How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?


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Key Takeaways

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Most drivers need 100/300/100 liability coverage plus comprehensive and collision insurance for complete financial protection against damage to others and your vehicle.

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You must meet your state's minimum liability requirements to drive legally, but state minimums rarely provide enough financial protection for your assets.

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Consider additional coverages like gap insurance, roadside assistance, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage based on your needs.

How Much Car Insurance Coverage Do I Need?

Beyond meeting state laws and lender requirements, you need enough coverage to protect yourself from medical bills, property damage and lawsuits after an accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, here’s how much coverage is generally recommended:

  • Meet state law requirements. Each state sets minimum liability limits you must carry to drive legally.
  • Protect your assets. Choose full coverage and consider optional add-ons to avoid the financial burden of a serious accident.
  • Meet lender requirements. If you lease or finance your car, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Car Insurance Coverage Recommendation

Choosing the right coverage level depends on your budget, assets and risk tolerance. We've organized coverage into three tiers to help you find the right balance:

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    Basic Protection

    Works for drivers with tight budgets and fewer assets to protect. You'll meet legal requirements and lender obligations while keeping costs low, but you'll face higher out-of-pocket expenses if you cause a serious accident.

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    Good Protection

    Suits most drivers who want solid coverage without breaking the bank. This level provides enough liability coverage to protect typical assets like homes and savings accounts, plus reasonable deductibles for vehicle repairs.

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    Premium Protection

    Is designed for high-net-worth individuals and those with expensive vehicles. Higher limits and lower deductibles provide maximum protection against lawsuits and ensure quality repairs with manufacturer parts.

Auto Insurance Coverage Comparison

Coverage
Basic Protection
Good Protection
Premium Protection

50/100/50 or state minimum for tight budgets

100/300/100 ($100K per person/$300K per accident/$100K property damage)

250/500/250 ($250K per person/$500K per accident/$250K property damage)

For cars worth over $3,000

Recommended with $1,000 deductible

Recommended with $500 deductible

State minimum if required

Same as liability limits (100/300)

Same as liability limits (250/500)

State minimum if required

$10,000+ (varies by state requirements)

$25,000+

No (unless required for lease)

No (unless required for lease)

Recommended (only for financed/leased vehicles worth more than loan)

Not required

Recommended

Recommended

Not required

Recommended (unless you have a second car)

Recommended, $50/day, up to 30 days

Not required

Not required or recommended

Recommended (for vehicles under 2 years old)

Not required

Not required

Recommended

Is State Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Enough?

Though state minimums are less expensive, we strongly recommend higher liability coverage.

Example of why this matters: You have minimum 25/50/25 auto liability coverage and cause an accident that totals a new Range Rover Sport ($100,000 value) and results in $50,000 of medical expenses for the other driver. Your insurance would only cover $25,000 of the vehicle damage and $25,000 of medical costs, leaving you personally responsible for the remaining $75,000 for the vehicle and $25,000 in medical costs.

You could be sued for this amount plus potential additional damages for pain and suffering or lost wages. Higher liability limits provide important protection for your personal assets.

Do I Need Full Coverage (Comprehensive and Collision)?

If your car is financed or leased, you must carry full coverage because it's a lender requirement. For vehicles you own outright, the decision comes down to risk tolerance. Skip full coverage if your car is worth less than $3,000 or if annual comprehensive and collision premiums exceed 10% of your vehicle's value.

Full coverage makes sense for newer vehicles (less than 10 years old) or cars worth more than $4,000. It's especially smart if you live in areas with high theft rates or severe weather, or if you can't afford $5,000 to $15,000 in unexpected repair costs.

Deductibles apply separately to each comprehensive and collision claim (you'll pay your chosen deductible amount each time you file a claim for vehicle damage).

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MONEYGEEK RECOMMENDATION DO YOU NEED FULL COVERAGE?

Most drivers need full coverage, comprising collision and comprehensive insurance that protects your vehicle. You can skip this coverage if you drive a low-value car (typically under $3,000) and have enough money to buy a new car or pay for repairs after a bad accident.

