State Car Insurance Laws

Every state requires vehicle owners to demonstrate their "financial responsibility" in case they're involved in an accident, usually as a condition of registering a vehicle. And most states specifically require drivers to carry certain minimum types and amounts of car insurance coverage.

Car insurance is bound to play a big part in the aftermath of any kind of traffic accident. In the dozen or so states that follow some version of a no-fault car insurance system, anyone injured in a crash typically turns first to their own car insurance coverage for payment of accident-related medical bills and other losses. In fault-based car insurance states, when a driver causes an accident, their liability insurance will kick in and pay for injuries, vehicle damage, and other harm suffered by anyone else involved in the crash. 

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Handle any kind of injury claim yourself and get a fair (and fast!) settlement with this plain-English guide. How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim walks you through the insurance claim process step-by-step
Win your small claims case!
This worksheet will help you keep track of the all-important details of your accident.
This easy-to-use form lets you transfer ownership of a car, truck or other motorized vehicle to a buyer.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Take The Next Step
Find Out Your Auto Injury Claim's Worth
Join 215 others who chose us to connect with a auto injury attorney today — for free.

Are you seeking compensation for an injury?

How It Works
  1. Describe your case — it takes 60 seconds
  2. Get matched with local, auto accident attorneys for free
  3. Receive a comprehensive case evaluation