injury liability that will be paid out for any 1 person injured in an accident. The second number, $30,000, represents the maximum amount of bodily injury liability that will be paid out for all injuries in any 1 accident. The third number, $10,000, represents the maximum property damage liability paid out for any 1 accident.
If you’d like to learn more about the meaning of common terms, check out our auto insurance glossary in the Esurance Learning Center.
Minimum Liability Coverage
Most states require you to carry the state-mandated minimum amount of liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage). You can find your state's minimum when you get your auto insurance quote.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage covers you if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured (or underinsured) driver. Your uninsured motorist limits may not be greater than your liability limits— however they can be lower (in some states you must sign a form if you choose limits lower than your liability limits). In states where it’s allowed, you may opt out of purchasing uninsured motorist coverage but if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you could have to pay for damages out-of-pocket!
No-Fault States
D.C., Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington are no-fault states. In no-fault states, insurance companies are legally required to pay a policyholder's covered losses, regardless of who's held responsible for an accident. Some no-fault states also restrict the right to sue for damages. In states without no-fault regulations, the insurance company covering the person who caused an accident is forced to pay for covered losses.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory in
Florida,
Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. PIP generally includes expanded coverage of accident-related medical costs. In some states, PIP also pays for lost wages and similar losses. Specific protections afforded by this type of auto insurance coverage and limits on PIP payments vary widely from state to state.
Don’t Skimp
You buy auto insurance coverage to protect you in the event you’re involved in an accident. Don’t skimp on your coverage. Get customized auto insurance! Use Esurance’s interactive Coverage Counselor tool to help determine the level of coverage that suits you best. Once you’ve received your personalized report, get a free auto insurance quote from us!
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