Car Insurance Coverage Need by Driver Profile

How much car insurance you need depends on your driver profile and location. Our recommendations for liability coverage amounts and coverages you should buy are as follows:

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    Budget-Conscious Drivers

    Higher deductibles and lower liability limits reduce monthly premiums. You're protected legally while minimizing costs, but you'll pay more out-of-pocket if you cause a serious accident.

    • Coverage Level: Basic protection
    • Liability: 50/100/50 or state minimum if very budget constrained
    • Full Coverage: Only for vehicles worth over $3,000
    • Add-On's: None, unless PIP/UM are required in your state
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    Families With Multiple Vehicles

    Multiple drivers mean higher accident risk, but multi-car discounts offset costs. Higher liability limits protect your family's assets, and comprehensive coverage handles weather damage to vehicles parked outside.

    • Coverage Level: Good protection
    • Liability: 100/300/100
    • Full Coverage: Yes, with $1,000 deductible
    • Add-Ons: UM and PIP if required in your state
    • Home and Auto Bundle: Strongly consider if you own a home
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    High Assets / New Expensive Vehicles

    Your wealth makes you a lawsuit target. Higher limits and umbrella policies protect assets beyond your home and cars. Premium coverage ensures your expensive vehicle gets proper repairs with OEM parts.

    • Coverage Level: Premium protection
    • Liability: 250/500/250
    • Full Coverage: Yes, with $500 deductible
    • Add-Ons: UM, PIP, New care replacement, and consider an umbrella policy
    • Home and Auto Bundle: Can save you up to 25% if you own a home
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    Teen Drivers

    Teen drivers are three times more likely to cause accidents. Higher liability limits protect your family from lawsuits. Teens under 18 can't purchase insurance without a parent/guardian co-signer in most states.

    • Coverage Level: Good protection
    • Policy Type: Family policy will save you up to 30%
    • Liability: 100/300/100
    • Full Coverage: Yes, with $1,000 deductible
    • Add-Ons: UM and PIP if required in your state

    Teen driver insurance requirements and restrictions vary significantly by state. Consult your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or insurance commissioner for specific regulations in your area.

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    Drivers With Accidents or Violations

    Past violations make you statistically more likely to have future accidents. Don't compound the financial damage by carrying inadequate coverage. Higher limits protect you from personal bankruptcy if you cause serious harm.

    • Coverage Level: Good protection (despite higher premiums)
    • Liability: 100/300/100
    • Full Coverage: Yes, for vehicles worth more than $3,000
    • Add-Ons: UM, and PIP if required in your state
    • Home and Auto Bundle: Strongly consider if you own a home

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements by State

Nearly every state in the U.S. requires minimum liability coverage.  Thirteen states personal injury protection (PIP) to cover medical expenses. Twenty states require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection when another driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.  The minimum requirements for each state are:

State
Bodily injury liability (per person)
Bodily injury liability (per accident)
Property damage liability (per accident)
Other car insurance requirements

Alabama

$25,000

$50,000

$25,000

None

Alaska

$50,000

$100,000

$25,000

None

Arizona

$25,000

$50,000

$15,000

None

Arkansas

$25,000

$50,000

$25,000

None

California

$30,000

$60,000

$15,000

None

States That Require Additional PIP and UM Coverage

Certain states require that you add PIP and UM insurance to your policy to have legal car insurance. These coverages are moderately priced at about $50 to $150 annually each, but will add to your policy cost.

States Requiring PIP

Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident. PIP is primarily required in no-fault insurance states, where each driver's insurance covers their own injuries regardless of who caused the accident.

States: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Utah

States Requiring Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're in an accident with a driver who has no insurance by covering your medical expenses and, in some states, property damage.

States: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin

States Requiring Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage pays for your expenses when you're hit by a driver whose insurance limits are too low to cover all your damages.

