Any time you get on the road, you’re required by law to follow all traffic regulations. You must have a valid driver’s license, wear a seatbelt, stop at red lights … you know the drill. But are you required to have car insurance every time you drive?
In short, yes. All states have a financial responsibility requirement, so driving without car insurance may result in fines, penalties, and even jail time. However, New Hampshire has a very specific alternative to car insurance that could be an option for certain drivers.
Let’s take a look at what the law says about car insurance and what penalties you may face for driving without insurance.
What Legal Penalties Can You Face for Driving Without Insurance?
Drivers caught driving without car insurance may face severe penalties, depending on the jurisdiction. Some of the most common penalties for having no car insurance include:
- Fines: Most states will issue a fine to anyone driving without a license, especially for a first-time offense. For example, those who get caught driving without car insurance in California can get fined between $100 and $200 if it’s their first offense.
- License suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for up to three years, depending on the state. As an example, drivers in New York may have their license suspended for a year immediately upon being found driving without a license. Other states may require you to file an SR-22 form after a license suspension to reinstate your driving privileges.
- Impounded vehicle: Some states will impound a vehicle immediately upon catching a driver without adequate insurance. For example, Texas grants the authority to police offers to impound the vehicle immediately upon finding a driver without proof of insurance.
- Jail time: Some states may require jail time after driving without insurance. Some states like Maryland may require a prison sentence of up to one year for a first-time offense.
How Does Being Uninsured Affect You in the Event of an Accident?
Driving without car insurance means that you’ll be fully responsible for any financial damages if you’re at fault in an accident. This means you may be required to pay for:
- Property damage: This includes repairs or replacement of the other party’s vehicle, as well as any property damages in the accident. You could pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to tens of thousands of dollars for totaled vehicles or damaged structures.
- Medical expenses: These include emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. Medical costs can escalate quickly and could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars for serious injuries.
- Lost wages: If the injured party misses work due to the accident, you may be responsible for their lost income. This also includes future earnings if the injury results in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: If the accident causes serious injuries, then you may be required to compensate the injury victims for their pain and suffering. These non-economic damages can exceed the tangible costs of an accident.
- Legal fees: You may need to hire an attorney to defend yourself and reduce the compensation you’re required to pay to the other party.
- Rental car costs: You may be required to pay for a rental vehicle for the other party while their vehicle is being repaired.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme misconduct, the courts may choose to award punitive damages to the injured party. These are meant to punish you for engaging in reckless behavior and can sometimes cost more than the accident itself.
If unable to pay for these expenses out of pocket, the other party may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for all damages. This could result in wage garnishment or even a lien on your property.
If you’re not at fault, then the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover the damages, although the claims process might be more challenging without your insurance backing you. You’ll lack access to services like rental car coverage or medical payments that your own policy would provide. Proving you weren’t at fault could be harder without an insurance company’s support, as the other party’s company may try to shift some of the blame to you. You may also face fines and other legal penalties for driving without insurance.
What Are the Financial Consequences of Getting Caught Without Car Insurance?
Getting caught driving without insurance will likely result in a fine, depending on the state. Your license and registration may also be suspended, which means you’ll have to pay reinstatement fees to get them back. Your vehicle may also be towed until you can show proof of insurance, in which case you’ll have to pay for towing storage fees.
Long term, your car insurance premiums will skyrocket because you’ll be considered an at-risk driver. Your state may also require you to obtain an SR-22 for a few years, resulting in extra filing fees and even higher car insurance premiums.
“ Long term, your car insurance premiums will skyrocket because you’ll be considered an at-risk driver. ”
Can Driving Uninsured Impact Future Insurance Premiums?
Driving uninsured will significantly raise your insurance premiums. When you eventually seek coverage, insurance companies will view you as an at-risk driver because driving without insurance is considered risky behavior. Insurance companies see a lapse of coverage as a sign of financial instability or irresponsibility, and they will likely charge you more than the average driver.
The impact on your rates can last for years. Most insurers look at your driving history for the past three to five years when setting premiums, so you’ll potentially have to deal with high insurance premiums for years. This means that the money you save for not having car insurance can lead to much higher costs in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in All States?
All states require drivers to have a valid auto insurance policy except for New Hampshire, which requires that drivers must prove financial responsibility if they cause an accident. Virginia used to allow uninsured drivers as long as they paid a $500 uninsured motorist fee, but this changed on July 1, 2024, when the state introduced mandatory insurance for all motorists.
What Happens if You Are Involved in a Crash and You Don’t Have Insurance?
You’ll have to face the legal and financial consequences of the accident all by yourself if you don’t have insurance. You may be personally liable for all damages and injuries, potentially leading to lawsuits and significant out-of-pocket expenses. Legal penalties can include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. Additionally, you may struggle to obtain insurance in the future and face higher premiums when you do.
Is It Bad To Not Have Auto Insurance?
Not having auto insurance is extremely risky and irresponsible. It leaves you financially vulnerable in case of an accident, including for all damages and associated fines. Without insurance, you could face the devastating financial consequences of not having auto insurance. The potential costs and the financial risk of uninsured driving far outweigh any money saved by going without insurance.
Despite the risks of driving with no insurance, nearly one in eight drivers don’t have car insurance, according to a report from the Insurance Research Council. You can avoid putting yourself in a potentially life-changing situation by getting an auto insurance policy. Getting a policy can take just a few minutes and will protect you in case of being in an accident.