Yes, in the United States, you are legally required to have auto insurance to drive a car in almost every state. The only exceptions are New Hampshire and Virginia, which have alternative financial responsibility laws, but even there, driving without insurance carries significant financial risk. The most common and fundamental requirement is liability insurance, which covers costs for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident.
The specific minimum coverage amounts are set by each state. For example, a common requirement is expressed as 25/50/25, which translates to $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. It's crucial to understand that these state minimums are often insufficient to cover the full costs of a serious accident. Most financial experts recommend carrying limits well above the minimum, such as 100/300/100, to protect your personal assets.
Beyond liability coverage, you should also consider:
- Collision Insurance: Covers damage to your own car after an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Covers non-collision damage to your car from events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you're hit by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Driving without valid insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. Proof of insurance, typically an ID card, must be kept in your vehicle at all times.
| State | Minimum Bodily Injury Liability (Per Person/Per Accident) | Minimum Property Damage Liability | Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required? |
|---|
| California | $15,000 / $30,000 | $5,000 | Yes (Same as liability limits) |
| Texas | $30,000 / $60,000 | $25,000 | Yes (Offered, can be declined in writing) |
| Florida | $0 / $0* | $10,000 | No |
| New York | $25,000 / $50,000 | $10,000 | Yes (25/50) |
| Illinois | $25,000 / $50,000 | $20,000 | Yes (Same as liability limits) |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000 / $30,000 | $5,000 | Yes (Offered, can be declined) |
| Ohio | $25,000 / $50,000 | $25,000 | No |
*Florida requires PIP (Personal Injury Protection) but no bodily injury liability at minimum.
