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Indiana Auto Insurance Guide for New Drivers

Indiana requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Indiana at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

15

Minimum learner's permit age, 50 supervised driving hours

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Indiana operates under a traditional tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for injuries and damages they cause. All drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times — presenting a digital insurance ID card from your phone satisfies this requirement as of 2016. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles maintains a real-time verification system that flags uninsured vehicles, and driving without coverage triggers an immediate license suspension until you file proof of financial responsibility.

Bodily Injury Liability

This coverage pays medical bills, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. A premium is what you pay for the policy (usually monthly), while a liability limit is the maximum your insurer will pay per claim.

Property Damage Liability

Covers repair or replacement costs when you damage someone else's vehicle or property. Indiana does not require you to carry collision or comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle, even if you're financing it — but your lender almost certainly will.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries. Indiana law requires insurers to offer this at the same limits as your liability coverage, but you can decline it by signing a written rejection form.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Activates when the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low to cover your medical expenses, which is common given Indiana's low state minimums. Insurers must offer this alongside uninsured motorist coverage, and you can only reject both together. If you accept uninsured motorist but want to decline underinsured, Indiana law does not permit splitting them — it's an all-or-nothing election.

Cost Overview

$262/mo

Typical monthly rate in Indiana, new drivers

Rate data: Insurify, 2026

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Rules for new drivers

Night driving

graduated; ~10pm/11pm-5am

Passengers

no passengers first 180 days (family exempt)

Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone to show proof of insurance in Indiana?

Yes — Indiana law explicitly permits electronic proof of insurance displayed on your phone during traffic stops, crashes, or vehicle registration. As of 2016, law enforcement and BMV staff must accept digital insurance ID cards with the same validity as paper documents. Keep your insurance app updated and accessible since you're required to provide proof immediately when requested.

Coverage Types

Liability Insurance

The foundation of any auto policy — covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Your premium is the amount you pay (usually monthly) to maintain coverage, while your liability limit is the maximum your insurer will pay per accident. If damages exceed your limit, you're personally responsible for the difference, which can include wage garnishment and property liens in Indiana.

Full Coverage

Industry term (not a specific policy type) meaning liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle. Collision pays for damage from crashes regardless of fault; comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes. A deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest — choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $250 can lower your premium by $40–$70 monthly.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events: theft, hail, flood, fire, vandalism, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible (typically $250–$1,000) which is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest — higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums but more out-of-pocket cost when you file a claim.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays your medical bills, lost income, and pain-and-suffering damages when an at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Indiana requires insurers to offer this, but you can reject it in writing — doing so means you rely entirely on the at-fault driver's ability to pay, which is unlikely if they're driving uninsured.

Collision Coverage

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash with another car or object, regardless of who caused the accident. You select a deductible (the amount you pay first), and insurance covers the remaining repair costs up to your vehicle's actual cash value — the current market worth, not what you paid or still owe.

SR-22 Insurance

Not a separate coverage type but a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with the Indiana BMV after certain violations — typically DUI/OWI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, or driving uninsured. The SR-22 proves you're maintaining continuous coverage at state-required minimums or higher, and any lapse triggers automatic license suspension.