What happens if you get caught driving without insurance?

If you have a vehicle registered in your name in almost every state in the United States, you are required by law to carry auto insurance. If you choose not to have car insurance, you may face hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time, not to mention out-of-pocket expenses if you cause an accident. StrongInsurance investigates the consequences of driving without insurance to help you understand how serious the situation can be.

Do you have to have insurance to drive?

In general, yes. To drive legally in most states, you must purchase at least the state's minimum required car insurance coverage types and limits. The only exceptions are New Hampshire, which does not require coverage by law, and Virginia, which allows you to opt out of car insurance by paying a $500 uninsured motorist fee each year.

However, in many states, you can satisfy a similar "financial responsibility law" in another way, such as posting a bond or demonstrating proof of self-insurance. While these methods allow you to drive without car insurance, they are usually more expensive than purchasing a policy, so most people prefer to drive legally with auto insurance coverage.

Although the mandatory minimum levels vary by state, most states require at least the following types of coverage:

• Bodily injury liability: This covers medical expenses for anyone injured in a car accident. The minimum requirements are usually $10,000 to $25,000 per person and $20,000 to $50,000 per accident, but they can be higher.
• Property damage liability: This section of your insurance policy covers damage to the other driver's vehicle as well as any other property damaged in the accident (such as a fence or light post). Minimum requirements are typically $10,000 to $25,000, but can be higher.

Other requirements may apply in some states, such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, or personal injury protection (PIP). The latter two, which cover your medical expenses as well as those of your passengers, are required in some states but optional in others.

What are the consequences of driving without insurance?

If you drive without auto insurance, you will almost certainly face consequences. The severity of these penalties is determined by a number of factors, including your current state of residence and whether this is your first or second offense. There are numerous ways you could be identified as an uninsured driver, and this is also important.

Getting pulled over without insurance

Most states will fine you if you are pulled over for the first time without auto insurance. In California, for example, a first offense will cost you between $100 and $200, plus penalty fees. Furthermore, other states, such as Florida, will suspend your driver's license and registration and charge fees to reinstate them.

In some states, such as California, the officer who pulls you over has the authority to impound your vehicle if he or she believes it is necessary. You would then be responsible for towing fees and other associated costs, and you may not be able to retrieve your vehicle until you provide proof of auto insurance.

When you are cited for not having auto insurance, you may discover that the cost of car insurance — which you will almost certainly need to purchase in order to have your license reinstated or your car released from the impound lot — is higher than if you had had a policy all along. Because you chose to break the law and drive without insurance, insurance companies may regard you as a higher-risk driver.

Getting into an accident without insurance

You will face serious consequences if you are involved in an accident without auto insurance. You will face all of the penalties listed above, as well as the possibility of having your license suspended and your vehicle impounded. You are also more likely to be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is a certificate that some states require you to pay for and file that proves you have the required amount of car insurance.

If you caused injuries or property damage as a result of the accident, you may face significant out-of-pocket expenses. If you had insurance, you could use it to help you pay for the damages. They may completely rely on you as an uninsured driver.

If you are unable to pay for the costs of the accident, you may face bankruptcy or other financial difficulties. Because the costs of medical care and vehicle damage can quickly add up, you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

How do you get car insurance when you are uninsured?

If you've been driving without auto insurance, you should probably get one as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you meet your state's legal driving requirements, but it will also help protect you from the financial consequences of causing an accident. You may not be eligible for the lowest premium because driving without insurance places you in a higher-risk category, but if you shop carefully, you may be able to find reasonably priced coverage. Obtaining quotes from a number of car insurance companies can be beneficial.

As a first step, you might want to look into major auto insurers like Geico and Progressive, which have a wide range of options and lots of appealing features. Also, look into regional insurers that provide coverage in your state, as they can often provide competitive rates. Finally, if necessary, consider insurers that specialize in coverage for high-risk drivers, such as SafeAuto and Good2Go.