Compare Indiana Car Insurance Rates [2023]

Picture this. You’ve spent hours on the internet, hunting for Indiana car insurance providers. Maybe you’re not satisfied with your current insurer and want to see what your options are to switch over to a new carrier before your policy runs out.

Perhaps you’re getting ready to move to the state of Indiana, and aren’t sure what your provider options are, what coverages you need to maintain, and how to secure the best rates. Or, maybe you’re just curious whether or not you’re really getting the best deal with your current insurance that you possibly can.

The trouble is, trying to find the information you need to get all your questions answered in one place is often difficult, leading you down internet rabbit trails that you really don’t have time for.

We know how busy life can get, but finding the right Indiana car insurance provider to meet the needs of all the drivers in your household is one of the most critical decisions you can make.

When you consider that Indiana ranks eighth out of all 50 states for uninsured drivers, with 16.7% of drivers in the state getting behind the wheel without coverage, the chance that you might come up against one these uninsured motorists while on the road makes your choice of a provider even more important.

Whether you’ve been hunting for Indiana car insurance providers for weeks or are just starting to look into the matter, the time to know your rate options, available coverages, and rights under Indiana state driving laws is now.

Whether you’re one of the 6.63 million individuals residing in the state of Indiana or are preparing to move to The Hoosier State, this comprehensive guide to Indiana car insurance coverage, rates, companies, (and so much more!) is for you.

Secure your rate quotes for multiple Indiana car insurance providers in one place with our FREE online tool. Simply enter your zip code in the box below to get started!

Are you ready? Let’s dive right into Indiana car insurance coverage and rates!

Indiana Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

From the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan to the hiking lover’s playground, Brown County State Park, the state of Indiana has plenty to recommend it to long-time residents and visitors alike.

One notable town in Indiana is actually named Santa Claus, and due to its obvious appeal for faithful Santa believers everywhere, thousands of “Dear Santa” letters are sent there every year!

Also known by its nickname, The Hoosier State, Indiana, is responsible for producing approximately 90% of the entire world’s popcorn!

Another cool fact about Indiana is that the state’s Historic Parke County is home to 32 covered bridges, more than anywhere else in the states or the entire world. Aptly, Indiana has also been nicknamed the Covered Bridge Capital of the World.

Regardless of whether you’ve lived in Indiana for your entire life or are a recent transplant, it’s critical to understand what the minimum coverage requirements are to ensure you are in full compliance with current state laws and stay safe on the road.

Let’s dig deeper!

Does Indiana require you to have auto insurance?

The table above details the minimum car insurance coverages required under Indiana state law. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these means for you:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person: to cover the cost of injury or death of an individual due to an accident you cause
• $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident: to cover the total costs of bodily injury or death liability due to an accident you cause
• $25,000 property damage liability coverage: to cover the total property damage costs of another party or parties due to an accident you cause
• $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person: to cover the costs of any injuries you incur if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver
• $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident: to cover the total costs of injuries resulting from an accident with an uninsured driver
• $25,000 uninsured property damage coverage: to cover the total costs of property damage resulting from an accident with an uninsured driver
• $50,000 underinsured motorist coverage: to cover the costs of injuries you incur due to an accident with another driver whose insurance was insufficient to pay for your total damages

The bodily injury and property damage liability coverage limits are the minimums required under Indiana law. It is advisable to consider higher coverage limits to protect your assets.

In the event you cause a severe collision and your coverages are insufficient to pay for the injured party’s total damages, your personal assets would be on the line once your policy limits were exhausted.

The liability coverages mentioned cover the cost of things like medical expenses, property damage, and other bills incurred by any drivers, pedestrians, or passengers who are injured or incur vehicle damage due to a collision you are responsible for.

Your liability coverages will also apply if a member of your family is behind the wheel of your vehicle or if you have consented to let someone else drive your vehicle.

Bear in mind, these liability coverage options do not cover any injuries you incur due to an accident. The state of Indiana also requires drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on their policy.

Many states leave these coverages as optional add-ons, but you must maintain the minimums mentioned above to comply with current Indiana regulations unless you opt to waive them in writing when buying your policy.

