What Are the Minimum Levels of Liability Car Insurance in My State?

Each state, with the exception of New Hampshire, requires you to carry minimum levels of liability car insurance. If you're a driver in one of those 49 states and Washington, D.C., you must buy liability insurance in order to drive legally. If you cause an accident, liability coverage will pay for damages (medical and/or property) you cause to others - up to the limits of your liability coverage.

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Most car insurance industry experts recommend carrying higher levels of liability coverage than the state minimums, but you are only legally required to carry the limits set by your state. The chart below shows the liability auto insurance requirements required by each state.

The second column specifies the mandatory minimum amounts of liability coverage. For example, 15/30/10 means coverage up to $30,000 for all individuals injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $15,000 for one person and $10,000 for property damage.

The third column indicates whether Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is compulsory. PIP includes medical, rehabilitation, loss of earnings, funeral expenses and, in some states, essential services like child care.

The fourth column shows whether uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is required.

1. New Hampshire does not require you to carry auto insurance, but you must demonstrate that you are can meet financial responsibility requirements in the event of an "at-fault" accident. If you choose to buy car insurance, the minimum limits sold are 25/50/25 and you must purchase UM coverage.

Source: Insurance Information Institute