States: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin

Car Insurance Coverage Types: Explanations & Recommendations

  1. 1

    Liability Coverage (Legally Required)

    Liability coverage protects you financially when you're at fault in an accident, covering two main components:

    • Bodily injury liability: Pays for others' injuries, including medical costs, lost wages, and legal fees when you're responsible for an accident.
    • Property damage liability: Covers damage to others' vehicles or property. Higher limits cost surprisingly little extra but provide significantly more protection against expensive claims involving multiple vehicles or valuable property.

    What the 100/300/100 numbers mean: The first 100 refers to the bodily injury liability limit per person ($100,000), 300 refers to the bodily injury liability per accident ($300,000), and 100 refers to the property damage liability ($100,000).

    Liability insurance is required in 49 states; New Hampshire is the exception.

    MoneyGeek expert recommendation: Most drivers need 100/300/100. You can choose less if you have very low assets and are financially constrained, or more (e.g., 250/500/250) if you have high assets.

    Liability coverage does not have a deductible (you don't pay out-of-pocket when your liability insurance covers damages to others).

  2. 2

    Full Coverage (Comprehensive and Collision)

    These two coverages protect your own vehicle and are typically presented together as "full coverage" when combined with liability:

    • Collision coverage: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after crashes with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.
    • Comprehensive coverage: Protects against virtually everything else that might damage your car—theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, falling trees, and animal strikes.

    These coverages are important for newer vehicles and required for those with loans/leases. Both coverages require choosing a deductible (the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest). Higher deductibles reduce premiums but increase your out-of-pocket costs when filing claims. For example, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save approximately 20-30% on these coverage portions.

    MoneyGeek expert recommendation: Most drivers need comprehensive and collision coverage unless they drive a car valued at less than $3,000 and have the ability to pay for their own car repairs.

  3. 3

    Medical Coverage Options

    These coverages handle injury expenses for you and your passengers:

    • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Required in "no-fault" states mentioned below, PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes funeral costs regardless of who caused the accident.
    • Medical Payments Coverage: Similar to PIP but typically with fewer benefits and lower limits. Covers medical expenses regardless of fault, often with no deductible.

    These coverages work alongside health insurance but often cover things health insurance doesn't, like dental injuries and funeral costs.

    MoneyGeek expert recommendation: Unless required in your state (see list below), most drivers don't need this coverage if they have solid health insurance and disability. You should add it if you want premium protection.

  4. 4

    Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

    This protection activates when you're hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance:

    • Uninsured motorist bodily injury: Covers your medical costs when hit by an uninsured driver.
    • Underinsured motorist bodily injury: Provides additional coverage when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient.

    The national uninsured driver rate has increased to approximately 12%, with rates exceeding 20% in some states. It's relatively inexpensive coverage that protects against a common risk.

    MoneyGeek expert recommendation: Most drivers need this coverage to protect themselves against uninsured drivers. It is required in certain states (mentioned below).

    Uninsured motorist rates vary significantly by state and are based on Insurance Research Council data. Your state's rate may differ substantially.

Insurance providers standardize coverage into four main categories.  Here's what each one covers and why you need it:

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Liability Cost by Coverage Amount

Most drivers pay $1,000 to $1,500 annually for recommended 100/300/100 coverage (based on MoneyGeek's 2024 analysis of average rates across major insurers), while higher limits cost more monthly but protect you from potentially devastating out-of-pocket expenses if you cause a serious accident.

Coverage Level
Best For
Typical Annual Cost

State Minimum

Not recommended, unless you are struggling to afford insurance

$500–$700

50/100/50

Budget-conscious drivers, those will less assets

$700–$900

100/300/100

Most drivers

$1,000–$1,500

250/500/100+

High-net-worth individuals

$1,500+

Required Coverage You Need for a Financed or Leased Car

Lenders and leasing companies require specific coverage to protect their financial interest in your vehicle. Here's what you'll need beyond basic liability insurance.

