Is not having auto insurance a criminal offense?
Did you know driving without auto insurance is illegal in 49 out of 50 states? You could face fines upward of $1,000 and license suspensions depending on where you live.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Some circumstances, however, can change the offense from civil to criminal.
The consequences of driving without auto insurance vary according to state auto insurance laws.
Punishment can be as minor as receiving a ticket or as serious as having your car impounded and your license suspended.
The consequence usually correlates to the frequency of the offense. The more offenses you have, the greater the consequence will be.
Don’t go without insurance. Compare auto insurance rates by entering your zip code in the free box now!
- Driving without auto insurance is against the law in 49 of the 50 states
- Not having auto insurance is a civil offense, not a criminal offense
- Driving without insurance can result in criminal charges depending on the circumstances
Is there a cost if I am caught driving without insurance?
If you receive a ticket, you will have to pay the fine. Most states charge anywhere from $100 to $250 for driving without auto insurance.
If your license is suspended, you will have to wait a designated period of time, pay a fine, and in some cases go before a judge in order to get your license back.
Think about how this will impact your daily life.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license, in most states you will be arrested. After an arrest, the length of time you have to wait to get your license back increases as does the fine.
In some states, it can lead to having your licensed revoked for a year or more.
Beyond the legal ramifications, there are also civil ramifications. If you are in a car accident or hurt someone while driving without auto insurance, you will not have insurance money to pay for damages or medical costs.
The other person involved can choose to sue you for damages. If they win the lawsuit, you can lose everything you have.
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What can make the charges change from civil charges to criminal charges?
For a charge to change from civil to criminal it has to involve a crime against another person or to have endangered someone else.
Basically, driving without an auto insurance policy is a civil charge because it does not involve a crime against another person it is a crime that is solely against the state or county law.
When driving without auto insurance, if you are involved in an incident that involves or hurts someone else, the charges will change.
For example, if you are in an accident or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you have hurt or endangered someone else. The charges would change from civil to criminal.
When you look at the potential legal, civil, and criminal ramifications for getting caught driving without auto insurance, it just doesn’t make sense to go without auto insurance.
Some people think that they cannot afford insurance, but the truth is, you can’t afford to be without it.
How can I find an affordable auto insurance policy?
Finding affordable auto insurance begins with you. If you keep a clean driving record, you will automatically receive lower auto insurance rates than someone who has a negative driving record.
Each at-fault accident and moving violation add to the cost of your insurance.
You can also make smart choices that can lower your monthly premium rate.
- You can take a defensive driving course or if you are a student, you can take a driver’s education course
- If you don’t already have an alarm or anti-theft device on your vehicle you can add one
- Combining your auto, homeowners, boat, life, or any other insurance policies with one company will decrease your rates
- Multiple auto discounts and good grade discounts for students will add additional reductions to your insurance rates
Comparing auto insurance rates is still one of the best ways to make sure you are receiving the lowest rate possible on your auto insurance policy.
Whatever you do, don’t go without auto insurance. It’s not worth it.
Compare auto insurance rates right now by entering your zip code into the free box!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is driving without auto insurance a criminal offense?
No, driving without auto insurance is generally considered a civil offense. However, it is illegal in 49 out of 50 states, and you may face fines and license suspensions if caught driving without insurance, depending on your state’s laws.
What are the consequences of driving without auto insurance?
The consequences vary depending on state auto insurance laws and the frequency of the offense. In most cases, you can expect to receive a ticket and be required to pay a fine ranging from $100 to $250. Your license may also be suspended, and you may need to wait for a designated period, pay a fine, and potentially appear before a judge to have your license reinstated.
Can driving without auto insurance lead to criminal charges?
Driving without auto insurance is typically a civil offense. However, if the act of driving without insurance involves a crime against another person or endangers someone else, the charges can change from civil to criminal. For example, if you are involved in an accident or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the charges may become criminal.
What are the financial risks of driving without auto insurance?
Driving without auto insurance can have significant financial risks. If you are in a car accident or cause harm to someone while uninsured, you will not have insurance coverage to pay for damages or medical costs. The injured party can choose to sue you for compensation, and if they win the lawsuit, you may be responsible for paying substantial damages.
How can I find affordable auto insurance?
To find affordable auto insurance, it’s important to maintain a clean driving record. Avoid at-fault accidents and moving violations, as they can increase your insurance rates. Additionally, comparing auto insurance rates from different providers is an effective way to ensure you are getting the best possible rate. Remember, going without auto insurance is not worth the risk, so always prioritize having coverage in place.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.