Is there any state by state minimum car insurance requirements? I live in Michigan.

Ruth

Battle Creek, MI

Yes there are, Ruth.

You need to understand that every state requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance on their cars. Such minimums are usually expressed in 3-part numbers. Say, in Michigan, that’s 20/40/10. The first two numbers, 20 and 40, normally refers to bodily injury liability insurance, the 1st number being the per person limit, while the 2nd as the per accident limit. The 3rd number is usually for property damage liability coverage. So based on Michigan law of 20/40/10, if you have a minimum insurance required, then you would normally have $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person injured with $40,000 maximum per accident, and $10,000 as property damage liability insurance.

It may or may not be good to carry additional coverage as these are the only legal minimum requirements. Although, carrying more is also a good idea. Be aware though that these minimums will only cover damage to other motorists 3rd party property and not for your own. You have to get comprehensive coverage for your own coverage like medical, collision, and other-than-collision coverage.

With regard to state minimums, Alaska and Maine are the ones which have highest at 50/100 and at least $25,000 for property damage while Mississippi has the lowest minimums of 10/20/5.