What Happens If I Don’t Have Auto Insurance

What Happens If I Don't Have Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is mandatory in nearly every U.S. state if you register a vehicle in your name. Without auto insurance, you risk losing your license, going to jail, and paying for any damages you cause in an accident out of your pocket. In addition to these penalties, you could be liable for any damages caused by your uninsured vehicle. If the driver of another vehicle is injured in an accident with you, they can sue you for compensation for their medical bills and lost wages.

The Costs of Driving Without Insurance

There are legal repercussions for driving without insurance. Some possible results are as follows:

Fines

If caught driving without car insurance, you will face a fine ranging from $100 to $1,500, depending on your state.

License Revocation

Your license may be suspended in some states and may only be reinstated once you obtain car insurance. The suspension may be harsher in other states. You could lose your driving privileges for as long as a year if you cause an accident and don’t have auto insurance.

Suspension Or Revocation Of A Vehicle’s Registration

Driving without car insurance may result in the loss of your vehicle registration. In some states, your vehicle registration will be suspended indefinitely unless you provide proof of insurance.

Impoundment Of A Vehicle

If caught driving without insurance in some states, your vehicle may be impounded.

Fees

You will have to pay fees if your license is suspended, your registration is revoked, or your vehicle is impounded.

Time In Jail

Driving without insurance can result in a jail sentence. Most states do not impose jail time on first-time offenders, but some do. If you drive or permit another person to drive a vehicle without no-fault insurance, you could face up to a year in prison.

What Happens If I Have an Accident Without Insurance?

Without auto insurance, you could be held financially responsible for the damages you cause in an accident. Your legal options may be affected if you fail to make a payment.

Your chances of getting away with driving without car insurance and being cited by the police are slim to none. Depending on the state, you may have to pay a hefty fine, lose your driver’s license, or even go to jail.

When you purchase car insurance, you will almost certainly pay much higher rates for coverage. An at-fault accident and a lack of coverage are two factors that typically result in higher car insurance costs.

How to Obtain Automobile Insurance If You’re Uninsured

Even if you haven’t had car insurance before, you should be able to find one. You’ll pay more for coverage, and some insurers may refuse to cover you, but you can still get car insurance if you’ve been driving without it.

The Bottom Line

Going without auto insurance can jeopardize your physical and financial health, which could end up costing you far more than any premium savings. Fortunately, there are ways to save money without sacrificing coverage. At Pelican Insurance Agency, we can help you find the right auto insurance for your needs. We can definitely help you in saving money by comparing auto insurance quotes from several different companies. To get started, give us a call now!