What states is it illegal to not have insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Jesse Marquardt  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (58 votes)

New Jersey, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia require their residents to have health insurance coverage or face penalties. Vermont recommends that residents have coverage, but there's no noncompliance penalty.

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)

Which US state does not require car insurance?

New Hampshire, the only state that does not require auto liability insurance, requires drivers to show that they are able to provide sufficient funds in the case of an at-fault accident (i.e., financial responsibility).

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.

Is there a penalty for no insurance in the US?

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.

Is It Illegal To Not Have Health Insurance? - CountyOffice.org

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Who pays for uninsured patients in the US?

the federal government, localities, and states that support the operation of hospitals and clinics, both through direct appropriations and implicit subsidies like the Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments; and. philanthropic donations.

Why are we forced to have car insurance?

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. These laws attempt to ensure that every driver has insurance to cover a minimum level of costs for injuries and property damage they're responsible for.

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 it illegal to not have insurance in us?

In 2017, Congress repealed the individual mandate penalties on the federal level, which went into effect in 2019. This effectively repealed the mandate, as there are no longer consequences for not having health coverage.

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 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.

What state doesn t require insurance?

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?

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, ...

What states offer free health insurance?

  • California. State offers public health coverage to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Colorado. State offers private health coverage with state subsidies to all adults regardless of immigration status.
  • Illinois. ...
  • Minnesota. ...
  • New york. ...
  • Oregon. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • District of columbia.

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.

Is NH a no-fault state?

New Hampshire is a “fault” state, which means that at-fault motorists may be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause. Therefore, victims of negligent drivers must prove who was responsible for the accident in order to pursue compensation for their losses.

Can you drive without car insurance in the US?

Driving without insurance is against the law in virtually every U.S. state. The consequences of driving without insurance can vary dramatically, with penalties ranging from a slap on the wrist to large fines and even jail time. Penalties can be particularly serious for repeat offenders and severe situations.

Can you refuse 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.

What states require car 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.

How much is a ticket for no insurance in Texas?

Costs Associated With a No Insurance Ticket

First, you will receive a ticket for no insurance, along with a fine of $175-$350, supposing it's your first offense. Subsequent offenses could entail fines of $350-$1,000 for each infraction.

How does the DMV find out you don't have insurance?

Electronic Verification System

Many states have laws requiring insurance companies to report each driver's policy standing to the DMV electronically. If the agency finds out you don't have insurance, it quickly updates your registration status.

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.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.