The lowest mandatory insurance you can purchase on a new car will depend upon the state financial responsibility laws or auto insurance laws of the state in which the car is located and registered. Typically the mandated car insurance includes liability coverages for bodily injury and property damage.

See our article How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy to see each state and its requirements regarding how much and what type of auto insurance will need to be placed on a car. Or, select your state on this page to find out your state's minimum insurance requirements. Also keep in mind that if it is a new car with a loan on it the lien holder will likely also require you to carry certain insurance coverages (typically comprehensive and collision) on the vehicle.

We do not know of any lower limits that are set for active military personnel who have purchased their insurance through a military installation. We have heard that if you are going to be deployed for an extended period of time, and no one will have use of your car (it will be stored and not on the roadway), you may be able to request the suspension of some or all of your insurance coverages to save on your premium payments.

Not all states allow for coverage to be suspended, nor do all insurance companies. Also if your car is still being paid on the financial institute with which you have a loan through may not allow you to suspend insurance on the vehicle (their investment).

You should contact your agent or insurance company and state insurance regulator for specific laws and policy limitations.

If you can not suspend your coverages while deployed you may look for an insurance company that gives discounts to active military members. We have heard of discounts from 2 percent and up to 15 percent off the total car insurance premium amount.