What two states do not require insurance?

Asked by: Elisabeth Marvin  |  Last update: November 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (52 votes)

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.

What states do not require insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia are currently the only two states that don't require drivers to carry car insurance. Instead, they must carry proof of financial responsibility.

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.

Can I live in a different state than my insurance?

No. Insurance is state specific. You are covered while driving in other states but if you're actually establishing residency, even temporarily, you'll have to register and insure your car in that state while residing there.

What state has the most drivers without insurance?

Key takeaways
  • 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 state does not require car insurance?

20 related questions found

Why does Florida have so many uninsured drivers?

This might be because car insurance in Florida is among the most expensive in the country, up to an average monthly cost of $115 for minimum-liability coverage and $270 for full coverage. The national average for minimum coverage is $52 per month or $627 per year—much lower than Florida's annual average of $1,385.

What state has the safest drivers?

The Safest States for Drivers

According to recent data: Massachusetts consistently ranks as the safest state, with only 4.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2023. The state benefits from stringent traffic laws, excellent infrastructure, and a high rate of seatbelt usage.

Can I have a driver's license in one state and my car registered in another?

Here are the handful of states don't require your license to match your registration. California allows nonresidents to register a vehicle in the state if the car is based in California or primarily used on California highways.

What insurance is accepted in all 50 states?

Medicare is run by the federal government, which is why Original Medicare coverage is the same in every state and includes nationwide access to providers.

What happens to my health insurance if I move out of state?

It's very important to report moves out of state immediately so you can enroll in a new plan without a break in coverage — and avoid paying for coverage that doesn't apply in your new state. When you move out of state, you'll need to start a new Marketplace application and enroll in a plan in your new state.

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.

What happens if you get in an accident without insurance in NH?

Consequences of driving uninsured in New Hampshire

If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, the state may suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration until you've paid for any damage and filed an SR-22 form. This form acts as proof you've purchased car insurance.

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.

Which states is it illegal to drive without insurance?

According to The Zebra, the following states mandate license suspension for motorists who drive without minimum auto insurance:
  • Alaska.
  • Wyoming.
  • Arizona.
  • Wisconsin.
  • California.
  • West Virginia.
  • Colorado.
  • Virginia.

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.

What states are fault states?

States With At-Fault Car Insurance
  • Alabama.
  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Arkansas.
  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Connecticut.
  • Delaware.

Can I see a doctor in another state with my insurance?

Some plan types, like PPO or OAP plans, allow for full access to any and all participating providers in that carrier's network, regardless of which state you reside in. Other plan types, like HMO or POS plans, will cover emergency services anywhere in the country but may not cover routine care in another state.

Can you have Medicaid in one state and live in another?

Can Medicaid Benefits be Transferred from State-to-State? Formally, one cannot transfer Medicaid from state-to-state. However, with careful planning one can gain eligibility in their new state without a lapse in benefits. The US federal government establishes parameters for the Medicaid program.

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, ...

Can my car be registered in one state and insured in another?

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.

Can I live in Florida and have a car registered in another state?

In the state of Florida, a vehicle must have a valid registration to operate on Florida roads, and vehicle with out-of-state registrations are required by law to be registered within 10 days of the owner either becoming employed, placing children in public school, or establishing residency.

Can I register my car in Montana if I don't live there?

Non-residents

Taxes or fees in lieu of taxes are due, along with appropriate registration fees (U.S. funds only). Non-residents may choose to register by the calendar quarter. The vehicle must display the license plate or decal from both its home state and from Montana.

What is the hardest state to drive in?

Massachusetts has the worst drivers in the U.S. From Nov. 5, 2023, through Nov. 4, 2024, Massachusetts drivers had 61.1 incidents (accidents, DUIs, speeding and citations) per 1,000 drivers. The next worst drivers are in Rhode Island (60.6) and California (55.0).

What is the strictest state for driving?

Strictest driving laws and car accidents by state

Alaska and Oregon take the No. 1 rank for the strictest driving laws, based on our analysis of drunk driving, seatbelt and speeding laws. If you're caught zooming above the speed limit in Alaska, you could be pinned with fines anywhere from $250 to $2,000.

What state has most car accidents?

1. Mississippi. Mississippi is the state with the most deaths per 100,000 people from car accidents.