Is Car Insurance Required? State Rules and Penalties (2026)

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Key Takeaways

Car insurance is required in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The only exception is New Hampshire, where you’re required to get car insurance after an at-fault accident.
Most states require liability coverage, but minimum requirements vary. It’s usually always a good idea to carry more than the bare minimum to increase your level of financial protection.
Car insurance helps protect you from a variety of incidents. For example, it can help cover medical expenses if you get hurt crossing a street or help replace your vehicle if it gets stolen.

Is Car Insurance Required?

Almost all states require car insurance to register and drive a car. If your state requires auto insurance, it is illegal to drive without at least the minimum required liability coverage. Car insurance can help pay for injuries you cause to others and damage you cause to someone else’s property. Depending on your coverages, it can even help cover your own injuries and vehicle damage.

Do You Have To Have Car Insurance in Every State?

Most states require drivers to have car insurance, except for New Hampshire. New Hampshire drivers must still be able to pay for injuries and damages if they cause a crash. They may also be required to carry insurance for a set period of time after an at-fault accident.

Do you want to know if you need car insurance in your state? Are you unsure about which coverages are required and how much to get? Use The Hartford’s car insurance calculator for guidance based on where you live and your goals. We’ll provide information on your state’s required auto coverages, so you’ll know exactly how much you need to drive safely where you live.

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Which State Do You Drive In?

Why Do We Ask This?

States have requirements for how much car insurance coverage drivers must have. The minimum required amount can vary for bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Do You Own, Finance or Lease Your Vehicle?

Why Do We Ask This?

If you lease or finance your car, the lender or leasing company typically has coverage requirements and may have to be named on the policy.

When It Comes To Insurance, What Matters Most?

Paying a lower cost

Getting the most protection

Why Do We Ask This?

Everyone has different needs for car insurance. If you want to pay less for coverage, you'll have higher out-of-pocket costs with a claim. If you want the most protection, you'll pay more for coverage but have lower out-of-pocket costs with a claim.

Understanding State Minimum Car Insurance

State car insurance requirements vary. Each state may require unique minimum coverage levels for property damage liability and bodily injury liability. While some drivers may choose cheap car insurance that only covers the state’s minimum requirements, the limits may be too low to cover today’s medical and vehicle costs – leaving you with out-of-pocket bills.

Recent Changes:

States can change their minimum required car insurance coverage amounts. For example, Massachusetts’ required minimums changed in July 2025 to $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.

You may choose to purchase even more coverage than the minimum liability insurance limits your state requires. There are many types of car insurance coverage that can provide financial protection in the event of a covered claim. For example:

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability helps protect you from financial loss if you hurt someone in an accident.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability helps pay for damage that your car causes to property you don’t own.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs resulting from things like vandalism, natural disasters and theft.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance helps cover the cost to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, like a fence.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage, an optional coverage, helps provide financial assistance for medical expenses and rehabilitation after an accident.²

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover repairs or medical costs after an accident if the other person doesn’t have any or enough insurance, or if you're struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Important:

You may not have enough protection if you choose your state’s minimum required coverage amount.

Why Do You Need To Have Car Insurance?

Whether you’re required to have the state minimum car insurance coverage or not, there are many reasons why car insurance is important. Auto insurance can help you:

Cover the costs of large expenses if you’re involved in an accident, including property damage, medical bills and more.
Protect yourself, your family members and your passengers with personal injury protection.
Pay off your car loan if you total your car and the pre-accident value of your car is less than your car loan. This is called gap insurance.
Get help with vehicle repairs and replacements. After you file a claim, your insurance company can help you manage the process and provide the support you need.
Be prepared for emergencies. Many insurance companies provide access to roadside assistance services that can help you when you have a flat tire or your car breaks down.
Follow the law. Car insurance is mandatory in most states. If you do not have car insurance where it is legally required, you may receive a fine, your driver’s license may be suspended or you may be sentenced to jail time.

Get a Quote From The Hartford

The cheapest car insurance may not get you the coverage you need to fully safeguard what matters most. Having the right auto insurance policy protects you, your passengers and your property if you’re in an accident. AARP^® Auto Insurance from The Hartford¹ makes it easy to ensure you’re covered wherever the road takes you. Simply call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 or get a quote online in minutes today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance Requirements

Which States Do Not Require Car Insurance?

New Hampshire is the only state that doesn’t require auto insurance. However, if you live in New Hampshire and choose not to purchase car insurance, you’ll still be financially responsible for paying out of pocket for any property damage or medical bills after an accident.

Do I Need Car Insurance if I Don’t Have a Car?

If you don’t have a car and don’t drive, then you likely don’t need car insurance. But there are benefits to having non-owner car insurance that are worth considering.

Do You Need Car Insurance To Drive Someone Else’s Car?

If you occasionally drive someone else’s car, you may not need car insurance, but you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any expenses if you’re in an accident. If you often drive a car owned by someone else in your family, you should have them add you to their auto insurance policy.

Do You Need Insurance on a Car That Doesn’t Run?

Yes, if your car is registered, then you’ll need car insurance even if it doesn’t run. If you cancel your vehicle registration, then you can drop your insurance.

Why Do I Have To Have Car Insurance?

Almost all states require you to carry the state minimum car insurance in order to register your car. If you do not have car insurance where it’s legally required, you may receive a fine, your driver’s license may be suspended or you may be sentenced to jail time.

Is Car Insurance Necessary for Leasing a Car?

If you’re leasing a car, insurance is usually required by your lender. Most states require leased and financed cars to have liability coverage, comprehensive insurance and collision protection.

What Happens if I Don’t Insure My Car?

Failing to insure your car can lead to legal and financial repercussions. If you live in a state that requires auto insurance, and you are caught driving with a lapse in car insurance coverage, you could:

Have your driver’s license and vehicle registration suspended
Be charged fees to reinstate your license or registration
Have your car impounded or towed
Face a community service fine
Be arrested
See your insurance rates increase in the future

No matter where you live, if you’re in a car accident and you don’t have auto insurance, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for damages or medical bills.