New Hampshire is one of the only state that does not require auto insurance. However, drivers in the Granite State must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to cover damages if they’re involved in an accident.
In Virginia, according to the state’s department of motor vehicles, you need to prove a vehicle is insured in order to get license plates. But you can pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee that lets you drive an uninsured vehicle. However, you do so at your own risk.
The bottom line is that every state requires that you meet financial responsibility requirements through insurance, a bond or some other approved means that show you are able to pay if you cause damages to another person or property in an automobile accident.
If you choose to buy insurance, you should know that the states’ minimum insurance requirements differ.
Almost every state requires you to have bodily injury liability insurance to pay for the treatment of anyone you injure; other states operating under no-fault laws will require that you carry personal injury protection to pay for your own injuries. You usually will be required to buy property damage liability insurance to repair the vehicles of anyone you hit.
If traveling out of state, take your proof of insurance or proof of financial responsibility with you. And review your policy for any out-of-state policy limitations (such as only the named insured being covered) before hitting the road.
Most policies will give you the same liability limits you currently carry while you’re out of state unless these do not meet the other state’s minimum limits. If that is the case, typically your policy will automatically raise the limits to that state’s limits if you are in an accident.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
