Minimum car insurance requirements, including the type and coverage limits, vary by state based on each state's insurance laws and financial responsibility requirements. Find your state's requirements instantly using the table below.
Auto Insurance
State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements (2025)
Updated: July 9, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Depending on the state, minimum car insurance requirements may include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage.
The average annual cost of minimum coverage is $959, compared to $1,895 for full coverage policies with higher limits.
While minimum coverage is the cheapest insurance you can buy, it may not cover all your expenses after an accident.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements by State
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 |
Colorado | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | None |
Connecticut | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Delaware | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Personal injury protection: $15,000 per person $30,000 per accident |
District of Columbia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured property damage: $5,000 (subject to $200 deductible) |
Florida | $10,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | Personal injury protection: $10,000 |
Georgia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | None |
Hawaii | $20,000 | $40,000 | $10,000 | Personal injury protection: $10,000 |
Idaho | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | None |
Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Indiana | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | None |
Iowa | $20,000 | $40,000 | $15,000 | None |
Kansas | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Personal injury protection: $4,500 Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Kentucky | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Personal injury protection: $10,000 |
Louisiana | $15,000 | $30,000 | $25,000 | None |
Maine | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 | Medical payments: $2,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person $100,000 per accident |
Maryland | $30,000 | $60,000 | $15,000 | Personal injury protection: $2,500 Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $30,000 per person $60,000 per accident Uninsured motorist property damage: $15,000 |
Massachusetts | $20,000 | $40,000 | $5,000 | Personal injury protection: $8,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $20,000 per person $40,000 per accident |
Michigan | $20,000 | $40,000 | $10,000 (for damage your vehicle does to property in another state) | Personal injury protection: Unlimited per person Unlimited per accident Property protection: $1 million |
Minnesota | $30,000 | $60,000 | $10,000 | Personal injury protection: $40,000 per person Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Mississippi | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | None |
Missouri | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Montana | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | None |
Nebraska | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Nevada | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | None |
New Hampshire | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
New Jersey | $15,000 | $15,000 | $5,000 | None |
New Mexico | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | None |
New York | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Personal injury protection: $50,000 per person Liability for death: $50,000 per person Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
North Carolina | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $30,000 per person $60,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage: $25,000 |
North Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Personal injury protection: $30,000 per person Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Ohio | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | None |
Oklahoma | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | None |
Oregon | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Pennsylvania | $15,000 | $30,000 | $5,000 | Medical payments coverage: $5,000 |
Rhode Island | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 *or $75,000 combined single limit | None |
South Carolina | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
South Dakota | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Tennessee | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | None |
Texas | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | None |
Utah | $30,000 | $65,000 | $25,000 | Personal injury protection: $3,000 per person Uninsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person $65,000 per accident |
Vermont | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person $100,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured property damage: $10,000 |
Virginia | $50,000 | $100,000 | $25,000 | None |
Washington | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | None |
West Virginia | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Wisconsin | $25,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person $50,000 per accident |
Wyoming | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | None |
How Much Is Minimum Car Insurance?
If affordability is your priority, minimum car insurance is the cheapest option. The average annual cost of auto insurance policies with state minimum coverage limits is $959, though rates differ by location and personalized factors.Â
Full coverage insurance, which includes liability limits of $300,000 for bodily injury per accident, $100,000 per person and $100,000 for property damage, costs an average of $1,895 per year.
| Minimum Coverage | $80 | $959 |
| Full Coverage | $158 | $1,895 |
Key Factors Affecting Your Minimum Insurance Cost
Understanding factors affecting car insurance cost helps explain why you might pay more or less than the state average and identifies areas where you can reduce your premiums.
Age and experience impact
Teenage drivers often pay two to three times more than adult drivers for the same coverage due to higher accident rates and lack of driving experience. Drivers under 25 face the highest premiums, with costs gradually decreasing as drivers gain experience. Senior drivers over 65 may see slight increases due to slower reaction times, but generally pay less than younger drivers.
Location makes a major difference
Your ZIP code impacts insurance costs due to varying accident rates, theft statistics and repair costs. Urban areas usually cost more than rural locations due to higher traffic density and increased theft rates. States with no-fault insurance laws or high litigation rates also drive up minimum coverage costs.
