No single national list
The United States has no federal law that lists all compulsory insurance. Most requirements come from state law, a few from federal programs, and many more from contracts such as mortgages, leases and construction agreements. Rules change from state to state, so treat this article as a map and confirm the details with your state insurance department or a licensed producer.
Overview of common requirements
| Requirement | Who is affected | Set by |
|---|---|---|
| Auto liability or financial responsibility | Vehicle owners and drivers | State law |
| Workers' compensation | Employers | State law (federal programs for some workers) |
| Unemployment insurance | Employers | Joint federal-state program |
| Short-term disability or paid family leave | Employers and workers in certain states | State law |
| Flood insurance | Homeowners with government-backed mortgages in high-risk flood areas | Federal law, enforced through lenders |
| Bonds and professional liability | Notaries, contractors and some licensed professions | State licensing laws |
Auto insurance
The NAIC notes that most states require you to buy some kind of auto insurance to drive legally. The minimum is usually liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Some states also require personal injury protection (PIP) under a no-fault system, or uninsured motorist coverage. Minimum limits are low compared with the cost of a serious accident. Our table of state minimum auto insurance requirements shows the limits for each state.
Workers' compensation
According to the NAIC, nearly all U.S. states require employers to carry workers' compensation. Texas is the main exception: under Section 406.002 of the Texas Labor Code, private employers may elect whether to obtain coverage. Employers that opt out lose key common-law defenses in injury lawsuits. Ohio, Washington, Wyoming and North Dakota require employers to buy from a state fund or self-insure. Details are in our article on workers' compensation laws.
Unemployment and state disability programs
The U.S. Department of Labor describes unemployment insurance as a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Employers register with their state and pay unemployment taxes. Some states also run statutory short-term disability or paid family leave programs. California's State Disability Insurance program, for example, pays short-term benefits when a worker cannot work because of a non-work-related illness or injury, including pregnancy, and provides paid family leave.
Health insurance
There is no longer a federal penalty for being uninsured. HealthCare.gov says the fee applied only through plan year 2018. Some states have their own individual mandates. California, for example, enforces a state health coverage requirement through its income tax return. Large employers face the ACA employer shared responsibility rules. See ACA basics.
Flood insurance for certain mortgages
FEMA states that properties in high-risk flood areas with mortgages from government-backed lenders are required to have flood insurance. The NAIC adds that lenders may require it outside high-risk zones too. Standard homeowners and renters policies typically do not cover flood. The National Flood Insurance Program, established by Congress on August 1, 1968, offers up to $250,000 for the structure of a home and up to $100,000 for contents, according to the NAIC. NFIP policies and some private flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so do not wait for the storm forecast.
Bonds and professional liability
Many licensed occupations must post a surety bond or carry professional liability coverage. Requirements depend on the profession and the state. A clear example is notaries in California. According to the California Secretary of State's 2026 Notary Public Handbook, every notary must file an official bond of $15,000. The bond is not an insurance policy for the notary. It provides a limited source of funds for claims against the notary, who remains personally liable for damages. Notaries can buy errors and omissions insurance voluntarily to protect themselves. Other licensed occupations may face similar bond requirements, so check with your licensing board. Some states and licensing boards require professional liability coverage for certain professions.
Required by contract, not by law
- Mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance on the financed property.
- Auto lenders and lessors usually require collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Landlords may require renters insurance in the lease.
- Clients, general contractors and government agencies often require general liability, commercial auto and workers' compensation certificates before work begins.
Checklist
- List the states where you live, drive, employ people or do business, and check each one's rules.
- Read contracts for insurance clauses: required limits, additional insured status and waivers of subrogation.
- Remember that minimum limits are a legal floor, not a recommendation.
- Policies are issued by licensed insurers and placed through licensed producers in your state. Request a quote to compare options.