What states have mandatory uninsured motorist coverage?
Asked by: Idell Swift | Last update: June 21, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (2 votes)
What states require uninsured motorist insurance?
- District of Columbia (D.C.)
- Maryland.
- New Hampshire.
- North Carolina.
- South Carolina.
- Vermont.
- Virginia.
- West Virginia.
Are there any states where car insurance is not mandatory?
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.
Is it OK to not have uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, good idea to remove uninsured repair/property damage coverage. Your collision will already cover you in an accident with an uninsured motorist. The uninsured coverage would mean you pay a smaller or no deductible, but that's a pretty small loss. If you can tolerate that risk, feel free to cancel.
Which of these US states does not require a driver to have 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. If you're found at fault and can't meet these financial obligations, you could lose your driving privileges in the state.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why You Need It in Florida | Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers
Do all states require collision insurance?
Comprehensive and collision coverage are not required by any state – but many lenders require them for vehicle financing. In those cases, they may also require gap insurance to cover the difference between what you still owe on the vehicle and its current market value.
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.
Which is better collision or uninsured motorist?
Deductible Comparison: UMPD generally has a lower deductible compared to collision coverage. This can be beneficial in reducing immediate out-of-pocket costs. Broader Coverage: UMPD can cover not just your vehicle but also other property, such as a fence or a garage, if damaged by an uninsured driver.
Will my insurance go up if I use my uninsured motorist coverage?
This is because when you cause an accident and have to make a claim to pay for damages caused to other people, your rates typically do increase. However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
Do you want uninsured motorist?
California law does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage—so, legally, you don't need either one. However, UM/UIM is an important and commonsense coverage to carry.
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.
Which states are at-fault states for auto insurance?
- Alabama.
- Alaska.
- Arizona.
- Arkansas.
- California.
- Colorado.
- Connecticut.
- Delaware.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Florida?
Florida residents are not required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies are required to offer a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage. If you choose not to purchase UM coverage, you must opt-out in writing.
How do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?
If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.
What state has the highest rate of uninsured motorists?
- Minimum levels of auto insurance coverage are required in 49 states and the District of Columbia before someone can legally drive a vehicle.
- The uninsured motorist population has increased by 1.2% to roughly 28 million drivers.
- Mississippi has the highest uninsured motorist rate at 29.4%.
What is the disadvantage of uninsured motorist coverage?
Some cons to consider include: Additional cost: Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy typically increases your insurance premium, which can be financially burdensome. It is important to weigh the benefits against the added cost and your budget.
What happens if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage?
Without uninsured motorist coverage, if you're injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could end up paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket.
Does using an uninsured motorist claim raise my rates?
California Law Forbids Insurers to Raise Rates
This makes California one of only two states in the country which has legislation on the books preventing insurance companies from arbitrarily raising rates after a consumer files an uninsured motorist claim following a no-fault accident.
Do you have to pay deductible if hit by an uninsured motorist?
Suppose you have collision coverage and are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in California who is at fault. In that case, the collision damage waiver will likely apply and cover your deductible.
How common is uninsured motorist coverage?
The Number of Uninsured Motorists in the U.S.
As of 2022, the last time the Insurance Research Council collected national data, an estimated 14 percent of drivers in the U.S. lack car insurance.
What is the best protection against uninsured drivers?
Both UM and UIM policies provide additional auto insurance protection, no matter who caused the accident. These types of coverage protect you against financial loss, even if the other driver is uninsured, and provide true peace of mind and protection for all members of your family any time they get into a vehicle.
Which two 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.
What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in NH?
It usually means delays, waiting and even non-settlement. You'll likely have difficulty getting compensation for present and future medical costs, loss of wages and vehicle damage/replacement.
What states is it illegal to not have 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.