Question 1

Why do insurance requirements vary by state?

Accepted Answer

Insurance is primarily regulated at the state level in the United States, with each state having its own insurance department and regulatory body. This allows states to adapt insurance laws to their specific needs, risks, and consumer protection priorities. For example, states with higher risk of natural disasters may have different home insurance requirements, while states with high traffic volumes may impose stricter auto insurance minimums.

Question 2

How do I use the Interactive Coverage Map?

Accepted Answer

Our Interactive Coverage Map is easy to use: 1) Select the type of insurance you're interested in using the dropdown menu (health, auto, home, life, or business). 2) Click on any state to view detailed insurance information for that location. 3) Compare data across states by clicking different regions. 4) Use the search function to quickly find a specific state. 5) Download state-specific insurance data for your records.

Question 3

What does 'Medicaid Expansion' mean on the health insurance map?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid Expansion refers to whether a state has chosen to expand its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In states that have expanded Medicaid, the program covers all adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. States that haven't expanded Medicaid typically have more restrictive eligibility requirements and may have more residents without health insurance coverage.

Question 4

Why are auto insurance premiums higher in some states?

Accepted Answer

Auto insurance premiums vary by state due to several factors: 1) Urban density and traffic congestion, 2) State minimum coverage requirements, 3) Weather conditions and natural disasters, 4) Vehicle theft rates, 5) Medical and repair costs in the state, 6) State regulations and fault systems (no-fault vs. at-fault), 7) Litigation environment, and 8) Uninsured driver rates. States like Michigan, Florida, and Louisiana typically have higher premiums due to combinations of these factors.

Question 5

Is home insurance legally required in all states?

Accepted Answer

No, home insurance is not legally required by any state government. However, if you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will almost certainly require you to maintain home insurance coverage to protect their financial interest in the property. The specific requirements can vary by lender and state, and in high-risk areas, additional coverage like flood or earthquake insurance may be required by lenders.

Interactive Coverage Map

Understanding Insurance Differences by State

Data Sources and Methodology

Health Insurance

Auto Insurance

Home Insurance

Life Insurance

Business Insurance

Data Updates