State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in the USA (2026 Edition)

Car insurance laws in the United States are not universal — they are set at the state level. This means the minimum insurance coverage you must carry legally depends on where your vehicle is registered.

In this 2026 updated guide, we break down:

• Minimum car insurance requirements for all 50 states
• What the numbers actually mean
• Why state minimum coverage is often not enough

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How to Read Car Insurance Limits

Most states express liability coverage in a format like:

25/50/25

• $25,000 – bodily injury per person
• $50,000 – bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 – property damage

This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay — not the actual cost of damages.

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State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements (2026)

Alabama – 25/50/25

Alaska – 50/100/25

Arizona – 25/50/15

Arkansas – 25/50/25

California – 15/30/5

Colorado – 25/50/15

Connecticut – 25/50/25

Delaware – 25/50/10

Florida – 10/10 (PIP & Property Damage only)

Georgia – 25/50/25

Hawaii – 20/40/10

Idaho – 25/50/15

Illinois – 25/50/20

Indiana – 25/50/25

Iowa – 20/40/15

Kansas – 25/50/25

Kentucky – 25/50/25

Louisiana – 15/30/25

Maine – 50/100/25

Maryland – 30/60/15

Massachusetts – 20/40/5

Michigan – 50/100/10

Minnesota – 30/60/10

Mississippi – 25/50/25

Missouri – 25/50/25

Montana – 25/50/20

Nebraska – 25/50/25

Nevada – 25/50/20

New Hampshire – Not required (proof of financial responsibility)

New Jersey – 15/30/5

New Mexico – 25/50/10

New York – 25/50/10

North Carolina – 30/60/25

North Dakota – 25/50/25

Ohio – 25/50/25

Oklahoma – 25/50/25

Oregon – 25/50/20

Pennsylvania – 15/30/5

Rhode Island – 25/50/25

South Carolina – 25/50/25

South Dakota – 25/50/25

Tennessee – 25/50/15

Texas – 30/60/25

Utah – 25/65/15

Vermont – 25/50/10

Virginia – 30/60/20 (or uninsured motor fee)

Washington – 25/50/10

West Virginia – 25/50/25

Wisconsin – 25/50/10

Wyoming – 25/50/20

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No-Fault States Explained

Some states operate under no-fault insurance laws, meaning your own insurance pays medical costs regardless of fault.

Examples include:

• Florida
• Michigan
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania (choice no-fault)

In these states, PIP coverage is mandatory.

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Is State Minimum Coverage Enough in 2026?

In most cases, no.

Modern medical bills and vehicle repair costs can exceed state minimums very quickly.

Experts recommend at least:

• 100/300/100 liability coverage
• Uninsured motorist protection
• Comprehensive & collision for newer vehicles

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Final Words

Knowing your state’s legal minimum keeps you compliant, but choosing the right coverage keeps you protected.

Smart drivers in 2026 don’t settle for the bare minimum — they plan for the unexpected.

Next Article: Day 4 – What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance? (2026 Complete Breakdown)