What should I do if I can’t afford auto insurance?

48 out of 50 states have minimum liability requirements that all drivers must meet. Lower your auto insurance rates by comparing quotes and finding hidden discounts.

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Laura D. Adams

Insurance & Finance Analyst

Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...

Written by
Laura D. Adams
Brad Larson

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...

Reviewed by
Brad Larson

Updated December 2024

When you can’t afford auto insurance, you will need to find a car that is cheaper to insure, obtain car insurance discounts, decrease your deductible or change the optional insurance covers you are paying.

what should I do if I can't afford auto insurance?

There are no alternatives for people who cannot afford car insurance other than to stop driving.

The bottom line is that it’s the state law, in all states except New Hampshire, to carry auto insurance and there are no exceptions to this rule.

When you look online for the solution to your problem of being able to afford car insurance, you will find a lot of information about why you can’t afford to be without car insurance.

There really isn’t any good information about what to do if you simply don’t make enough money to make those monthly payments.

The reason for this is simple, there is no solution; at least not in the sense of government help or reduced cost plans for people in lower-income brackets.

That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t do some things for yourself, the question is, are you willing to go the extra mile to be able to afford some sort of insurance.

Enter your zip code below to find the lowest auto insurance quotes for your area when you can’t afford to pay car insurance!

Things to Remember...

  • There are no alternatives for people who cannot afford car insurance other than to stop driving
  • Something that many people rarely consider when they can’t afford car insurance is reducing some of their other costs
  • Your minimum requirement from your state is liability only

Federal Coverage for People Who Need Car Insurance But Can’t Afford it

The bottom line is that the government doesn’t consider car ownership a requirement, which means that they don’t consider paying for auto insurance as part of federal or local government responsibility.

What it boils down to is that driving a car is not a life or death choice, unlike health care, which means that they aren’t going to provide a helping hand in terms of paying those bills.

In the eyes of the government, if you can’t afford car insurance, then you need to consider other transportation options.

The first thing that you need to consider is the car that you are driving.

It may seem untenable to you, but if you are driving a new car that requires full coverage, because of your lender, then you may need to give up that car in lieu of something that you own outright.

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What to do When You Can’t Afford Car Insurance

So, what if I can’t afford car insurance? When you can’t afford car insurance what you should do is try to reduce some of your other costs in an effort to pay it. For example, cut back on some wants like cable or out-to-eat expenses. It’s better to carry auto insurance and not be liable for an accident or be penalized. If you have to have comprehensive and collision coverage, don’t forget to choose a higher deductible. This will go a long way towards keeping your rates down as well.

But, what if you can’t afford car insurance, but you buy a car that you have to finance? In this case, your lender will require you to purchase comprehensive collision coverage for your vehicle in order to protect that investment. However, your minimum requirement from your state is liability only.

While your lending company is within their legal rights to require you to carry more expensive insurance, if you own your car and don’t owe any money to a bank, then you can forgo this additional coverage.

If buying a car outright is out of the question, then buying a used older car may be the solution. Even if you get a loan, your obligation for insurance will be lower because the value of the vehicle is lower.

For example, a 2002 Dodge Caravan with 100K miles on it and middle of the line comprehensive, collision and liability coverage is only $52 a month for a middle-aged driver with a clean driving record, in some states.

Liability only for this vehicle drops to $29 a month, a very affordable car insurance.

How to Afford Car Insurance

If you need car insurance but can’t afford it, you should never underestimate the power of shopping around for your auto insurance needs.

You have probably seen dozens of different commercials about how one auto insurance company or another has saved their customers hundreds of dollars a year; the truth is that these are valid claims.

The problem is a company that has low rates for one person may not have low rates for another. By shopping around, you can find the company that can offer you the lowest rates.

Enter your zip code below and start comparing rates with your free online auto insurance quotes right now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I temporarily suspend my coverage if I can’t afford auto insurance?

It’s generally not advisable to suspend coverage as it’s required by law in most states.

Can I get assistance from charitable organizations to help with auto insurance costs?

Specific programs for auto insurance assistance are rare, but local organizations may provide general financial support.

Will a lower credit score affect my ability to afford auto insurance?

Yes, a lower credit score can impact your insurance premiums.

Can I drive without auto insurance if I can’t afford it?

No, driving without auto insurance is illegal in most states.

Are there government programs or assistance available for low-income individuals to afford auto insurance?

No, there are no specific government programs for auto insurance affordability.

I’ve trimmed my budget all I can. What else can I do if i can’t afford car insurance?

If you’re wondering what to do if you can’t afford car insurance, start by shopping around for the lowest rates by comparing quotes from different insurance companies.

How do young people afford car insurance?

So, how do people afford auto insurance? The vehicle model can significantly impact how much young drivers pay for car insurance. Opting for a safe, reliable vehicle with good safety features, instead of cars with powerful engines or body kits can help you find affordable car insurance for young adults.

How can I afford car insurance?

If you’re asking yourself ‘What to do if I can’t afford car insurance?’ here are some tips that can help you:

  • Shop Around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
  • Choose the Right Coverage: Consider your needs and budget when selecting coverage options.
  • Bundle Policies: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as auto and renters or homeowners insurance.
  • Take Advantage of Discounts: Safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and multi-vehicle discounts can significantly reduce your premiums.
  • Maintain a Good Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your insurance rates low.

What happens if you can’t afford car insurance in California?

If you’re unable to afford liability insurance, you might qualify for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program.

What to do if you can’t afford car insurance in Florida?

So, what do you do if you can’t afford car insurance in Florida? Consider searching for low down payment insurance plans, which typically require a smaller initial payment compared to traditional insurance policies.

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