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Alabama: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Alabama on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Alabama compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury2 years
Property damage2 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability$25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
Fault systemAt-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault ruleContributory negligence: any fault (even 1%) can bar recovery

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge15 days
Accept or deny30 days after proof of loss
Pay30 days after the claim is accepted and the amount agreed

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit$6,000
Filing fee$35 to $198
LawyersOptional

Total loss rules

Total loss rule75% of actual cash value

Shared fault rules

RuleContributory negligence
When you are barredBarred if you are even 1% at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required ifDeath, injury, or over $500 damage involving an uninsured driver
Deadline30 days

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days3 attempts or 30 calendar days
Coverage period1 year or 12,000 miles

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate4.00%
Combined average9.46%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld banYes, all drivers (secondary)
Texting banYes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law typeUniversal
Who must wear oneAll riders (universal law)

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline31.0¢ per gallon
Diesel32.8¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured16.8%
UM/UIM coverageNot required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal statusMedical only