You might be wondering what these levels of coverage would cost you in both Indiana and other states. Fear not! Take a look at our interactive graphic below.

Like most other states in the country, Indiana adheres to the fault system, which means that whoever causes the accident is responsible to cover damages incurred by other drivers, passengers, and/or pedestrians as a result.

In reality, the driver’s Indiana car insurance company will handle these losses, up to and until policy limits are fully exhausted.

Forms of Financial Responsibility in Indiana

If you get into an accident in the state of Indiana, you will likely be asked to show proof of insurance to the responding law enforcement officer. You can do so by presenting your insurer-issued proof of insurance card.

If you are unable to show the responding officer proof of insurance, your license will be suspended until you can present such to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

However, if you ever get into an accident in the state of Indiana, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will mail you a verification request form for proof of financial responsibility if you have been involved in any of the following:

• An auto accident in which the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is sent a copy of the accident report
• A pointable moving violation within a year of being issued two additional pointable moving violations
• A grave traffic violation like a felony or misdemeanor
• If you were issued a pointable violation and had your license suspended previously for failure to offer proof of financial responsibility

If any of these scenarios apply to you, the Indiana BMV will send a verification form to your address, at which point you must have your insurer file an electronic Certificate of Compliance Form as proof of insurance with the BMV. The insurer may submit this proof of insurance through the state’s Electronic Forms Submission or EIFS portal for processing.

The Certificate of Compliance form serves to show the BMV that the car you were driving at the time of the collision was insured according to the state required minimums.

The Indiana BMV must receive and process the Certificate of Compliance within 90 days of the initial verification request being sent or you face having your driving privileges suspended.

You may also have your insurer submit the Certificate of Compliance form before you receive the verification request, but the information must be completely accurate or your driving privileges could be suspended and the form will need to be resubmitted.

First-time offenders of Indiana’s proof of financial responsibility laws typically face having their driving privileges suspended. They may also be required by law to file an SR22 in Indiana along with their insurance in order to be allowed behind the wheel again.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Indiana

The table above reveals the average personal incomes for Indiana residents between 2012 and 2014.

It also shows the cost of full insurance coverage during those years and the percentage of the average resident’s personal income taken up by premium costs. Your personal income is what you have left to pay bills, save, or spend once taxes are taken out.

As you can see, the cost of full annual coverage comprised around 2% of the typical income for Indiana residents during those three years, with only a slight variance. That figure is pretty comparable for the surrounding region, with residents in states like Ohio paying approximately 2.04% of their total net income out in annual premiums in the year 2014.

Another interesting thing to note from the table above is that insurance costs as a percentage of income were at their highest in 2012, but went down by 0.06% in the following two years.

Our researchers also found that the average disposable income elevated slightly during this period, with an approximate $1,200 increase in the average resident’s net income between 2012 and 2014. This is also part of the reason that annual insurance premiums comprise a lower percentage of the typical annual income than they did previously.

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates in IN (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive)

Let’s take a look at what Illinois residents are paying on average for their car insurance.

The table above includes data from the NAIC’s (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) most recent study. Expect rates to go up in Indiana from 2019 onward.

Additional Liability Coverage in Indiana

The table above reveals the average loss ratio for Indiana car insurance companies between 2013 and 2015, taken from a recent report by the NAIC. A company’s loss ratio is the percentage of losses they suffer compared to the premiums they are writing for insureds.

If a company consistently sees a loss ratio above 100%, they are paying out more money in claims than they are earning back in consumer premiums. However, the table here reveals that Indiana car insurance companies are seeing healthy gains to losses.

The NAIC’s study did not include gains to losses for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. To read the report in further detail, click here.

Remember, Indiana currently ranks 8th in the nation for uninsured drivers, with 16.7% of drivers getting behind the wheel without insurance coverage.

With that in mind, it’s in your best interest to consider taking out insurance coverages beyond the minimum limits. For instance, optional coverages like MedPay are a valuable choice to consider to cover the costs of expenses like personal medical bills if you get into a collision.

