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Written by:
Maggie O'Neill
Contributing Researcher
Maggie has twenty years of experience working in media. She is a writer and editor on car insurance and related issues. Before joining CarInsurance.com, she reported on health, education and lifestyle for magazines, websites and newspapers in Nevada.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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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.

Question: Is car insurance required in Puerto Rico?

Answer: Yes, car insurance coverage is required in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico requires drivers to maintain “Seguro de Responsabilidad Obligatorio” compulsory liability coverage (CLI) and medical liability coverage.

As a no-fault state—where drivers do not need to prove fault for insurance compensation in a vehicle accident—the Puerto Rico Motor Vehicle Compulsory Liability Insurance Law requires that all motor vehicles have liability insurance coverage of not less than $3,000, covering damages caused to other vehicles up to $4,000. The premium for that coverage is $99 per year (private passenger vehicle) or $148 per year (commercial vehicle).

All motor vehicles are also required to have Medical Liability insurance of not less than $3,000, which is comparable to Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage is provided by the Agency for the Compensation of Automobile Accidents (ACAA). In addition to the basic option, the ACAA also offers two other plans: Plus and Premium. Plus coverage offers medical-hospital services, $75,000 spousal compensation and up to $70,000 to dependent children in the event of death, a maximum of $75,000 in event of loss of limb and $5,000 for funeral expenses. The Premium coverage plan offers medical-hospital services, spousal and dependent compensation of up to $92,000, up to $100.000 for dismemberment, and $8,000 for funeral expenses.

Unlike most no-fault states and territories, if your vehicle is registered in Puerto Rico, the CLI premium will be included in your annual registration fee when you get your marbete (vehicle) tag. Drivers must comply with the law when getting a motor vehicle license for the first time and upon registration renewal. To comply with the CLI, you can get liability insurance coverage of at least $3,000 from your insurance company if the company is licensed to do business in Puerto Rico. A second option is to purchase CLI coverage from any authorized private insurer in Puerto Rico, or from the Joint Underwriters Association (JUA).

You must comply with the CLI even if your vehicle is not registered in Puerto Rico and retains out-of-state license plates but is used in the territory.

Driving a car without the proper insurance in Puerto Rico is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500. In addition, other fines may be assessed for expired registration, no ACAA and no inspection, if applicable. If you are in an accident and are uninsured, Puerto Rico law requires a court to assess the costs of damages you caused and will require you to be responsible for paying for the damages. 

Remember that the minimum required coverage in a state or territory may not be sufficient coverage in the event of an accident. We recommend seeking adequate coverage for your situation through an insurance company. 

Laura Longero

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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.

John McCormick

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John McCormick

Editorial Director

John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz

Managing Editor

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.

Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir

Managing Editor

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.

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Contributing Researcher

Maggie has twenty years of experience working in media. She is a writer and editor on car insurance and related issues. Before joining CarInsurance.com, she reported on health, education and lifestyle for magazines, websites and newspapers in Nevada.