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Alabama: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 11 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 · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers

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

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

RuleStrict liability
DetailsStrict liability

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

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)

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

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