Driving record and credit score
Your driving history is one of the strongest predictors of insurance cost. A single at-fault accident can increase premiums by 20 to 50%, while DUI convictions can double or triple costs. Multiple violations create compounding effects. Credit scores also impact rates in states where allowed, with poor credit increasing premiums. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit using credit scores as a rating factor.
Vehicle type and usage
The car you drive affects minimum insurance costs even though liability coverage doesn't protect your vehicle. Sports cars, luxury vehicles and cars with high theft rates cost more to insure because they're statistically more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Annual mileage also matters. Drivers who commute long distances face higher premiums due to increased accident exposure.
WHAT STATE DOES NOT REQUIRE CAR INSURANCE?
In New Hampshire, auto insurance isn’t required, but drivers must prove they can cover damages if they cause an accident.
As a tort state, at-fault drivers are responsible for all resulting costs. Buying insurance is optional but recommended. If you choose to get coverage, the state’s minimum requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage matching liability limits
- At least $1,000 in medical payments coverage
Understanding Required Coverage Types
State minimum car insurance requirements depend on the types of coverage your state mandates. Understanding these different car insurance coverage types helps you ensure compliance with your state's laws and make informed decisions about your protection level.
- Bodily Injury Liability: Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering when you injure someone
- Property Damage Liability: Repair/replacement costs for other people's vehicles and property
- First number: Bodily injury per person ($25,000)
- Second number: Bodily injury per accident ($50,000)
- Third number: Property damage per accident ($25,000)
- Uninsured Motorist: For drivers with no insurance
- Underinsured Motorist: For drivers whose coverage is insufficient
- 80% of medical costs up to policy limit
- Percentage of lost wages
- Essential services (childcare, housekeeping)
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lower coverage limits ($1,000-$10,000)
- Covers only medical and funeral expenses
- No lost wages or other benefits
- Supplements health insurance
Liability Insurance (Required in All States Except NH)
What it covers: Pays for damage you cause to other people and their property
Two components:
How limits work: Expressed as three numbers (e.g., 25/50/25)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
What it covers: Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage
Two types:
Coverage amounts: Usually match your state's minimum liability requirements
*Required in 22 states
Personal injury protection (PIP)
What it covers: Your own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident
States requiring PIP: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Utah
Typical benefits:
*Required in 12 no-fault states
Medical payments coverage (MedPay)
What it covers: Medical expenses from car accidents regardless of fault
Key differences from PIP:
Required in Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania
No-Fault vs. At-Fault States
Whether your state follows a no-fault or at-fault insurance system helps determine your minimum coverage requirements. These different systems affect what coverage you must carry and how much you'll pay for state minimum insurance.
No-Fault States (12 states)
Each driver's insurance pays for their own medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident
Required coverage: PIP mandatory States: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Utah
At-Fault States (38 states)
The driver who caused the accident pays for everyone's injuries and damages
Required coverage: Generally only liability insuranceÂ
Additional requirements: Many require uninsured motorist protection
How State Minimum Car Insurance Works
Minimum coverage usually includes liability insurance, which pays for the other driver's bodily injury and property damage expenses when you're at fault. Some states also require additional coverage beyond basic liability, which may include:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Medical payments (MedPay)
The limits apply separately to each accident. Once reached, your insurance company pays nothing more. If you cause $100,000 in damages but have only $50,000 in coverage, you're personally liable for the remaining $50,000.
Average Minimum Car Insurance Cost vs. Full Coverage Cost
Car insurance costs vary by state, with some having lower average rates than others. The table below shows each state's average minimum car insurance and full coverage costs.
| Alabama | $845 | $1,595 |
| Alaska | $694 | $1,471 |
| Arizona | $1,193 | $2,224 |
| Arkansas | $787 | $1,758 |
| California | $974 | $1,987 |
| Colorado | $943 | $2,249 |
| Connecticut | $1,393 | $2,391 |
| Delaware | $1,456 | $2,438 |
| District of Columbia | $1,080 | $2,002 |
| Florida | $1,478 | $3,448 |
| Georgia | $1,486 | $2,441 |
| Hawaii | $515 | $1,157 |
| Idaho | $525 | $1,073 |
| Illinois | $870 | $1,625 |
| Indiana | $638 | $1,245 |
| Iowa | $546 | $1,313 |
| Kansas | $700 | $1,634 |
| Kentucky | $1,211 | $2,048 |
| Louisiana | $1,922 | $4,142 |
| Maine | $498 | $1,033 |
| Maryland | $1,541 | $2,599 |
| Massachusetts | $985 | $2,083 |
| Michigan | $1,509 | $2,886 |
| Minnesota | $814 | $1,685 |
| Mississippi | $854 | $1,692 |
| Missouri | $1,128 | $2,251 |
| Montana | $681 | $1,610 |
| Nebraska | $739 | $1,674 |
| Nevada | $1,786 | $3,230 |
| New Hampshire | $682 | $1,203 |
| New Jersey | $1,754 | $2,882 |
| New Mexico | $790 | $1,765 |
| New York | $1,337 | $2,397 |
| North Carolina | $834 | $1,632 |
| North Dakota | $574 | $1,249 |
| Ohio | $716 | $1,392 |
| Oklahoma | $917 | $2,035 |
| Oregon | $1,170 | $2,045 |
| Pennsylvania | $928 | $2,170 |
| Rhode Island | $1,200 | $2,140 |
| South Carolina | $1,013 | $1,890 |
| South Dakota | $510 | $1,554 |
| Tennessee | $749 | $1,519 |
| Texas | $1,241 | $2,540 |
| Utah | $1,093 | $1,856 |
| Vermont | $431 | $1,017 |
| Virginia | $923 | $1,502 |
| Washington | $914 | $1,698 |
| West Virginia | $850 | $1,721 |
| Wisconsin | $631 | $1,394 |
| Wyoming | $343 | $1,076 |
Compare State Minimum Car Insurance Quotes
Several factors help determine the right amount of car insurance, such as your vehicle type and budget. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is key to finding the best policy. Use MoneyGeek's calculator below for quick and accurate quotes.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low
Rates updated:
Jul 09, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Minimum Car Insurance Money-Saving Tips
Even with minimum coverage, you can lower premiums through discounts, payment choices and smart coverage management.
- 1
Maximize available discounts
Most insurers offer multiple car insurance discounts that can reduce minimum coverage costs by 10 to 30%. Common discounts include, Multi-policy discount, Bundle auto and home/renters insurance for 5 to 25% savings.
- 2
Strategic coverage and payment options
While maintaining legal minimums, consider these cost-reduction strategies:
- Pay annually instead of monthly to avoid installment fees (saves around $50 to 100 per year)
- Increase deductibles on any optional coverage to lower premiums
- Review coverage annually to ensure you're not paying for unnecessary extras
- Consider usage-based insurance if you're a safe driver willing to be monitored
- 3
Shopping and comparison tips
Insurance rates vary between companies for identical coverage. Get quotes from at least three to five insurers, including national brands and regional companies. Consider direct insurers (online/phone only), which often offer lower rates due to reduced overhead costs.
Don't just compare prices. Evaluate customer service ratings and claims handling reputation, as the cheapest policy won't help if the company provides poor service when you need to file a claim.
Is Minimum Car Insurance Enough?
Minimum coverage meets legal requirements, but it may not fully protect your finances. Here’s how to assess whether your current policy is enough:
Liability Coverage: Your liability limits should at least match your net worth—including home equity, savings and investments. If you cause $500,000 in damages but only have $50,000 in coverage, you’re on the hook for the rest.
Medical Coverage: In at-fault states, you may have no immediate medical coverage while fault is determined. In no-fault states, make sure your PIP limits cover extended care and lost wages. Factor in your health insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximums.
Vehicle Protection: If your car were totaled, could you afford to replace it? If not, comprehensive and collision coverage may be worth the cost—especially if you’re still making payments or rely heavily on your vehicle.