If you get into an accident, Medpay will cover these costs up to a set amount, regardless of who caused the accident.

Speaking of which, let’s take a look at some add-ons you can opt to include in your Indiana car insurance policy.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

Check out these valuable add-ons you’ll definitely want to consider adding to your Indiana car insurance policy!

• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Non-Owner Insurance
• Rental Reimbursement Coverage
• Usage Based Insurance
• Classic Car Insurance

Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in IN

Age and gender are two significant factors that insurance carriers often use to assess your annual premiums. While it is often thought that male drivers are charged the highest rates when compared with female drivers, this is not always the case.

Age can be an even more relevant factor than gender in certain instances, but it often boils down the individual insurance carrier.

Let’s take a closer look!

Demographic and Insurance Carrier

As you can see from the table above, teen drivers are the demographic who are going to see the biggest rate jump when compared to other driver age groups.

Some insurers have a bigger rate gap between male vs. female teen drivers, while others charge teen drivers similar premiums across the board, regardless of gender.

For example, American Family charges 17-year-old male drivers nearly $3,000 more in annual premiums than they do 17-year-old female drivers. However, carriers like USAA only have about a $340 rate difference between teen male and female drivers.

When you step back and compare the rates insureds are charging teen drivers compared to the rest of the driving public, the gap can be pretty wide. For example, Progressive charges single 17-year-old male drivers approximately $9,400 more in annual premiums than they do married 35-year-old male drivers.

Besides your age and gender, married vs. single status can also have a huge impact on your annual rates. Insurance companies often adhere to the train of thought that married insureds are generally more stable, and are therefore going to be more responsible drivers when they get behind the wheel.

Rank by Demographic and Insurance Carrier

This data gathered by our researchers again confirms that teen drivers bear the brunt of the highest annual premiums. With that said, it really all comes down to the individual insurance carrier.

For example, while the number one ranking company for highest annual rates, First Liberty Insurance Corporation, charges teen male drivers approximately $13,000 annually, Geico charges male drivers of the same age just over $4,000 each year.

That’s a nearly $9,000 difference in rates! So, while insuring a teen driver can be expensive when compared to the rest of the driving population, it’s completely possible to find an insurer that offers the necessary coverage without breaking the bank.

Highest and Lowest Rates in Indiana by Zip Code

Use the tables below to see how your zip code affects the insurance rates you can expect to pay based on where you live. Your zip code can be a critical factor in the insurance premiums you pay, but again, so is the carrier.

Take a look at the 46402 postal code in the table below for the Gary, Indiana area. Allstate charges insureds in the area approximately $4,400 annually, while First Liberty charges residents in the same region around $9,600 a year. Simply put, your zip code should be one of many factors you take into account when deciding which Indiana car insurance company is right for you.

Most Expensive/Least Expensive Indiana Carrier Rates by City

Use the tables below to discover the annual rate Indiana car insurance carriers charge in your city.

The size of the city you live in often determines the rates carriers will assess. For example, insurance companies in smaller cities like Lafayette charge around $500 less in annual premiums that carriers in big cities like Indianapolis do.

Free Car Insurance Comparison

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Best Indiana Car Insurance Companies

Consumer ratings and satisfaction are an essential factor you’ll need to consider when selecting the best Indiana car insurance company to meet your needs.Let’s see how the top carriers really rank with insurers!

The 10 Largest Indiana Car Insurance Companies’ Financial Ratings

AM Best is a global agency, releasing ratings for insurance carriers around the world based on their assessed creditworthiness and financial strength. A++ is the superior rating AM awards, while any other A ratings reveal that a carrier has an excellent ability to fulfill financial obligations to consumers.

Indiana Car Insurance Companies with the BEST Customer Ratings

Indiana Car Insurance Companies with the MOST Customer Complaints

The table above is the most recent Consumer Auto Complaint Index released by the Indiana Department of Insurance. The complaint index is determined by comparing the number of each carrier’s premiums with the number of complaints closed over the course of a calendar year.

If a company has a complaint index of 1.00, this reveals that the company’s quantity of complaints received is the same as its total share of premiums written in the year.

