What is the minimum required car insurance in most states?

Explanation

Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability car insurance. Liability insurance covers damage or injury you cause to others in an accident (it does not cover your own car). A typical minimum coverage in many states is something like “25/50/10” – roughly meaning $25,000 of coverage for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident (these numbers vary by state). Some states have higher minimums (like 50/100/25) or additional requirements such as uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). For example, California’s minimum is 15/30/5, while Texas is 30/60/25. Regardless of the exact figures, every state (except New Hampshire, which has unique rules) mandates that drivers be financially responsible, which usually means carrying insurance. If you’re caught without at least the minimum insurance, you can face penalties. But carrying only the minimum means you’re just meeting legal requirements – many drivers opt for higher coverage to better protect themselves. In summary, the minimum insurance requirement is usually liability insurance that covers injuries and damage to others, and the specific coverage limits depend on your state’s laws.