Not only will you face legal consequences, such as fines and even jail time, but you will also face insurance consequences. And if you cause a car accident that causes property damage or injuries when you drive without car insurance, the financial consequences can be devastating. If you don't learn your lesson the first time, the legal consequences can be compounded. Second and subsequent offenses often result in harsher penalties, including high fines and a greater likelihood of facing jail time.
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state. If you are caught driving without insurance, you can face fines, license suspension, registration suspension, and even jail time. Car insurance helps protect you by paying for vehicle repairs and injuries if you have an accident. If you don't have insurance, you might have to pay expenses related to an accident if you're at fault.
And if that's not bad enough, most states impose penalties for driving without car insurance. You'll pay more for coverage and some insurers may refuse to cover you, but it's possible to get car insurance if you've been driving without it. If you're involved in a car accident or are stopped by the police, it doesn't take an experienced detective to find out if you don't have car insurance. If you want affordable car insurance, you can consider buying only the minimum coverage required in your state.
It's a form filed by your insurer in your state stating that you have liability insurance requirements for cars. You're likely to pay more for car insurance when you take out a new policy, as insurance companies tend to charge higher premiums to drivers who don't have coverage. Here's a look at the differences in car insurance rates for those who don't have a coverage gap and those caught driving without insurance. Compare car insurance quotes from several companies, ask for discounts, and compare quotes for the same level of coverage.
If you are caught driving without insurance in a state that requires it, you may be subject to large fines, the cancellation of your license or car registration, and even jail time. Every state requires a minimum amount of liability insurance for cars (even in New Hampshire and Virginia under certain conditions). Others may require your insurance company to file a Form SR-22 on your behalf, showing that your vehicle has at least the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by your state. If you let your car insurance expire, you don't have coverage to protect you in the event of an accident, your car is stolen, or damaged.
The at-fault accident and lack of coverage are two factors that generally mean higher auto insurance costs. It might be wise to change car insurance companies if you find a better rate, but make sure you do things the right way. If you live somewhere other than Virginia or New Hampshire, you must have an insurance policy to get your new car out of the parking lot.