If a carrier has a 2.00 index, this shows that the company’s complaints are twice as much as its share of premiums written. Companies with a 0.50 index have received complaints that are proportionately half as much as their total premiums written.

Bear in mind, consumer complaints are based on overall satisfaction, and are just one piece of the puzzle to consider when picking an Indiana car insurance carrier. Visit the Indiana Department of Insurance’s website for additional information.

Indiana Car Insurance Rates by Provider

Rates are probably going to be the primary factor you take into account when choosing an Indiana car insurance provider.

Take a look at the chart above, which shows the top carriers in the Hoosier State and their average annual rates juxtaposed against the overarching state average.As you can see, USAA charges the lowest annual premiums and First Liberty the highest, with more than a $4,000 gap between the two.Below we can see a few examples of factors that affect your rates.

Commute Rates

The rates an Indiana car insurance company will charge you annually may also vary widely depending on the length of your commute. It really depends on the insurance carrier.

Case in point, carriers such as Allstate charge insureds the exact same amount in yearly premiums regardless of the length of their commute, while companies like Geico have an $80 rate difference for 10 vs. 25-mile commutes.

Coverage Level Rates

Credit History Rates

Except for a handful of states that strictly ban the practice, insurance carriers in Indiana can and do use your credit score as a factor when assessing your annual premiums. For example, American Family charges consumers with poor credit nearly $2,300 more in annual premiums than insureds with good credit.

A study by Experian revealed that Indiana is one of the top 10 states with the lowest credit card debt in the country, with the average state resident having a card balance of $5,581. Also, the standard Indiana resident has a VantageScore of 667 with approximately 2.77 cards to their name.

Not bad, considering the average nationwide credit score is 675.While your credit score is just one of many factors Indiana car insurance companies may use to assess your rates, having a poor vs. good credit score can really make a difference in your annual premiums. In some cases, you could be charged thousands of dollars more per year for having a poor credit score.

By practicing good credit habits, paying your bill on time, and not spending beyond what you can afford to pay each month, you’ll not only have an easier time finding an apartment to rent or securing a mortgage but could see very reasonable car insurance rates come your way too.

Driving Record Rates

Not surprisingly, your driving record is another key element insurance companies will review when assessing your annual rates. Having a clean driving record or one with minimal violations is a good sign to insurance companies that you practice safe habits on the road and pose little risk to insure.

On the other hand, records with a DUI or speeding violation often present a red flag to carriers that the individual may pose more risk to insure, which often translates to higher rates.

Take a close look at the table above. Some carriers have a pretty wide gap in rates for clean records vs. those with one DUI, while others don’t increase their rates too significantly. Liberty Mutual, for example, charges insureds with one DUI on their record nearly $4,000 more in annual premiums than consumers with a clean record.

A company like Nationwide, on the other hand, only has a $500 or so rate difference for a record with one DUI vs. no driving violations.

The moral of the story is, some carriers are more forgiving than others when it comes to speeding violations. In general though, sticking to responsible driving habits while on the road won’t just keep your rates down, but will keep you safe while behind the wheel too.

The 10 Largest Car Insurance Companies in Indiana

Number of Car Insurance Providers in Indiana

Driving Laws in Indiana

Now that you’re well-versed in the key factors Indiana car insurance providers can and will use to assess your annual premiums, it’s time to dive into the driving laws all motorists in the state need to be aware of.

Without further ado, let’s get down to business!

Indiana’s Car Insurance Laws

As with any state, the car insurance laws in Indiana are changed and updated to ensure greater safety for drivers of every age. It’s important to stay up to date with Indiana car insurance laws to ensure you know what your rights are and your obligations under current regulations.

The state of Indiana has completely banned all drivers from texting while driving, while newbie drivers are forbidden from using a mobile device at all while behind the wheel (either hands-free or hand-held). If unable to provide proof of financial responsibility or proof of insurance, drivers face a 90-day to a one-year suspension of their driving privileges.

Let’s take a closer look at car insurance laws in the state of Indiana.

