Compulsory States

Compulsory states, also known as compulsory insurance, refer to states in the United States that require drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage in order to operate a vehicle legally on the road. These laws are intended to ensure that drivers are financially responsible for any damages they may cause in an accident.

Some key features of compulsory insurance include:

  • Minimum coverage requirements: Compulsory insurance laws specify the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage that drivers must carry, typically including liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

  • Penalties for non-compliance: Drivers who do not carry the minimum required insurance coverage may face fines, license suspension, or other penalties.

  • State-specific laws: The requirements for compulsory insurance vary by state, with some states requiring higher levels of coverage than others.

  • Exceptions: There may be exceptions to compulsory insurance laws for certain types of vehicles, such as those used only on private property, or for drivers who can demonstrate financial responsibility through other means.

For example, in the state of California, drivers are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. Drivers who do not carry the minimum required insurance coverage may face fines, license suspension, or other penalties.

Next Up

Each month, Mployer Advisor breaks down the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent State Employment and Unemployment Summary to highlight some employment trends across various markets. This is an overview of January’s report.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers, primarily in tech and finance. Despite Republican control of Congress, a divide has emerged over its future. Elon Musk and President Trump support the program, while many MAGA voters oppose it, arguing it suppresses U.S. wages. Demand for H-1B visas far exceeds supply, with most recipients from India and China. While expansion seems more likely than reduction, political pushback may shape future reforms. Employers should stay informed as policy changes unfold.
The latest economic release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. job market exceeded expectations by a significant margin to close out 2024, adding 256 thousand new jobs last month while unemployment ticked down one-tenth of a point to 4.1%.