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Adobe Stock September 02, 2022 Checkmark Bankrate logo How is this page expert verified? At Bankrate, we take the accuracy of our content seriously. "Expert verified" means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. Their reviews hold us accountable for publishing high-quality and trustworthy content. Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Mark Friedlander is director of corporate communications at III, a nonprofit organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. We provide up-to-date, reliable market information to help you make confident decisions. We reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible. All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first. Bankrate logo Editorial integrity
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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. In almost every state in the U.S., you are required by law to carry auto insurance if you have a vehicle registered in your name. If you choose to forgo car insurance, you could be facing hefty fines, a license suspension and even jail time, to say nothing of the out-of-pocket costs if you cause an accident. Bankrate explores the consequences of driving without insurance so you understand how serious it can be. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X RatesRates keep going up in 2022. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More RATE INCREASE ALERT Rates increased up to 12% this year
Shop for a better rate before you renew your current policy. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like: Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year Arrow Right Are you overpaying for auto insurance? Arrow Right Safe drivers choose Allstate Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. See more providers in Choose from insurers in Show More Do you have to have insurance to drive
Generally, yes. Most states require that you purchase at least the state’s coverage types and limits to drive legally. The only two exceptions are New Hampshire, which doesn’t legally require coverage, and Virginia, which allows you to opt out of car insurance each year by paying a $500 uninsured motorist fee. In many states, though, you can satisfy a similar “financial responsibility law” in another way, like posting a bond or showing proof of . While these methods allow you to drive without car insurance, they are usually more expensive than purchasing a policy, which means most people opt for auto insurance coverage to drive legally. Although the mandatory minimum levels differ from state to state, most states require at least the following coverage types: : This covers medical costs for anyone you injure in an auto accident. Minimum requirements usually fall between $10,000 to $25,000 per person and $20,000 to $50,000 per accident, but can be higher. : This part of your policy covers damage to the other driver’s vehicle and to any other property that is damaged by the accident (such as a fence or light post). Minimum requirements usually range from $10,000 to $25,000, but can be higher. Some states also have other requirements, such as , medical payments coverage or (PIP). The latter two cover your medical costs and those of your passengers and are mandatory in some states, but optional in others. What are the consequences of driving without insurance
If you drive without auto insurance, you’re likely going to face consequences. The severity of these penalties depends on a number of factors, including the state you are in when it happens and whether this is your first or a repeat offense. There are many ways you could be identified as an uninsured motorist, and that matters, too. Getting pulled over without insurance
In most states, if you are pulled over for the first time without auto insurance, there will be a fine. In California, for example, you will pay close to , plus penalty fees, for a first offense. In addition, other states, such as Florida, will suspend your driver’s license and registration and require fees to have them reinstated. In some states, including California, the law enforcement officer who pulls you over has the right to impound your vehicle if he or she deems it necessary. You would then be responsible for towing fees and other costs involved and might not be able to get your vehicle back until you have proof of auto insurance. Once you have been cited for not having auto insurance, you may find that the — which you’ll probably have to buy to get your license reinstated or your car out of the impound lot — is higher than if you had had a policy all along. Insurance companies may view you as a since you have chosen to break the law and drive without insurance. Getting into an accident without insurance
If you get into an accident without auto insurance, you will face some serious consequences. You will be subject to all the penalties described above and are more likely to have your license suspended and vehicle impounded. You are also more likely to need to file an or form with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is a certificate some states require you to pay for and file that proves you carry the minimum amount of required car insurance. If you caused injuries and property damage as a result of the accident, you could find yourself facing high out-of-pocket costs as well. If you had insurance, you could rely on your policy to help you pay for the damages. As an uninsured driver, they may fall completely to you. If you are unable to pay for the cost of the accident, you could face the risk of bankruptcy or other financial distress. Because costs for medical care and vehicle damage can add up quickly, you may find yourself in a distressing position. How do you get car insurance when you are uninsured
If you have been driving without auto insurance, you should likely purchase a policy as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you meet your state’s requirements for legal driving, but can also help protect you from the financial fallout of causing an accident. You may not be eligible for the lowest premium because driving without insurance puts you in a higher-risk category, but you could find reasonably priced coverage if you shop carefully. Getting quotes from a variety of can be helpful. As a first step, you may want to take a look at major auto insurers, such as and , since they have wide availability and plenty of appealing features. Also, check out regional insurers that offer coverage in your state, which can often offer . Finally, if necessary, assess insurers such as and , which specialize in coverage for high-risk drivers. Frequently asked questions
Is driving without car insurance a felony
It will depend on your state and the situation. Generally, driving without insurance is a misdemeanor, but if you are a repeat offender or there are extenuating circumstances — like you had been cited for a DUI or DWI when you were found to be uninsured — your penalties may be stiffer.
Can my license be suspended for driving without car insurance
Yes. It’s common for your license to be suspended if you are found driving without insurance, whether or not you caused an accident, but it’ll depend on your state’s laws. To reinstate your license, you’ll likely have to show proof of insurance.
What can I do if I can t afford insurance
Finding as a high-risk driver can be difficult, and keep in mind that “cheap” is relative to your situation. You’re not likely to pay premiums as low as you would have had you had continuous coverage. However, it is your responsibility to have insurance if you are driving a motor vehicle. Shopping around for may reveal some lower-priced options that will work for you, especially with discounts.
What happens if I don t have car insurance and someone hits me
If you are not at fault for an accident, the other driver’s liability coverage should take care of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. If you don’t have insurance, though, it could still create an issue. If police are called to the scene and file a report, you will likely be required to show proof of insurance to your state’s DMV within a designated period of time. If you are uninsured and are unable to do that — generally your insurance company would file the form for you — your license will probably be suspended. You may not have been at fault for the accident, but you still broke the law by driving uninsured. SHARE: Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Maggie Kempken is an insurance editor for Bankrate. She helps manage the creation of insurance content that meets the highest quality standards for accuracy and clarity to help Bankrate readers navigate complex information about home, auto and life insurance. She also focuses on ensuring that Bankrate’s insurance content represents and adheres to the Bankrate brand. Mark Friedlander is director of corporate communications at III, a nonprofit organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance.