Alabama Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

fact checked icon

Updated: May 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Alabama's minimum car insurance requirements mandate drivers to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability. As an at-fault state, Alabama requires the insurance of the driver who caused an accident to pay for damages. If you hold state minimum car insurance, you should be covered for these essential liabilities.

Minimum car insurance in Alabama averages around $30 monthly, an affordable rate for those seeking essential coverage. You might want to consider the cost of this basic protection against the benefits of additional coverage options, depending on your needs. For the most cost-effective options, compare quotes to find the cheapest car insurance in Alabama.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Alabama department of insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Alabama drivers.

recency icon

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Alabama as of June 2024.

31,680Quotes Analyzed
 
11Companies Compared
 
45ZIP Codes

Alabama Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Alabama, drivers are required to have minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The state enforces specific minimum amounts for various types of coverage, which include:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.

The insurance premium in Alabama is affected by it being a fault state, where the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. The at-fault driver's insurance therefore typically covers property damage and medical expenses for those injured in the accident. As such, being Alabama may affect the costs of various coverage types your car insurance policy, depending on your insurance company's risk assessment.

alabama icon
ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN ALABAMA?

Alabama does not mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage. But if you finance or lease a vehicle, the lender or leasing company usually requires both to protect their investment. These policies cover damages from accidents, theft or natural disasters — not covered by minimum coverage plans. In Alabama, you'll need collision or comprehensive insurance if your vehicle is under a finance or lease agreement.

Collision or comprehensive insurance is an optional addition for vehicle owners in Alabama seeking extra protection beyond the required liability insurance.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Alabama's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Remember, your policy's specifics depend on its terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Alabama

Age is frequently a pivotal factor affecting minimum car insurance rates. Drivers aged 22 to 29 in Alabama face the highest premiums, mainly due to their presumed inexperience behind the wheel, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

The table illustrates how average minimum coverage costs in Alabama vary by age group.

22-29Annual Premium$454Monthly Premium$38
30-59Annual Premium$365Monthly Premium$30
60 +Annual Premium$371Monthly Premium$31

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Alabama

The best low-cost options minimum coverage insurance in Alabama are:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: $246 per year; $20 per month.
  • Country Financial: $333 per year; $28 per month.

Although securing an affordable insurance plan is important, so too is finding coverage that aligns with your specific needs. Weigh your options carefully to ensure that you choose best car insurance in Alabama for your circumstances.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Cincinnati InsuranceAnnual Premium$246Monthly Premium$20
Country FinancialAnnual Premium$333Monthly Premium$28
State FarmAnnual Premium$340Monthly Premium$28
Auto-Owners Insurance CoAnnual Premium$391Monthly Premium$33
TravelersAnnual Premium$399Monthly Premium$33
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$474Monthly Premium$40
GEICOAnnual Premium$484Monthly Premium$40
NationwideAnnual Premium$484Monthly Premium$40

Optional Add-On Coverages in Alabama

Alabama offers optional add-on coverages like comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These coverages can financially protect drivers against various incidents that go beyond the state minimum requirements. Knowing how much car insurance you need helps you determine which coverages to include.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Alabama

In Alabama, the cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage insurance varies based on your record of traffic offenses. Penalties escalate if it's not your first time getting caught. For first offenders, the fines can be significant, while repeat violators might face even heftier fines and more severe consequences.

  • License suspension – Your driving privileges may be taken away for a period.
  • Vehicle registration suspension – The state may suspend your car's registration.
  • License reinstatement fee – Upon suspension, a fee is required to get your license back.
  • SR-22 requirement – You could be mandated to carry this certificate as proof of future financial responsibility.

For those involved in an accident without insurance, the stakes are higher, possibly resulting in up to six months of jail time. Abide by the law and ensure you have the proper insurance to avoid these potential penalties and maintain your driving privileges.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in Alabama, you should immediately seek new insurance. Avoid driving uninsured because Alabama law requires all drivers to have at least minimum car insurance coverage. Start by contacting your insurance agent to discuss options or look for another insurance provider.

The Alabama Department of Revenue is informed through its Online Insurance Verification System when you're without insurance, putting you at risk of penalties. The department may suspend your vehicle registration if you're found to be uninsured.

To secure a new insurance policy after cancellation, shop around for private insurance carriers that cater to different risk levels. Although Alabama doesn't have a state-run insurance program for high-risk drivers, there are private insurers who specialize in non-standard insurance policies for those facing difficulty obtaining coverage. Compare policies and find one that fits your needs and budget but still meets state requirements. Remember, driving without insurance is illegal, and ensuring you have the right coverage is both responsible and mandatory.

uninsured icon
WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Alabama may have been canceled for several reasons:

  • Non-Payment of Premiums: Missing due dates for your insurance payments can lead to cancelation.
  • License Suspension or Revocation: If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, insurers may cancel your policy.
  • Fraud or Misrepresentation: Providing false information on your insurance application is grounds for cancellation.
  • Too Many Claims: Filing multiple claims in a short period can signal high risk to insurers, prompting cancellation.
  • Violation of Policy Terms: Not adhering to the terms set in your policy could result in its termination.

FAQ: Alabama Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Understanding Alabama's minimum car insurance requirements is crucial for all drivers to ensure legal compliance and financial protection. We've provided clear answers to FAQs about the coverage you need to hit the road in the Heart of Dixie.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Alabama?
Why does Alabama require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Alabama?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Alabama?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.