Nearly all states require motorists to purchase minimum amounts of auto liability insurance, others, TN, NH, WI, require minimum financial responsibility. For example, Alabama requires drivers 20/40/10. Sources of information on compulsory car insurance are the following four insurance industry organizations: the Alliance of American Insurers, of Illinois; the American Insurance Association, of Washington, D.C.; the National Association of Independent Insurers, of Illinois; and the Insurance Information Institute, of New York.

Here's the state-by-state rundown, with footnotes:

(1) The first two figures refer to bodily injury liability and the third figure to property damage liability. For example, 20/40/10 means coverage up to $40,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $20,000 for one individual, and $10,000 coverage for property damage.

(2) Low-cost policy limits for Los Angeles and San Francisco low-income drivers in the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan are 10/20/3. This is a pilot program effective from July 1, 2000 until January 1, 2004.

(3) Although legally defined as financial responsibility, Tennessee's law is similar to a compulsory law because drivers can be fined if stopped by police or after crashes if they cannot show proof of financial responsibility.

(4) Only property damage liability is compulsory.

(5) Liability insurance not compulsory; limits are for financial responsibility.

(6) Drivers may choose a Standard or Basic Policy. Basic Policy limits are 10/10/5.

(7) 50/100 if injury results in death.