Is Car Insurance Required?
Almost all states require
seguro para autos 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?
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:
Nueva 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
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
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AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
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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
Última actualización: 21 de septiembre de 2023
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