Do You Have to Have Car Insurance?

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Is Car Insurance Required?

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 the minimum coverage. But why do you have to have car insurance? Because in the event of an accident, car insurance can help cover your expenses for damages and medical costs.
 
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, you’ll want your coverage to at least meet the minimum car insurance requirements. This will help cover the cost of medical bills. Your insurance may also help pay if your vehicle is damaged in the car accident.
 

Is Auto Insurance Required in Every State?

Is auto insurance required in every state? When shopping for car insurance, people often ask themselves, “is car insurance required in every state?” State car insurance is required throughout the country at minimum limits, except for in two states: New Hampshire and Virginia.
 
You may be tempted to save money by getting the cheapest car insurance you can find. However, cheap car insurance doesn’t always mean good car insurance. And choosing not to get auto insurance altogether is not a smart choice. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a car accident, the costs you’ll pay out of pocket could bankrupt you. Having coverage from a reputable insurance company will ensure you’re protected in an accident. And even paying for full coverage is much cheaper than what a car accident could cost you as an uninsured driver. Just because you may live in a state that doesn’t require auto insurance doesn’t mean you aren’t financially responsible if you get in a car accident.
 
In Virginia, drivers that don’t have auto insurance must pay a $500 annual vehicle registration fee for uninsured drivers. In New Hampshire, if you don’t have auto insurance but are found at-fault for an accident, you are required to get car insurance for at least three years after the accident.
 

State Minimum Car Insurance

State minimum car insurance Minimum car insurance requirements vary by state. Your state may require different levels than other states for property damage liability and bodily injury liability. While many drivers may opt for cheap car insurance that only covers the state minimum insurance limits, this choice may leave a driver paying for expenses out of pocket in the event of an accident.
 
You may choose to purchase even more coverage than the minimum liability insurance limits that your state requires. There are many types of car insurance coverage you can consider to be sure you have full coverage. For example, liability insurance can provide property damage coverages in case you hit a neighbor’s mailbox or a parked car, while medical payments coverage can help pay health insurance deductibles.
 

Why Do I Need 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:
 
  • Pay large expenses if you are involved in an accident, including property damages, medical expenses and more.
  • Protect yourself, your family members and your passengers with coverage for property damage or bodily injury.
  • 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.
  • After a car accident. You can get help with vehicle towing, repairs and replacements. After you file a claim, your insurance company can help you manage the process and provide you the support you need.
  • Follow the law. Car insurance is legally required 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.
  • If you’re leasing a car, insurance may be required. Most states require that leased and owned cars have liability coverage, comprehensive insurance and collision protection.

Get a Quote From The Hartford

We’ve made it easy to get your state minimum car insurance quote. We can also provide additional coverage options to keep you and your assets safe. The AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford1 is here to help keep you protected on the road.1 Simply call The Hartford’s representatives at 888-413-8970 or get a quote online.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance Requirements

Which States Do Not Require Car Insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you live in one of these states and choose not to purchase car insurance, you may still be financially responsible for paying out of pocket for any damage in the event of an accident.
 

Do You Have to Have Car Insurance in Every State?

Most states require that you have the state minimum car insurance. You may decide to increase your coverage beyond the minimum liability coverage to be sure you have full coverage.
 

Do You Have to Have Auto Insurance if You Don’t Own a Car?

If you occasionally drive someone else’s car, you may not need car insurance. If you often drive a car owned by someone else in your family, you should have them add you to their auto insurance policy.
 

Why Do I Have to Have Car Insurance?

Almost all states require that you carry the state minimum car insurance to be able to register your car. It’s important to find the right coverage instead of just getting cheap car insurance. Having the right auto insurance protects you, your passengers and your property if you’re in a car accident.
 

What Happens When You Don’t Have Car Insurance?

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
  • Pay more for insurance in the future
No matter where you live, if you’re in a car accident and you don’t have auto insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket for damages or medical bills. To be sure you’re protected, get a car insurance quote by calling The Hartford’s representatives at 888-413-8970 or get a quote online.
 
 
Last Updated: September 21, 2023
 
Additional disclosures below.
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
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