Indiana Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

Indiana Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Although statistics don’t exist for how many people are pulled over who are practicing for the Indy 500, and it’s claimed to not be a factor, Indiana does require minimum liability auto insurance.

Q: Is Indiana a "tort" state?

A: Yes. This means there are no restrictions on lawsuits, despite your belief you were in the Indy 500 and were therefore immune from being sued for a crash. A policyholder at fault in a car crash can be sued by the other driver and the other driver’s passengers for the pain and suffering the accident caused as well as for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs. Of course, if it was the other driver’s fault, you can sue him, too – if you’re able to come out of your Indy 500 delusion long enough to realize it.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain an Indiana tag and registration?

A: You need at least Indiana's minimum coverage of 25/50/10 and to prove that you have it, you’ll have to give your insurance company’s name and your policy number to the nice person at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Do not confuse these numbers with the respective IQs of the last three people pulled over who thought they were in the Indy 500. What these numbers really mean is that you need coverage up to $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $10,000 for any damage that you cause to the other driver's car and/or property.

Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my previous state of residence?

A: No. Within 60 days of moving to Indiana, you will need to get Indiana insurance through an Indiana agent with an insurance company licensed to sell in Indiana. Make sure, when you get your policy, it has “Indiana” on it, and don’t forget to realize you are now in Indiana and not in your previous state of residence.

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in Indiana?

A: The first time you’re caught, your license is suspended for 90 days, and you are fined $150. If you’re caught again within three years, you’re without a license for an entire year, and the fine is $225. Every violation after that is a $300 fine, no license for a year, and compulsory induction into the Indiana Most Stupid Drivers Hall of Fame.

Q: Can my insurance be cancelled without notice?

A: Not after it’s been in effect for 60 days. After that, your insurance company has to have a valid reason to do so, such as non-payment of premiums, losing your license, or being inducted into the Most Stupid Drivers Hall of Fame. Your insurer can refuse to renew your policy after it expires, but it has to give you a 20-day notice.

Q: Why are my premiums higher than my neighbor’s?

A: Other than the fact you just can’t seem to remember you are not on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when you’re behind the wheel, some other factors may include:

-- age

-- gender

-- marital status

-- car type

-- policy limits

Also, remember when you’re evaluating costs, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. All policies are not the same and price varies not only by coverage, but also by company.

Q: What if I am hit and/or injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist?

A: Congratulations! You have just met another inductee into the Indiana Most Stupid Driver Hall of Fame! Each newly written Indiana auto liability policy must include uninsured and underinsured motorist’s coverages unless these are rejected in writing. If you have not rejected them, then your own membership in that rather dubious Hall of Fame may be cancelled, and you will be covered for the following:

-- Uninsured Motorists: Bodily Injury: $25,000/$50,000

-- Property Damage: $10,000

-- Underinsured Motorists: Bodily Injury: $50,000