Driving without Insurance

If you currently own and operate a vehicle, you probably know how important it is to maintain auto insurance. But did you know driving without insurance can be a crime? Indeed, most states have laws that require drivers to maintain coverage for their vehicle; and, as with all laws, there are penalties for violating them.

Known as a type of “financial responsibility” law, the auto insurance requirement protects not just you, but all drivers, from unwarranted property damage and medical expenses. To understand this better, consider the following: although the person who caused the accident is responsible for all of the expenses that result from it, he or she may not have the means to pay for them. That’s where auto insurance comes into play.

As an example, imagine you were involved in a serious auto accident that destroyed your vehicle and left you severely injured. The other driver was found liable for the accident, but he simply cannot afford to replace your car or compensate you for your injuries—you’re now stuck with the bills. It’s certainly not a pretty picture, is it? If that same driver has auto insurance, however, his insurance company will take care of your expenses, so you are not left paying for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Although some states do not require auto insurance, the laws in these areas do require drivers to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility. In other words, you must carry forms such as certificates of deposit, surety bonds, or a self-insurance certification in order to prove you have the means to pay for any expenses if you cause an auto accident.  

So what happens if you choose to drive without insurance or the required documents in your area? In addition to receiving a fine of $100 or more, your license may also be suspended for up to one year—and this is for a first offense.  Some states may also fine you if you cannot show proof of insurance (such as your insurance card or policy documents)—even if you are a valid policyholder.

In addition to legal punishments, driving without insurance can also affect your driving record, as well as your future auto insurance rates. Your financial future may also be impacted if you are involved in an auto accident. If you were recently caught driving without insurance, you should discuss your case with an attorney immediately. An experienced attorney will be well-versed in your state’s insurance laws, and how they apply to your case. Know your options. Contact an attorney in your area today for a consultation.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC