North Dakota Car Insurance Requirements: Minimums, Fault Rules & Penalties
North Dakota is one of a minority of states that combines a no-fault framework with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. Every registered vehicle must carry liability insurance, personal injury protection, and UM/UIM coverage as a single package — not optional add-ons. Understanding how these coverages interact helps drivers avoid compliance gaps and unexpected out-of-pocket costs after a crash.
Minimum liability requirements
| Coverage type | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $30,000 per person |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist — per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist — per accident | $50,000 |
All three coverage types are mandatory. A policy that omits PIP or UM/UIM does not satisfy North Dakota law. If you purchase bodily injury liability above the minimum, most carriers require your UM/UIM limits to match unless you decline higher limits in writing.
The minimums set a legal floor, not a recommended level of protection. Medical expenses from a serious collision frequently exceed the $25,000 per-person bodily injury minimum, and the $30,000 PIP cap may fall short of a lengthy hospital stay or rehabilitation program. See our coverage types guide for a full breakdown of optional higher limits and additional coverages.
Fault system
North Dakota operates under a no-fault system. After a crash, each driver turns to their own PIP coverage for medical expenses and income replacement up to the $30,000 per-person limit — without needing to establish who caused the collision. This structure keeps minor injury claims out of the courts and speeds up initial medical reimbursement.
The no-fault rules do not eliminate the right to sue. A driver who sustains injuries that meet the state's serious-impairment threshold may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a tort claim against the at-fault party for pain, suffering, and other losses that PIP does not cover. Serious impairment generally involves an injury that substantially affects the person's ability to carry out normal daily activities.
Property damage operates on an at-fault basis throughout. If another driver caused the crash and damaged your vehicle, you can file a claim against their property damage liability coverage, or use your own collision coverage if you carry it.
SR-22 requirements
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (ND DOT). It attaches to an existing auto policy and confirms you carry at least the state's minimum limits. The ND DOT requires SR-22 filing after:
- A DUI or DWI conviction
- A reckless driving conviction
- A license suspension for a qualifying offense
The required filing period is three years from the date the obligation begins. If your policy cancels or lapses at any point during that window, your insurer must notify the ND DOT — typically resulting in immediate license suspension. Continuous, uninterrupted coverage is essential while an SR-22 is active. Not every carrier files SR-22 certificates, so confirm your insurer's capability before committing to a policy if this requirement applies to you.
Penalties for driving without insurance
| Offense | Fine | License consequence |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | $150–$1,000 | Suspended until proof of insurance is verified by the ND DOT |
| Second offense | Up to $1,000 | Suspended for one year |
After a first offense, your license remains suspended until you submit verified proof of active coverage to the ND DOT. Satisfying the fine alone does not restore driving privileges. A second offense imposes a mandatory one-year suspension and an escalated fine ceiling. Uninsured driving convictions appear on your motor vehicle record and typically raise future insurance premiums for several years.
If your coverage has lapsed, request a quote through AIS to restore compliance as quickly as possible.