High-Risk Insurance

Drivers in the Hoosier State with a history of traffic violations, accidents, and/or DUIs may find it very difficult to secure auto insurance through standard channels. If you have a poor driving record and have found it difficult or impossible to secure auto insurance coverage, you might be eligible for Indiana’s high-risk auto insurance plan.

While you should only seek out high-risk insurance if you have exhausted all other channels, the Indiana Automobile Insurance Plan (IN AIP) is a potentially viable coverage option if you are unable to find coverage elsewhere.

The program was first created back in 1948 and stands as an agreement between licensed carriers to take on a certain percentage of the high-risk motorists in the state in congruence with their share of their insurance market in Indiana.

The idea behind IN AIP is to ensure that motorists in the state who fulfill the eligibility requirements can obtain coverage, particularly if they have not been able to secure insurance the standard route. The program’s approach of distributing high-risk drivers to carriers based on the company’s share of the insurance market in the state ensures that no single insurer bears too heavy of losses.

You will not be able to select your own insurance carrier through IN AIP, rather one will be assigned to you through the program. To be considered eligible for the program, you must:

• Certify that you have applied for insurance with three Indiana carriers in the past 60 days and were rejected
• You must name each of the carriers you applied to
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have a registered vehicle in the state of Indiana (or one to be registered within a period of 15 days)

If you put misinformation on your application or have outstanding premiums owed to a previous carrier, you may not be eligible for coverage through IN AIP. If the issue is an unpaid premium, you may resubmit your application to IN AIP once the bill is paid in full.

However, if you put false information on your application you will be barred from applying for an additional year. Most of the time, your premiums will be higher through IN AIP than they would be if you obtained insurance the standard route.

That said, IN AIP takes multiple factors into account when assessing your annual premiums. You will have two ways to pay your premiums. The first option is to pay 40% of your premium up front when applying and to put the remainder down within a period of 30 days.

Your other option is to pay in installments. You would still need to pay 40% of your total yearly premium upfront. However, you won’t be billed for the next 30% until 90 days have passed, and the final 30% will be billed after six month’s time. If you opt for the installment plan, a service fee does apply.

The good news is, if you are able to secure auto insurance coverage at a more affordable price after being accepted into IN AIP, you may cancel your high-risk plan whenever you wish. Just know that if you cancel while the policy is in effect, you will not receive a prorated reimbursement.

Your high-risk insurer will retain what is known as a short rated earned premium (just a little higher than the prorated number) and reimburse you for the remainder.

Low-Cost Insurance

A few states run low-cost auto insurance programs to cover drivers who meet certain eligibility requirements and income thresholds. At this time, Indiana does not offer any such program.

Windshield Coverage

Some states mandate a waived deductible if you need to have your windshield repaired, while other states only let you use manufacturer replacement parts if a repair is needed.

Indiana car insurance laws don’t currently including anything specific to windshields. If your car is under five years old, you can opt for used, aftermarket, or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts as you prefer.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Indiana

Insurance fraud is a felony in the state of Indiana, typically occurring if an individual attempts to receive a monetary benefit from an insurance company by lying or falsifying what actually took place. Insurance companies can also be found guilty of committing fraud, but for the sake of this guide, we’ll be focusing on consumer auto insurance fraud.

Indiana’s fraud laws are laid out in Indiana Code Title 27, Indiana Code Section 35-43-5-4.5, and Indiana Administrative Code Title 760. Examples of insurance fraud include:

• Filing an insurance claim or offering an oral or written statement that is false or misleading with the intention of defrauding the insurer
• Taking carrier records or assets from the company or hiding them from the Department of Insurance
• Making a false statement or hiding pertinent facts about an insurance claim or benefit to be paid out from the policy
• Causing damage to property in order to receive an insurance benefit

Penalties for committing insurance fraud include imprisonment, fines, and the requirement to make restitution to the victim. Civil penalties may also apply, such as fines and revocation of your policy.The instances of fraud noted above typically fall under the Level Six felony category. The penalties for a Level Six felony include the following:

• Six months to 2.5 years imprisonment
• Fines up to $10,000

If you have previously been convicted of insurance fraud and are convicted again, or if the property value, benefit, or loss is a minimum of $2,500, the felony is categorized as a Level Five offense. The penalties for Level Five felonies include:

• One to six year’s imprisonment
• Fines up to $10,000

If you falsify information on an insurance application, the offense is categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties for such include:

• One year’s imprisonment
• Fines up to $5,000

In short, auto insurance fraud is a serious crime that carries equally serious penalties. The good news is if you don’t commit insurance fraud you’ve got nothing to worry about!

