Requirements for Vehicle Insurance & Registration

Vehicle insurance provides protection for drivers against any losses caused by traffic accidents. Vehicle registration is required by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles to increase government regulation and ease the taxation process.

States Requiring Vehicle Insurance

Most states in the United States require vehicle liability insurance before a person is allowed to register and use a car on public roads. (See Reference 2)

States Not Requiring Vehicle Insurance

New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Florida are the only states that do not require liability insurance to drive on public roads. (See Reference 1)

Requirements

When registering a vehicle, the following documentation is required: proof of ownership, proof-of-liability insurance, proof of identity and date of birth, the state's vehicle registration paperwork and payment of the registration fees and taxes. (See Reference 3) The minimum amount of insurance coverage required by drivers varies from state to state. (See Reference 1)

Considerations

It is required by state laws for drivers to carry proof of insurance and registration in their cars at all times; drivers need to be able to present these documents after a traffic stop by a police officer or a traffic accident.

Warning

In states where car insurance and vehicle registration are required, drivers without proof of either liability insurance or registration can be fined, imprisoned and have their license and registration suspended.

References

• Minimum Levels of Car Insurance You Are Required to Buy
• Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
• Vehicle Registration Requirements