{"id":26272,"date":"2026-08-08T01:04:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T06:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/?page_id=26272"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:36:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T06:36:12","slug":"auto-insurance-requirements-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/auto-insurance-requirements-by-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Auto Insurance Requirements by State"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
Learning Center \u2022 State Guide<\/div>\n

Auto Insurance Requirements by State<\/h1>\n

Learn why liability requirements differ by state, which coverages may be required, and why the legal minimum is only one part of selecting your auto insurance protection.<\/p>\n

\n

Request an Auto Quote
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Call (888) 242-9922
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Start Here<\/div>\n

There Is No Single Nationwide Auto Insurance Minimum<\/h2>\n

Auto insurance laws are primarily established at the state level. That means a driver in California may have different minimum requirements than a driver in Texas, Utah, Michigan, or South Carolina.<\/p>\n

Most states require liability protection, but the required dollar amounts differ. Some states also have additional requirements involving Personal Injury Protection, uninsured motorist coverage, or other state-specific protections.<\/p>\n

The legal minimum tells you what may be required to comply with state law. It does not automatically tell you how much coverage is appropriate for your personal financial situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Reading Liability Limits<\/div>\n

What Does 30 \/ 60 \/ 15 Mean?<\/h2>\n

States commonly express liability insurance requirements using three numbers. Here’s how to read them.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
30<\/div>\n
$30,000<\/div>\n


\nBodily Injury Per Person
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The maximum available for covered bodily injury to one person, subject to policy terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
60<\/div>\n
$60,000<\/div>\n


\nBodily Injury Per Accident
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The maximum available for covered bodily injury to multiple people in one accident.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
15<\/div>\n
$15,000<\/div>\n


\nProperty Damage
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The maximum available for covered damage you cause to another person’s property.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Quick Comparison<\/div>\n

Minimum Liability Limits at a Glance<\/h2>\n

This chart shows the traditional liability limits for the Best Formula Insurance states that fit a standard split-limit comparison.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/th>\nBI \/ Person<\/th>\nBI \/ Accident<\/th>\nProperty Damage<\/th>\nCommon Format<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
California<\/strong><\/td>\n$30,000<\/td>\n$60,000<\/td>\n$15,000<\/td>\n30\/60\/15<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nevada<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$20,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/20<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Utah<\/strong><\/td>\n$30,000<\/td>\n$65,000<\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n30\/65\/25*<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$15,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/15<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arizona<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$15,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/15<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Mexico<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$10,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/10<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas<\/strong><\/td>\n$30,000<\/td>\n$60,000<\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n30\/60\/25<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Illinois<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$20,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/20<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ohio<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/25<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Carolina<\/strong><\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$50,000<\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n25\/50\/25**<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
* Utah also has a no-fault Personal Injury Protection requirement. ** South Carolina also requires uninsured motorist coverage. Michigan is shown separately because its no-fault structure does not fit this simplified comparison.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
State Profiles<\/div>\n

Explore Requirements by State<\/h2>\n

Select a state to open its coverage snapshot. This keeps the guide informative without creating an overwhelming wall of information.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nCalifornia
\n30 \/ 60 \/ 15<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$30,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$60,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$15,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

California’s minimum liability requirements increased to 30\/60\/15 beginning January 1, 2025. Drivers may purchase higher limits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nNevada
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 20<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$20,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Nevada electronically verifies insurance and does not provide a grace period for a lapse in required liability coverage.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nUtah
\nPIP STATE<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$30,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$65,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nPersonal Injury Protection
\n<\/strong>
\nUtah uses a no-fault system and requires PIP protection. Current state guidance describes the first $3,000 of qualifying medical expenses for an injured person in the insured vehicle as being addressed through PIP before a bodily injury claim against the responsible insurer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nColorado
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 15<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$15,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Colorado requires vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is generally offered with the policy and may be rejected or reduced according to applicable requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nArizona
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 15<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury for two or more people<\/div>\n
$15,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Arizona requires liability insurance for vehicles operated on Arizona roadways. Insurers electronically report policy activity to the Motor Vehicle Division.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nNew Mexico
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 10<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury for two or more people<\/div>\n
$10,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

New Mexico uses an Insurance Identification Database to match insurance information reported by insurers with registered vehicles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nTexas
\n30 \/ 60 \/ 25<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$30,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$60,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Texas regulators specifically caution that minimum liability limits may be too low after a multi-vehicle accident or an accident involving a high-value vehicle.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nIllinois
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 20<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nInjury or death of one person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nInjury or death of multiple people<\/div>\n
$20,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Illinois requires liability insurance for motor vehicles that must display license plates and are being driven. Drivers are expected to maintain proof of insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nMichigan
\nNO-FAULT<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n

Michigan has one of the most distinctive personal auto insurance systems in this guide. A Michigan no-fault policy has three mandatory core components.<\/p>\n

\n

\nPersonal Injury Protection
\n<\/strong>
\nPIP addresses qualifying medical care and other no-fault benefits. Michigan provides several PIP medical coverage choices, subject to eligibility rules.<\/div>\n

\nProperty Protection Insurance
\n<\/strong>
\nPPI provides up to $1 million for certain damage your vehicle causes in Michigan to other people’s property, including certain properly parked vehicles.<\/div>\n

\nResidual BI \/ PD
\n<\/strong>
\nMichigan’s default bodily injury limits are $250,000 per person \/ $500,000 per accident. Eligible drivers may select lower limits, but generally not below $50,000 \/ $100,000, with $10,000 for certain property damage outside Michigan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Why Michigan is shown separately:<\/strong>
\nMichigan cannot accurately be summarized with the same simple three-number structure used for most other states.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nOhio
\n25 \/ 50 \/ 25<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ohio’s financial responsibility requirements use minimum liability amounts of 25\/50\/25 for qualifying motor vehicle liability coverage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n

<\/p>\n

\nSouth Carolina
\nUM REQUIRED<\/span><\/summary>\n
\n
\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per person<\/div>\n
$50,000<\/strong>
\nBodily injury per accident<\/div>\n
$25,000<\/strong>
\nProperty damage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nUninsured Motorist Coverage Is Also Required
\n<\/strong>
\nSouth Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage at the state’s minimum liability amounts. Underinsured motorist coverage must generally be offered but is not required to be purchased.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
State Rules vs. Policy Options<\/div>\n

Not Every Auto Coverage Is Required the Same Way<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\ud83c\udfe5<\/div>\n


\nLiability
\n<\/strong>
\nThe most common state-required protection. Minimum limits vary by state.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83e\ude7a<\/div>\n


\nPIP \/ No-Fault
\n<\/strong>
\nEspecially important in states such as Utah and Michigan, which use no-fault structures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u26a0\ufe0f<\/div>\n


\nUninsured Motorist
\n<\/strong>
\nState rules differ. South Carolina is an example of a state where UM coverage is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udca5<\/div>\n


\nCollision
\n<\/strong>
\nGenerally not a standard state liability requirement, but it may be required by a lender or leasing company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83c\udf33<\/div>\n


\nComprehensive
\n<\/strong>
\nGenerally optional under state financial responsibility laws but may be required by a lender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\ude98<\/div>\n


\nLender Requirements
\n<\/strong>
\nFinancing or leasing requirements can be broader than what state law requires.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Minimum Does Not Mean Maximum<\/div>\n

Legal Minimums Can Be Lower Than the Cost of a Serious Accident<\/h2>\n

State minimum requirements establish a legal baseline. Modern medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and multi-vehicle accidents can potentially exceed those amounts.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\ud83d\ude97<\/div>\n


\nModern Vehicles
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sensors, cameras, lighting systems, airbags, and body components can make even moderate vehicle damage expensive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83c\udfe5<\/div>\n


\nSerious Injuries
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other covered damages can become substantial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udcb5<\/div>\n


\nAmounts Above the Limit
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

If covered damages exceed available liability limits, the insured may face financial exposure for amounts the policy does not pay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
Moving Between States<\/div>\n

Moving Can Change More Than Your Address<\/h2>\n

Permanently relocating to another state can affect minimum liability limits, required coverages, insurance forms, registration requirements, pricing, and how proof of insurance is verified.<\/p>\n

Tell your insurance company or agent when you permanently relocate rather than assuming your existing policy can remain unchanged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\ud83d\udce6<\/div>\n


\nMoving?
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n


\nReview your insurance and vehicle registration requirements before or shortly after relocating.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Selecting Coverage<\/div>\n

