What state doesn't require car insurance?

Asked by: Jaida Bogisich II  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (69 votes)

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle. Do you live in an at-fault or not-at-fault state?

Which US states do not require car insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only two states that don't require car insurance. In Virginia, drivers can pay the state a fee of $500 instead of buying car insurance, but that leaves them on the hook for damage they cause in an accident.

In which state can you drive without car insurance?

New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't mandate car insurance. However, drivers who choose not to buy car insurance must prove they have sufficient funds to meet the state's financial responsibility requirements (PDF) in the event they cause an accident.

Why don't you need car insurance in New Hampshire?

Unlike most states, New Hampshire doesn't mandate auto insurance for all drivers. Instead, it requires proof of financial responsibility, meaning you must show you can cover costs for bodily injury and property damage if you cause an accident. Understanding these laws is crucial.

Is insurance required by law in all states?

Car insurance is required by law in all states, except in New Hampshire and Virginia. In New Hampshire, drivers are only required to show proof of their financial capability to cover for injuries and damages for accidents that they cause.

What state does not require car insurance?

36 related questions found

Does Florida require car insurance?

Any vehicle with a current Florida registration must: be insured with PIP and PDL insurance at the time of vehicle registration. have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP AND a minimum of $10,000 in PDL.

What states is it illegal to not have health insurance?

Presently there are six states with individual mandates:
  • California.
  • D.C.
  • Massachusetts.
  • New Jersey.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Vermont (but there's currently no financial penalty attached to the mandate)

Does Maryland require car insurance?

All Maryland vehicles MUST be insured at ALL times by a vehicle insurance company licensed in Maryland. Your vehicle insurance must cover, at a minimum: $30,000 for bodily injury.

Can I choose not to use car insurance?

If you're legally obligated to have auto insurance, it's illegal to refuse to use it for at-fault accidents or damages involving another party. However, if you're in a minor single-car accident, you may have the option to pay out of pocket for repairs instead of making an insurance claim.

Can you drive without insurance in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, section 34J prohibits driving a motor vehicle without insurance in Massachusetts.

Does Vermont require car insurance?

Carrying car insurance in Vermont is indeed a legal requirement, but it's also just a good idea. You can further protect your assets by adding coverage or increasing your current limits.

Can I insure a car in a state I don't live in?

Registering a vehicle in one state while holding an insurance policy in another is not permitted for most drivers. This restriction is due to variations in traffic laws and minimum insurance coverage requirements. Attempting to insure a vehicle in a state where you don't live might be insurance fraud.

Does Tennessee require car insurance?

It's against the law to drive without car insurance in Tennessee (unless you have posted the required $65,000 bond or cash deposit to forgo an insurance policy). If you get caught driving without at least the minimum amount of coverage, you'll have 30 days to provide proof of your insurance.

Why is car insurance mandatory in USA?

Why is car insurance required? By requiring car insurance in almost every state, U.S. car insurance laws help financially protect individuals in the event they cause or are involved in an accident.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.

Can you choose not to use insurance?

You may choose not to use insurance if the service you need isn't covered, or it's less expensive if you pay out of pocket. In most cases, providers and facilities must give you an estimate when you schedule care at least 3 business days in advance, or if you ask for one.

Is Florida a no-fault state?

Unlike many others, Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state. This means that all drivers are required by law to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and other coverages.

Can a car place take your car if you don't have insurance?

If you get behind on your car payments or don't have auto insurance, the loan company can take your car.

What state does not require car insurance?

Although leasing or financing offices may require one or the other. New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle.

Does Pennsylvania require car insurance?

Pennsylvania law requires all Pennsylvania motor vehicle owners to maintain vehicle liability insurance (financial responsibility) on a currently registered vehicle. Vehicle liability insurance covers the property damage or injuries you may cause others in a crash.

Do you need car insurance in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 46.2-706 requires all Virginia registered motor vehicles to be insured by a liability policy issued through an insurance company licensed to do business in Virginia, and it must remain insured while registered, whether or not it is operated. Penalties are severe for violation of this requirement.

What states require you to have insurance?

Almost every state in the U.S. requires drivers to have some form of car insurance. The only state that doesn't require car insurance is New Hampshire. Instead, drivers must prove they have enough funds to cover any costs if they cause an accident.

What is cobra insurance?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, ...

Is there still a penalty for being uninsured?

The fee for not having health insurance (sometimes called the "Shared Responsibility Payment" or "mandate”) ended in 2018. This means you no longer pay a tax penalty for not having health coverage. If you don't have health coverage, you don't need an exemption to avoid paying a tax penalty.