You have to have car insurance in almost every state—and driving without it can result in expensive fines, an immediate license suspension, and the potential for thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket accident costs.

Tailor your insurance policy

You have to have insurance—but you don’t have to have all the insurance. You must meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements but what you purchase beyond that is up to you.

Find affordable insurance

The best way to find a good deal on auto insurance is to shop around. Jerry can help you

compare car insurance quotes

from up to 55 insurers to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Yes—you have to have car insurance in most states

Liability insurance is mandatory in all states except

New Hampshire

, where you still must provide proof of financial responsibility. The minimum insurance requirements vary depending on where you live.

Many states require coverage limits of at least 25/50/25—that’s $25,000

bodily injury liability

per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000

property damage liability

Some states require less and some more, but most experts recommend you purchase significantly more than the state minimum limits—ideally 100/300/100, but 50/100/50 is a good, affordable choice if you don’t have a lot of income or assets

Jerry makes finding the right car insurance easy. Answer a few questions about you, your driving history, and your vehicle and Jerry will find you the cheapest options.

Learn more:

How much car insurance do you need?

Car insurance protects you from liability when you’re at fault

States require drivers to buy an auto insurance policy because requiring liability insurance across the board reduces personal injury lawsuits and out-of-pocket repair and medical expenses for individuals.

When additional coverage, such as UM/UIM or PIP, is required, it’s usually to streamline coverage for medical bills after a car accident.

Driving without insurance is illegal everywhere in the U.S. except New Hampshire—and even in those states, you can face serious consequences for causing an accident while uninsured.

While the exact penalties vary by state, here’s what you can expect if you can’t provide proof of insurance:

Fines: Up to $5,000—even for a single offense

License suspension: Mandatory in most states for up to three years

SR-22 requirement: Mandatory in most states

Registration suspension: Mandatory in some states

Jail time: Mandatory in some states for up to a year

Vehicle impoundment: Optional in some states but mandatory for repeat offenders in

North Dakota

If you have violations or

coverage lapses

on your driving record, expect higher premiums once you get your license back.

Learn more:

How car insurance works

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What if you can’t afford car insurance?

If you have little driving experience, multiple violations on your record, a lapse in coverage, or an SR-22 requirement, it can be difficult to find

affordable high-risk car insurance

. Likewise, if you’re looking for

low-income car insurance

, it can be tricky to find an affordable policy that offers enough coverage.

To find the best insurance costs for the coverage you need, compare

auto insurance quotes

from at least three to five insurance companies.

Jerry

can help you do this in less than a minute—you’ll get the most affordable rates from among more than 55 insurers across the country. Choose your provider, adjust your coverage levels, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re getting the best rate possible for the protection you need.

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FAQ

Is it illegal to drive without car insurance?

Yes. All states except New Hampshire require all drivers to purchase automobile insurance. If you drive without insurance coverage, you’re breaking the law.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage?

Minimum coverage varies depending on where you live. All states except New Hampshire require some level of liability coverage. Some states also require additional types of insurance coverage like PIP and/or uninsured motorist coverage.