Whether you’re a new driver or have just re-located to the great state of Kentucky, you’ll need a couple of things to navigate the state’s roads and auto insurance requirements. Here's what you need to know before you explore the winding roads of the Bluegrass State.
Car insurance rates in Kentucky can vary widely based on factors like your driving record, age, home ZIP code, and the type of vehicle you drive. As of October 2024, the average annual cost of a Kentucky car insurance policy is $2,705 for “full coverage” and $779 for minimum required coverage.
At Dairyland, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, we're committed to offering competitive rates and flexible options to help you find affordable car insurance that works for your unique situation:
Minimum down payment: 10% for 12-month policies
Available policy terms: 6 and 12 months
Kentucky law requires all drivers to meet or exceed minimum levels of liability insurance, including bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Because Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state, you have the option to purchase a no-fault policy—the default in the state—or an at-fault policy.
No-fault policies must include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage—also called basic reparations benefits in Kentucky. These policies are also subject to no-fault tort protection, which limits your right to sue or be sued for injury damages below certain thresholds.
You can purchase an at-fault policy by rejecting offered PIP coverage in writing through a No-Fault Rejection form from the Kentucky Department of Insurance. This action also rejects the tort limitations. If all members of your household reject these protections, your policy is required to include a minimum of $10,000 of guest PIP coverage to provide basic benefits to any non-household passengers and pedestrians.
Insurers are also required to offer you uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but you can reject it in writing at your discretion. Learn more about the required auto insurance coverages in the state of Kentucky below.
Bodily injury liability coverage can help pay for the injury-related costs of others in an accident you cause. It's crucial protection that can safeguard your finances if you're found at-fault in a crash. Kentucky’s no-fault tort protection also works in association with this coverage. Minimum coverage levels in Kentucky are:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability can help pay for damage you cause to other people's property, such as their vehicle or a fence you might hit in an accident. Property damage doesn’t fall under tort protections in Kentucky. You can sue or be sued concerning property damage without meeting a threshold. Kentucky’s required minimum coverage limit is:
$25,000 per accident
Personal injury protection (PIP) can help cover medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who's at fault in an accident. The base coverage limit is $10,000 per person per accident, but higher benefits and deductibles are available.
We generally recommend keeping PIP for the added protection it provides. However, if you choose to reject PIP coverage and tort protections, you could choose instead to pursue litigation to help cover costs you incur following an accident.
Even though carrying auto insurance is the law, not every driver plays by the rules. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can help protect you financially if you're injured in a covered accident in which the at-fault driver is uninsured.
Like PIP insurance, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage must be offered to you in Kentucky, but you can reject it in writing.
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While Kentucky state insurance requirements set the basics, many drivers choose to go beyond the minimum. Here are some optional coverage add-ons that can give you more financial protection—and more peace of mind—on Kentucky’s roads:
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs if your vehicle is damaged in non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather events. If you're still paying off your car or have a newer model, this coverage can be particularly valuable.
Collision coverage can help pay for damage to your car in an accident, no matter who's at fault. Whether it's a minor bump or a more serious incident, this coverage can help get your car repaired and back on the road.
Medical payments coverage can help create a little extra cushion for your healthcare costs after an accident. It doesn't matter who caused the crash; this coverage helps you and your passengers pay medical bills.
If your car is in the shop due to a covered claim, rental reimbursement coverage can help pay for a rental car for a certain period of time.
From flat tires to dead batteries, roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver when you're stranded on the side of the road.
Here's some good news for Kentucky drivers: you won't need to worry about SR22 forms in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky doesn't use them. But remember, the types of violations that sometimes lead other states to require SR22s—like DUIs and other infractions—can still cause your insurer to raise your rates.
Looking for cheap car insurance in Kentucky? We've got you covered with discounts that can help you meet Kentucky state insurance requirements without breaking the bank.
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Cheap car insurance in Kentucky isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. Your driving record, the car you drive, your ZIP code, and even your credit score all play a part in determining your rates. And because each insurance company weighs these factors differently, your rates can vary as well.
That’s why it’s crucial to compare quotes from several providers, and research customer reviews and ratings.
While meeting Kentucky state insurance requirements is crucial, there's more to being a responsible driver in the Bluegrass State. Here's what you need to know:
Kentucky roads come with their own set of driver guidelines. Stay on the right side of the law by following the state’s rules of the road, including:
Always carry proof of insurance when you're behind the wheel.
Stick to posted speed limits, whether you're on I-75 or a country backroad.
Never get behind the wheel under the influence.
Buckle up! Use seatbelts and appropriate child restraints.
Keep your vehicle registration current.
Want to learn more about driving in Kentucky? Check out these helpful resources:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is your go-to for road conditions, construction updates, and vehicle registration info.
Get the scoop on insurance regulations and consumer protection in the Bluegrass State from the Kentucky Department of Insurance.
You can find safety tips, traffic updates, and report accidents or emergencies from the Kentucky State Police.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.