All 50 states have different requirements when it comes to auto insurance. In some states, motorists can't register a car without showing proof that they have liability insurance, while other states use an "honor system" that doesn't ask for proof of insurance until drivers have accidents or tickets on their records.

Only five states do not require motorists to carry liability coverage, but those that do demand that drivers purchase at least the state's minimum. In other words, if you live in a state that requires liability insurance, you can't walk into your insurance agent's office and buy only $2,000 worth of liability coverage. If you're going to buy it, you must purchase at least the minimum amount required.

How to read liability limits

The following information will help you understand the table of liability limits.
First number: bodily injury liability maximum for one person injured in an accident.
Second number: bodily injury liability maximum for all injuries in one accident.
Third number: property damage liability maximum for one accident.

So, looking at the table, you find that in Alabama the minimum liability limits are $20,000 for injury liability for one person in an accident, $40,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage in an accident.