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is the length of time you have to file a suit with the civil courts following an accident. In the state of Indiana, the statute of limitations for car accident injury matters or property damage claims is two years from the date of the collision.

There are a few caveats to the two-year statute of limitations deadline.For example, if a minor was injured in the wreck, they can’t file a suit until they are of age, so the statute of limitations commences once they turn 18. In addition, if the accident relates to a claim against a county or city, your statute of limitations is just 180 days.

Claims involve a state government agency have a 270-day statute of limitations.A case’s statute of limitations is not to be confused with the length of time you have to file a claim with your insurance company following a wreck. Most carriers require you to file your claim within days, or at most, a few weeks after a collision.

Indiana’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

If you ever get into an auto accident in Indiana, it’s imperative to understand how the state’s modified comparative negligence rule could affect any damages you can recover. Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule means that you can only file a claim against the other driver if you bear less than 51% of the fault for the collision.

What this means, is that you may still be able to recover damages for injuries incurred from the wreck, even if you are partially responsible for the crash. However, any damages you are awarded will be lowered base on the percentage of blame you possess for the collision.

For instance, if you are 30% at fault for an auto accident in the state of Indiana and are awarded $150,000 in total damages, you will receive $105,000. If you are 50% at fault for a crash, you are only eligible to receive 50% of the compensation awarded.

Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule also means that if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to receive any damages. In fact, you may be required to compensate the other party or parties for damages and expenses incurred.

Of course, there will be some accidents where more than two parties involved. If multiple individuals are involved in a collision, each party may be allotted a portion of the blame.

Indiana’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

By now, you’ve probably realized that there’s so much more to finding Indiana car insurance and protecting yourself as a driver than just securing the right rates.

Besides Indiana’s key car insurance laws regulating all motorists, you also need to have a thorough understanding of the state’s vehicle licensing laws to ensure you are in compliance.No need to worry, we’ve got you covered. From teen driver laws to license renewal procedures, you’ll be a pro by the end of this guide.

Let’s jump right into it!

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance in the state of Indiana is no joke. It could land you in serious trouble with penalties ranging from license suspension to hefty fines. If you are ever pulled over by a law enforcement officer and asked to provide proof of insurance, you may present either:

• Your insurer-issued proof of insurance card
• A proof of deposit with the state treasurer, a surety bond, or trust fund according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s requirements

You need to keep proof of insurance with you at all times and always when you get behind the wheel.Remember if you:

• Were involved auto accident in which the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is sent a copy of the accident report
• Received a pointable moving violation within a year of being issued two additional pointable moving violations
• Were found guilty of a grave traffic violation like a felony or misdemeanor
• Were issued a pointable violation and had your license suspended previously for failure to offer proof of financial responsibility

the Indiana BMV will send a verification form to your address, requiring your insurer to file a Certificate of Compliance electronically within 90 days of the request being issued. If the verification form is not filed and processed within 90 days of it being mailed out, your driving privileges will be revoked and may only be reinstated once the Certificate of Compliance is filed.

Penalties for driving uninsured in the state of Indiana are as follows.

For first-time offenders:

• 90-day license suspension
• You must carry an SR-22 certificate for three years

For second-time offenders:

• $500 fine
• One-year license suspension
• You must carry an SR-22 certificate for three years

Any offenses thereafter or failure to comply with the above will lead to a:

• $1,000 license reinstatement fee
• One-year license suspension
• You must carry an SR-22 certificate for five years

Teen Driver Laws

Here’s what you need to know about teen driver laws in the state of Indiana.