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    When Financing a Vehicle, Lenders Require

    Full coverage insurance: Includes liability insurance, comprehensive, and collision

    Deductible limits: Maximum deductibles ($500 or $1,000)

    Continuous coverage: No lapses allowed

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    Leasing Companies Have Stricter Requirements

    Higher liability limits: Often 100/300/50 or higher

    Lower deductibles: Usually maximum of $500

    Gap insurance: Usually required

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    Gap Insurance Consideration

    Required for: Most leased vehicles

    Strongly recommended for: Loans with less than 20% down payment

    Most valuable time to buy: In the first two to three years when the gap between vehicle value and loan balance is largest due to initial auto depreciation

    Typically costs: $20 to $40 annually

Add-On Coverage You May Need or Want

Optional add-ons can give you extra protection and convenience when accidents happen. These coverages boost your policy for specific situations:

  • Roadside assistance: Covers emergency services like towing, battery jumps, and lockout help for $5 to $15 monthly. It's the most popular add-on; 60% to 70% of drivers choose it.
  • Rental car reimbursement: Pays for a rental while your car gets repaired after a covered claim, typically costing $5 to $10 monthly. This is the second most popular add-on, with 50% to 60% of drivers selecting it.
  • Gap insurance: Covers the difference between your car's value and loan balance if it's totaled. You'll need it for most leased cars and financed cars that might be worth less than what you still owe. Costs approximately $20 to $40 annually.
  • New car replacement: Gets you a brand-new car of the same make and model if yours is totaled within the first year or two. It adds 5% to 10% to your comprehensive premiums.
  • OEM parts coverage: Ensures repairs use manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket components. It's particularly valuable for luxury vehicles and typically costs $100 to $200 annually.
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MONEYGEEK RECOMMENDATION: WHAT COVERAGE ADD-ONS DO YOU NEED?

With exception of gap coverage which is required for leased vehicles, adding these coverage types is personal preference.  We recommend new car replacement for cars less than two years old and rental car reimbursement if you don't have alternative transportation and to drive often.

When you finance or lease a vehicle, the lender typically requires certain coverages.  They will ask for proof of coverage.

What Car Insurance Deductible Do You Need?

MoneyGeek expert recommendation: You should choose a $500 or $1,000 deductible.

A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage pays for a claim:

  • Applies separately to comprehensive and collision claims
  • Paid each time you file a claim
  • Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs when you make a claim
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MONEYGEEK RECOMMENDATION: CHOOSING A DEDUCTIBLE

You should choose a $500 or $1,000 deductible. If you choose the higher amount, you will save $100-$200 per year, but make sure you have an emergency fund to pay it in the case of an at-fault accident.

Do You Need an Umbrella Policy?

An umbrella policy is extra liability coverage that layers on top of your auto (and often home or renters) insurance, paying any lawsuit costs that exceed your underlying limits, typically in $1 million increments up to $5 million or more.

How Umbrella Policies Work
Your auto policy pays first when you’re liable for injuries or property damage. If a settlement is higher than those limits, the umbrella policy covers the excess.

Who Should Get an Umbrella Policy
Anyone with significant assets, high income, or added risk from teen drivers, rental property, or frequent driving should consider an umbrella policy. It adds extra liability protection beyond your auto or home insurance, helping shield your savings and future earnings from costly lawsuits.

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How Much Car Insurance Coverage do I Need: Bottom Line

Meeting state minimums alone often leaves you underinsured. Most drivers should carry at least 100/300/100 liability with comprehensive and collision for full protection.

Your choice of limits and deductibles should reflect your assets, vehicle value and budget. If you finance or lease, lenders will require these coverages. Comparing quotes regularly helps you find the right balance of affordability and protection.

How Much Insurance Do I Need: FAQ

Choosing the right car insurance can be overwhelming. Here are answers to common questions to help you decide how much coverage you need.

How much liability coverage do I need to protect my assets?

Is basic, state minimum car insurance enough?

What insurance coverage should I get for a new or expensive car?

Is car insurance per person or by car?

How many cars can you have on your insurance policy?

How does choosing a higher or lower deductible affect my insurance premium?

What is gap insurance and do I need it for my financed or leased vehicle?

How do I avoid a gap in coverage when switching car insurance companies?

Car Insurance Coverage: Related Articles

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.


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