Alabama State Minimum Car Insurance & Requirements
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Whether you live along the Gulf Coast in Mobile or way up in Huntsville, Alabama offers plenty of adventures well within driving distance. Before you hop in the car, it's important to make sure you have the coverage you need. Direct Auto Insurance helps make it easy to get covered in Alabama with cheap car insurance options, a low upfront payment, and flexible payment options that work with your schedule and budget. Get a free quote today and learn which coverages are mandatory and which are optional in this guide.
Alabama Car Insurance Laws
Do you have to have car insurance in Alabama?
Alabama law requires drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle they have registered in the state. Alabama auto insurance policies must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. In Alabama, those liability limits are 25/50/25, as shown below under Alabama Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.
Alabama Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Wondering what your insurance policy needs to meet Alabama’s requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.
|
Coverages |
Is It Required by Law? |
Bodily injury liability coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense services (if necessary). |
Yes. $25,000 limit per person/$50,000 limit per accident. |
|
Property damage liability coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more. |
Yes. $25,000 limit per accident. |
|
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if an at-fault driver has no insurance (UM), doesn’t have enough insurance (UIM), or, in certain cases, can’t be identified after certain hit-and-run accidents. |
Not required but included in policies by default unless rejected in writing. |
|
Medical payments coverage helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault. |
Not required. |
|
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object. |
Not required.1 |
|
Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal. |
Not required.1 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing liability-only coverage may satisfy Alabama’s minimum insurance requirements, it doesn’t necessarily protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage, like UM/UIM, comprehensive, and collision, to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Are there additional coverage options?
For added peace of mind, Direct Auto offers optional coverages, services, and protection plans for Alabama drivers:
Alabama Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties
What if I don't meet Alabama’s minimum car insurance requirements?
The penalties for a first offense of driving without insurance are a fine of up to $500, suspension of registration, a $200 registration reinstatement fee, and potential SR-22 requirements, according to the Consumer Federation of America. For second or subsequent violations, the penalties increase in severity.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Alabama
It’s against the law to operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Alabama. The exact penalty for driving without a license or driving with a suspended or revoked license in Alabama depends on a few factors, although it generally involves fines, jail time, or both.
SR-22 Insurance in Alabama
In many states, high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR-22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Drivers might be required to fulfill SR-22 requirements if:
- They have been caught not maintaining proper liability coverage.
- They were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
- They have committed other serious driving violations.
If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.
Cheap Car Insurance in Alabama
Whether you have a clean driving record or need high-risk auto insurance, Direct Auto offers affordable coverage options for Alabama drivers. No matter your driving history, we’re committed to helping you find quality coverage that fits your budget.
Your rate depends on factors like your coverage, vehicle, driving habits, location, driving record, and credit history (where permitted by law).
Ready to save? Get an Alabama car insurance quote from Direct Auto today. Call, click, or stop by a local store to find affordable coverage.
Alabama Regional Auto Insurance
Car insurance coverage can vary based on factors like your location, vehicle, budget, and individual needs. No matter which city you call home in Alabama, Direct Auto can help you find coverage that works for you.
Birmingham Auto Insurance
Huntsville Auto Insurance
Mobile Auto Insurance
Montgomery Auto Insurance
Tuscaloosa Auto Insurance
Other Alabama Auto Insurance Resources
*Cost and down payments will vary based on coverages and pay plan selected, state requirements, and how you buy. A lower down payment does not equal premium savings. Additional fees may apply.
**Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits are available in all states.
"Direct Auto Insurance" is the direct-to-consumer auto insurance brand for policies produced by Direct General Insurance Agency, Inc. and National General Insurance Marketing, Inc. for its National General Group affiliates, Winston-Salem, NC.
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