You must be at least 15 to obtain your learner’s license. To obtain a restricted license or license, you are required to:

• Have your learner’s license for at least six months
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving time, 10 of which need to be at night
• Be at least 16 years and three months of age

Restrictions during the intermediate licensing stage include:

• No driving between the hours of 10 P.M. and 5 A.M. during the initial six months
• After the first six months, no driving between the hours of 11 P.M. and 5 A.M. Sunday through Friday or 1 A.M. to 5 A.M. Saturday through Sunday
• No passengers except for family members

Nighttime restrictions may be lifted after six months if the teen driver is 18 or after they turn 21, whichever happens first. The passenger restrictions will be lifted after six months or upon turning 21, whichever takes place first.

Furthermore, teens enrolled in driver’s education must be at least 15 to obtain a permit. Without driver’s education, the minimum age is 16. While you must be at least 16-and-three months of age to obtain an intermediate license, you must be 16-and-nine months old without driver’s education.

Individuals who receive a license under the age of 21 are required to follow the nighttime and passenger restrictions for a six-month period or until they turn 21. If under 18, the teen driver’s night restrictions extend beyond six months until they turn 18.

Older Driver and General Population License Renewal Procedures

Older drivers who wish to renew their license must:

• Renew once every three years if between the ages of 75 and 84
• Renew once every two years if 85 or older
• If 75 or older, provide proof of adequate vision at each renewal
• Mail or online renewal is not allowed for drivers 75 and up

The license renewal procedures for the general population are as follows:

• Renew once every six years
• Proof of adequate vision is required if renewing in person
• You can renew online every other renewal

New Residents

If you are a brand new resident in Indiana, here’s what you need to provide the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to obtain your Indiana driver’s license:

• One document as proof of identity
• One document proving your legal status in the U.S.
• One document as proof of your Social Security number
• Two documents as proof of your Indiana residency

Click here for a comprehensive list of acceptable documents for each, and visit Indiana BMV’s website for additional information.

– Negligent Operator Treatment System

In the state of Indiana, under Indiana Code Title 9-21-8-52, reckless driving includes:

• Driving at such high or low speeds that you endanger the well-being of individuals or property or impede the flow of traffic
• Passing another car on a curve or slope where your visibility is impaired to under 500 feet
• Passing a school bus that is stopped and has the arm-signal out

Regular reckless driving, such as driving too fast, too slow, or passing another car when it is unsafe to do so are typically considered Class C misdemeanors.

Penalties include 60 days’ imprisonment and up to $500 in fines.

Passing a school bus is a Class B misdemeanor, incurring penalties including up to 180 days’ imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines. When the reckless driver causes property damage, it is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by the same penalties, including the potential of license suspension.

When reckless driving causes injury, it is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a year’s imprisonment, up to $5,000 in fines, and up to one year’s license suspension.

Indiana’s Rules of the Road

You’ve come so far! Time to take a closer look at Indiana’s rules of the road. You won’t want to miss these! Let’s get down to business—

Fault vs. No-Fault

Remember! Indiana is a fault car accident state, which means that whoever is responsible for the car accident is also held liable to compensate the other party or parties involved for any damages incurred as a result.

The at-fault party’s insurance company will handle such losses until the policy limits are exhausted.

If you are ever at fault for an auto accident, your personal assets could be on the line if your coverages are insufficient to satisfy the costs of the injured party’s damages. You’ll safeguard not only all the drivers in your family but your assets by purchasing coverages above the required state minimums.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Indiana’s keep right law requires drivers in the left lanes on highways to move over to the right lane so faster cars can pass. Penalties for violating the keep right rule include traffic citations and potentially up to $500 in fines.

Drivers in the Hoosier state must also drive with caution when approaching an emergency vehicle at a stop in a two or four-lane roadway with flashing lights.

If possible, you must change lanes or, if you can, lower your speed 10 miles under the posted limit and drive with caution. You must move over or slow down, but you cannot stop in the middle of the roadway.

Speed Limits

Check out the speed limits in the state of Indiana:

• 70 mph on rural interstates
• 65 mph on rural interstates for trucks only
• 55 mph on urban interstates
• 60 mph on limited access roads
• 55 mph on all other roads

Seat Belt and Carseat Laws

All individuals 16 years of age and up must be restrained with a safety belt. Violations incur a minimum $25 fine for first-time offenders.

