Every state we serve — New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware — requires drivers to carry some minimum amount of auto liability insurance. But those minimums are set by each state individually, and they're not close to the same. If you've ever moved between these states, or you're just curious whether your coverage is actually adequate, here's how the numbers stack up.
| State | Bodily Injury (per person / per accident) | Property Damage | Other Required Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $35,000 / $70,000 | $25,000 | PIP (Personal Injury Protection); UM/UIM generally matches liability limits |
| New York | $25,000 / $50,000 ($50,000 / $100,000 for wrongful death) |
$10,000 | PIP minimum $50,000 (no-fault state); UM $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $15,000 / $30,000 | $5,000 | First-Party (Medical) Benefits minimum $5,000; choice of limited or full tort |
| Delaware | $25,000 / $50,000 | $10,000 | PIP $15,000 / $30,000 (no-fault state) |
A few things jump out. New Jersey's minimums, raised January 1, 2026, are now the highest of the four states by a wide margin. Pennsylvania's are the lowest and haven't changed in years. New York and Delaware sit in between, and both are "no-fault" states, which means your own PIP coverage pays your medical bills after an accident regardless of who caused it — a different system than New Jersey's PIP-plus-liability approach or Pennsylvania's tort-choice system.
Why the differences matter if you drive across state lines
If you live near a state border — which describes a lot of our clients in places like the Delaware Valley or the NY/NJ metro area — you might regularly drive through a state with different minimums than the one you're insured in. Generally, your own policy's limits apply no matter which of these states you're driving in, so this is less about "am I legal in this state" and more a reminder that the state you live in sets a floor that may or may not be enough everywhere you actually drive.
Minimum coverage vs. the coverage you actually need
Every one of these state minimums was written as a legal floor, not a real-world benchmark for what an accident actually costs. A single hospital visit after a serious crash can run well past $50,000. Rebuilding or replacing a modern vehicle can easily exceed $25,000 or $10,000 in property damage limits. And if you're found liable for an accident that costs more than your policy covers, the difference can come out of your own assets and future wages.
That's why we typically walk clients through limits well above their state's minimum — often paired with an umbrella policy for additional protection at a relatively low added cost. What's "enough" really depends on what you have to protect: home equity, savings, a business, or future earnings a court could pursue in a lawsuit.
Not sure if your coverage matches your state's current requirements — or your actual risk? We'll review your policy against your state's minimums and show you what stronger protection would cost. Contact us or get a quote any time.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. State minimum requirements change periodically — always confirm current requirements and how they apply to your specific policy with a licensed agent. New Jersey figures reflect P.L. 2022, c.87, effective January 1, 2026.