Minimum Coverage You Must Have in Kentucky
To register and operate a vehicle in Kentucky, you must maintain active liability insurance coverage at all times. New residents bringing a vehicle into the state are required to register it within 15 days in the county where they live — and coverage must already be in place before registration.
Kentucky law requires the following minimum coverage limits:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These are commonly referred to as 25/50/25 liability limits.
Alternatively, drivers may meet the requirement by carrying a combined single-limit policy with at least $60,000 in total liability coverage.
Important: Operating a vehicle without valid insurance can result in registration revocation under Kentucky law.
Optional Coverage To Look Over In Kentucky
For greater protection, many drivers add:
- Collision & Comprehensive
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
- Medical Payments (MedPay)
- Rental Reimbursement & Roadside Assistance
Note: Full coverage is often required for financed or leased vehicles.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
Driving uninsured in Kentucky can result in:
- Fines starting at $500
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- Driver’s license suspension
- Possible SR-22 filing for repeat offenses
📌 Kentucky Vehicle Insurance Regulations & Exceptions
- If your vehicle has active Kentucky plates, you must maintain valid insurance coverage. To cancel insurance without penalty, surrender your license plate at the County Clerk’s office first.
- Owners of seasonal vehicles (motorcycles, RVs, etc.) must turn in their license plate before dropping coverage. To re-register, show proof of insurance to the County Clerk.
- Historic vehicle owners face the same requirement — turning in the plate before canceling coverage helps avoid uninsured vehicle notices.
- Student Exception: Students enrolled in a Kentucky college or university may keep their out-of-state registration and insurance, but must carry a valid student ID while driving in Kentucky.
- Military Exemption: Active-duty military personnel may use out-of-state insurance when titling or registering a vehicle in Kentucky. If flagged as uninsured, show military ID or proof of service at the County Clerk’s office.
- Temporarily Living Out of State: Your vehicle must remain insured by a company authorized to operate in Kentucky, even if you temporarily reside elsewhere.
- Reinstating Registration: If your registration is revoked for lack of insurance, a $40 reinstatement fee applies under KRS 186.040 (2024 amendment).
Proof of Insurance & Verification
Kentucky requires drivers to show proof of insurance during registration and upon request by law enforcement.
Electronic proof (such as a mobile insurance card) is accepted.
Note: While Kentucky does not yet use a real-time electronic insurance verification system like some other states, insurance status is still checked manually during registration renewals and citations.
✅ Quick Checklist for Kentucky Drivers
- Carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage
- Keep digital or paper proof of insurance at all times
- Verify coverage before renewing registration
- Consider UM/UIM and collision for added protection
- Be aware of fines and registration suspension for lapses
Real-World Example
Jessica moved to Louisville and registered her car without realizing her insurance lapsed two weeks earlier. At her next registration renewal, the state flagged the lapse, suspended her plates, and charged her a $500 fine. She also had to file an SR-22 for the next year to reinstate her license.
Even without real-time verification, Kentucky checks insurance during key transactions — don’t risk it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Car Insurance
Is car insurance required in Kentucky?
Yes. All drivers must carry minimum liability coverage to operate a vehicle legally.
What are Kentucky’s minimum coverage limits?
$25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
Does Kentucky verify insurance electronically?
Not in real time. Insurance is verified during registration renewals or when law enforcement requests it.
What happens if I drive uninsured?
You may face fines, registration suspension, and license penalties. Multiple offenses require an SR-22.
Can I show digital proof of insurance?
Yes. Kentucky accepts electronic proof, like an insurance app or digital card on your phone.
Want to compare Kentucky’s insurance laws to nearby states? Check out
Indiana,
Ohio,
Tennessee, and
West Virginia.