Children seven years of age and under must be restrained in a child safety seat, while children between the ages of eight and 15 are permitted to wear an adult belt.

Again, a violation will incur a minimum $25 fee for first-time offenders.

In the state of Indiana, if a child weighs over 40 pounds, they may be restrained with a lap belt if the car doesn’t feature lap and shoulder belts or if the lap and shoulder belts (save for ones in the front seat) are already in use to secure children under the age of 16.

Indiana doesn’t currently have any legislation restricting passengers from riding in the cargo seat areas of pickup trucks.

Ridesharing

Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber take out commercial policies to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash. Uber drivers are covered by one million dollar liability policies, including an additional one million for comprehensive, contingent collision, and uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Lyft drivers are also covered by a similar plan, including commercial liability coverage, contingent collision, contingent liability, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Rideshare drivers rarely carry their own commercial insurance policies.

Automation on the Road

Currently, Indiana has approved the use of what is known as “regulated platooning technology.” This allows groups of buses or trucks to travel with set intervals between each at electronically controlled rates of speed.

Indiana’s Safety Laws

We know you want to feel and stay safe when you and your loved ones get behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know about safety laws in the state of Indiana.

DUI Laws

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

In the state of Indiana, the possession and use of marijuana are illegal. Therefore, the state adheres to a zero-tolerance policy for THC and metabolites. In fact, individuals convicted of driving under the influence of a drug face penalties of:

• 60 days to one year’s imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines for the first offense
• Five days to three year’s imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines for a second offense
• 10 days to three year’s imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines for a third offense

Needless to say, it is never advisable to drive in Indiana while under the influence of marijuana or be in possession of the drug, period.

Distracted Driving Laws

Individuals under the age of 21 are forbidden from using a cell phone while driving, and texting is banned for all drivers.

Fascinating Facts All Indiana Drivers Need to Know

Phew! You made it!

Now that you’re well-acquainted with Indiana’s car insurance laws, vehicle licensing laws, and driving laws, here are the fascinating facts that ALL drivers in the state need to know.Are you ready? We thought so. Let’s go!

Vehicle Theft in Indiana

In 2013, there were 386 motor vehicle thefts in Fort Wayne alone. Check out the FBI’s Crime in the U.S. Report for Indiana to see where your city ranks. The table below reveals the top 10 stolen vehicles in the state of Indiana.

Risky/Harmful Driving Behavior

To help you stay safe when you’re out on the open road, our researchers gathered the following data detailing the common risky/harmful driving behaviors all Indiana drivers need to be aware of.

Let’s take a closer look.

Traffic Fatalities by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Fatalities by County

2017 Traffic Fatalities

Fatalities by Person Type

Fatalities by Crash Type

Five Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

Fatalities Involving Speeding by Top 10 Counties

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver by Top 10 Counties

Teen Drinking and Driving

Transportation

On average, the typical Indiana worker spends 22.7 minutes in traffic for their daily commute. This figure is actually a few minutes behind the average commute of the typical U.S. worker, at 25.3 minutes. Only 1.84% of Indiana workers have what are known as “super commutes” beyond 90 minutes.

The Top City in Indiana for Traffic Congestion

Not surprisingly, Indiana’s capital city is the top city in the state for traffic congestion! The data above was gathered from Numbeo’s 2019 Northern America Traffic Index.

The traffic index column shows the compound index of time used up in traffic because of the average Indiana worker’s commute, including dissatisfaction with the time estimated for traffic and inefficient traffic systems. The time index column is simply the average worker’s commute length, one-way.

The third and final column, the inefficiency index, is the overall estimation of traffic inefficiencies.

According to Numbeo:

High inefficiencies are usually caused by the fact that people drive a car instead of using a public transport or long commute times. It can be used as a traffic component measurement in economies of scale.

Visit Numbeo’s website for additional information.

Now is the time to embark on the road to obtaining affordable Indiana car insurance to keep all the drivers in your family secure and protected behind the wheel.

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