INDUSTRY RECOMMENDATIONS
Basic protection: 100/300/100 coverage ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage)Â
High net worth: 250/500/250 or 500/500/500 limitsÂ
Additional protection: Umbrella policy for $1 million+ extra liability coverage
Calculate How Much Car Insurance You Need
For a personalized assessment tailored to your specific situation, use MoneyGeek's Coverage Needs Calculator below. Input your current financial information and coverage details to identify potential gaps and receive specific recommendations.
Determine How Much Car Insurance You Need
Take our four-step quiz to learn the required and optimal level of car insurance for you.
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Alternatives to Traditional Car Insurance
While most states require traditional auto insurance, some allow alternative ways to meet financial responsibility laws:
Cash deposit programs
Some states let drivers deposit $30,000–$75,000 with the DMV instead of buying insurance. This deposit acts as a guarantee for accident claims and is held in an interest-bearing account. To qualify, drivers must show proof of substantial liquid assets beyond the deposit. These funds remain tied up and unavailable for other use.
Surety bond programs
A surety bond, typically between $30,000 and $75,000, can satisfy legal requirements in certain states. Bonding companies guarantee payment for claims, but drivers must pay premiums and reimburse the company for any payouts. Most companies require a credit score above 650 and proof of steady income. Unlike deposits, bonds don’t lock up your capital.
Self-insurance certificates
Primarily for large businesses or fleet operators, self-insurance requires a net worth over $1 million and reserves of $500,000 to $1 million. States typically require fleets of 10 to 26+ vehicles. Drivers must prove they can cover potential liability without insurance.
Check with your state’s DMV or insurance department to see which alternatives are available and what’s required to qualify.
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS OF ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE OPTIONS
In most cases, alternative insurance options are only valid in the issuing state. This may create complications for drivers who travel often or relocate.
If you move to a state that doesn't recognize your alternative coverage, you must immediately obtain traditional insurance or face penalties for driving without coverage. This limitation makes alternative options impractical for many drivers who need flexibility to travel or relocate for work or personal reasons.
State Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Bottom Line
While minimum coverage meets legal compliance and offers the most affordable premiums, it often provides inadequate financial protection that could leave you personally liable for substantial out-of-pocket expenses after a serious accident. Full coverage plans come with higher premiums, but they include collision and comprehensive insurance. They also have higher liability limits. Thus, offering comprehensive financial protection for your assets and future earnings.
Understand your state's specific requirements, evaluate your personal risk factors and assess your financial protection needs to choose the appropriate coverage that balances legal compliance with adequate financial security.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements: FAQ
We answer common questions about state minimum car insurance to help you understand your coverage needs.
Do all states require car insurance?
No, not all states require car insurance. New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't require drivers to carry car insurance. However, New Hampshire drivers must still demonstrate financial responsibility and prove they can pay for damages if they cause an accident. All other 49 states and Washington, D.C., require car insurance or financial responsibility coverage.
What is the cheapest state minimum car insurance?
The cheapest state minimum car insurance requirements are found in states with lower liability limits and no additional mandatory coverage. However, the actual cost of insurance depends on many factors beyond state minimums, including your location, driving record, age and the insurance company you choose.
What happens if you only have minimum coverage in an accident?
If you only have minimum coverage and cause a serious accident, you could be personally responsible for damages exceeding your policy limits. For example, if you cause $100,000 in damages but only have $25,000 in property damage coverage, you'd owe $75,000 out of pocket. The other party could sue you for the remaining amount, potentially resulting in wage garnishment or asset seizure. Minimum coverage also doesn't include comprehensive or collision coverage, meaning your own vehicle repairs wouldn't be covered.
Can you drive without car insurance in any state?
You can't legally drive without some form of financial responsibility in any state. While New Hampshire doesn't require insurance, drivers must still prove they can pay for damages they cause. Some states allow alternatives like cash deposits or surety bonds, but these require substantial upfront investments (around $30,000 to $75,000). For most drivers, traditional car insurance is the most practical and affordable way to meet legal requirements.
What states are no-fault insurance states?
The 12 no-fault insurance states are Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota and Utah. These states require PIP coverage, which pays for your own medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Three states (Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) are considered choice no-fault states, allowing drivers to choose between no-fault benefits or the right to sue for damages.
How much is minimum car insurance per month?