After You Know the Minimum, Ask Better Questions<\/h2>\n
\n
Could I absorb a liability claim that exceeds my policy limit?<\/strong><\/div>\n
How much bodily injury liability protection should I consider?<\/strong><\/div>\n
Is my property damage limit realistic for today’s vehicles?<\/strong><\/div>\n
What uninsured or underinsured motorist options are available?<\/strong><\/div>\n
Should I carry collision and comprehensive on my vehicle?<\/strong><\/div>\n
Does my lender require specific coverage or deductibles?<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
Best Formula Insurance Learning Center<\/div>\n

State Minimums Are Only the Beginning<\/h2>\n

Continue learning about liability limits, deductibles, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorists, auto insurance pricing, and other Personal Auto topics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n


\nVisit the Learning Center
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/div>\n

State Auto Insurance Requirements FAQ<\/h2>\n
\nDoes every state require the same auto insurance?<\/summary>\n

No. Minimum limits and mandatory coverages vary by state. States such as Michigan and Utah also have no-fault or PIP-related requirements that differ from traditional liability-only systems.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nDoes buying the state minimum mean I have enough insurance?<\/summary>\n

Not necessarily. A state minimum establishes a legal baseline. The financial cost of a serious accident can exceed minimum liability limits.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhich Best Formula states have especially different requirements?<\/summary>\n

Michigan has a comprehensive no-fault structure that includes PIP, PPI, and residual BI\/PD coverage. Utah also uses a no-fault PIP system. South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage in addition to liability coverage.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nIs collision insurance required by state law?<\/summary>\n

Collision coverage is generally not part of the traditional minimum liability requirement. However, lenders and leasing companies commonly require physical damage coverage while they have a financial interest in the vehicle.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nIs comprehensive insurance required by state law?<\/summary>\n

Comprehensive coverage is generally optional under state financial responsibility laws, although a lender or leasing company may require it.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nIs uninsured motorist coverage required?<\/summary>\n

Requirements vary by state. For example, South Carolina requires uninsured motorist coverage at minimum liability limits. In other states, the coverage may instead be offered with an option to reject or select different limits.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhat happens to my insurance if I move to another state?<\/summary>\n

A permanent move may require your policy to be rewritten because insurance laws, required coverages, policy forms, registration procedures, and rating factors can change by state.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nCan I buy higher liability limits than my state requires?<\/summary>\n

Generally, yes. Drivers commonly have options above the legal minimum, subject to insurer underwriting and available policy limits.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nWhy did California’s minimum limits change?<\/summary>\n

California increased its minimum liability limits beginning January 1, 2025. This is a useful reminder that state requirements can change and should be periodically verified.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

\nShould I choose auto insurance based only on the state minimum?<\/summary>\n

The legal requirement is only one factor. Consider your financial exposure, vehicle value, liability limits, physical damage needs, uninsured motorist options, deductibles, lender requirements, and budget.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Coverage That Fits Where You Drive<\/div>\n

Understand the Requirement. Then Choose Your Protection.<\/h2>\n

Best Formula Insurance can help you understand your state’s auto insurance requirements, compare liability limits, review collision and comprehensive coverage, and explore available carrier options.<\/p>\n

\n


\nRequest an Auto Quote
\n<\/a><\/p>\n


\nCall (888) 242-9922
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
State Guide Disclaimer<\/div>\n

This material is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, insurance advice, a coverage recommendation, a guarantee of current state requirements, or a contract of insurance. State financial responsibility laws, minimum liability limits, mandatory coverages, Personal Injury Protection requirements, no-fault provisions, uninsured and underinsured motorist requirements, proof-of-insurance rules, registration requirements, and penalties may change. The summaries provided on this page do not address every exception, alternative form of financial responsibility, vehicle type, eligibility rule, or individual circumstance. Insurance coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, availability, underwriting requirements, and policy forms vary by insurance company and state. Always verify current requirements with the applicable state agency and review the actual insurance policy. Please consult a licensed insurance professional regarding insurance options appropriate for your circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Learning Center \u2022 State Guide Auto Insurance Requirements by State Learn why liability requirements differ by state, which coverages may be required, and why the legal minimum is only one part of selecting your auto insurance protection. Request an Auto Quote Call (888) 242-9922 Start Here There Is No Single Nationwide Auto Insurance Minimum […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":330,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_analytify_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26272","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/330"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26272\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestformulainsurance.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}