The cost of minimum car insurance varies considerably by state and individual factors. On average, minimum coverage costs around $80 per month, but this can range from as low as $29 to over $160. No-fault states have higher minimum coverage costs due to mandatory PIP coverage. Your actual cost depends on your age, driving record, location, credit score and the insurance company you choose.
What happens if I move to a different state?
When you move to a different state, you must update your car insurance to meet your new state's requirements, usually within 30 days. Your new state may require different coverage types or higher limits. For example, moving from a state that doesn't require PIP coverage to a no-fault state means you'll need to add PIP to your policy. Contact your insurance company immediately after moving to ensure your policy complies with your new state's laws and avoid potential penalties or coverage gaps.
What if I only have minimum coverage and get hit by an uninsured driver?
If you only have minimum coverage and are hit by an uninsured driver, your protection depends on whether your state requires uninsured motorist coverage. If your state mandates this coverage, your insurance will pay for your injuries and damages up to your policy limits. If uninsured motorist coverage isn't required in your state and you didn't purchase it, you may have to pay for your own medical expenses and vehicle repairs or pursue legal action against the uninsured driver to recover costs.
Is minimum car insurance enough?
Minimum car insurance provides basic legal compliance but is often insufficient for comprehensive protection. State minimums are designed to ensure all drivers have some coverage, not to provide adequate protection for serious accidents. If you have assets to protect or can't afford to replace your vehicle, you likely need coverage beyond state minimums.
What's the difference between state minimum and full coverage?
State minimum coverage includes only the legally required liability insurance and any mandatory coverage like PIP or uninsured motorist protection. Full coverage includes state minimums plus comprehensive and collision coverage for your own vehicle, higher liability limits and additional optional coverage. Full coverage refers to a policy that provides comprehensive protection for both liability and physical damage to your vehicle.
Do I need to carry proof of insurance?
Yes, you must carry proof of insurance while driving in all states that require coverage. Most states accept digital proof on your smartphone, but some may require physical cards. You must present proof when requested by law enforcement, when renewing your registration, or after an accident. Failure to provide proof can result in fines, license suspension or other penalties, even if you have valid coverage.
What happens if my insurance lapses?
If your insurance lapses, you could face immediate consequences, including license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, fines and SR-22 filing requirements. Many states have electronic monitoring systems that detect when coverage ends. Even a brief lapse can result in penalties. If your insurance lapses and you're in an accident, you'll be personally responsible for all damages and could face additional criminal charges for driving without insurance.
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State Minimum Requirements for Car Insurance: Our Methodology
We designed our methodology to cut through the confusion and show you exactly what you'll pay for the bare minimum coverage your state requires.
Why This Approach Works for Minimum Coverage Shoppers
Most rate studies focus on full coverage or arbitrary liability limits that don't match what budget-conscious drivers actually need. We analyzed 83,056 quotes from 46 insurers across 473 ZIP codes to show real minimum coverage costs, not inflated numbers that don't apply to your situation.Â
Sample Driver Profile
Our quotes reflect a 40-year-old male driver with a Toyota Camry LE who drives 12,000 miles yearly with no violations. This profile represents the demographic most likely to shop for minimum coverage while maintaining clean driving records that qualify for standard rates.
Coverage Standards We Used
We calculated two distinct coverage levels to match different state requirements:
- National averages: 100/300/100 coverage ($100,000 bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage liability)
- State averages: 50/100/50 coverage ($50,000 bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident, $50,000 property damage liability)
Both scenarios use $1,000 deductibles for comprehensive and collision when included. This means you pay $1,000 out of pocket before insurance covers the rest. On a $2,000 claim, you pay $1,000 and your insurer pays the remaining $1,000Â
Data Sources and Quality
Our analysis draws from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments to ensure accuracy. We focused on the specific minimum limits each state actually requires, not generic "liability-only" coverage that might exceed your state's requirements and cost more than necessary.
This targeted approach gives you the exact financial protection your state mandates without paying for coverage you don't legally need.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.
sources
- Cox Automotive. "Kelley Blue Book Report: New-Vehicle Prices Hold Steady in May, As Automakers and Dealers Work To Offset Tariff-Driven Cost Increases." Accessed June 23, 2025.